I would not even risk meddling with the OBD-II connector, drive to autozone/advanced auto/etc and get a free code scan. Write down the codes and post them here and have them clear them. If you have a bluetooth smart phone you can also pick up an ELM 327 code scanner for 15 bucks or less on ebay last i looked. That way you can scan your own codes in the future. If it comes back you have something to use to find it. If the CEL isn't on it's probably a loose wheel speed sensor or similar. Unless they added a bunch of sensors in 08 the only wear related sensor would be low fluid level. Also, unrelated, have the rear brakes ever been done? My rears on my 06 were WAY worse than the fronts, almost to the backing plates at 80k. You can tell in part because the car nose dives REALLY bad, with all new brakes it stops extremely smoothly and flat again.

 

Copied from 2005 Avalon service manual:

Initial Check
After the ignition is turned ON, and the vehicle attains an approximate speed of 6 km/h (4 mph) or more only at first time, the Skid Control ECU performs the initial check. The functions of each solenoid valve and pump motor in the brake actuator are checked in order.

Self-Diagnosis
If the Skid Control ECU detects a malfunction in the brake control system (ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, TRAC, and VSC), the ABS, brake system, VSC warning lights and slip indicator light that corresponds to the function in which the malfunction has been detected indicates or lights up, as indicated in the table below, to alert the driver of the malfunction.

ABS Fault - ABS light on only
EBD Fault - EBD light on only
Brake Assist Fault - both ABS and Brake lights on
TRAC or VSC Fault - both Slip and VSC lights on

 At the same time, the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are stored in the memory. The DTCs can be read by connecting SST (09843-18040) between the Tc and CG terminals of the DLC3, and observing the blinking of the ABS warning light and VSC warning light, or by connecting a hand-held tester.
 This system has a sensor signal check (test mode) function. This function is activated by connecting the SST (09843-18040) between the Ts and CG terminal of the DLC3 or by connecting a hand-held tester. This check function performs yaw rate sensor zero point calibration, deceleration sensor zero point calibration, yaw rate sensor check, master cylinder pressure sensor check, and speed sensor check.
 If the Skid Control ECU detects a malfunction during a sensor signal check (test mode), it stores the DTCs in its memory. These DTCs can be read during a sensor check operation by connecting the SST (09843-18040) to the Tc and CG terminals of the DLC3 and observing the blinking of the ABS warning light or the VSC warning light, or connecting a hand-held tester.
For details of the DTCs that are stored in Skid Control ECU memory and the DTCs that are output through the sensor signal check (test mode) functions, see the 2005 Avalon Repair Manual (Pub. No. RM1169U).

Fail-Safe
 In the event of a malfunction in the ABS and/or Brake Assist controls, the Skid Control ECU prohibits the ABS, Brake Assist, TRAC and VSC operations. In the event of a malfunction in the EBD control, the Skid Control ECU prohibits the EBD operation. Even in this case, usual braking performance besides the brake control system (ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, TRAC, and VSC) is secured.

 In the event of a malfunction in the TRAC and/or VSC, the Skid Control ECU prohibits the TRAC and VSC operations.
 If a communication malfunction occurs between the Skid Control ECU and the steering angle sensor, the yaw rate & deceleration sensor or ECM, the Skid Control ECU stops the TRAC and VSC.

When the ECM detects the DTC, it will disable the TRAC and VSC operations and illuminate the slip indicator light and VSC warning light.

 

You will need access to a scanner that can communicate with the ABS/VSC/TRAC systems. AutoZone only connects to the PCM/TCM through the OBDII connector.


There is no procedure to turn them off. There is a fault that needs to be corrected. Once this is repaired, and the codes are cleared, the lights will go off.

 

BlueDriver OBD2

Here is a link to a new OBD2 diagnostic scan tool called the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner from a young man who I have learned a lot from. Chris reviewed the product in Feb, and at that time this scan tool could read engine, airbag, transmission, ABS, and other modules for GM, Ford, and Chrysler products. If anyone has purchased (around $99.00) one of these, and tried it on a Toyota, please let us know, if it can read anything other then engine DTCs. If it can, it might provide you with the fault codes you need to get at the root cause that turned on all the lights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPI36bKVCjk, and I will get online and buy one. Over

 

BlueDriver OBD2

Here is a link to a new OBD2 diagnostic scan tool called the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner from a young man who I have learned a lot from. Chris reviewed the product in Feb, and at that time this scan tool could read engine, airbag, transmission, ABS, and other modules for GM, Ford, and Chrysler products. If anyone has purchased (around $99.00) one of these, and tried it on a Toyota, please let us know, if it can read anything other then engine DTCs. If it can, it might provide you with the fault codes you need to get at the root cause that turned on all the lights.

, and I will get online and buy one. Over

Would this tool work if Toyota is telling me my van won't communicate with their main diagnostic system?

 

Hey guys,

Thank you for taking the time to reply withthe great information. I’ve got three kiddos at home with one being just 6weeks old I don’t have that much free time. I will look into your suggestionsand report back.

Thanks!

 

Hey everyone,

Thanks for taking a look at this thread. I’ve got a 2008 Avalon XLS with 104,000 on it. I bought it This past February and really like the car a lot. I can’t stand the current issue i'm experiencing though. About 2 months ago The "BRAKE", "ABS", and "VSC" lights came on. Initially they came on intermittently. Now they remain on and I’d like them OFF. I’ve researched the issue but have been unable to find the procedure to turn them off on a 2008 (or close) Avalon.

I put new pads/rotors up front and have done nothing to the rears. I've checked the brake fluid level and also checked for a sticky float and nothing wrong there. I've unhooked the battery too...nothing.

I have also tried the "Zero Point Calibration" thing with no luck either. Many youtube videos and websites show using a paper clip or a jumper wire to "jump" two connections in the OBDII plug.... The only problem is...I can't find SPECIFIC instructions for a 2008 Avalon. I have found ones for Camry, Highlander, and Corolla. They show two different slots to insert the paperclip.


First one:

First find the obd computer plug, under the dash, near your left knee, where your scan gauge plugs in.
Turn car OFF.
Use a paper clip or wire to jump TC to CG.
TC is on the top shorter row, 4th pin starting from left
CG is bottom longer row, 5th pin starting from left
See diagram:

__/@@_@_TC_@_@_@_@_\
/_@_@_@_@_CG_@_@_@__\


Note: I saw some posts when researching this suggesting a jump between TS and CG. (TS is just to the left of TC ie 3rd pin). While this may/may not work on some Toyotas. On the HIHI this doesn't seem to do anything other than cause a Hybrid System Warning to be thrown. So don't.

Once the jumper is in place, To read your VSC error codes:
1. Turn car to ON, you should see the message "VSC DIAG".It will read "VSC DIAG OK" if there are no codes.
2. Brake warning lights will go off for 4s, then start to flash. Count the flashes, these are the error codes that caused the light to come on. They may be real, and something may need to be fixed. If the car really is broken, just resetting the light won’t do much, as it will soon trip again.
If the brake lights continually flash, then there are no codes and the display should read: "VSC DIAG OK"
Once the jumper is in place, reset your VSC error codes and lights:
1. Turn car on.
2. Press the bakes (enough to make the tail lights come on, not all the way) and release 8 times. Once you have done it enough times the display will change to "VSC DIAG OK".
Remember to remove jumper wire when done.
You must complete the 8 presses within 5 seconds

I needed to do this after changing my brake pads caused this error to flag. Very neat. I suspect there are other diagnostic modes that could be found.

But I found your posting and as soon as I connected TC and CG, it showed error 45 and pressing the brake 8 times in 5 seconds cleared it.




Second one:

Same type of verbiage as above but this is for a Highlander and uses different jumper slots:

__/@@_@_@_TS_@_@_@_\
/_@_@_@_@_CG_@_@_@__\



So which one is it? What slots in the OBDII plug should I put the paperclip? Is there a better fix or a better way to see if I truly have a problem?

I have not inspected the rear brakes or emergency brake yet. I also haven't inspected closely the speed sensors or ABS sensors. I'm hoping all that needs done is the paperclip trick! Does anyone have these instructions for an Avalon?!

I really appreciate ANY help with this! Thanks guys!

Could anyone please let me know if my deal is the same as this deal. Please. I can't afford this repair.

0 days ago my wife backed into a car with her 13 Sienna. Minor back left side fender damage. 5 days ago we had the windshield replaced. 2 days ago a warning ABS Brake take to dealer displayed. Today, the steering wheel was stiff, the speedometer stopped working. The shop pulled codes and there was around 10 codes. I called service manager he said maybe related to accident or a rodent. Something about a cluster and wires. Schedule for Friday with a master technician but a little tight on funds. Could anyone please offer a little guidance?

2013 Toyota Sienna 3.5L V6 MFI (2GR-FE)

Heating & Air Conditioning - HVAC History Codes - Codes: 2
U0100 Communication Malfunction (engine ECU)
U0101 Lost Communication With TCM

Instrtrument Panel Cluster - Current Codes - Codes: 1
U0129 Lost Communication With Brake System Control Module

Body Control Module - History Codes - Codes: 3
U0100 Lost Communication with ECM / PCM “A” or EV ECU
U0101 Lost Communication with TCM
U0151 Lost Communication With Restraints Control Module

Engine History Codes - Codes: 1
P1604 Start Ability Malfunction

Update Today

Service Manage called me today he said:

1) Skid control actuator won't function. A new one is 1 thousand.
2) Can’t run tests.
3) Main computer of van says it is communing with systems.
4) Everything else is fine.
5) Can't prove to an insurance adjustor that the rear damage allowing water entry is related to to actuator.
6) I could buy my own actuator they would install but not warantee.

 

Go slow on this especially if you can't afford the repair.
If only problem is the skid control ECU then it may be the cause of other comm problems on the CAN bus.

"Today, the steering wheel was stiff, the speedometer stopped working."
Is this still a problem?
If you delete error codes what is the first codes that come back?

 

Go slow on this especially if you can't afford the repair.
If only problem is the skid control ECU then it may be the cause of other comm problems on the CAN bus.

"Today, the steering wheel was stiff, the speedometer stopped working."
Is this still a problem?
If you delete error codes what is the first codes that come back?

Mine did that too. Please peak at my post above yours we may have the same issues.

 

daynick- my post was an answer to your problem.
Do you have a scan tool you can access to read error codes?

 

Ok thank you. And sorry. At first a shop hooked up a laptop looking device and read all those codes I listed. Then Toyota put a small OSB reader (sp) and it indicated no codes. Then their main diagnostic machine can’t communicate with van. And the van Is at Toyota now. But no I don’t own one of those. What were you thinking?

 

Ok understand now, sounds like they have diagnosed the skid control ECU as causing a comm problem with the network and want to repair that first.
If you have them do the work get an agreement on them standing behind their diagnosis.

A good independent shop would be the alternative and would probably be less expensive.
However since vehicle is now at dealer and they have done the diagnosis may be a toss up cost wise.

Providing your own part could be problematic since gives them an out in case diagnosis is wrong.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Thank you.

 

ABS ECU experiencivve part. UpFix can save you money. Might be better to have your original part repaired at UpFix - We save you money on rebuilding your failed electronics! Here is the service link ABS Modules Repair Return Services | UpFix

 

daynick- if CAN network is down because of the ABS ECU fault then communication with network is not possible on dealer scanner or after market one.

 

Thank you so much for sharing that valuable information. May I please ask if you agree with the suggested first steps to troubleshoot: replace the skid control actuator. The part alone is 1K.

 

Sorry but can't agree or disagree with their diagnosis.
I do know that the dealer tech will normally follow a OEM repair manual trouble tree to determine the fault.
More often then not this method is successful however if replacing the skid control actuator doesn't fix the problem then its on them the dealer to make it good.

If you where DIY then probably replacing just the skid control electronics and not the entire actuator would be the way to go providing the electronics is the problem.

 

Sorry but can't agree or disagree with their diagnosis.
I do know that the dealer tech will normally follow a OEM repair manual trouble tree to determine the fault.
More often then not this method is successful however if replacing the skid control actuator doesn't fix the problem then its on them the dealer to make it good.

If you where DIY then probably replacing just the skid control electronics and not the entire actuator would be the way to go providing the electronics is the problem.

Thank you.

 

Having similar issue, and know it's a complex system- but still infuriated that Toyota ECU will shut down safety equipment when something as small as a loose gas cap is actually at fault. Curious how many folks have skidded off the road because an oxygen sensor was dirty? My scanner claims this HL has fault in exhaust sensor, so it's handling like a dumb brick in the rain.

 

Similar issue too here. I had just posted about it yesterday. BRAKE, ABS, VSC lights on, no turn signals, both keyfobs not working...
It goes into the shop on Monday, I'll report back if they have a good solution. Hopefully its simple fix, but who knows.

 

Similar issue too here. I had just posted about it yesterday. BRAKE, ABS, VSC lights on, no turn signals, both keyfobs not working...
It goes into the shop on Monday, I'll report back if they have a good solution. Hopefully its simple fix, but who knows.

When you say "shop" do you mean a DEALERSHIP??? They will rob you blind. Might as well just buy another Avalon. Do you live in Illinois per chance? I can send you to a HONEST place that is very affordable. Been using them for 15 years. They are in Itasca Illinois.

 

No, its an actual local repair shop that we get inspections done and trust. So I'm good there. They believe it to be the junction box of the fuse box.