6 month old 2009 TCH, has 4 or 5 times in the last 4 months, gotten this warning displayed while driving. It always goes away after one or two engine start and stops. Since the warning would go away and the car was running fine I figured it was ok to let it go until my first trip to the dealer for an oil change.

Yesterday I took it in for its 6 month oil change and asked the service rep to run the diagnostics because of the "Check VSC System" Warnings. They ran the diagnostics and said there is nothing wrong. The service guy told me that the "Check VSC System" warnings display anytime the VSC kicks in.

This doesn't seem right to me, because why would I see "Check VSC System" instead of "VSC System Activated". He told me I would need to talk to a Toyota engineer for that answer.

What do you guys think? Sound fishy?

Here is a link to a copy of the Diagnostic printout.

http://members.cox.net/mikejl/TCH/VSC Diagnostics.jpg

Thank you,
Mike

Baloney to the Service Dept.. With a C0215 DTC set, they should get to the bottom of it by following the diagnostics in the Service Manual.

You have a momentary interruption in the sensor wiring or a connectors, a speed sensor improper installation or a bad speed sensor. The dealer needs to go thru the diagnostics and FIX the problem.

You can read about it in your Service Manual in the Brake section.

 

njerald is right, if they have a code there is got to be a problem, why else would the ECU store a code.

N.E.O.

 

If there is another dealer in your area, I would suggest going there. I had the "Check Hybrid System" light to come on my 2008 TCH. I took it to the dealer where I bought it. They kept it a week and the only thing they did was to reset the codes. Three weeks later the "Check VSC System" light came on, then the "Check Hybrid System" light was on. I took it to another dealer and they found the inverter/converter was bad. They replace this part and car has been fine for 10 months. I also notified Toyota headquarters of my problems and help to get the part in faster.

 

Even though this car is quite fond of flashing annoying bells and warnings for silly reasons; there is no way that the warning that you are seeing is by design. You should take that car in to another dealer.

 

Thanks Guys! I will be taking it to another dealer this week. I will let you know what I find out.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Here the heads up on the dealer: On a 2009 TCH the C0215 is a DTC
C0215/34
Rear Speed Sensor LH Circuit

Here are some places they will need to look:
C0215/34
290
At a vehicle speed of 10 km/h (6 mph) or more, an open or short in the sensor signal circuit of the abnormal wheel continues for 1 second or more.

• Rear speed sensor LH
• Speed sensor circuit
• Sensor installation
• Speed sensor rotor
• Skid control ECU

Hope that helps you on your quest!

 

Well I dropped the TCH off at the dealers at 7 am this morning. I left them the diagnostic printout from Power Toyota and a copy of hazer00's post.

I finally heard back from them at 3:30 pm. The mechanic told me they couldn't find anything so the called in a Factory Rep to look at it. He suggested they replace the rear sensor to see if that fixes it. The sensor won't be in until tomorrow so I have to leave the car overnight.

Hopefully replacing the rear sensor will fix the problem.

Mike

 

Keep us posted! It would be interesting to know what is causing the warning.

N.E.O.

 

FWIW, I also have an 09 TCH, which I bought with 5k miles on the odo, and which now has almost 20k miles. I've provoked (details of such provocation are another story...) VSC* "involvement" in the control of my car on at least a half-dozen occasions. I get the little "skidding car" light and that's all. I have received no other warnings. I have a ScanGauge-II installed, and in almost six months, it has yet to record one single diagnostic code. If you're getting warnings and codes, you have a problem, and your situation is NOT normal! Best of luck sorting it out.

*or VDC or whatever they call the system when installed in a hybrid Camry.

 

Got the Camry back yesterday. They replaced the sensor so nothing to do now but wait and see if I get anymore warnings. I will post back if I do.

Thanks for all the help and input guys!

Mike

 

Just a little bit of info: VSC = Vehicle Skid Control / Vehicle Stability Control

 

Just a little bit of info: VSC = Vehicle Skid Control

HA!!!!! I don't need to be a Toyota Technician to know that VSC = Vehicle Stability Control...........

 

Are they the same; Vehicle Skid Control and Vehicle Stability Control?

N.E.O.

 

Are they the same; Vehicle Skid Control and Vehicle Stability Control?

N.E.O.

My apologizes (I will fix my posts), after further examination here are the facts:

Both terms are used in the shop, however let me clarify. Vehicle Skid Control is used to prevent the vehicle from skiding when coming to a stop by using the abs system. and here is a print out for you on Vehicle Stability Control(which fits the issue of this topic):

(e) VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
The VSC system helps prevent the vehicle from slipping sideways as a result of strong front or rear wheel skid during cornering.

(1) Operation description
The skid control ECU determines the vehicle operating conditions based on signals received from the wheel speed sensors, yaw rate and acceleration sensor, and steering angle sensor. The skid control ECU sends signals via CAN communication to the HV control ECU in order to control engine torque. The skid control ECU controls brake hydraulic pressure using the solenoid valves.
The SLIP indicator light will blink, and the skid control buzzer will sound when the system is operating. If a malfunction occurs in the VSC system, both the brake control warning, master caution indicator and the SLIP indicator lights will come on. In addition, the DTC will appear on the multi information display.

Here are some interesting notes for you!

FUNCTION OF COMPONENTS-
Skid control ECU:
Processes the signals from each sensor to perform brake control for ABS, TRAC, and VSC. In addition, it communicates with the HV control ECU to output a control signal.
ABS main relay (ABS NO. 1, 2 relay):
Controlled by the skid control ECU. In addition to supplying power to each solenoid, it supplies power to the skid control ECU.
ABS motor relay (ABS MTR1, 2 relay):
Controlled by the skid control ECU. Supplies power to the pump motor.
Speed sensor:
Detects the wheel speed and inputs the results to the skid control ECU.
Stop light switch:
Detects the brake operating conditions and inputs the results to the skid control ECU. It supplies power to the skid control ECU.
Brake pedal stroke sensor:
Detects the brake pedal stroke volume and inputs the results to the skid control ECU.
Brake control power supply:
Provides the system with a supplementary power supply by discharging the electric charge of the capacitor. It happens when an electric charge is accumulated in the capacitor in the unit and the vehicle power voltage (12 V) is reduced.
Skid control buzzer:

• Sounds intermittently to inform the driver that the VSC is active.
• Sounds continuously to warn the driver of a reduction in accumulator hydraulic pressure in the brake actuator, an abnormality in the power supply system, or a reduction in the vehicle power voltage (12 V).

HV control ECU:
Controls the engine output during the operation of TRAC and VSC by communicating with the skid control ECU.
Yaw rate and acceleration sensor:
Detects the yaw rate (axial rotation) and the forward, rearward and lateral acceleration, and inputs the results to the skid control ECU.
Steering angle sensor:
Detects the steering angle and direction, and outputs the results to the skid control ECU through CAN communication.
Master cylinder:
Generates pressure in accordance with the force of the brake operation.
Brake fluid reservoir:
Stores brake fluid for the master cylinder system and power supply system.
Brake fluid level warning switch:
Detects a reduction in the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir.
Stroke simulator:
Generates a natural pedal stroke in accordance with the pedal force of the driver during system operation (integrated with the master cylinder).
Stroke simulator cut valve (SCSS):
Sends brake fluid pressure generated in master cylinder to stroke simulator during system control.
Brake actuator:
Controls the hydraulic pressure of each of the four wheel cylinders using the output signal of the skid control ECU.
Pump motor:
Pumps up the brake fluid from the reservoir and supplies the accumulator with high hydraulic pressure.
Accumulator:
Accumulates for the hydraulic pressure that was generated by the pump.
Accumulator pressure sensor (PACC):
Built into the brake actuator to detect the accumulator hydraulic pressure.
Relief valve:
Prevents excessive high pressure in the power supply system. It relieves the system by sending brake fluid to the reservoir when the pump has operated continuously, for example, during an accumulator hydraulic pressure sensor malfunction.
Master cylinder pressure sensor:
(PMC1, PMC2)
Built into the brake actuator to detect the pressure of the master cylinder and input the results to the skid control ECU.
Wheel cylinder pressure sensor:
(PFR, PFL, PRR, PRL)
Built into the brake actuator to detect the brake hydraulic pressure of each wheel cylinder.
Switching solenoid valve:
(SMC1, SMC2)
Switches the brake hydraulic pressure route according to whether normal brakes are used, or VDIM (ABS, TRAC and VSC) control is used.
Linear solenoid valve:
(SLA##, SLR##)
Controls the wheel cylinder hydraulic pressure during normal brake operation, and VDIM (ABS, TRAC and VSC) control. SLA## are solenoids for controlling pressure increases, while SLR## are solenoids for controlling pressure decreases.
ABS warning light:

• Comes on to inform the driver that a malfunction in the ABS or BA has occurred.
• Blinks to output DTC.

BRAKE warning light:
Comes on to inform the driver that the parking brake is on when the system is normal or the brake fluid has decreased.
Brake control warning light:
Comes on to inform the driver that a malfunction in the Electronically Controlled Brake or VSC system has occurred.
SLIP indicator light:
Blinks to inform the driver that TRAC and VSC are operating.
Master caution indicator light:
Comes on to inform the driver that a malfunction in the Electronically Controlled Brake or VSC system has occurred.
Multi information display:

• Displays to inform the driver that a malfunction in the Electronically Controlled Brake or VSC system has occurred.
• Displays output DTC.

 

That's about what my Manual says..............

 

Thanks! Good info to have!

N.E.O.

 

I just thought I would post an update. It has been over a month now and I haven't had any "Check VSC System" warnings yet.

It looks like the problem may be fixed, but it will take a full 3 months without any warnings before I'm completely convinced.

Mike

 

Check VSC System DTC Code C1365

Dealer advised me that the VSC warning was about the ABS system malfunctioning and noted that the DTC codes readout were C1364 and C1365 which would require replacement of the Brake Actuator at a cost of over $2500. I can't afford this. Can anyone suggest options?
Also, until I get this fixed can I shut off the screaming warning sound?
Help!!

 

Dealer advised me that the VSC warning was about the ABS system malfunctioning and noted that the DTC codes readout were C1364 and C1365 which would require replacement of the Brake Actuator at a cost of over $2500. I can't afford this. Can anyone suggest options?
Also, until I get this fixed can I shut off the screaming warning sound?
Help!!

Apparently you are out of the warranty period and did not purchase an extended warranty.

Has the dealer all ready diagnosed it as not being the skid control ECU or a wiring/connection problem?

You could buy the part and install it yourself and save over $1,000 by following the diagnostic and replacement steps in your Service Manual.

Or bend over, grab your ankles and smile.

 

Thanks for replying. You are right. I was over warranty mileage by about 9400 miles and did not buy an extended warranty.
The dealer didn't tell me anything about a skid control or wiring/connection problem - just that it required replacement of the ABS actuator. I don't know if this is the truth or a way to get more of my hard earned money.
I am ordering a service manual and will try to find the part at a reasonable price. If you have any ideas, please let me know. Aren't these things "re-manufactured" and available at a better price?

 

Hi Brazzy
I know it has been a few years but did the solution dealer gave you work?

Ted

 

VSC light, ABS, and little to no brakes!!!!!

Two days after Christmas I was in a parking lot and all of the sudden, I put my foot on the brake to stop and the car flashed VSC light came on and my brakes were not working. I turned the car off and then back on and put the car into neutral and had my son push me into a stall. I turned the car off and back on and the same light was illuminated as well as ABS, Brake Warning and that triangular warning sign. My husband came down to pick me up 1/2 hr later and of course, the car worked fine. He thought I did something until it happened two more times for me and once for him. Each time the warnings came up and the brakes were not working very well (hit them to the floor and the car finally decides to brake.) We took it into the Toyota Dealer Service and on the way the light were up but after he turned it off the light did not come back on. They told us that because the codes are not coming on and they see nothing wrong when they look at it there is nothing they can do. BTW, it had been raining around the time that this was going on and is no longer raining? We have not hydroplaned or made any sudden movements...2 out of 4 times it happened I was going slow in a parking lot. Anyone have any ideas on what to do now? They are going to send us home with the car and I am scared to death that we are going to put our lives or someone else in danger. Please help!

 

okay, so they sent us home as noted above and now this past Friday, the light came back on while backing out of my driveway. We went straight to the Toyota Dealer and of course the VSC light and ABS light that was illuminated went off! My husband was quite upset and started for home and the light came back on! We went back to the dealer and it was after service hours so we had a the sales manager take a look. There did not have any equipment to check for codes but at least this time someone at Toyota saw there was a problem and actually drove the car noticing that the brakes were very weak. The car has been there all day but of course, they have not had any problems since then. I have read of other posts similar problems with VSC light and replacing the modulator but not with a camry hybrid. Please give me some feedback as we are having to share a car between us because they will not pay for a rental car (we had one for two days last time the car was in the shop).

 

I have encountered a similar problem, and the response from the dealer was that there are no codes in the diagnostic system. They sent me home driving a car with unpredictable braking. I am afraid to put my family in the car now. I have stopped driving the car and I am now seeking alternate remedies.

 

Hybrid system warning light vsc system warning light

I have a 2007 Camry hybrid that had these warning lights come on last week.
I had it towed to the local dealer and the following day was advised that the car needs a new inverter.
It has 160,100km on it and is warranted for 160,000km. The dealer contacted Toyota Canada and agreed to cover the 5000.00$ part under warranty.my question is how many others have had this problem? And how long will the warranted part will last? I was in a parking lot when this happened, but what if this happened while on the highway? They recalled the highlanders for having the same problems.people should be worried. I have told so many people about how much I love my hybrid, but now scared to drive it when I get it back on Tuesday....

 

If the potential for failure on highway frightens you, it's time to take public transit, because it's something that can happen to anybody anytime anywhere. Friend of mine had the engine in his Jetta Diesel seize on the 407. It was a manual tranny so when the engine seized that meant the front tires locked up solid for a couple of seconds before he could disengage the clutch and roll to the side. Fortunately it wasn't too busy at the time. Years ago I snapped the crankshaft on an old Ford on the highway. Another friend of mine had his rear wheel shear off, the entire rear wheel, brakes and all pass him by (serves him right for buying a Skoda). Oh yes, I also had an old Toyota that had the piston clip the valve at high speed on the 401. That was a manual tranny to so just for a split second it locked, but managed not to destruct and I was able to limp home on 3 cyl.

As for how long the new inverter will last, well, in the 5 yrs I've been hanging around the Camry forums where ever, there have been only a handful of stories about inverter failure. It seems not to be a very common problem. The most frequent mechanical problem I've heard over the years is a leaky water pump.

 

There was a clear problem with the inverters produced in 2007. I have a 2008 TCH that was manufactured in August 2007. The inverter was replaced in March 2008. The dealer told me the new inverters should be much more reliable. I think they had some quality control issues.

 

Check Hybrid System Light! Help!

This hybrid was purchased from Philadelphia, USA in January 2011. It had 78926 miles on it.
Today it is at 100700 miles.
And today this car gave problems for the first time while coming down on one of the main streets of Toronto (University Avenue). There was a Check Hybrid System warning on the dash and the check engine light was also on. I was doing approximately 10 mph and it was stop and go traffic.

Right thereafter I went onto the highway - Gardiner Expressway West. The car would not go above 40 km/hour. This was dangerous as cars behind me started honking and swerving wildly. Fortunately I could find a safe spot to stop the car at the fork of the ON Ramp to Spadina Avenue. Meanwhile the check VSC warning came on. I turned the engine off. Turned it back on and off two times and the warning was still there. After 15 minutes while waiting for the tow truck, I turned the engine on and the warning lights had gone. Not wanting to take on risk on one of the busiest highways of the world, I had the car towed to a dealer in Mississauga.

They had no clue what was going on since there was no warning light present for them to diagnose.

THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

Anyone as any ideas to offer?

 

This hybrid was purchased from Philadelphia, USA in January 2011. It had 78926 miles on it.
Today it is at 100700 miles.
And today this car gave problems for the first time while coming down on one of the main streets of Toronto (University Avenue). There was a Check Hybrid System warning on the dash and the check engine light was also on. I was doing approximately 10 mph and it was stop and go traffic.

I did more internet searching. I found a similar high mileage incident that was caused by a faulty coil over plug. Each spark plug in the TCH has a small ignition coil over it so the TCH don't use spark plug wires. The coil is fired from the ECM. (electronic control module) The tech info it was said, to remove each coil wire at the coil and unplug at the ECM. Check each for shorts or crosses in the wiring out to each coil. Another check point is to make sure each coil wire is plugged fully onto the ECM.

No doubt Toyota knows about this type of trouble shooting. Toyota also has a tech center were local toyota dealer techs can call for advise on hard to find troubles.

My thinking it could possibly be a single defective sensor which they are many. A sensor to me, once bad would need replacing. I doubt any sensor would ever become intermittent. To top that any bad sensor should give a trouble code.

 

scratching my head. just to make sure, miles or kilometers? of course, it was bought in the USA.. but then you are in Ca.

I do not believe anyone will offer you a quick fix magic. It's the dreaded HSD problem. I can only raise my hands and wonder, how in the world does this happen right after 100 000 HSD warranty ends?

You won't fix it yourself. It requires proprietary s/w and equipment to scope and diagnose. We have 6 states here, CARB states, that have 150 000 miles HSD warranty. Unless you have similar in yours, you out of luck, brother. I am VERY SORRY.

My - hopeful - wild guess is your HSD battery got undercharged in stop and go traffic and threw a code on you. I am HOPING that was the case. Otherwise, read above.