[g2manhou]

2003 Camry XLE V6
As soon as I drive the VSC an TRAC OFF lights go on.

This happened recently: Had low air pressure on rear driver's side tire. Gave it air and it's good now.

The lights still won't turn off. I took it to a mechanic, he checked on the computer, but found no codes. I told him about the deal with the tire and he said that the system might need to be reset or re-calibrated because the stability control probably detected one of the tires had some abnormal movement by hitting a bump or maybe because of the low tire pressure, etc.

How do I reset/re-calibrate or do whatever to turn these lights off?

 

[Pujols85]

Any check engine?

 

[g2manhou]

Any check engine?

I did have a check engine at first, but it was because I didn't reconnect my IAT sensor all the way after I changed the air filter. It's gone now, so no codes or check engine light.

 

[Pujols85]

The dealer had told me that when they come on with the check engine light that it's just to grab you attention and let you know it's urgent.. Having all them turn on in my 11 cam with less the 1k miles got my attention..

But since your not throwing a code I don't see what the issue could be besides maybe fuses. You check those?

 

[g2manhou]

The dealer had told me that when they come on with the check engine light that it's just to grab you attention and let you know it's urgent.. Having all them turn on in my 11 cam with less the 1k miles got my attention..

But since your not throwing a code I don't see what the issue could be besides maybe fuses. You check those?

Haven't checked the fuses, but nothing else seems to be running abnormal. Aside from the lights being on, everything is fine. It's annoying having the lights on.

 

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

There is a button that turns the Trac on and off down the side under the steering wheel... though it was accidently turned off, it turns back on automatically when the car is shut off and restarted. So if that is the case, it could be a fuse, you my have to take it to the dealer.

the CEL doesn't always mean something major is wrong. But it is good to check the code read to see what the problem is.

I have had the CEL on in my Subaru for 2 months... but i know the problem, and it isn't major.

 

[hardtopte72]

If a Toyota with VSC and TRAC turns on the check engine light it automatically turns on the VSC and TRAC OFF lights. This is the same for Highlanders, Sequoias, Siennas and every other Toyota with those options (2001-2003 Highlander owners get it all the time when they change their air filter and unplug the EVAP Hoses and forget to reconnect them). This is because Toyota considers those systems secondary and shuts them off if you have an engine problem. When you scan the respective computer (VSV AND Traction control ECU) the code is always "Engine control system" or something to that effect.

Long story short take it to the dealer or unplug the battery for more than 1 minute. When you left off your MAF connector it caused the issue.

 

[trehouse]

If a Toyota with VSC and TRAC turns on the check engine light it automatically turns on the VSC and TRAC OFF lights. This is the same for Highlanders, Sequoias, Siennas and every other Toyota with those options (2001-2003 Highlander owners get it all the time when they change their air filter and unplug the EVAP Hoses and forget to reconnect them). This is because Toyota considers those systems secondary and shuts them off if you have an engine problem. When you scan the respective computer (VSV AND Traction control ECU) the code is always "Engine control system" or something to that effect.

Long story short take it to the dealer or unplug the battery for more than 1 minute. When you left off your MAF connector it caused the issue.

I have a 2010 and I had this issue 2 weeks or so ago. As hardtopte72 says I disconnected batt cable for a minute and reconnected and havent had the issue since.

 

[g2manhou]

I have a 2010 and I had this issue 2 weeks or so ago. As hardtopte72 says I disconnected batt cable for a minute and reconnected and havent had the issue since.

When you say disconnect the battery, disconnect both positive and negative? Because before I found out I had low tie pressure I disconnected the negative for a couple minutes and the lights would st bill come on after I would start driving. But then again it want until the next day that I put air in the tire. And as one if you said, could just be the fact that I had changed the air filter and disconnected a hose at one point. Will try it after work today.

 

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Just disconnect the positive terminal. It will reset your radio settings so right down your fav channels or whatever before you do so.

 

[hardtopte72]

When you say disconnect the battery, disconnect both positive and negative? Because before I found out I had low tie pressure I disconnected the negative for a couple minutes and the lights would st bill come on after I would start driving. But then again it want until the next day that I put air in the tire. And as one if you said, could just be the fact that I had changed the air filter and disconnected a hose at one point. Will try it after work today.

You are describing a few unrelated things.

1. You disconnected the MAF sensor (you called it an IAT but the IAT is part of the MAF). This is not necessary when replacing the air filter but nonetheless is the most likely cause of your issue.

2. When a 2001-2003 (maybe 2004 also?) Highlander owner removes unclips and moves the air filter box there is a hidden group of EVAP hoses that get unplugged behind the air box. These get left off and always turn on the check engine light. When that car also has VSC and Traction control both the VSC and TRAC OFF lights turn on. All over an air filter replacement.

3. Your TPMS is an indirect system. So while disconnecting the battery will reset it if your tire is low it will take some time for it to turn on the light again as it is an indirect system (works off of ABS instead of tire sensors).
When resetting the TPMS you do not have to remove the battery. You just need to follow the reset procedure.

A. Check and fill all tires.
B. Turn ignition switch to the ON position.
C. Press and hold the TPMS reset switch (located under the steering wheel) until the TPMS light goes off.
D. When the light goes out let go of the the TPMS switch. Then press and hold the TPMS switch one more time. The TPMS light will then flash 3 times indicating the system is reset.

So on your car disconnect the positive. Give it 1-2 minutes then reconnect the battery. Redo your radio presets and forget about your issue.

 

[g2manhou]

You are describing a few unrelated things.

1. You disconnected the MAF sensor (you called it an IAT but the IAT is part of the MAF). This is not necessary when replacing the air filter but nonetheless is the most likely cause of your issue.

2. When a 2001-2003 (maybe 2004 also?) Highlander owner removes unclips and moves the air filter box there is a hidden group of EVAP hoses that get unplugged behind the air box. These get left off and always turn on the check engine light. When that car also has VSC and Traction control both the VSC and TRAC OFF lights turn on. All over an air filter replacement.

3. Your TPMS is an indirect system. So while disconnecting the battery will reset it if your tire is low it will take some time for it to turn on the light again as it is an indirect system (works off of ABS instead of tire sensors).
When resetting the TPMS you do not have to remove the battery. You just need to follow the reset procedure.

A. Check and fill all tires.
B. Turn ignition switch to the ON position.
C. Press and hold the TPMS reset switch (located under the steering wheel) until the TPMS light goes off.
D. When the light goes out let go of the the TPMS switch. Then press and hold the TPMS switch one more time. The TPMS light will then flash 3 times indicating the system is reset.

So on your car disconnect the positive. Give it 1-2 minutes then reconnect the battery. Redo your radio presets and forget about your issue.

My car doesn't have a TPMS reset switch.

Also, I disconnected the positive for several minutes and the issue still remains. I'm at wit's end with this. Any more ideas?

 

[toyotatoyota]

Here is what I did last year to clear it. Never came back ever since.
Ts and CG is referring to OBII pin hole 4 and 14. If you can't get it clear
this way, dealers want $125 do it.

First, locate the 16-pin white ODB II connector underneath the center of the steering wheel (which is apparently DLC3). The pins are numbered sequentially backwards from right to left (from the wide side of the connector looking at it from underneath) like this:

(from left to right )
== 16,15,14,13,12,11,10,9 = (narrow edge of the connector)
== 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 = (wide edge of the connector)
Ts=14
CG=4

Take 2 normal-sized paper clips. Straighten one edge of one of the paper clips. For the other, bend it open to a 90-degree angle (like an elbow). Stick one paper clip into 14, and the other paper clip into 4, don't let the 2 paper clips touch.

Step 3 below is the only one changed to refer to the paper clips rather than the tool that was mentioned in the original .pdf file.

1. Ensure the shift lever is in “P” range and on a level surface. Car MUST be steady.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON.
3. Using the bent paper clip, rotate it into the straight paper clip to repeat a cycle of short and open between terminals Ts and CG of DLC3 4 times or more within 8 seconds. Verify that the VSC indicator light is lit indicating the recorded zero point is erased.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
5. Be sure the terminals Ts and CG of DLC3 are disconnected(remove paperclip form OBDII).
6. Turn the ignition switch ON.
7. Check that the VSC warning light goes off about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON.
8. After ensuring that the VSC warning light remains OFF for 2 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
9. Connect the terminal Ts and CG of DLC3 using SST 09843–18040.
10. Turn the ignition switch ON.
11. After turning the ignition switch ON, check that the VSC warning light is lit for about 4 seconds and then starts quick blinking at 0.13 second intervals.
12. After ensuring the blinking of the VSC warning light for 2 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
13. Remove the SST from terminals Ts and CG of DLC3.

​

 

[g2manhou]

Here is what I did last year to clear it. Never came back ever since.
Ts and CG is referring to OBII pin hole 4 and 14. If you can't get it clear
this way, dealers want $125 do it.

First, locate the 16-pin white ODB II connector underneath the center of the steering wheel (which is apparently DLC3). The pins are numbered sequentially backwards from right to left (from the wide side of the connector looking at it from underneath) like this:

(from left to right )
== 16,15,14,13,12,11,10,9 = (narrow edge of the connector)
== 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 = (wide edge of the connector)
Ts=14
CG=4

Take 2 normal-sized paper clips. Straighten one edge of one of the paper clips. For the other, bend it open to a 90-degree angle (like an elbow). Stick one paper clip into 14, and the other paper clip into 4, don't let the 2 paper clips touch.

Step 3 below is the only one changed to refer to the paper clips rather than the tool that was mentioned in the original .pdf file.

1. Ensure the shift lever is in “P” range and on a level surface. Car MUST be steady.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON.
3. Using the bent paper clip, rotate it into the straight paper clip to repeat a cycle of short and open between terminals Ts and CG of DLC3 4 times or more within 8 seconds. Verify that the VSC indicator light is lit indicating the recorded zero point is erased.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
5. Be sure the terminals Ts and CG of DLC3 are disconnected(remove paperclip form OBDII).
6. Turn the ignition switch ON.
7. Check that the VSC warning light goes off about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON.
8. After ensuring that the VSC warning light remains OFF for 2 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
9. Connect the terminal Ts and CG of DLC3 using SST 09843–18040.
10. Turn the ignition switch ON.
11. After turning the ignition switch ON, check that the VSC warning light is lit for about 4 seconds and then starts quick blinking at 0.13 second intervals.
12. After ensuring the blinking of the VSC warning light for 2 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
13. Remove the SST from terminals Ts and CG of DLC3.

​

I want to try it, but I'm looking at the OBDII connector and there's like three layers of holes. Where exactly am I poking these clips?

 

[toyotatoyota]

There should only be two rows.
Count the holes from left to right

(from left to right )
== 16,15,14,13,12,11,10,9 = (narrow edge of the connector)
== 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 = (wide edge of the connector)
Ts=14
CG=4

Let me know if you need more help.

One more thing, it might take a couple tries. It took me like 5 tries cause either I didn't do it correctly,
I missed a step or I misread a step. So if it don't clear the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd time, don't give up. Just read
the directions over and over and try again.

 

[hardtopte72]

If you reset the battery and it came back on I am 99.99 percent certain you have another issue turning the check engine light on. Like I said if the check engine light comes on so do the VSC ad TRAC OFF lights. The check engine light is on as well correct?

If so take it to autozone or somewhere and get it scanned. I can almost guarantee you have another issue still going on (maybe MAF plug is not all the way on).

 

[toyotatoyota]

If you reset the battery and it came back on I am 99.99 percent certain you have another issue turning the check engine light on. Like I said if the check engine light comes on so do the VSC ad TRAC OFF lights. The check engine light is on as well correct?

If so take it to autozone or somewhere and get it scanned. I can almost guarantee you have another issue still going on (maybe MAF plug is not all the way on).

That is not the case every time. The VSC and TRAC comes on "Sometime" when the CEL is on, not every time. So he can have the VSC and TRAC light on without the CEL. I had the same issue last year. No CEL or codes stored but my VSC and TRAC came on once my car moved a couple feet. After research, I followed the steps posted and been off since.

 

[hardtopte72]

That is not the case every time. The VSC and TRAC comes on "Sometime" when the CEL is on, not every time. So he can have the VSC and TRAC light on without the CEL. I had the same issue last year. No CEL or codes stored but my VSC and TRAC came on once my car moved a couple feet. After research, I followed the steps posted and been off since.

Here is what I am saying.

If the check engine light is illuminated then that needs to be looked at first as that is guaranteed to turn the lights on every time. It is not possible in my experience to have the check engine light illuminated and the VSC and TRAC OFF lights not illuminated.

If the check engine light is not illuminated then diagnose the separate VSC and TRAC related issue.

 

[g2manhou]

There should only be two rows.
Count the holes from left to right

(from left to right )
== 16,15,14,13,12,11,10,9 = (narrow edge of the connector)
== 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 = (wide edge of the connector)
Ts=14
CG=4

Let me know if you need more help.

One more thing, it might take a couple tries. It took me like 5 tries cause either I didn't do it correctly,
I missed a step or I misread a step. So if it don't clear the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd time, don't give up. Just read
the directions over and over and try again.

Ok, I'm losing my mind here. I uploaded a video to show how far I've gotten. It's blurry, but the bottom two lights that are blinking from left to right are VSC and ABS. That's as far as I could get. What am I doing wrong here?

 

[toyotatoyota]

Ok let me try to explain the steps as how I did it. I might be wrong but give it a try.

Make sure you are using the correct pin hole.
(from left to right )
== 16,15,14,13,12,11,10,9 = (narrow edge of the connector)
== 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 = (wide edge of the connector)

1.Park in a level spot
2.Put one paper clip on 14 and the other on 4. don't let them touch.
3.Turn the ignition switch ON.
4.Using the bent paper clip, rotate it into the straight paper 4 times or more within 8 seconds. Verify that the VSC indicator light is lit indicating the recorded zero point is erased.
4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
5. Remove paperclip form OBDII
6. Turn the ignition switch ON.
7. Check that the VSC warning light goes off about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON.
8. After ensuring that the VSC warning light remains OFF for 2 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
9. Put the paper clip back in to 14 and 4
10. Turn the ignition switch ON.
11. After turning the ignition switch ON, check that the VSC warning light is lit for about 4 seconds and then starts quick blinking at 0.13 second intervals.
12. After ensuring the blinking of the VSC warning light for 2 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.
13. Remove the paper clip and drive.