VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

I did search the forums, but most posts I saw dealt with both VSC and CEL.



My VSC light is on, but not my CEL. 2003 Highlander around 140k miles.



Autozone hooked it up, but he looked at me and asked if my CEL was on, and I said no just my VSC, and he said there's no codes for that.



Car has an exhausty sound.



This did happen about 2 days after I changed the air filter, but I have looked and don't see any hose disconnected so unless I missed something I think it's just coincidence.



I have got underneath car while running and can't even tell where the exhausty sound is coming from.



Any tips/suggestions before I take it to service?



Thanks in advance.



EDIT - Also want to mention that light doesn't come on until I start driving and it stays on then. When car is idling from start, it is not on.

Reply 1 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

I don't know about the exhaust, but I can tell you how to clear the VSC.



read this service bulletin: You can clear the VSC light . Page 8 tells you how to do it without special tools.







http://forum.ih8mud.com/200-series-c...-g-sensor.html

Reply 2 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

Did that work for you?

Reply 3 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

Sorry, the link to the tsb isn't working right. You should be able to copy and paste the address into your browser.



Yes, I have done this several times and it works on my highlander.

Reply 4 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

My VSC light is on after changing air filter on 06 Highlander? Any ideas or clue would be great? Thanks

Reply 5 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

Quote:

Originally Posted by ktdriver My VSC light is on after changing air filter on 06 Highlander? Any ideas or clue would be great? Thanks

My VSC and CEL came on after changing the battery (posted a question about it yesterday).



Seems like something that happens rather often, but for random reasons. I don't know what I could have done by changing the battery.

Reply 6 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

The VSC light on my wife's 2004 Highlander with 100K is flashing on and off. The flashing is about once or twice per 30 mins. When it comes on the brakes get activated. We are not skipping when the light comes on. The CEL is not on.



Is this something that I can fix myself. I have an OBD reader. I am totally guessing that there is a a faulty sensor or traction computer. Sounds like an expensive trip to the dealer!

Reply 7 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

First, pull off each wheel and take a look at the sensor. Make sure it is screwed all the way in. They can work themselves loose and then don't count the full number of revolutions the wheel is making. If it's front wheel drive, I'd assume it's one of your rears from what you describe.



Also, check under the front pass seat, I'd undo and reconnect all the cables down there. One may have been loosened and causing problems.

Reply 8 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

Quote:

Originally Posted by bepperb First, pull off each wheel and take a look at the sensor. Make sure it is screwed all the way in. They can work themselves loose and then don't count the full number of revolutions the wheel is making. If it's front wheel drive, I'd assume it's one of your rears from what you describe. Also, check under the front pass seat, I'd undo and reconnect all the cables down there. One may have been loosened and causing problems.

What does the sensor look like? Our car is front wheel drive so I can pull off the rear wheels. Just to know what I am looking for.



thanks,

Scott

Reply 9 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

There is only one electrical wire running to the hub, and a much thicker brake line. When you take a wheel off it will be obvious what you are looking for. You might even be able to get a decent look without removing the wheel.

Reply 10 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

I had this same problem. It turned out to be a YAW sensor needed to be calibrated. I was lucky my buddy had a snap-on model tester that could read all the codes for the different systems in the highlander at his garage. He did the calibration of the YAW sensor and light cleared.

Reply 11 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

Quote:

Originally Posted by bepperb First, pull off each wheel and take a look at the sensor. Make sure it is screwed all the way in. They can work themselves loose and then don't count the full number of revolutions the wheel is making. If it's front wheel drive, I'd assume it's one of your rears from what you describe. Also, check under the front pass seat, I'd undo and reconnect all the cables down there. One may have been loosened and causing problems.

Dropped off my car at the Toyota dealer. 3 hours later they call and say that they dont see any problem. Their diag tools showed no problems. I head over to the deal for a joint test drive. We get the car on to the highway, hit 40 mph and the VSC kicks in. Tech is now convinced that there is a problem. Says he will hook up the diag tool and go for another test drive. I go home and wait for the call.



Problem turned out to be that the Steering Angle Sensor was out of calibration. $99 to recalibrate. Hopefully that solves the problem. Thankfully the ABS computer and pump are fine.



Had the dealer do a power steer fluid flush ($130) since they said the fluid looked bad and I have never changed it.



Also wanted to sell me a replacement battery, new timing belt, accessory belt and water pump which I declined. Need to look into all of these suggestions which I will discuss in another thread.

Reply 12 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

Update. I've been driving the Highlander a few months with VSC on, but had it to import service place today for some stuff. He recalibratred YAW but came right back on. He believes YAW sensor needs to be replaced and I told him to order it.



Said I had to clean the junk pile I have in the back, I guess that sensor is under rear seat!

Reply 13 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

Quote:

Originally Posted by drugrep Update. I've been driving the Highlander a few months with VSC on, but had it to import service place today for some stuff. He recalibratred YAW but came right back on. He believes YAW sensor needs to be replaced and I told him to order it. Said I had to clean the junk pile I have in the back, I guess that sensor is under rear seat!

Please let us know how that works out. Mine comes on about onec a month now so I guess I'll need to do the same thing. Any idea how much it will cost? Ask for the old part and post a photo if you can.

Reply 14 : VSC on but NOT CEL on 2003 Highlander

Quote:

Originally Posted by tr7driver Please let us know how that works out. Mine comes on about onec a month now so I guess I'll need to do the same thing. Any idea how much it will cost? Ask for the old part and post a photo if you can.

I do have old part. Give me a couple of days and I'll get photos.