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This happened to my daughter's 2003 Toyota 4Runner: the vsc, trac, and check engine lights all came on! The problem is that many systems are tied into the Vehicle Stability Control system. Solution: Take off the gas cap, turn back on and listen for ONE CLICK. Check to make sure it's tight. If not, try it again! Second, pop open the hood, (latch is adjacent to steering column on the left side at the bottom of the dash; two latches: one is gas the other hood). Take a small crescent wrench and loosen positive terminal bolt from battery (six to seven turns should do it), take it off for 30 seconds then place it back and tighten back on. Turn on engine: if lights don't go off, get a diagnostic check to find the proper code. There are a myriad of problems from a loose electrical connection, to oxygen sensors to brakes, etc. That can make this go on! This is the easiest and cheapest solution for the DIY tree mechanic. It worked on my Daughter's 2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport 4WD!
The VSC, Trac and check engine light will frequently come on and be all traced to one problem as opposed to individual problems. Fixing the cause of the engine related code will fix all problems in most cases but a scan tool needs to be attached to the 16 pin diagnostic socket under the dash. It doesn't have to be a dedicated Toyota tool ,most aftermarket scan tools work pretty good on Toyota, they keep things simple.
If you can tell us what the code is we can explain what the code is related to, the code will look like, P0420 or P1433.
Visitoron Sep 20, 2010
try the simple things first. the vsc light is activated every time the check engine light goes on. Check engine light can go on for the simple things like gas cap not tight, wiper fluid is low, low brake fluid, and I think low coolant. Simple checks that anyone can do
Visitoron Jan 7, 2011
THANKS TO EVERYONE ON THIS SITE!! I had this problem sneak up on me after a business trip in my trusty 4-Runner and I followed your advice - low-n-behold! VOILA! Issue solved! YOU ROCK!
Visitoron Feb 3, 2011
This happened today sept 1, 2009, vsc, trac, check engine light all on!
The problem many systems are tied into the Vehicle Stability Control system:
Solution: Take off gas cap and turn back on and listen for ONE CLICK check to make sure it is tight, if not do it again!
Second, pop open the hood, (latch is adjacent to steering column on the left side at the bottom of the dash (two latches one is gas the other hood). Take a small crescent wrench and loosen positive terminal bolt from battery (six to seven turns should do it)
take it off for 30 seconds then place it back on and tighten back on. Turn on engine, if lights did not go off, get a diagnostic check to find the proper code, there are a myriad of problems from a loose electrical connection, to oxygen sensors to brakes, etc. That can make this go on! This is the easiest and cheapest solution for the DIY tree mechanic. It worked on my Daughter's 2003 4runner Sport 4WD
thanks guys tightened the gas cap and loosend the positive terminal of the battery after 30 seconds reconnected and my 2005 avalon drives like a soft smooth car
I got the same lights on couple days ago, thanks to the previous answer. I followed the instruction to re-check gas cap, then removed the battery positive terminal for 30 seconds. It worked and all lights went off now. Thank you thank you.
If your check engine , vsc trac, and vsc off lights come on. And if the gas cap retightening didn't work for you, as it didn't for me, here is the solution. First some history, I had the dealership replace both the O2 and A/F sensors on bank 1(passenger side) 3 on separate visits. I have an 03 4 Runner. I also personally replaced the O2 sensor twice and the A/F sensor once at $100 to $200 a pop over an 18 month period!! Toyota had a service bulletin come out on this problem in 2007 or 08 but I had to bring it to their attention!?! I finally permanently solved the problem myself because three separate Toyota mechanics were clueless. Buy and install a product from the 50's and1960's called a "NO FOULER" between the tailpipe and the sensor. The cost for this part was $0.69. That's right sixty nine cents. I found them at Pep Boys(not everyone sells them anymore). The product was originally designed to stop spark plugs from getting fouled with oil which was common problem back in the day. I've been trouble free for 4 years now. This is very easy job for a diy kind of guy or go to your local garage. If they charge you more the 30 mins labor they are ripping you off. It must be fixed asap because your mpg will drop from 20 something mpg to 12 mpg as mine did. The reason for that is because the sensor is sending a msg to the CPU that the fuel is too lean and mistakenly 'richens it up too much'. First try using the old sensor with the "NO FOULER" before buying a new one. P.S. If you do buy one, make sure that you buy a Denso sensor or you'll regret it. They are the OEM for Toyota. They can be found on ebay for 50% of the dealer cost, which is about $200.
Thank you for your advice. We will share with others. We own a 2003 4-runner sport edition. The VSC light came on and we followed your advice. It worked. The only thing we would let people know is, after you disconnect and before you reconnect the battery, put your key in the ignition and turnover the engine. That stopped the horn blowing. My husband tried to reconnect the positive cable before he put in the key, and the horn blared. Other than that, this trick worked. Thanks....
I can't thank you enough..... I'm a widow who's biggest fear is car problems.... my husband always handled car problems, and wouldn't even tell me there was a problem so I wouldn't worry. These lights suddenly came on on the 4Runner, which has 66,000 miles on it. I almost had it towed to the garage.... then I saw this post. Who would have EVER thought it was a gas cap/positive post on the battery fix. Your site saved me, not only $$$, but also the fear of an unreliable vehicle.... Thank You!
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I have a 2004 4runner, and this happened to me today Sept 9, 2010, I did what you instructed and it worked, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, it saved me $$$ for not bringing it to the dealer, thanks also to the web.......
I have a 2001 lexus RX300. Just found VSC and energy check lights on today. I searched this website and tried exactly what you said. It works!!! Thank you so much and thank this web also.
I am jumping for joy!! The problem is fixed and my husband is impressed, we don't have to tell him I didn't put the gas cap on tight enough to hear a click.
I am glad that the fix was beneficial to all especially since today is my birthday and I am up late with insomnia! To all congratulations on your tenacity to seek out answer to your problems it is refreshing that people are still able to be independent and dedicated to finding solutions to their needs. I hope this continues to help all of those who own toyotas and other vehicles that get this annoying glitch. Gas caps now such an important piece of equipment I recall my dad's 48 plymouth never had one (auto accident disfigured the port) being a practical man he just made one out of tinfoil-never happen today.
I just went out and turned the gas cap, and pulled the "positive" cable off of the battery, waited 30 seconds, put the cable back on, started the car, and my lights were off! Thank you so much for saving me a day of hell going back and forth to the dealership!!!
You are very welcome! It makes me feel good that so many are benefiting from my research! Dealerships can be trying to say the least. It amazes me that so many issues can arise from the simple gas cap. It goes to show you the sophistication that is going on with all the sensors and computer that are now attached to the modern day vehicles. I hope you pay this forward. With the money saved get someone a special gift at Christmas. Papaobewon
omg. have a 2004 camry v6 xle and vsc/trac off and check engine light turned on for no reason. I know about the fuel cap manuever but I put in a full tank of gas yesterday and always make sure that cap is tight. So when I got home I did the cap a couple of times -all three lights still on . Stressing out of little things like these since I can see my dealer droolingwith dollar signs on his eyeballs. Lo and Behold-did what you said. Cap one click and positive terminal off 30 seconds - GONE. Thank you. Made my weekend!!
HO HO HO Merry Christmas pay it forward to a loved one with the money you saved from not having going to the dealership for this insider information (hee hee) ! I know my good fortune has benefited from my paying it forward. Today I saved an additional 155 dollars on a washer and dryer for my wife as a Christmas Gift ! I hope she likes it since she won't let me buy her jewelry ! Sincerely, Papaobewon
Thanks for the tip. It worked like a charm.
Fixed the same problem on my '06 4Runner by following the instructions. Thanks a lot for sharing the information!
08 Avalon. Same problem and your solution worked (at least for now).
This just happened to me while in the ice and snow and rain from yesterday; (NY/CT) area. Thank god I read this because Toyota wanted to charge me $125 just to do a diagnostic test. Removing the (+) positive charge on the battery and reconnecting a several seconds later worked like a charm. For those who don't know or can't see the + and - signs, it's the one with the red covering. Also - be sure to have your keys out, the alarm sounds when you reconnect!
Simple gas cap was loose. Tightened gas cap, pulled negitive battery cable for 30 seconds and like magic, lights are off. The traction control was not responding while the gas cap was loose. Made it more fun in the snow, but just couldn't handle those lights being on.
This really works! Thanks! I have a 2005 Highlander and had the Check Engine, VSC and Trac Off lights go on yesterday morning after spinning a bit the night before getting up my steep driveway in the ice and snow. I knew nothing was probably wrong and found your post. I tried it when I got home last night -- tightened the gas cap and disconnected the positive battery charge for 30+ seconds. It worked like a charm! Thanks so much for saving me tons of time and $ going to the dealership! You're a life saver!
Happened 1/24 w/ my Avalon (see above) and then came on 3 more times after I was to Toyota Dealership for them to check it out. They finally determined it was a value in the fuel line that is known to have a problem regulating the oil pressure. If your light goes on when hitting the accelerator or hitting something slick, this may be it. The dealership told me they recalled this same part in several other Toyota models but for some reason did not do it on the Avalon. If it is not something simple like the gas cap, this may be the issue.
Thank you, this seemed to have worked on my 2000 Avalon XLS. Adjusted gas cap & disconnected/reconnected battery. I will keep an eye on the car's operation. Thanks again.
Thank you!! Appreciate the help! I was worried, but this seems to have worked!
Awesome! Worked on my Toyota Sienna 2005. The dope didn't put the gas cap on right (was loose). Your trick did the trick!
You are welcome, ahh attention to details is our lot in life. Glad to have helped. Papaobewon
This worked for me too! I have 2004 4Runner. The dealership wanted to charge $100 for the diagnostic, plus $700 to replace the o2 sensor. I am logging a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau against my dealer, since this is obviously a common fix yet they don't offer it as a solution. Thanks for the advice!!
Tried this today, 8/8/11 for my 2005 Camry XLE. It works. Thanks for this great solution.
thanks for the help. went out and checked gas cap and sure enough it wasn't tightened when I got gas today. Started car up lights are all out. Just saved me from having a diagnostic tomorrow.
Holy Crap...single mom, here in FL...had the check engine light and VSC Trac/Trac Off lights come on right after washing my car. Came home and looked it up. Tried the tip about cleaning the gas cap and tightening one click and disconnecting the positive battery cable...and voila'....it worked. THANK YOU so so much. I really appreciate all the tips and tricks. Can't afford a mechanic bill. Thanx again!
Happened to us today, Jan 2012. Found this sight and it worked perfectly!! Thanks Patrick Mannion. You saved us a lot of headache and even more money!!!
Thank you so much!! Worked on my 04 4runner.
Thank you so much for sharing this, papaobewan. Just happened to me this a.m. And lo and behold I popped the gas cap cover and the cap was definitely loose. I recapped, reset the positive battery terminal and voila it was fixed.
Just got back from vacation and found your response! Just pay it forward! Papaobewon
2005 4runner 4.6L v8. I am experiencing the check engine light and vsc and abs lights on but I got it taken to the toyota dealerdhip said it's the air pump that needs to be replaced . If the valves and gaskets are still good they will just replace the pump which will save me money (I don't have the codes on me because I'm at work )but it was close to the p 1440 (air restriction code ) the other shop said I just needed a flush (they flushed /forced the air pump air )through the valves to get it unstuck . They said they drove it with the computer hooked up and it passed . I drove it maybe 15 miles and the next day the lights came back on I took it back to that shop and they did the dame thing and said it was good so they said worst case scenario I'd need to get the pump replaced after the first time they said my pump was good . I think it's a sensor that's messed up only because on my 96 4 runner the check engine light wouldn't go away because it said it was an o2 sensor was bad but we replaced it so we did research and it turned out to be a transition solenoid was bad so we replaced that in the transition pan where the filter is and it fixed it . But I read that there was a recall on the tacamo and sequas and the 4.6 v8 had the same problem with the air injection system but no recall .should I replace the pump or is there some other things I can check before I throw down the 1400 it's gonna cost to supposedly fix it
Comment: My friend's 2005 Toyota 4 runner vsc trac and engine lights were on as well. Just told him to follow your advice to take the gas cap off and back on, then take off postive cable...i want to appaud you and thank you for your knowledge. He took to a place to get it checked out they told him it was his gas cap going bad. Lol, how ironic that the simple steps you gave saved him $$$$$ God Bless You!
Dude, you rock. It worked! 2007 4Runner, ENGINE and VSC TRACK light on. Tightened gas cap... removed positive battery cable for 30 seconds... reconnected and BAM! Lights off baby! They should allow us to send you a dollar for awesome answer you get. Thanks for saving me an appointment and worrying whether I was about "to be had" by dealer.
Thank you for those kind words! If you believe in prayer say one for my daughter and sister! If not, send a donation to the MS Multiple Sclerosis foundation of Colorado! God Bless !
You are very welcome! I am glad to have kept you out of the stealership! If you wish to pay it forward please say a prayer for my family and donate the dollar to MS Research of Colorado! God Bless, Papa
Amazing Papa... My Gas cap was loose, believe it or not. Tighten the gas cap AND disconnect the battery for 30 plus seconds. Reattached the battery and start the car. It worked like a charm for me I just did it after reading it on this forum here.
Please pay it forward to those who need your expertise! Those who have researched and still cant figure it out, not those that merely don't want to research!
This situation just happened to me today (5/19/24) on my 2003 4Runner SR5. I did the gas cap thing (nothing happened) and then disconnected the battery and did the gas cap thing again. It worked! All warning lights went out. My 4Runner is running great. And you saved me the time & money of going to a repair shop. THANK YOU!