VSC Light

[05Moose]

Just FYI, the VSC light isn't the only one that comes on with these kinds of issues. We've got an 05 without VSC, but had the same problem with ABS light on the way home from the 30K service. Mechanic bumped the exhause sensor loose which signaled the Check Engine light and in turn triggered the ABS light. So, I wonder...did all of your Check Engine lights also come on? Maybe if there's a problem with VSC specifically, the Check Engine light won't come on, but the correct VSC light will...same with ABS...just a thought.

[sjamman]

My wifes 2004 Highlander had a dead battery this morning (lights left on). I tried to jump start it like I had once in the past & this time, just clicking noise. I left my truck running for a while with the cables on & still no luck. She noticed the VSC light was on. Any way a dead battery would get this light? No other lights warning lights are on. No one has been under the hood since I changed the oil about 3 weeks ago.
I was going to pull the battery & place it on the charger, but if trying to jump it won't work, I was thinking charging won't do any good at the moment.
Any ideas how to get this started?
Thanks.

[05Moose]

Personally, I'd start a new thread. You might get a quicker response.

[sjamman]

Thanks, I may have gotten it figured out.
If not, I'll start a new one.

[Muzicman]

I also had the same problem today. My car is Highlander '02 64K miles V6 Limited.... Both the engine light and VSC light went on. I had the oil/filter changed a few days ago at the dealer. I'm so glad I found this forum! After reading about the vacuum hose I went out to my car and found it the problem. But, knowing what I knew I decided to take it back to the dealer to see how honest my trusty dealership really was. Turns out they admitted it was thier fault and that they overlooked checking the hose that caused my lights to go on. There are honest dealers out around for the most part. For anyone reading this in the Chicago area the dealership I'm talking about is Elmhurst Toyota.

Thanks!

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by Muzicman

I also had the same problem today. My car is Highlander '02 64K miles V6 Limited.... Both the engine light and VSC light went on. I had the oil/filter changed a few days ago at the dealer. I'm so glad I found this forum! After reading about the vacuum hose I went out to my car and found it the problem. But, knowing what I knew I decided to take it back to the dealer to see how honest my trusty dealership really was. Turns out they admitted it was thier fault and that they overlooked checking the hose that caused my lights to go on. There are honest dealers out around for the most part. For anyone reading this in the Chicago area the dealership I'm talking about is Elmhurst Toyota.

Thanks!

Althought negligent in their work, at least they were honest once yu pointed things out to them.
But I can only imagine that little old lady who had to be towed into the dealer that did not have a clue.

Would the dealer truly find the problem and admit that they screwed up prior work???
I doubt it. They would probably charge her for more unrelated work to be done.

Just being realistic....not pessimistic. This is a pattern with all dealerships...not necessarily Stealerships!

LT

[bepperb]

Realistic is right. The tow certainly wouldn't be free even if the "fix" was.

I don't understand how people are able to get 04-06 HL's without VSC. Ours is a total base model, with roof rails and that's it. But we still have it. edmunds says it's standard for the I4 base here:

2004 Toyota Highlander car safety at Edmunds

Perhaps is the part of the country I live in? It's somewhat helpful, it does come on during questionably fast turns the snow, and then starts beeping at me. I had Duellers with 3/32 of tread on the back two tires, so it didn't do much for me. The back end would kick out pretty easily if you tried. Next winter with all new tires we'll see.

[LifeTech]

I read somewhere that in 07(last year for 1st gens) all HL's got the VSC as standard equipment for the first time as part of the Star Safety System.

And it is listed as standard equipment in the 07 Brochure.

Since all 1st gen.HL's were made in Japan I don't believe it was a regional specific feature. Domestically produced Toyota vehicles tend to be regionally optioned.

[JakesterHR]

Originally Posted by LifeTech

It should clear out on its own. But any scan tool will clear a fixed DTC.
Try and disconnect Neg term. of battery. Press brake for 10-15 seconds to purge transient voltage across any ecm roms ,specifically the engine ECM. Sometimes this works too if a DTC was actually fixed.
LT

Had this exact problem with my VSC & Check Engine lights. Located the disconnected vacuum hose and reconnected, disconnected the negative battery terminal wire and reconnected after pumping brake pedal. All is well! Thanks much as this saved me a trip to a dealership and who knows how much money! Great advice!

[oconn11]

In just over 2 years I have seen the VSC light come on maybe 3 times - roads were wet/slippery, no beep though, it was brief. 06 AWD

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by oconn11

In just over 2 years I have seen the VSC light come on maybe 3 times - roads were wet/slippery, no beep though, it was brief. 06 AWD

What yu observed is normal.

The beep that may accompany the VSC light in exteme driving situations tends to come on if the Stabilty Program operates for more than 2 seconds.
It is a WAKE-UP call! Usually the beep will come on in very slippery Ice or Snow conditions if yu push things a bit at speed.

LT

[bepperb]

Yep. The entire scenario plays out like this:

Check to make sure no one is around.

Take turn in snow 5~10 mph faster than safe.

Light blinks a few times, encouraging you to further tighten the radius of the turn in an effort to "take it to the limit".

Beeping starts, the car is just egging you on at this point. A combination of more gas and more steering input will show it who's boss.

And eventually, the laws of physics take hold and the tendancy of the HL to massively oversteer in snow unleashes itself.

[LifeTech]

I found that really fun to do.
If yu find yourself in a safe area to do this... it makes for a great opportunity to feel the VSC take over.

When it comes on in a real panic situation yu will have had seen it before and will not flinch when recovering. It really builds confidence when driving in extreme weather and road conditions.

[PhillyTurboSix]

Gotta love the Internet! I just had this happed on my 01 Highlander with 62K on it. Took it to have the oil changed a few weeks back and the VSC light and check engine came on. I found this thread, ran outside, and sure enough the hose was off! If your looking at the air filter box from the front of the car it's on the right side in the back. Can't miss it when you look back there. It's between the air filter box and firewall. It's almost the size of a older PVC line. I didn't get to drive it around but I'm sure that was my issue. I'll find out when I leave work tonight with it Thanks for the thread!!

[1lowcut]

This thread just saved me lots of time and who knows how much money. I just bought a used 03 Highlander and as normal when i go it home i started poking around checking everything out a little closer and the air filter was one of the things i looked at. About a week and over 1,000 miles cause i took it to LA and back the engine and VSC light pop on. I called the dealer and made an appt next week to take it in. A quick google search brought me to this site and i knew i had the same problem. sure enough i ran out a took a look, hose was off. reconnected it and will clear the lights when i get home.

Great thread saved me alot!