VSC Light

LX302 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-2004, 03:10 PM

I'm considering purchasing a '04 AWD V6 Highlander, and I understand the VSC ( Vehicle Stabilty Control) is standard.
I understand how it works with the braking and engine management, but how do you like it controlling your driving? I read a review on epinions, that said when it activates, it flashes a light on the dash and it has an annoying beep.
Is that true? It even mentioned that it will activate on a dry street, or driveway.
Any help would be appreciated.

Roller · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2004, 05:08 PM

I've got a 02 Highlander, 34 K, 2WD. The VSC light just came on. Got any ideas what this is about and how to fix or reset? is this a common problem?

Sounds expensive.

Thanks.

wylcat · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2004, 07:24 PM

it should be under waranty

nhparrot · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2004, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roller

I've got a 02 Highlander, 34 K, 2WD. The VSC light just came on. Got any ideas what this is about and how to fix or reset? is this a common problem?

Sounds expensive.

Thanks.

You should take it to the dealer and have the DTC read.

Roller · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2004, 12:36 PM

I hope this ends up in the archives some where so it can help someone else. Per my original post the VSC light came on. The almost worthless Owners manual said see dealer. Duh. Surprised it doesn't say that for a flat tire.

I took it to Magness Toyota in Harrison Ark.since my experience with Reliable Toyota in Springfield Mo has not be acceptable to me.

15 minutes after I took it in it was fixed. Charge $12.00 The vacuum hose to the air cleaner was left off by an oil change store. Grrr. So I got the money back from the oil guy. Murphy lives.

End of story and a very honest and fast Dealer. They have made a friend.

ttruong · #6 (**permalink**) 12-21-2006, 11:18 AM

I had the same problem today. My car is Highlander '01 63K miles V6 Limited.... Both the engine light and VSC light went on at the traffic stop. The scan from AutoZone showed P0440, P0446, P0441. I found out that the cause was a vacuum hose came loose. Reattach it and erase the code. Haven't seen the light so far. The hose is right behind the air filter box. I changed the airfilter and the hose came loose 2 weeks ago. But the lights didn't come on until 200 miles later.

I found out that when the engine light comes on, the VSC light will come on also because (in my case) the engine sends a signal that it has a problem, VSC turns itself off to avoid the engine stall problem. Since the engine has problem, it may not run at a reduced speed when VSC tells it to do so to keep the car under control therefore VSC turns itself off to avoid engine stall in the midle of the street. So, I learn that when both light come on, fix the engine light problem first then VSC light if it still on.

dolphin · #7 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 06:06 PM

Thanks for the very helpful post. After reading the VSC light thread(s) I immiediately went to the garage and checked my Highlanders air filter vacum hose; and it too was disconnected from when I previously checked my air filter.

Question: Now that I've recconected the hose, will the engine light and VSC light automatically go out, or is there another step to reset the "code"/lights?

Thank you and thanks again.

LifeTech · #8 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 08:21 AM

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

dolphin · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 01:22 PM

LT,

Thank you! I followed your suggestion and both the engine and VSC lights reset. In following the suggestions under this thread ("VSC Light") I have cured my 2002 Highlander engine and VSC light issue!

In closing, this web site that hosts this venue and, especially the good people that partcipate in helping each other; is simply incredible...

I saved both money and the brain damage in having to take my vehicle in to the dealership and hoping that I would find an honest dealer rep and mech.

Thanks again!
dolphin

LifeTech · #10 (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 04:19 PM

Your welcome.anytime.

BTW, VSC was an option till 2007, when all HL models got the Star Safety System standard and this added the VSC and the Side SRS curtains to the standard ABS and EBD. A yaw rate sensor under the passenger seat just inboard of the rightside pillar unites all these components based on inertia, Gforce and speed. VSC is sophisticated. and works flawlessy for me. I find it very hard to put the HL into a spin when raining and in snow yu really have to push it hard. The VSC light will briefly engage but for anything more than a quick second the beeping signal comes on also to alert yu. If yu can feel the VSC with light on only you have become very connected to your HL. VSC takes conrol of your drivetrain effectively.

Sorry for the blab.
LT

dolphin · #11 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 01:13 AM

LT,

Thanks for the helpful and interesting info. My family and I really enjoy and feel safe in our Highlander. My only wish; the economy does a turnaround so I can buy another.

dolphin

MD Highlander Guy · #12 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 09:27 AM

Folks,

I recently had this same issue with my 2003 Highlander Limited: P0440, P0446, P0441 DTCs. All 3 lights warning lights on. I replaced the gas cap - checked all airbox-related vacuum hoses etc - even tuned it up. The lights just came back on. What is the friggin' deal?? Apparently there are other "evap system" related items that could be bad: some "evap cannister" or something like that? Also, I just had to replace the front rotors and pads because they were done - pads almost to the metal and rotors trashed. Could this also cause this problem? I did NOT try clearing the DTCs after replacing the front pads and rotors so maybe I should do this first?

Thanks in advance.

LifeTech · #13 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 05:00 PM

read this ... Its a start...

Flunked Emissions; DTC P0440, 41 & 46

LT

MD Highlander Guy · #14 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 08:29 AM

Ok, it's back to the drawing board.....could somebody verify the actual engine compartment location of each of these evap system related items so I can check them again:

1. Vacuum hose on air filter box - and where does the other end connect?
2. Vapor pressure sensor/vent control
3. Charcoal canister
4. VSV purge solenoid

Gas cap has been replaced with a new dealer cap - codes cleared - now same DTCs. Seems like the idle and/or acceleration would be lacking if there was a vacuum hose disconnected - my Highlander idles and accelerates smooth a glass. Tuned it up a few thousand miles ago and all plug tips were consistent tan/dark brown in color, no oil fouling, no black sooty gas fouling, no burnt tips.

Thanks in advance.

jwd1955 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 08:36 AM

Incredible!!!!
I have been struggling a week trying to figure out what caused my Engine and VSC lights on my 2003 Highlander and just about gave up. I was ready to take it to the dealer… Then I decided to check the forum.
It took me about 5 minutes to locate and reconnect the disconnected vacuum hose behind the air filter box… Problem solved! Thank you guys! ( I should have checked the forum first)