Traction Control System Problems

[03sequoia]

I have a 2003 Sequoia with about 26k miles. The VSC/ATRAC indicator lights are staying on and the system will inadvertantly engage and disengage, obviously there is a problem within this system and it is still under warranty (Thank God!!). I have spoke with other Sequoia owners who have had to have the Traction Control Computer replaced. Is there anyone out there who has had this problem, and had it corrected? and is it still working properly?. This is after having the vehicle in the shop for 8 days for an Air Conditioning system overhaul. I am concerned about some serious repair costs after the warrantyis up. That extended warranty is looking like it would have been a good idea. This is my 7th Toyota and I diddn't think twice when I declined the Extended warranty, (until now). Thanks for any input..

[kool_sqa]

I own a 2002 Thunder Greay Mettalic SR5/2WD Sequoia and I had the same problem last week and took it to the dealer right then. I had to get new brake rotors for the front end. After that the problem seems to be gone. Good luck buddy.

[Annie Heminger]

I also have a 2003 sequoia with about 13,000 miles. I have been complaining to the dealer to no avail about this problem. I have been very specific with them about the VSC light flashing on and the gas pedal getting spongy and losing power for a few seconds. I am worried about this for pulling into traffic. It happens inadvertently and they can't seem to replicate it effectively. They said one of my wheels is probably on a little gravel or something but I am telling you....this is happening on dry pavement (in 2x2 mode) when I am either turning and going up/down an incline (not very steep either). I am worried about it. I was on the net looking for more information about it when I found a FAQ Toyota Trundra site established by an enthusiatic owner. He says that there is a "rev limiter" that will kick in at times that pulls the rpms down to 1500-2400 and you must be careful when pulling into traffic. I think we may have something here that Toyota is avoiding. It should not work like this. Please keep me informed if you find new information. I intend to arm myself with as much "evidence" as possible and then return to them (because also, honestly, I am being treated like a woman and they are being condescending about it.) Please stay posted.

[nathanc]

I am currently also having the same problem with this system. I have had it to the dealer 4 times now and to no avail. The dealer phoned a technician and had me on a conference call with them today. They state this is the way this system is designed to work. I have some serious issues with this. They also told me that if the roads aren't wet or snowy, that I should drive with the Traction Control system turned off. I hardly think Toyota would design a system that you should turn off everytime you get in the vehicle. My Trac Off and VSC Trac lights come on and go off intermittently. I have had this happen when I'm in the middle of an intersection, and have almost been in an accident twice because of this. I'm going to pick up my vehicle tomorrow, and I'm going to ask that whoever told my dealership that the system is working correctly, that they put it in writing with a signature for me. I have a 2 year old son and wife whom I love very much, and I am honestly scared to death to have them in this vehicle anylonger. It's sad when you spend $40000 on a vehicle like this and you're not comfortable to have your family in it. I'll repost with any updates.

[domlauri]

This is long, but it is how I got Toyota to spend the effort to resolve my issue. Also, after you read this. There are several places that sell the extended warranty for your vehicle. They are often the same company the dealer was selling. They will extend your warranty and at not much more than the price the dealer wanted three years prior. Just do a search on one of the search sites for Extended Warranties. I have one for my Accord, it worked out just fine. My other cars are not old enoegh yet, but I'll do the same with them.

I had an issue just after delivery of my '03 Seq on Christmas Eve of '03. The Engine lights would come on and the VSC/ATRAC would turn off. We went through 6 trips to the dealer and 2 times they came to my home to clear the issue and collect the code. This was not actually related to the traction system. It was a damaged wire harness that intermittantly would over presurize my fuel tank. The dealership kept clearing the code and telling me that I was not properly tightening the gas cap? ( I am an engineer and I completed a 2.5 year high school auto mechanics program in '82. But I can't work a gas cap?)

At first, I could not get any attention from Toyota corporate to fix it. Until I noticed that in the manual, it is clearly stated that all traction related safety equipment is automatically disabled when the VSC/ATRAC and the check engine lights are on. I brought this up with the corporate representative as I was attempting to initiate the buyback process as in thier manual. I then clarified my safety concern and Toyota's liability if there were to be an accident as I was traveling. She placed me on hold and within minutes I was talking directly to the corporate field service rep. He had the local dealer drive to my home to reset the computer and clear the code that day. The field guy came into town within a week. He found the frayed the wire harness behind the dash. It looked like assembly damage. The next day it was fixed. 15 months later and no more issues.

The key was to point out the safety and liability issue related to driving around with these lights on and the system in this error condition. Check your manual first and then Let Toyota know that you are aware of the the condition and the safety issue. They will most likely do the rest for you and very quickly.

[Geightor]

I have a 2003 with 28000 miles, I bought it used at 26,000 miles, so I have not had it very long. Three Times now my VSC Light has come on and stays on until I restart the truck. When I restart it goes out. I know the manual says to take it to the dealer if this light comes on, but I have not had the opportunuity. The dealer has told me they can do nothing if I bring it in without the light being on.

What if anything should I do?

[nathanc]

I also initiated the buyback process on the vehicle - the mediator ruled in favor of Toyota because the dealer was only able to replicate the problem once out of 4 or 5 visits. The best part is this: the day after I received the notice in the mail about us losing the case, the system engaged AGAIN! This time I drove the vehicle to the dealer, missed a very important meeting for work, and had them hook it up to the computer without even shutting the engine off. They still couldn't figure anything out. I eventually did a little bit of research and found an email address for a gentleman who is in charge of customer relations in California for Toyota Motor Corp. His name is Bob Dailey. I e-mailed Mr. Dailey and expressed my concern about the vehicle. I received a phone call from California in 2 days - he had passed on the email to someone and they called to "hear my concerns". I then asked the woman what happens at this point, and she stated my concerns are put into my file - which means they weren't going to do a darn thing about it. I again asked her what they were going to do and you know what she said? She said, "We will have to stick with the mediators decision in this case." Here is a vehicle presented to a dealer for probably the 7th time, with the warning light on, and Toyota wants to stick with the mediators decision?
I sent a second email to Mr. Dailey and challenged him to pass my email UP his chain of command instead of DOWN the chain. I got another call from a woman who stated they wanted to have someone look at my vehicle.
I told her that I appreciated their concern (or lack of), but I have already lost about $8000 on it because I traded it in on a Ford Expedition.
Toyota knows NOTHING about consumer relations. For anyone who is having this problem...don't back down on it. I only backed down because losing $8000 was worth not worrying about my wife and children being in a vehicle I purchased. I will NEVER own another Toyota again.

[Geightor]

Lights came on again today, took it to dealer and they got a code that said the "translator" was bad,so they replaced it. We shall see if works.

[rs330jr]

My wife has been complaining about the same exact problem on her 2WD 2003 sequoia. Until I drove it this morning, I had been treating her just like your service dept. was treating you ("like a woman," as you say). However, it just did the same thing to me this morning on dry, clean pavement while I was pulling into traffic, and I almost got hit. I'm taking it to the shop tomorrow. Thanks for posting your problem, as my Toyota service dept. treats everyone "like a woman."
===============

Originally Posted by Annie Heminger

I also have a 2003 sequoia with about 13,000 miles. I have been complaining to the dealer to no avail about this problem. I have been very specific with them about the VSC light flashing on and the gas pedal getting spongy and losing power for a few seconds. I am worried about this for pulling into traffic. It happens inadvertently and they can't seem to replicate it effectively. They said one of my wheels is probably on a little gravel or something but I am telling you....this is happening on dry pavement (in 2x2 mode) when I am either turning and going up/down an incline (not very steep either). I am worried about it. I was on the net looking for more information about it when I found a FAQ Toyota Trundra site established by an enthusiatic owner. He says that there is a "rev limiter" that will kick in at times that pulls the rpms down to 1500-2400 and you must be careful when pulling into traffic. I think we may have something here that Toyota is avoiding. It should not work like this. Please keep me informed if you find new information. I intend to arm myself with as much "evidence" as possible and then return to them (because also, honestly, I am being treated like a woman and they are being condescending about it.) Please stay posted.

[r73runner]

I have the same problem with my 2004 Sequoia 16,000 miles.
The Vsc light comes on when turning a corner,and power is lost for a few seconds.The dealership told me the first time in that it is because the tires are bad.I did not replace them yet.

It then went in for a brake booster recall & I complained again about
the Vsc light. They then took it for a road test & felt the problem.
Gave me a rental for a day while they reprogramed the computer.
Guess what after picking it up the problem is still there.

I told them I am not replacing the tires for this problem. ( the tires are not that bad ) So they are taking the vehicle back in changing all four wheels & tires from a new vehicle & test driving it for the day to see if the problem goes away.

So, I will let you know if this corrects the problem.

Brought the Sequoia back in, they swapped out the wheels from a new vehicle & the problem is still there.I have a rental till they fix it.
Anybody get this problem fixed? Also what was the fix?

[bduke12]

Just bought a new 2006 limited...tonight with 185 miles I get check engine light and both traction warning lights on plus the hi 4 wheel drive comes on and I can't get it off. I call the dealer and they are saying I must of swithed the differential while driving...didn't happen. Anyone had similar problems? How did you handle it?

Thanks

[Joshua T]

I have '03 and the VSC/Trac and ABS light are on but I am not experiencing the hazardous condition that you are. I just assumed that the VSC/TRAC was on because of the bad ABS sensor that I have yet to verify. I will check my sensors right away and repost my findings. As of right now the lights are on continuously but have experienced now rev limiting, just no ABS function.

[jessematt]

Same problem. Wife called me this morning saying that the lights were on as she was approaching work. She drives a 2002 SR5 2WD Sequoia that just went over 60,000 miles. I think I will drop it by the dealership tomorrow morning. Thanks for the advice folks!

[jessematt]

Took my wife's 2002 SR5 2WD Sequoia (60,051 miles) in today to the local TOYOTA dealership to have them check on the Traction Control lights coming on. Here is what they told me after 1/2 visit for $54.00.

Description Cause Price
-------------------------------------------------------------------
VSC TRAC OUTTIME code C1249 54.00
TRAC OFF clear code, if reappear
ABS lights on need further testing

STOP light switch if light comes on again 281.00

Recommended other service
---------------------------
Front brake pads, 5/10% remain, glaze and 325.00
resurface rotor groove

Rear brake pads, 5/10% remain, glaze and 365.00
resurface rotor groove

Brake flush fluid dirty 87.00

Recommend 60K 400.00
service

Tune-up 8 spark 128.00
plugs

Mass air flow sensor dirty 194.00

EFI induction service carbon 198.00

Injector service mileage recommended 160.00

Cabin mold service dirty 150.00
A/C evaporation
cleansing

Power steering flush fluid discolored 87.00

Serpentine belt cracked 270.00

GRAND TOTAL 2,645.00

Wow! Trying to give me the old scroogie! What do you folks think? Have they addressed my original problem at all?

I trust this board far more than anyone at the dealership.

[marchab]

For the past year, when my wife has turned a corner into our driveway, the vsc light comes on and the feature activates. She didn't realize that anything was abnormal until about a week ago. At that time, the VSC actuation and VSC Off lights come on and stayed on. When she first started the car, the VSC feature activated with the loud noise for about 50 feet- it felt like a meat grinder. We took the car in today (2003 Sequoia, Limited, 4x4) and the service tech said that similar problems have been occuring on other Sequoias, Siennas, etc. Apparently, it's a sensor in the steering column that is bad?! We'll see what the diagnosis is after they look at it.

With only 60,000 miles, I expect more from Toyota. I have a '99 4 runner with 165,000 miles, with which I've had virtually no problems. With the Sequoia, we have had a noisy heater fan, jumpy acceleration pedal, broken driver side door handle, and faulty rear door cable. We're now looking for another car for her, but I'm starting to get nervous about keeping the Sequoia.

(Oh, by the way, as the service tech politely told us it would cost $85 just to look at the car, he indicated that it wouldn't be considered a safety item nor under warranty.) Any advise?