Dangerous VSC failure on 2001 100 series

[gashog]

I am interested in hearing from other 100 owners who have had or are having problems with their (2001 or ?)VSC systems. I have had problems for 2 years and the dealer is clueless. After they replaced the yaw sensor, the warning lights
came on on the way home. When I took it back they said it needed "calibration".
I asked why they didn't try calibrating the old one, and by the way where was the old one. They didn't have it, so that seemed a little suspicious. Now the system applies the front ABS which stops the vehicle. Luckily it only happens at crawl speeds. Recently it did this over 10 times in succession in my parking garage. It has stranded me in the middle of several busy intersections. I can't imagine why Toyota has no bulletin on this potentially lethal issue. I took the vehicle to the dealer yesterday with the VSC and ABS lights on. The mechanic had absolutely no idea. One of the aggravating things is they act as if I am lying or stupid-as if this never really happens. I have filed a safety complaint with the DOT, whatever that might be worth. It seems that there may have already been fatal rollover accidents caused by this, but there would be no evidence of such at the scene. I really love my 100 and am really surprised at Toyotas lack of interest in this problem. Please email any info to creston@austinhifi.com I don't want to finance expensive experiments so the dealer can try to figure the problem out.

 

[1loudLX]

speed sensor gone bad? Mine tried to pull the same stunts on me a few months ago, but it just happened to be the RF sensor gone bad. Once the VSC/ABS lights came on it wouldnt activate.

 

[Campfire]

Welcome aboard the forum.
Have you called the Toyota Consumer lines?
And I would look at another dealer in the area if you can. I would call the consumer complaint number for Toyota in your owners manual at let them know your situation. It sounds like the technician needs to call for "technical assistance" and get some "district technical specialists" involved. Next time you talk to your dealer, use some of these "terms" and put some subtle pressure on by stating what you have done trying to get help as far as notifing different agencies.
I used to work at dealerships and sometimes they just don't see enough of these odd ball problems to really have a tech who's good at it. Give them a chance, but let them know that "eh, we replaced those parts" is not going to cut it.
Also, watch the mirror, are you presenting it in a way that you would want to be treated? Screaming at the service writer first thing in the morning doesn't start things off right. Work with them and don't play it like a tennis match.
What's the history of the vehicle? Has it been in any accidents? After market goodies installed, Tires all the same size? Worn evenly? Etc...

 

[2000UZJ]

Un oh. Did this get worse? I can be driving through parking lots or backing down my driveway and feel my pedal pulsate. Should I get this looked at ASAP? Also last weekend I reversed and turned left, and that trac light with the beepng came on violently. Any ideas and is this similar to what gashog is experiencing??
Thanks

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Un oh. Did this get worse? I can be driving through parking lots or backing down my driveway and feel my pedal pulsate. Should I get this looked at ASAP? Also last weekend I reversed and turned left, and that trac light with the beepng came on violently. Any ideas and is this similar to what gashog is experiencing??
Thanks

You mean your VSC light came on with the beeping?

 

[2000UZJ]

I think it said trac. It was green and flashing with the constant beep-beep-beep coming fromthe dash. And felt my brake pedal pulsate. But did not actually grab the brakes and stop, none of that

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I think it said trac. It was green and flashing with the constant beep-beep-beep coming fromthe dash. And felt my brake pedal pulsate. But did not actually grab the brakes and stop, none of that

When TRAC activates there is no beep.

When VSC activates there is a beep.

IF you hear a beep and see a TRAC light you have a non-normal operation thingy going on.

 

[2000UZJ]

Not normal operations? Would vsc go off if your are in reverse going downhill and turn too a sharp hard left? It wasn't slick nor wet. or maybe just the angle and different wheel speeds could of set it off.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Not normal operations? Would vsc go off if your are in reverse going downhill and turn too a sharp hard left? It wasn't slick nor wet. or maybe just the angle and different wheel speeds could of set it off.

Normal operations meaning what I wrote....when the beep beeps it's VSC that is operating, not TRAC.

Yes, a number of things can make VSC kick in. After a rear bumper and shock install my VSC was kicking in early and cutting power on the highway around sharp turns.
Back at home we discovered a non-tightened rear top shock mount. We tightened it and no more false VSC. The system is smart for certain and monitors a whole variety of stuff.
It would not surprise me that it kicked in in your scenario as I read words like:
downhill
sharp hard left

 

[1loudLX]

i set off the VSC beeps all the time taking turns on offramps

 

[2000UZJ]

yea, those words i used to describe my VSC encounters are infact perfect conditions for any type of traction control system. I have never set mine off going around a sharp corner, nor on off ramps. Then again down south the onramps is just like a lane change, not really a "off-ramp", more of a off-lane.

Shottz- how do i check for the shock issue?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

i set off the VSC beeps all the time taking turns on offramps

Youngster!

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Shottz- how do i check for the shock issue?

You don't. There's no issue. My mechanic spced out and just forgot to tighten it up. It was just an "example" story.

 

[2000UZJ]

You don't. There's no issue. My mechanic spced out and just forgot to tighten it up. It was just an "example" story.

excuse me. its shotts. no Z. better find a new mechanic if hes forgetting to tighten up your shocks. next thing is forgetting to put your steering linkages back in.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

excuse me. its shotts. no Z. better find a new mechanic if hes forgetting to tighten up your shocks. next thing is forgetting to put your steering linkages back in.

You sound like you are able to "cast the first stone". I'm not that fortunate and not above reproach. Good luck with your truck.

 

[2000UZJ]

yea well, big 10 tires had to balance my tires 14 times becuase they could not get it right, and at 40 there was a horrible vibration. I'm not the only one who has found a bad shop/ mechanic

Ill go to yota and get them to look at it. ive had a continous pulsate in the brake pedal.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

yea well, big 10 tires had to balance my tires 14 times becuase they could not get it right, and at 40 there was a horrible vibration. I'm not the only one who has found a bad shop/ mechanic

Ill go to yota and get them to look at it. ive had a continous pulsate in the brake pedal.

You are hilarious! So if a guy makes ONE mistake he's a bad mechanic? Dear God....you have no idea about my guy. The stories I could tell. This guy is incredible and thank the dear Lord he is with sin and not perfect. Otherwise he and I might not get along.

 

[2000UZJ]

not saying one mistake he is horrible. nobody is perfect man, im just saying that having to balance a set of LTX's 14 times cuase they cant get them balanced right. im talking about vibration that makes your watch rattle as you hold the wheel. Trust me, ive had my fair share of bad workers. re-did my basement due to a flood and the paint job and sheetrock looks as if helen keller did it blindfolded. the caulking job is so bad i think they just spray it up on the molding with a hose and left. its like silly string on the wall. Im just saying that if a mechanic forgets to tighten a shock, which should be the first thing he tightens, he wasnt paying attention. never said he was a moron and imcompetent of reading simple instructions on how to open up a water bottle. Just made the point if he does this alot. may wanna find somebody else.

I over heard at a cruiser meeting that Chuck Norris can install those L-shocks with his toungue....... i juuuust may have to call him...

 

[kipper]

this sounds exactly like the problem Kanaljen and I are hunting down. It seems the likely suspect is the steering wheel angle sensor. My truck is also a 2001.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/244212-clunk-no-not-drive-shaft-one.html

 

[SpokaneLX470]

Soooooo glad I have a 99.