Replaced dash lights now ABS, BRAKE, VCS TRACK, etc. all on... HELP

[PILT247]

I have a 100 series (2000) with 135K miles. About 6 moths ago I had the stereo replaced and while I was in there the stereo tech said he could replace the dash lights. Immediately after he replaced the dash lights with aftermarket lights the TRACK OFF and VSC TRACK lights came on the dash - no biggie, clearly related to the new dash lights.

Fast forward to this weekend while driving on the freeway at 70 MPH. We hit a pothole and about 5 minutes later the BRAKE, ABS, and ACTIVE TRACK lights all illuminated. I lost no breaking pressure and noticed no breaking issues.

I took it to the dealership (I know big mistake - my wife made me) and they are telling me that the ABS module is out and they have to replace it for approximately $3000.

Again, my brakes are a little squishy to the touch but haven't changed since the lights have come on.

Any advice? Also, be warned I likely don't have the ability to do most electrical work on my own.

 

[sleepycruiser]

Sounds like a connection somewhere that was jarred by the pothole.

Have you unplugged the battery and see if they go away?

 

[LCsanford01]

I had a similar issue on my 100 after replacing all the dash lights, it turned out to be a loose connection in the instrument cluster. Unfortunately it means removing the steering wheel and then the cluster. There are pressure screws on either side of the bottom that need to be snugged up, thats where I would look first. For me it took a few times before the connectors seated well.

 

[2001LC]

I've seen corner shop wrongly recommend replacement of master/abs, but Dealer usually right.

I'd try this: make sure dimmer on dash working. The wire connect may have fallen off, which IIRC will cause other issues. Also as @LCsanford01 check the panel is seated. Then clear code if any.

If still getting lights, go get second opinion.

 

[PILT247]

Thank you all for the advice - I would be lost without this this forum!

The dash light dimmer is currently working. I tried to unplug the battery but that didn't seem to work.

The dealer is going to replace the dash lights with the factory lights and maybe doing that will solve the issue - praying so!

no chance my wife will let me keep my beloved LC if its going to cost us $3000 for a new ABS sensor.

 

[sleepycruiser]

I don’t know why swapping the bulbs would help. Unless they find a connection issue. My thought is that when the first person put in those bulbs he must’ve disconnected something or created a loose connection somewhere. And then hitting the pothole jarred it again. Smack around on the instrument panel...lol.

If it does end up being the brake stuff and you don’t want to fix it let me know.

 

[PILT247]

I am praying they find a connection issue and/or one of the new dash lights caused a short out of some sort. I told the dealer about your suggestions (loose light, connection issue, seal, etc.) and I am hoping they heed your advice. Thank you all again!

I DO NOT want to sell my LC but I might have to vice spending 3K on a sensor. I love this rig!

 

[bpe3]

About 6 moths ago I had the stereo replaced and while I was in there the stereo tech said he could replace the dash lights. Immediately after he replaced the dash lights with aftermarket lights the TRACK OFF and VSC TRACK lights came on the dash - no biggie, clearly related to the new dash lights.

You’ve been driving around for 6 months with TRACK OFF and VCS TRACK lights illuminated? You consider that “no biggie”?

bpe3

 

[PILT247]

Yep. I am crazy like that.

Kidding - the guy who replaced my lights told me it may affect my dash cluster lights. I confirmed with him after they immediately came on after replacing the dash lights that it was more than likely a short out or electrical issue and not a “traction” issue.

 

[Ayune]

... the guy who replaced my lights told me it may affect my dash cluster lights.

What?? Are the "aftermarket" lights LED or OEM? If LED it's possible their low impedance is causing unwanted effects. Hopefully the dealer will install OEM bulbs and re-seat the connectors well.

If those lights remain lit then you need to address your brake issues lest you die.

 

[PILT247]

The car audio shop installed some aftermarket LED lights because the OEM ones I had were dim at best - in retrospect, I wish I had never done that. The dealer promised to install OEM dash lights and re-seat the connectors. I am PRAYING the dealer OEM ones will quell the issue and its not a brake issue. Never good to mess with brakes

 

[PILT247]

UPDATE: Today the dealership replaced the LED dash lights with the OEM factory lights and all of the warning lights (TRACK OFF, VSC TRACK, BRAKE, ABS, and ACTIVE TRACK) are still illuminated on the dash. i will try and unplug the battery and maybe take it to a local mechanic for a second opinion...

with young children i would hate to ignore these lights but id hate to pay the 3K to replace the ABS module (which according to the dealership is the issue).

Sell or fix? i am obviously emotionally tied to this truck...

also, what should i list it at if i sell?

2000 with 138K miles and its very clean. 285, 75, 15 BFG's and PRO COMP wheels with new stereo and weather tech mats all around. no dents or dings and minor rust on the undercarriage. i know there arent photos just looking for a range considering all the dash lights are on.

thoughts?

 

[sleepycruiser]

I would unhook the battery and leave it overnight and see what happens. I had the same lights come on last year...then they disappeared and never came back on.

Could be nothing....could be something major. If it is the latter, PM me!!

 

[BlameTheLCFixer]

If it is the abs system. Look into the pressure accumulator, many threads about on this forum.
I rebuilt my MC and rewound my pressure pump, cost was less than $100, and it was easy work.

 

[abuck99]

Ok lets back up and stop guessing. In Techstream you can initiate a test to check functionality of the ABS module realtime. If the dealer performed this test; it will pass or fail and have a DTC stored. They can print that test and show you DTC status. They can clear it too, and see if it returns. Then you can decide to replace ABS, or find a used one.

You can also perform these tests yourself with a MiniVCI cable and a copy of the Tehcstream program.

 

[PILT247]

Gents, thank you for the advice - I wish I was tech savvy enough to do the items you suggested. I will, however suggest the mechanic try both. I am taking it to a local mechanic, who works on Toyotas, who friends swear by.

One interesting item that I noticed yesterday was that after the dealer replaced my dash lights the seatbelt light (when you don't put your seatbelt on it blinks) no longer comes on when my seatbelt is off and i am driving. Also, prior to installing the dash lights my cruise control light (when cruise control is activated) didn't come on and now after the dealer replaced the OEM dash lights it illuminates. Very odd!

Starting to think this is an electrical issue...

 

[PILT247]

So the mechanic (second opinion) said it was the abs module (same as the dealer). He also said I could buy a used one for $1k ish.

Has anyone ever put a used abs module into their 100 lc? Issues? Have to “rekey” it? Any suggestions on where to find a used one?

Thanks as always.

 

[PILT247]

UPDATE...

After the dealer and a corner store mechanic failed me... I took my LC to a "Land Cruiser Specialist" (Cruiser Heaven - Hagerstown, MD) and they were able to properly diagnose the issue as a ABS Module ECU which caused the various lights to come on. He also noticed that the "P" light on the dash was out which caused the VSC OFF and VSC Track lights to illuminate. Seems as though he was able to fix the issues by installing a new "P" light bulb and a used ABS module from a junk yard. Total cost was $1K (including labor/parts).

Side note... Cruiser Heaven has some cool stuff (re-leathered seats, steering wheels, etc.).

Thanks again for all the advice...