The VSC on my 2001 Runner activates at low speed for no apparent reason. Beginning from a dead stop, just after the vehicle starts rolling at 1-3...

How It Works

Get an answer in three easy steps. Here's how it works...

Ask Your Question

1. Ask Your Question

Enter your Toyota question at the top of this page and click Get An Answer.

Pick Your Priority

2. Pick Your Priority

Tell us how quickly you want your Toyota question answered.

Get An Answer

3. Get An Answer

Connect with your Toyota mechanic via online chat or telephone call.

Get An Answer 

Answer

Customer

The VSC on my 2001 Runner activates at low speed for no apparent reason. Beginning from a dead stop, just after the vehicle starts rolling at 1-3 mph, the VSC will engage - I can hear the clicking sound from under the hood - and the vehicle will not accelerate. Sometimes the "skidding car light" on the dash will flash but not always. The problem happens in forward or reverse. Once the vehicle is going at least 5 mph, there is no problem.

Last updated
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

Hello and welcome to ExpertHelp.com! My name is Charles Totherow and I'm going to do everything in my power to answer your question to your full satisfaction!

I’m available to chat now. Please let me know that you are ready by posting a response. I’ll leave my chat session open for the next 15 minutes or so and wait for your reply. If I don’t catch you this time, please respond with a few times (including your timezone) that work best for you and we can connect then.

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

One possible cause for the VCS to engage is if one or more of the wheel rotation sensors is not reporting wheel speed correctly (could be caused by excess mud/debris in the area of the sensor). But, I don't think that would have any effect on the braking system. I would get it to the dealer as soon as possible and have it checked out. It might be a problem with one of the ECU's.

Posted
Customer

How many ECU's are there?  Is there one for the VSC, one for the ABS, one main ECU for the entire vehicle, etc.?

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

The Main ECU is located on the passenger side behind the dashboard, under the airbag.

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

The Main ECU is located on the passenger side behind the dashboard, under the airbag.

The Body ECU is located on the Drivers side. The fuze panel is where the Body ECU is.

Posted
Customer

Is the body ECU part of the plastic fuse panel?  That is, if the fuse panel with all of the wires/connectors was unscrewed, the body ECU would be attached to or part of the panel?  I ask because I swapped the fuse panel from a 2002 4Runner into this 2001 4Runner in order to fix the door locks, which weren't functioning before I swapped the panels.

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

Yes that should be the location

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

I have not heard back from you in a while. Please post a message on this page sharing the current status of the issue, and I'll be happy to offer you continued assistance.
For billing questions if any, kindly email us at s**t@experthelp.com, and we'll respond within 24 hours

Posted
Customer

hi - I was going to remove the left front wheel sensor and attempt to blow debris out with compressed air but didn't get around to it this weekend.  Is there a way to safely, intentionally, and temporarily activate the check engine light (and therefore deactivate the VSC) so that I can test teh ABS function?

Posted
Charles Totherow
Toyota Mechanic

You oculd remove the O2 sensor let the vehicle run until it comes on then test the ABS function.

Posted
Get An Answer 

quoteTestimonialsquote

About ExpertHelp

ExpertHelp is changing the way you connect with service professionals.

Whether you have a quick question while preparing your taxes, troubleshooting a computer problem, or need to hire an attorney, ExpertHelp is the most convenient and affordable way to connect with the right service professional to get the job done.

ExpertHelp has been in business since 2011, is an A+ Rated Better Business Bureau accredited member, and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every question you ask!

Get An Answer 

More Toyota Questions...

Date
Questions

6/16/2022
2011 Toy. tundra 5.7L Battery light signal came on replaced battery...

4/17/2022
Why does my Yaris (2020 new look) slows down when accelerating hard?

4/17/2022
Is there any documentation or guidance about (2021) Rav4 hybrid...

4/12/2022
Hello, Have a 2001 Camry XLE V6 with 109000 miles on it. The car is...

1/6/2022
If you were going to buy a used camry for your son or daughter what...

Ask Your Toyota Question & Get An Answer Now!