Traction Control System Problems

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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."
===============
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.

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?

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

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.

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!

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.

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?

Marchab,
Thanks for the reply, and I'm sorry you all are going through this. I'm concerned to the point that my wife and I are sending the kids out tomorrow night and we are going to test drive some 4runners. I hate having a car payment again...out 2002 is paid off, but I am concerned this could potentially be a safety issue, despite what Toyota thinks. We also had a problem with the broken door handle.
Don't know what to tell you other than I appreciate you replying on this forum.

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.


They are "raping" you.

They are "raping" you.

They are trying to, but I didn't let them. Took the Sequoia to a local guy and he did the same work for 1/2 the price. He has an excellent reputation and got all the work done in one day. He recommended that many of the items that were originally recommended were nice to have done items, but really unnecessary.

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?

3/1/06 Follow up
Apparently, Sequoias have had a lot of problems with the VSC. The tech told me that they stock the parts (Computers) that costs approx. $1200 + labor to replace. They apparently only stock items that have heavy demand. At first they wanted me to pay to $1400 total. I asked them to just disable the box. They couldn't (or wouldn't) disable the computer but agreed to replace the computer on 'good will' if I would pay the labor (approx $200). I've lost faith in the Sequoia and Toyota.

I had the same problem with my 2003... really frustrating... but guess what I finally found this post on another site and guess what... 7 months now without the problem....

Take it to your dealer and tell them to FIX IT! Here is the mail from the other site... Best of luck to you all....

Tell the Dealer to pull their head.
If you jump the DCL connector under the dash--> PINS (TC & CG)
The ABS (http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/#) light will flash a deep rooted code, My guess (i have a crystal ball) is it is a 63.
This indicates and malfunctioning pressure sensor in the Brake Booster assy.
If they find NO CODE, my other sugestion would be the SKID CONTROL ECU.
It is bolted to the ABS Actuator under the hood. There is a TSB on 03 SEQ's for a problem with them, every now and then a 01 has the same problem.(but unlikely)
My best guess would be the BRAKE BOOSTER 90% sure of this.
__________________

BTW - here are the latest of the TSB on the 2003 Sequoia... I think everyone has seen the first two... but check out the rest... they are all surrounding the problem with the ABS and TRAC lights... see my previous post for the answer to the problem... so they all knew that it was a problem all the way back to 2003... the first time it happened to us was 10 days after we bought it. Still LOVE Toyota.. just think they have a real problem on this one and their Service Departments stink. Just another money maker for the dealerships.


Technical Service Bulletins
Date: 06/27/2005
Component Name: 021540 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
NHTSA #: 05015
SUMMARY: SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 50J - PHASE I - FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS CAUSING INCREASED STEERING, EFFORT, REDUCED VEHICLE SELF-CENTERING, AND NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT
Date: 06/27/2005
Component Name: 021540 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
NHTSA #: 05015
SUMMARY: SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 50J - PHASE I - FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS CAUSING INCREASED STEERING, EFFORT, REDUCED VEHICLE SELF-CENTERING, AND NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT
Date: 11/18/2003
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: 00303
SUMMARY: VSC LIGHT ON CONDITION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE C1231 IN THE SKID CONTROL COMPUTER MEMORY. A MODIFICATION TO THE SKID CONTROL COMPUTER LOGIC HAS BEEN MADE TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION. *TT
Date: 09/03/2003
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: BR00203
SUMMARY: VSC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SKID CONTROL COMPUTER AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1203. *TT
Date: 09/03/2003
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: BR00203
SUMMARY: VSC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SKID CONTROL COMPUTER AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1203. REVISED. *TT
Date: 12/14/2004
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: 4429
SUMMARY: ABS WITH EBD & BA & TRAC & VSC SYSTEM REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION FOR THE 2003 SEQUOIA. 00400-RM959-U1. *TT
Date: 12/14/2004
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: 4429
SUMMARY: ABS WITH EBD & BA & TRAC & VSC SYSTEM REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION FOR THE 2003 SEQUOIA. 00400-RM959-U1. *TT
Date: 11/18/2003
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: 00303
SUMMARY: VSC LIGHT ON CONDITION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE C1231 IN THE SKID CONTROL COMPUTER MEMORY. A MODIFICATION TO THE SKID CONTROL COMPUTER LOGIC HAS BEEN MADE TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION. *TT
Date: 09/03/2003
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: BR00203
SUMMARY: VSC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SKID CONTROL COMPUTER AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1203. *TT
Date: 09/03/2003
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: BR00203
SUMMARY: VSC COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SKID CONTROL COMPUTER AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1203. REVISED. *TT
Date: 12/14/2004
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: 4429
SUMMARY: ABS WITH EBD & BA & TRAC & VSC SYSTEM REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION FOR THE 2003 SEQUOIA. 00400-RM959-U1. *TT
Date: 12/14/2004
Component Name: 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
NHTSA #: 4429
SUMMARY: ABS WITH EBD & BA & TRAC & VSC SYSTEM REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION FOR THE 2003 SEQUOIA. 00400-RM959-U1. *TT

i own a 2003 sequoia SR5 and it has been living hell dealing w/ this vehicle

the 2003 has known problems w/ the traction control and abs systems that are dangerous along w/ many other problems

if you have a 2003 get rid of it they are death traps

i have had ABS kick in too early
not kick in at all
traction control fail causing the engine to die in corners and exaust systems are crap
the body work is falling apart at 50,000 miles of city driving

the road gets a little wet and this thing slides

once my warentty is up im chopping it and making it into a strict off road only vehicle

I have a 2005 Sequoia, 2wd, 53,000 and my wife went to start the car and the VSC/TRAC lights went on with the Check Engine light. Lifted the hood, checked the engine, drove it around and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Read all of the horror stories of the vehicle shutting off in traffic and that never happened to me - everything ran just as normal but feared that the safety issue could be real. I read on one of the websites where someone had disconnected the battery to allow the "computer system/chip" to reset, then reconnected the battery and the problem was solved. I did the same thing and the problem went away. I was real close to dragging my Sequoia in to the dealership and going through the painful process of listening to Joe mechanic tell me what the problem and $2000 later tell me how that might fix the problem - well, I was super happy I stumbled onto the advic and solved my probem. I can only imagine how quick the dealership would have loved to sell me a "new chip" for $1200 to solve my problem.

Okay
i just got FED UP w/ my seqouia
i Own a 2003 2wd SR5 model and have loved alot of things about it ecpecially off road but this just pushed the line.
While driving ive had the system KILL THE ENGINE completely while cornering into traffic or while pulling out of a driveway through anysort of dip in the pavement... i took it to Toyota they replaced the entire computer at my cost and still no fix...I took it back again threatning to go to court w/ the malfunctioning vehicle or have them just disable te system completely... they blew it off and it was turned over in court...
THIS IS DANGEROUS
im young but i know wtf im doing w/ a vehicle and something is very wrong
it was my dads before me and he had the same prblms...
off road i leave the system off b/c otherwise its undriveable...

IN THIS TRUCKS DEFENSE
it did save my life the one time the system functioned correctly
i was going around a curve and was comming up on an intersection at about 4o mph when someguy pulled out in front of me going about 10mph
i had no distance to stop so i made the lane change ona fairly bad very narrow road, i didnt see the puddle of water on the curve and my left front tire hit it... the whole suv just lost control and fishtailed violently 3-4 times before spinning 3 times and comming to a stop facing the oposite direction...if it hadnt been for these systems im sure i wouldnt be here to tell this....

then again as soon as it stopped spinning and i got going again
the trac/vsc and brake lights came on....

im so fed up w/ this vehicle im preparing to strip it down, spray in some bedliner, and waterproof everything i can and start using it off road ONLY

its unsafe, a deathtrap
and to tell you the truth
my 1996 TOYOTA AVALON with 100k miles on itand some mods
is safer, more sure and has had fewer problems than this thing

peace

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?


Hallo

I have the same problems with my 2002 Sequioa as you describe above.
Live on a small island in the caribbean and do not have good experience with my toyota dealer.
Did yoy find a solution for the problem?
Janeling

Where do I begin. Our 2003 limited Sequoia started acting up a few months back on a trip from Hilton Head to Florida.
The car's gas pedal would go dead, and we would lose speed. The traction control light would flicker. We were on 95 , going 70, and it brought us down to 40 mph. We tried to give it gas, but it just revved the engine, RPM's went up, but no gas. About 1 min later, we could give it gas and get back up to speed for about 1 - 2 minutes, then the same thing would happen. The gas pedal would go dead...you could floor it and nothing would happen, and we coasted as our speed dropped down to 40. This continued for 30 minutes.
We pulled over, tried restarting, letting it rest - and started again. We did this numerous times on the side of I-95...real safe.
Nothing worked. as soon as we got up to about 60 mph it would happen again. We went through this on a 5 hour car ride. It was horrible. Other cars would ride our tail, as we would be going 70 and dropped down to 40 in 1 minute. It's amazing someone's road rage didn't kick it.

we got home, and tried to figure it out. We seem to be able to drive around town and no problem. It seems if we stay under 55 mph, it does not act up. If I hit 57 or so, same story.
I had to travel to Ft. Lauderdale the following week, and I was hoping it would not act up...as it does not do it 100% of the time. But 45 min into my 3 hour drive, and it happened again. it was hell. Ft.Lauderdale traffic, and people honking at me, and many middle fingers. I was so frustrated, going 40 mph on the highway...almost missing my meeting.

I just took it in, and my mechanic, said he saw some things on the internet, and was going to have to take it to Toyota for me tomorrow.
So I wait....wondering what Toyota is going to try to charge me for this issue.

It is a VERY UNSAFE issue, and I cannot believe they have not issued a recall for this issue....especially when it sounds like it is a computer issue.

I'll let you know the damage.

I also had the VSC Trac and Trac Off lights on with an occaisional shimmy on my first drive of the day as the AS was no doubt confused. I went to Toyota of Lewisville (TX) and for $113 they told me it would be $2700 to fix my 03. Wow. I'm a do-it-yourselfer but was pretty intimidated by this job.

Went home and disconnected the batt. and re-connected and "presto" no more lights. I think the computers just got confused for a while and couldn't reset themselves. I've been driving for over two weeks and no lights. Hope I just saved $2700.:smooch:

I am seeking help by way of an advice form any Toyota Sequoia owner/dealer who has experienced problems with the VSC Trac Computer. My auto electrician told me I needed to replace the steering angle sensor which was done. The VSC light still comes on. Prior to this the VSC lights would come on and go off intermittently.I was later told that VSC trac Computer also needs changing because it is apparently giving a bad reading following the replacement of the steering angle sensor with a new one. I would like to know how other owners delat with the problem which I note is very common with Toyota Sequoias and before spending probably thousands of dollars on a new VSC computer. Please help as this Toyota suits my purpose and I have not experienced any problems with it before (my wife is now threatening to ditch this Sequoia and all Toyota's for good if I don't find a solution in short order).

Seems the US Govt DOT is on this now. This guy has been conversing with us so I suggest you contact him for possible remedies.

Michael H. Packard
Federal Engineer - Safety Defects
U.S. Department of Transportation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Vehicle Research and Test Center
P.O. Box B37, 10820 SR 347, Bldg. 60
East Liberty, OH 43319-0337
Direct: 937-666-3281
Phone: 937-666-4511 X281
Fax: 937-666-3590 by request

Sorry my message is long.... please understand

I have a 2006 Sequoia purchased in May 2006. After driving the vehicle for about 4 months. The first time this problem occurred was sometime in September 2006 I was leaving my work parking structure approximately 12:00 noon going about 5 miles an hour to make a right turn on to the main road and my car completely shuts off. No power whatsoever. (Light blinks twice-showing car skidding on the dashboard). My initial reaction is to start the car and it did start.

So, I then brought it to the dealer September 1, 2006(1st Time). I was then informed by the Technician that everything was fine and that all codes have been reset and tested. After a couple of months later the same occurrence happened more than twice month as I was tracking how often this same occurrence was happening it reached to the point that it was occurring at least 5 times a month. So, again I scheduled another appointment for 2nd time. They kept the car for 2 days after until they can figure out what was wrong with the car so they did. After I picked up my car I was told by Service Manager to start putting Chevron gas with techron super unleaded and maybe this occurrence possibly may not happen. According to corrections made at the dealership cleaning the throttle body again to my bewilderment I am not an expert on gas but what was the gas have to do with the malfunction of the car? Anyway I did go to Chevron and filled my gas tank with super unleaded. Today, January 17, 2007 approximately 7:45 AM in the morning as I was on my way to drop off my daughter to school the same occurrence happened again the only difference is the car stalled and power did not completely shut off but I was in the middle of an intersection on Brookhurst Road and Crescent.

What is so frustrating is, I have already taken so much time off from work to try and deal with this quandary and I am very afraid for my family every time I drive this car. I have been very fortunate that every time this occurs there has not been a car behind me running 35 or 40 miles per hour. I think I had given reasonable efforts to the dealer to try to fix the problem I have done my part. I have already bought new tires, and the problem still exist.. I have documented how many times this happened since 2006 through 2010....

Please advise and email me if you are having the same problem please .....

Hello everyone, I have a 2007 Sequoia 4wd limited. The VSC/TRAC/ Engine Light have been on for the passed 3 days. My husband wants to take the truck in on Saturday but I wanted to read up on what is causing this. I went ahead and took the advice of ChickenFace a few posts up and disconnected the battery for a few minutes. I connected it back again and the lights were all gone. I have not driven it anywhere yet so I will post another comment to see if the problem was solved. Other than having the lights on, I did not have any other issues. One thing that came to mind is that, maybe, a new battery needs to be purchased? Not sure, but only a thought. Thanks everyone for the great info.

I have the same issue as NicaFlores62 and would like to know what happened for them? Mine is a 2005 Limited 4WD with now 239,000 miles on it.

Toyota is denying knowledge of any problem. Weird, I know. See their response below.

We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns involving the Trac Control System on 9/18/2014.

According to your Vehicle Identification Number, there are no known issues or current recalls relating to the Trac Control System for your 2005 Sequoia. The warranty on the 2005 Sequoia is 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date of first use. Our records indicate your vehicle's date of first use is 02/08/2005.

In the interest of customer satisfaction, we may review individual requests even when the factory warranty has expired. This review takes into consideration a number of factors such as vehicle age and mileage in comparison to the manufacturer’s original warranty, the nature of the repair, inspection of the affected parts, any dealer maintenance/repair history and your Toyota ownership history.

Using the information available at this time, and weighing all the factors described above, we have determined no financial assistance will be offered towards this repair.

We know this is not the response you were hoping to receive, and understand the reasons for bringing this request to us. The experience you have had with your 2005 Sequoia is important to Toyota, and the information has been documented under case #1409182093.

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

Well, in there they say there is no problem and then conflict that stance with adding that they will not foot the bill to repair it. Hmm...

So I sent this to the executive management team just a few moments ago:



Dear Gentlemen,
Please pardon the intrusion but I am deeply concerned with the brush off I received from your customer care team regarding what is quite clearly a potentially deadly defect with my Toyota Sequoia and Trac Control System. I think you should be aware of it.



I just completed a cursory search online and found countless other Sequoia owners have experienced, reported and had Toyota repair the issue. You do know about it. And if anyone did 4 minutes of customer experience research online, they would learn of similar stories of terror and death-defying near misses as drivers attempted to pull out into traffic and their Sequoia's computer cut the power to the drive wheels.


It is truly terrifying when our vehicle just stops for the absolutely most critical 2 or 3 seconds leaving us just pulled into cross traffic. Seconds seem like hours as one watches cars skidding, swerving and at times crossing into oncoming traffic to avoid colliding with the side of our Toyota Sequoia. The smoke and shriek of their skidding tires, their horns, the looks and gestures questioning our intelligence. But I am still alive to now take concerns I have mentioned at every Toyota Dealership service visit up to the executive management of Toyota.



I realize that the motor corporation that I have loved and supported for 30 years through many vehicle purchases is turning a blind eye to this customer's defective Sequoia. The true purpose of this email is to have clear documentation that I tried in earnest to have my vehicle evaluated and have yet again been rebuffed. I believe this is important as my comprehensive auto policy on this vehicle has limits of $300,000/$500,000 and - given those heart-stopping near misses my family has had when our Sequoia cut power as we pulled into traffic - when a collision does finally happen, it will likely include fatalities and run into the tens of millions in damages. At that time, should I survive, I will refer my insurer and counsel and those of the other innocent victims to Toyota Motor Sales.


In the event that the executive management of Toyota wishes to reconsider this serious defect and its obvious imminent disastrous potential feel free to contact me.



Regrettably yours,

Let's see what that gets me.

I would like to know what lasting fixes, if any, anyone has succeeded in obtaining. Its a serious issue and would love to have it resolved.

IN RESPONSE TO SweetB

I have had that 3 light combo multiple times.

First time the cause was allegedly that I topped off the tank after the pump clicked off. Don't ever do that. It dumps gas into the charcoal canister that is for filtering vapor. This floods the canister so it cannot passively breath - which lights those 3 up. This was in Death Valley - 4 hours off of paved roads (remote desert).

Second time was allegedly the Air Flow Meter. Replaced that and all was OK. This occurred in the Mojave National Preserve (remote desert).

Third time was last month. This occurred in Sequoia National Park. Oddly enough, you see, it is always the following morning after a long day of driving the day before. Car ran great right up to parking. Yet in the morning all three lights on. F! This time it was also in LIMP mode. That really blew.

The fix - It required replacement of the secondary auto air injection valves and ancillary goodies. Pointless parts that are only there for California emissions BS. Those reside beneath the EFI manifold and above the block. This is a very hot space. The parts have plastic fans in them. The heat cycling of those plastic pieces cause fatigue and failure. Mine went at 239,000 miles. 2005 Sequoia Limited 4WD. Toyota said $3,000 to $4,000 should do the trick. I had it done for $1700 in Hollywood at Pinky's Auto (those guys are great).

By the way, the codes at that time were P1440 and P1441.

Bottom line is that many things can cause those three lights to come on together.

Ok, read all the threads avidly because I have had the same problems for 10 months. VSC and TRAC lights and the check engine light came on as I was overtaking on a recently graveled road. I thought they would reset. No such luck and i started reading these posts. The car never rode badly, there were no brake problems and if the lights were not on I would not have noticed any changes in the handling or braking, the car was fine. Interestingly the The ABS warning light never came on and if it was a sensor problem I would have thought the ABS would come on. Over the last few months, for various reasons, I have changed the oxygen sensor (no change in lights), disconnected battery (no luck), changed the brake rotors (no luck) and changed brake pads (no luck)

In despair I was going to leave it with the lights on.(I am not paying $2000 for a new computer because Toyota software is so bad). One post suggested a problem with the brake master cylinder. This made no sense as i cannot see a problem between the master cylinder and the VSC. However, i was replacing a blown fuse and for the hell of it I pulled the plug out of the cylinder and removed the battery connection. i left it for 10 minutes and then put them back

I couldn't believe it. The lights went off. So far i have done 300 miles and its still OK.

My thanks to all of you for your help. This is the first forum post in my life and i am glad you guys are out there:smile: