Technically it could be in the filler neck, or the line to the charcoal canister, but the majority of the time it’s simply a leaky gas cap. The two P0 codes point to a leak in the emissions system. I searched the forums at T4r.org to break down what each of these meant.Įvaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (no purge flow or large leak) P0441:Įvaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow C1201: Scanning my 4runner revealed 3 trouble codes: P0455, P0441, and C1201. This Innova unit does everything I need it to at a great price.
More expensive code readers will explain each code, but to me, that feature isn’t worth the extra money. A quick search on google or your vehicle’s most popular forum/group will turn up that info as well as possible tips to fix it. One thing it doesn’t show is what each code means. It’s a very basic design that plugs into your vehicle’s diagnostic port and shows any trouble codes as well as whether or not all of your computer’s monitors are ready. My code reader of choice is the Innova 3030. You’ll probably need it again in the future, and they’re much easier to use. Many Chrysler cars and trucks will do that by turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times at specific intervals.īut in general, your best bet is to purchase a cheap code reader. Some vehicles will actually have tricky procedures to make these codes show up in the odometer readout. When your check engine light (or CEL for short) is illuminated, your car’s computer will store any diagnostic trouble codes. The great thing about modern vehicles (1996 and newer) is that they’ll tell you what’s wrong if you ask them. Investigating the reason for your check engine light You need to pull the diagnostic trouble codes from your computer to figure out what’s causing that dreaded light to be on. The reality is, it won’t do a thing if your check engine light is on because you need a new O2 sensor (or any other problem). Searching the internet will turn up tons of results saying that a new gas cap will turn your check engine light off. It’s so easy to throw a bunch of money down the drain by replacing parts you think are the problem. My gut told me that was the issue, but I needed to be sure.īefore you start spending money on parts, you need to confirm the source of the problem. This was the last straw for that stupid chord, and I’ve since chopped it off. It was highly likely that I didn’t get the cap to click properly. In my case, I remembered that it was late at night the last time I filled up, and I was fumbling with the tether chord on the gas cap. Something as simple as a loose gas cap is a common reason for these 4runners to act like the end of the world is near. Modern OBD2 vehicles can be very sensitive to minor problems and that’s especially the case with the 4runner. If they all showed up at the same time, it’s likely that diagnosing the cause for the Check Engine light will fix them all. It doesn’t necessarily mean there is an issue with those systems. “VSC Off” and “VSC TRAC” lights will often come on when an error code triggers the Check Engine light.
This is likely a common issue with many other vehicles as well, but you’ll need to confirm the problem. It’s important to note that this article pertains to 4th gen (2003-2009) Toyota 4runners with these specific diagnostic codes.
Please see your Owner's Manual for further details and important safety information.Is your dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree? This fix for check engine and VSC lights is both simple and cheap. Not all features are available on all vehicles and model grades. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.
Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VSC will be effective in preventing a loss of control.
It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. You can also turn the engine off and TRAC and VSC will come back on when you restart the engine.ĭisclaimer: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. Push the switch again to turn the systems back on. The TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators will appear. Push and hold the button for three seconds to turn off both TRAC and VSC. Push the button again to turn TRAC back on.
The "TRAC OFF" indicator light should come on. To turn TRAC off, simply push and release the VSC OFF button.
If both front wheels get stuck in fresh snow or mud, you may need to turn off both Traction Control (also know as TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) so you can rock the vehicle to free it.