Well that was weird, can anyone explain why this happened?..

About an hour ago the wife and I ran some errands in my 2012 DCSB Sport. We hit the grocery store on our way home. When we left the grocery store, about 30 seconds after starting the truck (when we were driving out of the parking lot). The following three things happened:

1) the radio lost power
2) the passenger "no seat belt" warning light illuminated and the chime started
3) the VSC OFF indicator light came on in the gauge cluster

I pulled over and turned the truck off, then restarted it. No change. I continued to drive home. When we got home five minutes later I turned the truck off, and then pulled and inspected the Radio 1 fuse in the engine bay and the ACC fuse in the dash. Both were intact and good - also both fuses were seated well prior to removal (they were not loose). I reinstalled them and then started the truck. Everything was back to normal - of course my trip odometer zero'd out. But the "no seat belt" passenger light was gone along with the VSC OFF light. Also the radio is working as it should...

With that being said, I'm a bit stumped. I did remove the battery early last week and left it out while I zip tied and secured my winch cables (I was never really happy with the way they were routed, so I re routed them. I have put about 100 miles on the truck since removing and reinstalling the battery, so I can't imagine that made any difference.

Does anyone know how or why this happened? Any help would be greatly appreciated - this has really stumped me. I do not want this to happen again. I tried the search function without any luck.

Cheers,

-Stephen

 

My guess is loose battery terminals. I've had the same thing happen to me in my previous car. Pulled over, shut it off, restarted and it was fine. I checked the terminals when I got home and the negative side was a little loose. Not loose enough for me to pull completely off, but I'm guessing it clamped down at a slight angle and jiggled itself loose.

 

Good info. I'll check that out in a few minutes and report back.

 

I knew it.

 

You should have your battery load tested if the terminals are clean and tight. And check the body ground connection beside the battery on the inner fender.

 

Those hit and run gremlins are a pita to catch. Start with checking your battery & terminals. Also, have you had your radio out in the past?

 

yes a battery that is not producing a t least 12 volts or better can cause all kinds of weird electronic happenings

 

Yes, I removed the radio about two years ago when I installed the HD TechDeck.

In response to the other battery-related comments. I'll verify the ground strap is secured and I'll have the dealership load test the battery when I take it in for service in a couple of weeks (unless this problems arises again). The original OEM battery is installed, so it's a little over four years old.

 

That right there ^^ check your terminals and if that checks out okay, replace your fuses. You may have a hairline fracture in one or a few of them. All should be as it was after you take care of this.

 

Good info. I cleaned the terminals and posts before reinstalling the battery.

I checked the battery and was able to get a little more than one additional turn on the nut securing the negative cable. It wasn't loose at all, but now it's as tight as it will get.

 

The age of your battery, it wouldn't be a surprise if it needed to be replaced.

 

I experienced the same issue again - actually twice during the past week. Once during startup and tonight while sitting at an intersection with the engine at idle of course. Once this damn hurricane passes I'll have the battery and charging system tested - hopefully tomorrow, but Monday at the latest. I'm thinking about upgrading to some heavy duty military-style battery terminals as well.

 

Dude... Your 4 year old battery is threw.

You need to replace that. That is 90% yes there's your problem.

 

Yeah, I have pretty much figured that out.

Call me old fashioned, but I want to test it first (which is free) for peace of mind and to ensure I select the correct course of action before I start throwing money around.

---

I'm currently researching a Group 31 battery upgrade. Any long term experience with this battery size - especially the Odyssey PC2150 is appreciated here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-31-battery-long-term-user-experience.454781/

 

@cmack has like a 27 series....
Maybe hee
Will assist.

 

Group 27 is the OEM battery size in my '12.

 

Did you notice a time gap and a sore/lubed asshole?

 

I ran a G31 commercial top-stud battery for a few years until my truck was written off. Will likely do another if I end up in another Tacoma.

Single battery set ups

 

landphil