VSC light steady on after alignment

Got a new issue that I could use some help troubleshooting. I had an alignment appointment this afternoon to get my SPC UCAs dialed in so there's enough room for mud flaps at the back of the wheel well after I get bigger tires. Per SPC's instructions, the LCA caster cam was (nearly) maxed out and the UCA ball joint was rotated until caster was back within spec:

https://www.spcalignment.com/partFAQ/25470_FAQ.pdf

The alignment tech told me that the VSC light illuminated steady on once everything was dialed in. Fearing the worst, I took some sharp turns at speed on my way home to see if the dreaded VSC issue would rear its ugly head. If you're not familiar, it is discussed in depth here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lift-with-vsc-answer.41215/

VSC didn't appear to activate, since my tires didn't seem to lock up at all when taking these turns. So if that isn't the issue, then what is going on?

 

Have you tried resetting the system? It's all in this thread. I did mine with a paper clip bent into a U shape

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ibrate-your-vsc-computer-the-easy-way.467485/

 

Does this fix a steady-on light, or is it just for flashing/VSC activating?

 

10 bucks says alignment "tech" broke an abs wire.

I could just see a tech not familiar with the SPC ball joints loosening that top nut all the way then out slides everything either crushing the abs wire or pulling and tearing it. Check abs wires and front brake lines.

 

It’s worth a shot either way. If I remember correctly (it’s been a while), the light was steady... it flashes while doing the reset. It’s also common to need to do after a lift or alignment.

 

doing a lift or alignment alone will not keep it on steady, Something is not right and its likely due to a broken abs connection.

 

You’re probably right. I also think on mine the display specifically said zero point calibration required.

 

My ABS light isn’t on, which is why @EatSleepTacos didn’t think this is the case.

 

If you haven’t already, also give this a quick try... press and hold your traction control off button for like 5 seconds (or until it turns off), wait a few moments, then press it again to turn it back on. See if the VSC light goes away.

 

easy enough to poke your head in there and double check for broken wires. But really the shop should be looking. Problem is ABS codes are not a standard code so unless you have a good reader you wont be able to pull it.

Go out to a dirt road and see if your abs works... im betting it doesnt because one wheel isnt reporting back.

The ONLY other thing that could of happened was alignment tech did the alignment and steering wheel was significantly off centered and he drove it for quite a bit. At that point a zero point calibration would need to be done once the steering wheel is centered.

 

This is what the alignment tech said he suspects. After getting everything else dialed in, my tires were supposedly super toed-in.

 

I’ve seen the VSC light come on after fucking up an alignment bad on the trail. Once from a bent spindle and one from knocking the giant nut on the SPC loose and the camber was all sorts of fucked.

My initial reaction was the same as @nd4spdbh, I guaranteed it was a fucked wire. But then learned abs isn’t on and speedo is working, so it couldn’t be that.

A zero point is free, quick and easy and will probably solve it.

 

Always do a zero point calibration after an alignment. Your truck is upset the "new" steering angle zero varies vastly from the previous zero.

Go here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ibrate-your-vsc-computer-the-easy-way.467485/

Or use techstream.

This is the rare time the zero point calibration probably fixes a vsc light.

 

Doing an alignment absolutely will. The service manual includes specific instructions to always do a zero point calibration after any alignment.

 

Be cautious trying to initiate a VSC activation, and make sure yours is calibrated.

It is sketchy as all fuck to find out in traffic the hard way. Ask me how I know.

 

With any alignment the truck wouldn't know. The steering wheel should always be centered before driving after an alignment.

 

Sure the truck should have the steering wheel centered after it is aligned but that doesn't mean it showed up that way. Sometimes alignments are knocked off or in the OP's case out of whack after suspension changes. The truck absolutely knows if there's been a change in the steering wheel position to drive in a straight line as it stores previous values to compare with the current value. This throws a code and is one reason why a zero point reset should be done after any alignment and before troubleshooting other items.

Also OP should pull his trouble codes to help verify any diagnosis.

 

Is there a similar thread with pictures? All the images in that one are dead.

Disregard. It appears NMCI doesn't like TW.

Today I learned that my UltraGauge will only pull engine codes, nothing else. Damn.

 

Update: I just did the VSC recalibration linked by @ShimStack and @ryfox0276. Super simple, took 2 paper clips and less than 5 minutes. The VSC light is no longer illuminated, and did not kick on when I took my truck for a spin around the block. I'll report back if this fix doesn't last.

 

I have an alignment scheduled for tomorrow. Installed taco tabs last weekend and my steering wheel is about 15* off to the right, but the truck drives damn near dead straight down the road. Hoping my vsc/trac light goes off automatically once the steering wheel is back to square. Actually, I should say; I hope the alignment prevents the lights from coming on b/c the lights are off during each startup. Then it takes driving a few blocks before truck realizes the steering wheel is off center in relation to the wheels and the lights come on.

That was the long way of saying I agree that an alignment (with a steering wheel that is off centered) will cause the lights to come on. But it looks like the OP got it figured out.