Traction control, ABS, and red brake light on, but no codes?

Has anyone ever had this issue? I have a 2011 Tacoma. The following lights are on in the dash; TPMS (been on for two years), traction control, ABS, and the red brake light all came on two days ago. Three to four days ago I changed the magnetic clutch relay in the fuse box under the hood. Did not fix the problem.

The OBD2 scanner provides no codes. The power train system and the anti-lock brake system have no issues reported. Can't clear the lights because there are no codes to be cleared.

Everything seems to be working just fine when taken for a drive. Braking and everything seem to work properly.

Why are these on and how do I get rid of them?

 

Is your scanner capable of reading ABS codes? Most generic scanners will only read engine codes.

You can check your brake fluid level but otherwise you need to get the code(s).

 

This.
There are 4 main types of codes:
P=Drivetrain (Engine/Transmission)
B=Body
C=Chassis
U=Network/Wiring

Cheaper readers only do P codes, and a lot of times can't read transmission related codes either.

Brakes fall under C codes, so you need a reader that can pull chassis codes or you will get nothing.

Now days, there are pretty cheap readers that can do all 4 - even ones that connect to your phone using apps like the Torque app (widely compatible with modules, but modules vary wildly in what they are able to do even if Torque has the capability as an app). BlueDriver can only use its own branded module, and it's a little pricey - it used to be $99, but now it's $119 (ironically with a $20 coupon, which makes it $99).

There hasn't been a situation I've found that the BlueDriver couldn't pull the code, but I've had a couple situations where it couldn't clear a code. Not sure if it was a natural limitation or problem with the module or software, but I never dug into it because I also have an Autel that does bidirectional.

 

Thank you DM93 and tak1313. I borrowed scanner from AutoZone. Not sure of it's cababilities. The printout does show an ABS scann was done with a green check next to it though. I'll see if I can get a more advanced scan done.

 

That's interesting, I've never seen where all 3 lights will be on with no codes unless the ABS module is completely offline but then I would expect the PCM to have an ABS communication fault code stored.

 

Perhaps it's NOT something in the ABS system (C code) but something in the body (B code) or Network/wiring (U code). So something is triggering the ABS et al to disable, but the actual code is is in another system?

For example, I remember coming across something similar in another forum (I think the FJ forum). Same problem - traction control, ABS, and brake dash lights on, but no code (at least not in the P/C). Ended up being some switch in the rear brake light system (wiring) - so it was a U code, but was causing the ABS et al to disable, hence the dash lights.

OP - you can have someone check if the rear brake lights come on when you press the brake (or just back up near a wall so you can see if the brake lights come on) IF that's the problem.

 

I just wanted to follow up. I ended up getting the BlueDriver reader, and it worked great! Thanks for explaining how they work and the types of codes. I got code C0278 and was able to track down the problem and fix for really cheap.

 

So, what was it???

 

I don’t know what it was for sure. As I’m not OP. But that code is for a
DTC C0278/11 Open or Short Circuit in ABS Solenoid Relay Circuit

 

Glad the info helped!