“Check Vehicle Stability Control System”

Hey guys,

Looking for some tips on how to fix this issue. I’ve got a 2016 TRD Sport and to make a long story short I was away for a few months and the battery died at some point while I was away. After charging the battery and starting it up I got the message in the title. Figured it might just need to be driven for a while to re calibrate, but it’s been a week plus and it’s still there. Found one thread that mentioned getting a good clean to make sure the sensors weren’t gunked up and did that too. There’s also the “Check Blind Spot Monitor System” message. I’m thinking it could be a fuse, but it’s currently -20 Celsius where I live so I’m waiting for it to warm up before I check. Wondering if anyone else has had this problem and knows the fix? I’m really trying to get better at fixing things myself instead of running to the dealer or a mechanic. Hoping other Tacoma owners can help me out. Thanks!

 

Welcome to TW man... I can't help you with this, but I'm sure one of the guys/gals here will help....

 

Your VSC/ YAW sensor require a zero point recalibration, that's all.

If you have a scanner capable of doing that then do that. If you do not, there may be a way of doing it via paperclip in the OBD 2 port... short of that, dealer is your next stop.

 

How was this resolved? I'm dealing with the same event. Let sit , didnt start, charged battery. Stability system and BSM both in error and dealer was unable to get it to respond to recalibration.

 

Unfortunately it was a faulty sensor. They ended up replacing it under warranty. At first charged me a couple hundred to clean it up as it had gotten muddy from some muddy puddles. Then when the problem was still present they refunded me after a fight and warrantied a replacement sensor.

 

Better then the direction Im heading.
They want to replace my entire column wire harness at about $2300. They are unable to communicate with the steering angle sensors and are concluding somehow the entire wire harness is bad causing the communication issue and not being able to recalibrate the vehicle stability sytem.
Do you know the sensor type that caused your issue?

 

I believe it was the steering angle sensor itself. And replacing it fixed it. Had no problems with it after that. Hope it’s something simple like that for you as well!

 

Mine also was a failure of the steering angle sensor.
Seems there was more issues then there needed to be with this repair.
The take away is there is human error with anything I guess.
Two Toyota service centers. 2 different results.
Unable to communicate with sensor.
First shop says must be because of a 4 year old install of a remote start that functions without error. But must be the problem.You need an entire harness at $2300. (Not covered under service agreement)
2nd shop looks at same thing. Not convinced its the Harness, decides to look at sensor.
Part and repair covered under agreement. Replaced. Problem solved.
2nd opinion cost.......priceless.

 

So reading the tread and wondering about narrowing it down to a steering angle sensor. I have been dealing with a battery drain issue since purchasing the vehicle new from a Toyota dealer. On my third battery now. Had the truck in multiple times at several different dealerships, battery dies if I don’t drive it for a couple of weeks they all seem to think it is the remote start, which the Toyota dealership installed at purchase. They have not resolved the problem to date.
Almost every time that the battery has died I have gotten the vehicle stability control light warning and have had to have it reset/cleared. Most recently after my battery drained again, I took my truck in and asked to have the VSC reset/cleared and was informed that they couldn’t clear the warning light and after paying for a diagnostic check they are telling me it’s the sensor in the steering column and it’ll cost $1100 to replace. Apparently, it is simply a coincidence that the steering column sensor has broken at the same time that the battery drained therefore the issue is unrelated. No mention of the possibly it might be a steering angle sensor. Anyone have any thoughts? Until they can resolve the initial problem I think Toyota should be liable.

 

You're in that spot. I get it.
Been in that spot myself, it sucks.
Is it possible the remote is an issue draining the battery? I would say yes.
Is it also possible That a low voltage system can send a sensor inoperable, yes definitely. There are video's on the topic. and it happen to me.
The next part that I know is they didn't make a "factory remote" for the 2016 Tacoma when mine was new. I had (an after factory) one installed by a vender reccomended by the Toyota dealer and found out later "after factory" components are going to void a bunch of warranty claims.
So, when it happen to me (steering angle/vehicle stability error)
They basically wanted to replace the entire harness on mine because they could not recalibrate the steering angle sensor...... And because I had a after market remote tied into that same harness they said "it" a after market component was the reason for the failure. The first dealer stuck to the high dollar replace the harnes out of your pocket because a after.market part is causing the issue. (Warranty will not cover)
I then had my remote removed, went to another dealer, honestly explained my previous situation. Asked if had had an electronics specialist, (because I believed it was the sensor not the harness) I obtained an appointment with them. He felt the low voltage could have caused my steering angle sensor issue and didn't think it was the harness. After his diagnosis It was the sensor, It was under warranty. Only expense I ended up with was haveing a "plug in remote" installed to replace the spliced in one I had removed.
Now, If the remote is draining the battery "Toyota" is not going to cover you on a after factory component. And unless you find a tech like I did who honestly made a skilled diagnosis, they can continue to blame the after market product as the reason for the sensor failure.
Then I'm also just guessing your original warranty has probably expired by now? unless you purchased an additional vehicle service aggreement to extend. Your warranty.?
If you have a extended VSA/WARRANTY then maybe they might cover the sensor. But, only if you find a tech who is not gonna blame the after market remote.Thats the hard part and thats why It sucks. I had my original remote completely removed, installed a "plug in" remote. Now, before service I remove it. Vehicle now is "factory" again.(I'm not gonna give them a reason to lay blame on a remote start ever again)
I reinstall my remote after service is complete. Screwed up situation. Hard to win. Yep, it sucks.

 

Your reply very much appreciated and will definitely help. Maybe there is hope. I purchased the truck new and the remote instalment was included as part of the purchase agreement. The dealership installed it prior to me taking possession and driving it off the lot. They even replaced the first battery but couldn’t figure out why there was drainage however they did acknowledge an issue. I also purchased an extended warranty so I will need to look further to determine if I have coverage. There is no way that I believe that the VSC is just a coincidence so I intend to continue seeking a resolution from Toyota and the dealership. Thanks