What do check engine, vsc trac, and track off lights mean?

Asked by Valjones06 Jan 25, 2017 at 02:25 AM about the 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2003 Toyota 4runner with about 213xxx
miles. I just had the ignition coils and spark plugs
replaced. On my way home tonight, my engine
light, vsc trac and track off lights all came on. Any
thoughts?

7 Answers

180

I have a 2004 Sport 4 Runner 4.7L V8 w/ 308K miles on the clock. Check engine, vsc off and track off lights came on simultaneously just today. I have seen posts on other sites that mentioned issues with these three lights and dealers suggesting catalytic converter replacement. I would suspect O2 sensor issues but have no idea why the vsc and track off warnings would come on. A relative had a similar problem with an old Lexus. His mechanic suggested that the O2 sensor may be dirty, & suggested the use of a fuel additive containing detergents (Redline SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner). I just put a bottle in and thoroughly sloshed the fuel & addittive in the tank. After driving 50 miles, all three lights went out. I also noticed slightly reduced fuel mileage on the last few tanks of gas, and occasionally, a slightly rough idle. Perhaps it all was due to a dirty O2 sensor.

18 people found this helpful.
30

hello I have a 2003 Toyota 4Runner also and that happen to me my VSC Trac came on and first let me tell you when I bought my car until it was paid off I had a like a LoJack put in there they had that attach to my traction assistance so once they took that off the track light went off so make sure that's not the problem number one asked her dealership unless you want it second of all it came on and my mechanic said it was nothing it had to do with another problem and sometimes that light will come on so yeah like the last answer said make sure you get the computer plugged up to a mechanic you trust just let me tell you I went to O'Reilly's and they told me all the wrong stuff they said I had leaks in hoses that I didn't have lead sin but sometimes that happens to my 4Runner I would not worry about it there's nothing wrong with your traction assistance you noticed what's funny how that traction off button to the left of our steering wheel doesn't even work isn't that kind of strange but my traction assistance works I've spun out and it is actually work so I wouldn't worry about it too much but just get it plugged in to find out exactly what's going on

1 people found this helpful.
30

And by the way I have a 2003 4Runner with about a hundred and sixty-six thousand miles on it

2 people found this helpful.
30

Hello I also have 2003 4 runner , the vacuum trac came on and engine lights .I just tighten the gas cap. Make sure you hear the click , then removed the connection of my battery for few 5 seconds and put it back . It solves my problem

3 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2005 4runner and my check engine light, vsc, vsc off, lights came on. Usually means you Didn’t tighten the gas cap. Answer: tighten gas cap until clicks or may need replaced, then unplug the negative side of battery for few seconds. Plug battery back up, start car and drive a few miles to reset. All lights should be off.

4 people found this helpful.

I have a 2003 4Runner and VSC, VSC off lights came on after a dead battery. One shop quoted me $2,000 for a new traction control system! I found another shop the next day who cleared the lights with a Snap-On scanner capable of clearing traction control.

You guys are awesome. I found this during my own search for the same issue on a "new to us" 2008. I took the gas cap off, inspected the gasket to make sure it was in good shape, then reinstalled the gas cap and gave it a few extra clicks just to be sure. Removed and replaced the negative battery terminal, and all of the extra lights (check engine, traction control, and vehicle stability control) all went off. We'd just bought it the previous day and were terrified we'd been sold a lemon when those lights all came on this morning, but it was just user error after I filled the tank last night. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Your Answer:

4Runner

Looking for a Used 4Runner in your area?

CarGurus has 18,239 nationwide 4Runner listings starting at $1,550.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Toyota 4Runner

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Papaobewon
    Reputation
    5,790
  • #2
    Kurt Burton
    Reputation
    2,600
  • #3
    azurro
    Reputation
    1,670
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Tacoma
1,917 Great Deals out of 32,451 listings starting at $2,990
Used Toyota Highlander
1,339 Great Deals out of 18,494 listings starting at $500
Used Toyota Tundra
1,066 Great Deals out of 32,671 listings starting at $3,000
Used Toyota RAV4
1,946 Great Deals out of 28,631 listings starting at $1,500
Used Toyota Sequoia
136 Great Deals out of 3,637 listings starting at $1,100
Used Lexus GX
212 Great Deals out of 3,788 listings starting at $3,950
Used Toyota Land Cruiser
18 Great Deals out of 1,640 listings starting at $7,800
Used Ford F-150
6,002 Great Deals out of 132,207 listings starting at $1,100
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,178 Great Deals out of 59,104 listings starting at $3,000
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,061 Great Deals out of 20,872 listings starting at $1,000
Used Toyota Camry
1,972 Great Deals out of 34,551 listings starting at $500
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,516 Great Deals out of 50,359 listings starting at $500
Used Honda Pilot
951 Great Deals out of 29,227 listings starting at $711
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,078 Great Deals out of 129,934 listings starting at $1,000

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
13 Great Deals out of 6,969 listings starting at $39,090
2023 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
264 Great Deals out of 2,326 listings starting at $29,793
2022 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
200 Great Deals out of 1,704 listings starting at $27,658
2021 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
165 Great Deals out of 1,818 listings starting at $24,995
2020 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
43 Great Deals out of 719 listings starting at $25,000

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.