Check engine - VSC off

[jimnyc]

So I'm driving down the road and then all of a sudden these lights start lighting up on my dash. I figured since it happened mid-driving, something was wrong. At first I pulled over as I wasn't sure. Did a little quick lookup on my phone and find out that VSC is for "vehicle stabilization control" - WTF? what is that all about, and what is wrong with my truck? I make a few calls and no one knows anything. I get back on road and just stop at my local garage on way home. They were closed, so I made appt for this morning.

I did a little more looking into it last night. I didn't think this would be correct, but tried anyway. I simply took the gas cap off, then tightly put it back on, then went and drove around for a few miles. Sure enough, it disappeared.

Here is what Toyota's website says about the VSC:

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Helps prevent wheels from slipping sideways when cornering or sudden steering

Now can someone explain to me, what in the world does this have to do with a gas cap, and why would this light up if a gas cap wasn't sealed properly?

[Kathianne]

So I'm driving down the road and then all of a sudden these lights start lighting up on my dash. I figured since it happened mid-driving, something was wrong. At first I pulled over as I wasn't sure. Did a little quick lookup on my phone and find out that VSC is for "vehicle stabilization control" - WTF? what is that all about, and what is wrong with my truck? I make a few calls and no one knows anything. I get back on road and just stop at my local garage on way home. They were closed, so I made appt for this morning.

I did a little more looking into it last night. I didn't think this would be correct, but tried anyway. I simply took the gas cap off, then tightly put it back on, then went and drove around for a few miles. Sure enough, it disappeared.

Here is what Toyota's website says about the VSC:



Now can someone explain to me, what in the world does this have to do with a gas cap, and why would this light up if a gas cap wasn't sealed properly?

I don't know how the two are connected, but happens with my Mazda quite often. After the first 3 times, I became very cognizant of making sure there were at least 3 clicks when I put in gas, otherwise that light would more than likely light up.

[darin]

They are unrelated - however yeah, the gas cap thing. Crock of shit. I've had a CEL on my Mazda since 2009 for the same thing. Three gas cap replacements later nothing changes. (shrug).

The stability control...hrm. Wonder if somehow it goes into a limp mode with a CEL?

[jimnyc]

I don't know how the two are connected, but happens with my Mazda quite often. After the first 3 times, I became very cognizant of making sure there were at least 3 clicks when I put in gas, otherwise that light would more than likely light up.

That's what I normally do, 3 clicks, but probably screwed up.

They are unrelated - however yeah, the gas cap thing. Crock of shit. I've had a CEL on my Mazda since 2009 for the same thing. Three gas cap replacements later nothing changes. (shrug).

The stability control...hrm. Wonder if somehow it goes into a limp mode with a CEL?

Yeah, I dunno. I'm glad it went away, but... Why disable the VSC if a damn cap ain't getting sealed properly?

You would know better than most - how the hell much different would my truck act without the VSC anyway?

[darin]

Could be very different. The sensors are used to simulate a limited-slip rear end sometimes. Also can be used to keep the ass end on the pavement. As long as it can be shut off on purpose, I like the stability shit in cars. In my mazda with the DSC shut off (stability control) I could drive effortlessly across the road. With the TSC (traction) off too, the car would loop-de-loop in circles. Very skittish.

[jimnyc]

Could be very different. The sensors are used to simulate a limited-slip rear end sometimes. Also can be used to keep the ass end on the pavement. As long as it can be shut off on purpose, I like the stability shit in cars.

Well this can't be shut off on purpose. Only thing I have is for ABS that can be turned off. Didn't even know I had this crap until it lit up!! Then again, ain't like I'm driving around in a spiffy little Mazda race car either!

[darin]

Just need to tell you, Jim. I love you. Honestly cannot think of anyone I've never met that I need to meet more. You're kind of a computer dork. I'm okay with that. You're a goddamn STEELERS fan for pete's sake...

But you're a good dude.

That's all.

Don't crash.

[Kathianne]

Jim, I don't know if this helps, but the ABS on my car can be shut off on the gear changer. TCS (I don't know if it's just a different name for what you are talking about?) can be shut off/on below the dash, on my left-within reaching distance when driving, about a foot above the hood opener. Hadn't thought of that until this thread.

[jimnyc]

Just need to tell you, Jim. I love you. Honestly cannot think of anyone I've never met that I need to meet more. You're kind of a computer dork. I'm okay with that. You're a goddamn STEELERS fan for pete's sake...

But you're a good dude.

That's all.

Don't crash.

You rule, bro! We can eventually get together when you get back to the States. Even though I know you like to travel, and I hate it, I'll still drive and meet up. If I head north and west of NY? None of that love stuff once we meet though! LOL And yeah, I am a dork, but no one needs to know that. I look like more of a dirtbag, so the geekiness is hidden! And all the good folks in the world are Steelers fans!

[jimnyc]

Jim, I don't know if this helps, but the ABS on my car can be shut off on the gear changer. TCS (I don't know if it's just a different name for what you are talking about?) can be shut off/on below the dash, on my left-within reaching distance when driving, about a foot above the hood opener. Hadn't thought of that until this thread.

I can turn off the ABS from my center console, but the dopes put it flat next to the gear shifter, so that the dog can step on it all the time and then I see a green light blinking instead of an amber one!!

[Gunny]

I can turn off the ABS from my center console, but the dopes put it flat next to the gear shifter, so that the dog can step on it all the time and then I see a green light blinking instead of an amber one!!

You don't even have a real dog. You got a rat that barks.

[jimnyc]

You don't even have a real dog. You got a rat that barks.

You just make fun of my best friend? He'll EFF you up if he ever meets you! Just look, he's a nasty little vermin! Don't ever touch his shit. And no, he's not scrawny or abused, he's just a shivering little psycho!! This was 8 years ago. You can hear the evil lady in the background towards the end, she hates the rat!

[Gunny]

You just make fun of my best friend? He'll EFF you up if he ever meets you! Just look, he's a nasty little vermin! Don't ever touch his shit. And no, he's not scrawny or abused, he's just a shivering little psycho!! This was 8 years ago. You can hear the evil lady in the background towards the end, she hates the rat!

I got two of them Mexican chowhounds. I just wish the little barking spiders would eat their on damn food. The cats want the damned dog food and the dogs want the cat food. F*ckers. Qnd O gpt nevous Nelly. Little bitch is whining at the door right now cuz I kick here little ass out so can feed the furballs.

I'd rather have a horse.

[jimnyc]

I got two of them Mexican chowhounds. I just wish the little barking spiders would eat their on damn food. The cats want the damned dog food and the dogs want the cat food. F*ckers. Qnd O gpt nevous Nelly. Little bitch is whining at the door right now cuz I kick here little ass out so can feed the furballs.

I'd rather have a horse.

That's funny. My rat steals the cats food non-stop, and then the poor cat looks at me to always refill his bowl. And then if the dog leaves anything in his bowl, the cat eats it and pukes EVERY time. So now I have to quickly toss out the dog food if he doesn't eat it all.

[Gunny]

That's funny. My rat steals the cats food non-stop, and then the poor cat looks at me to always refill his bowl. And then if the dog leaves anything in his bowl, the cat eats it and pukes EVERY time. So now I have to quickly toss out the dog food if he doesn't eat it all.

You'd think the damned cars would learn t eat their crap in a timely manner, huh? Oh hell no. I'll just leave it laying around until I get back around to it. Never mind the chihuahuas think it's desert. Then they come around with that "you didn't feed me look".