ABS Brake and Burnout Indicator

[TacoXpo]

So I have those 3 lights on in my dash. Today I thought about fixing them. And by the way, I know this is probably not the board for such technical trivia but I thought I may mull my thoughts on this page.

Code
I used my trusty code reader and it is showing a P0500 - Powertrain Vehicle Speed Sensor

ABS Speed Sensor Indicator
I swapped out the back two speed sensors as they got mangled when we tried to get them out of the old axle housing. I think the 'Jersey Loctite to them.

So I took one of them and made a SST to help test the speed sensor harnesses by soldering the two leads together so that I could put a ohm meter on the other end of the cable and see if there was a break somewhere in the line. Tests completed and no such luck.

Tomorrow I will clean the front 2 sensors before I go and replace them.

Brake Indicator
I thought it may have been on because I had about 2 ounces past the MAX line but that did not cure the issue.

To get the fluid out, I used my Snap-On brake fluid extractor - suck on one end and no DOT 4 breath.

Tomorrow I will check the brake switch itself.

FUSES
And yes, I should have checked the fuses first. I will do that!

 

[TacoXpo]

I am also reading the instrument cluster can go and cause the same.

This company refurbishes them.

2003-2013 Toyota Instrument Gauge Cluster Repair

Fix your 2003-2013 Toyota's instrument gauge cluster with our repair service. Ensure dependable functionality for a smooth driving experience every day.

www.taninautoelectronix.com

 

[TacoXpo]

Going to do this too (written by Crom):


How to reset and calibrate your VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) computer

Quick and easy, straight forward, no technical BS.

This procedure is recommended by Toyota, after front end alignment adjustments are made.

Make sure your truck has VSC before you begin.

VSC was optional in 2005-2008 model trucks, and became a standard safety feature in 2009 and later.

• Find a flat place to park your truck, make sure your steering wheel is straight, and then turn it off.
• On the left side of your dash is a coin tray, beneath that is a diagnostic connector, remove the plastic cover to reveal the port.
• Find a skinny piece of wire 2 inches in length it does not matter what kind of wire it is.
• Bend the wire into a u-shape, you will be using the wire to short out two pins on the connector, illustrated in green.
• The first step process is to wipe the mind the VSC computer.
• The second step is to calibrate the computer
• Done.

READY??? GOOD.

1. Turn the ignition to the on position, and then short out the pins, 4 times or more within an eight second period. If you're successful the ABS light, and the slip indicator light will flash simultaneously at a steady interval. Congratulations you just wiped the mind of the VSC computer!
2. Turn ignition off.
3. Short out the pins with your wire, leave the wire in there, turn ignition to on position. Be careful not to disturb the truck, must remain very still for two seconds during calibration. Observe the ABS light and the slip indicator light they will be flashing simultaneously at a steady rapid interval, faster than before. Congratulations you've just calibrated the VSC computer.
4. Turn ignition off, remove wire, and go drive and have fun.

 

[PSU Taco85]

Do you have access to an o-scope? I'd recommend checking the 4 pulse input to the instrument cluster and the SPD signal out from the cluster to the ECM. From there, you should be able to half split where your problem is.

 

[tx_shooter]

Visual inspection of the cables from the ABS sensors? Before taking too much apart I would make sure the end point sensors are at least visually okay. I have chased electrical issues similar to this and hate finding a torn cable that I would have noticed.

 

[TacoXpo]

Visual inspection of the cables from the ABS sensors? Before taking too much apart I would make sure the end point sensors are at least visually okay. I have chased electrical issues similar to this and hate finding a torn cable that I would have noticed.

I did one better. I tested each line.

 

[TacoXpo]

Do you have access to an o-scope? I'd recommend checking the 4 pulse input to the instrument cluster and the SPD signal out from the cluster to the ECM. From there, you should be able to half split where your problem is.

Thanks

 

[TacoXpo]

A wee bit of 'overthinking' ...

 

[PSU Taco85]

Visual inspection of the cables from the ABS sensors? Before taking too much apart I would make sure the end point sensors are at least visually okay. I have chased electrical issues similar to this and hate finding a torn cable that I would have noticed.

Visual sometimes won't tell you if it's good, on mine the jacket was fine but one of the cables was intermittent and broken, where the spindle mount holds it on had pinched the cable. You can check real easy by unplugging at the speed sensor and checking for 12V on one of the pins to ground. In my case I only had about 3 volts. A new cable is around $40 from the dealer, this fix was free.

 

[PSU Taco85]

Thanks

Remove the instrument cluster and stick probe on C9 pin 6. This is the speed input from the traction control ECU. Expect a square wave form with the wheels spinning.

If that reads fine then check output of speed from instrument cluster at C9 pin 19. Expect similar square wave form, frequency of the waveform will increase with wheel speed.

If you have access to a fancier OBD scanner, you can actually read what all 4 speed sensors are inputting to the skid control ECU as well.

 

[TacoXpo]

I have done a similar fix to one in the back that didn't like being stretched while wheeling! I have a special tool in the form of a mangled sensor that I soldered together the sensor side so that I could just plug it in like a sensor (after I disconnected the other end) to see if I had continuity. I did on all four. I will post a pic later.

 

[TacoXpo]

Thank you. I will let you know what I find.