Check Engine: VSC lights on

"franz fripplfrappl" <bogus.RemoveThis@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:yAMOj.4541$vF.3871@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net...
> 2003 Highlander with 51,000 miles.
>
> Both Check Engine and VSC lights are on. Manuals says take to Toyota
> dealer. Meanwhile OK to drive.
>
> I have tried the ABS system on loose gravel and the brakes feel and sound
> like they are functioning OK.
>
> Any ideas what might be causing the lights to go on? I have had the
> vehicle for a week. No idea of age of battery or service record.
>


Visit your local AutoZone store, where they (or you) pull the check codes
for free.

You can't do anything until you know what the codes are.

If you drive the car, you can check the codes in the parking lot. If you
elect to not drive the car, they will sell you the scan tool on your credit
card, then give you full credit for the purchase when you bring the tool
back.

There is a data port along the bottom of the dash board in the general
vicinity of where your left leg rests as you drive. Plug the scan tool in,
set the ignition to ON but not START, and read the code(s). Jot it(them)
down and and post here.

You should expect the codes to be P0nnn (where the 0 is the numeral zero).
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

Update:

Had engine codes read:

P0441
Evap Emission Control System
Purge Flow Fault

P0446
Evap Emission Control System
Vent Circuit Malfunction

P0441
as above

P0442
Evap Emission Control System
.... leak (small)

P0446
as above
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:19:27 +0000, franz fripplfrappl wrote:

> Update:
>
> Had engine codes read:
>
> P0441
> Evap Emission Control System
> Purge Flow Fault
>
> P0446
> Evap Emission Control System
> Vent Circuit Malfunction
>
> P0441
> as above
>
> P0442
> Evap Emission Control System
> ... leak (small)
>
> P0446
> as above

After finding out the codes, we reset the codes via an option on the
reader. Both check engine and VSC lights are out for the moment.

I checked to make sure the gas cap is on tight. Have also checked the
hoses coming from the air cleaner housing.

Any other suggestions?
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

These faults have the easiest roots in a loose gas cap. They could be more
serious, but before you spend any time or money on anything, erase all
faults and be sure to seal the gas cap after every fill up.

The second most common fault is a break in a vac line, followed by an actual
problem with a system component. The evap emissions control system (fumes
from the gas tank) are the result of a poorly seated gas cap more often than
not. The system must be sealed to function properly, and the most common
break in the seal is the gas cap. There can be other causes, to be sure, but
until the gas cap is isolated, I'd not spend any time or money on any of
them.

I suggest erasing all codes and waiting to see if any of them return. In the
mean time make sure you seal the gas cap every time you fill the tank. If
the cap has a ratchet when it locks, be sure to set the ratchet 3 or 4
clicks.


None of these deal with the VSC.




"franz fripplfrappl" <bogus.DeleteThis@bogus.net> wrote in message
news:jzNOj.4960$iK6.4873@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
> Update:
>
> Had engine codes read:
>
> P0441
> Evap Emission Control System
> Purge Flow Fault
>
> P0446
> Evap Emission Control System
> Vent Circuit Malfunction
>
> P0441
> as above
>
> P0442
> Evap Emission Control System
> ... leak (small)
>
> P0446
> as above
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

"franz fripplfrappl" <bogus RemoveThis @bogus.net> wrote in message
news:eGNOj.2154$pS4.1475@newssvr13.news.prodigy.net...
> On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:19:27 +0000, franz fripplfrappl wrote:
>
>> Update:
>>
>> Had engine codes read:
>>
>> P0441
>> Evap Emission Control System
>> Purge Flow Fault
>>
>> P0446
>> Evap Emission Control System
>> Vent Circuit Malfunction
>>
>> P0441
>> as above
>>
>> P0442
>> Evap Emission Control System
>> ... leak (small)
>>
>> P0446
>> as above
>
> After finding out the codes, we reset the codes via an option on the
> reader. Both check engine and VSC lights are out for the moment.
>
> I checked to make sure the gas cap is on tight. Have also checked the
> hoses coming from the air cleaner housing.
>
> Any other suggestions?


Wait to see if the light comes on again. My guess is that somebody fills the
tank and does not ratchet the cap 3 or 4 times, this can result in the cap
not seating fully which can result in a leak in an otherwise sealed system.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:35:21 +0000, Jeff Strickland wrote:

> These faults have the easiest roots in a loose gas cap. They could be
> more serious, but before you spend any time or money on anything, erase
> all faults and be sure to seal the gas cap after every fill up.
>
> The second most common fault is a break in a vac line, followed by an
> actual problem with a system component. The evap emissions control
> system (fumes from the gas tank) are the result of a poorly seated gas
> cap more often than not. The system must be sealed to function properly,
> and the most common break in the seal is the gas cap. There can be other
> causes, to be sure, but until the gas cap is isolated, I'd not spend any
> time or money on any of them.
>
> I suggest erasing all codes and waiting to see if any of them return. In
> the mean time make sure you seal the gas cap every time you fill the
> tank. If the cap has a ratchet when it locks, be sure to set the ratchet
> 3 or 4 clicks.
>
>
> None of these deal with the VSC.
>
>
>
>
> "franz fripplfrappl" <bogus.DeleteThis@bogus.net> wrote in message
> news:jzNOj.4960$iK6.4873@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
>> Update:
>>
>> Had engine codes read:
>>
>> P0441
>> Evap Emission Control System
>> Purge Flow Fault
>>
>> P0446
>> Evap Emission Control System
>> Vent Circuit Malfunction
>>
>> P0441
>> as above
>>
>> P0442
>> Evap Emission Control System
>> ... leak (small)
>>
>> P0446
>> as above

Thanks.
I've only had the vehicle a week now and have put gas 2x into tank. I
will be more attentive to tightening the gas cap. Will report back if
lights go on again.

I have read that sometimes the lights could indicate either a charcoal
canister or its associated sensor. let's hope it's no more than a loose
gas cap.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

"franz fripplfrappl" <bogus RemoveThis @bogus.net> wrote in message
news:w0OOj.4963$iK6.3672@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
> On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:35:21 +0000, Jeff Strickland wrote:
>
>> These faults have the easiest roots in a loose gas cap. They could be
>> more serious, but before you spend any time or money on anything, erase
>> all faults and be sure to seal the gas cap after every fill up.
>>
>> The second most common fault is a break in a vac line, followed by an
>> actual problem with a system component. The evap emissions control
>> system (fumes from the gas tank) are the result of a poorly seated gas
>> cap more often than not. The system must be sealed to function properly,
>> and the most common break in the seal is the gas cap. There can be other
>> causes, to be sure, but until the gas cap is isolated, I'd not spend any
>> time or money on any of them.
>>
>> I suggest erasing all codes and waiting to see if any of them return. In
>> the mean time make sure you seal the gas cap every time you fill the
>> tank. If the cap has a ratchet when it locks, be sure to set the ratchet
>> 3 or 4 clicks.
>>
>>
>> None of these deal with the VSC.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "franz fripplfrappl" <bogus RemoveThis @bogus.net> wrote in message
>> news:jzNOj.4960$iK6.4873@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>> Update:
>>>
>>> Had engine codes read:
>>>
>>> P0441
>>> Evap Emission Control System
>>> Purge Flow Fault
>>>
>>> P0446
>>> Evap Emission Control System
>>> Vent Circuit Malfunction
>>>
>>> P0441
>>> as above
>>>
>>> P0442
>>> Evap Emission Control System
>>> ... leak (small)
>>>
>>> P0446
>>> as above
>
> Thanks.
> I've only had the vehicle a week now and have put gas 2x into tank. I
> will be more attentive to tightening the gas cap. Will report back if
> lights go on again.
>
> I have read that sometimes the lights could indicate either a charcoal
> canister or its associated sensor. let's hope it's no more than a loose
> gas cap.
>

It's possible that the cap is not the problem, but before dropping loads
upon loads of dimes chasing down any of the possibilities, you could spend
an extra moment making sure the cap is getting sealed properly.

To be honest, when the cap is the problem, the failure code should translate
to either a malfunction, gross leak, or a minor leak. I recall these codes
to be P0440, P0441, and P0442. You listed both 441 and 442, so I'll keep my
money on the cap. You also listed the purge valve as P0441, but I recall
this to be different (I could look it up, but I don't feel like it, and my
money is on the cap).
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:01:13 +0000, Jeff Strickland wrote:

> "franz fripplfrappl" <bogus.RemoveThis@bogus.net> wrote in message
> news:w0OOj.4963$iK6.3672@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
>> On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:35:21 +0000, Jeff Strickland wrote:
>>
>>> These faults have the easiest roots in a loose gas cap. They could be
>>> more serious, but before you spend any time or money on anything,
>>> erase all faults and be sure to seal the gas cap after every fill up.
>>>
>>> The second most common fault is a break in a vac line, followed by an
>>> actual problem with a system component. The evap emissions control
>>> system (fumes from the gas tank) are the result of a poorly seated gas
>>> cap more often than not. The system must be sealed to function
>>> properly, and the most common break in the seal is the gas cap. There
>>> can be other causes, to be sure, but until the gas cap is isolated,
>>> I'd not spend any time or money on any of them.
>>>
>>> I suggest erasing all codes and waiting to see if any of them return.
>>> In the mean time make sure you seal the gas cap every time you fill
>>> the tank. If the cap has a ratchet when it locks, be sure to set the
>>> ratchet 3 or 4 clicks.
>>>
>>>
>>> None of these deal with the VSC.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "franz fripplfrappl" <bogus.RemoveThis@bogus.net> wrote in message
>>> news:jzNOj.4960$iK6.4873@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com...
>>>> Update:
>>>>
>>>> Had engine codes read:
>>>>
>>>> P0441
>>>> Evap Emission Control System
>>>> Purge Flow Fault
>>>>
>>>> P0446
>>>> Evap Emission Control System
>>>> Vent Circuit Malfunction
>>>>
>>>> P0441
>>>> as above
>>>>
>>>> P0442
>>>> Evap Emission Control System
>>>> ... leak (small)
>>>>
>>>> P0446
>>>> as above
>>
>> Thanks.
>> I've only had the vehicle a week now and have put gas 2x into tank. I
>> will be more attentive to tightening the gas cap. Will report back if
>> lights go on again.
>>
>> I have read that sometimes the lights could indicate either a charcoal
>> canister or its associated sensor. let's hope it's no more than a
>> loose gas cap.
>>
>>
> It's possible that the cap is not the problem, but before dropping loads
> upon loads of dimes chasing down any of the possibilities, you could
> spend an extra moment making sure the cap is getting sealed properly.
>
> To be honest, when the cap is the problem, the failure code should
> translate to either a malfunction, gross leak, or a minor leak. I recall
> these codes to be P0440, P0441, and P0442. You listed both 441 and 442,
> so I'll keep my money on the cap. You also listed the purge valve as
> P0441, but I recall this to be different (I could look it up, but I
> don't feel like it, and my money is on the cap).



Thanks again. Will check the cap and make sure gasket and where it seats
are both clean and smooth. May even put o-ring lubricant just to be sure.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

"franz fripplfrappl" <bogus RemoveThis @bogus.net> wrote in message
news:unOOj.1106$ix6.929@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net...
>
>
> Thanks again. Will check the cap and make sure gasket and where it seats
> are both clean and smooth. May even put o-ring lubricant just to be sure.

You can do that if you want, but all you really need to do is make sure the
cap clicks a few times when you put it on. If you have others that also put
gas in the car -- a Main Squeeze for example -- them make sure they also put
several clicks on the cap. AFTER you do that, then star looking at the cap
itself.

This is not a problem that will cause any other problems. You have plenty of
time to investigate doing stuff that is free before you have to open the
checkbook for professional repairs.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:-LWdnVzzu5LAKJbVnZ2dnUVZ_vudnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "franz fripplfrappl" <bogus.RemoveThis@bogus.net> wrote in message
> news:yAMOj.4541$vF.3871@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net...
>> 2003 Highlander with 51,000 miles.
>>
>> Both Check Engine and VSC lights are on. Manuals says take to Toyota
>> dealer. Meanwhile OK to drive.
>>
>> I have tried the ABS system on loose gravel and the brakes feel and sound
>> like they are functioning OK.
>>
>> Any ideas what might be causing the lights to go on? I have had the
>> vehicle for a week. No idea of age of battery or service record.
>>
>
> Take the car to a Toyota dealer. The repairs may be covered by the
> emissions warranty. I doubt if a loose gas cap caused all those trouble
> codes, there is probably a problem with one of the evaporative emissions
> valve.
> --


I don't agree. I suggest making sure the cap is properly secured, then
taking the car for service if the code returns.

The reported codes are classic loose cap codes. One is a gross leak the
other is a minor leak. Neither is a safety-of-flight item, so there is ample
time and opportunity to check the free stuff before spending money.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.TakeThisOut@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:pHOOj.3376$aq4.1762@trnddc02...
>
> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
> news:-LWdnVzzu5LAKJbVnZ2dnUVZ_vudnZ2d@comcast.com...
>>
>> "franz fripplfrappl" <bogus.TakeThisOut@bogus.net> wrote in message
>> news:yAMOj.4541$vF.3871@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net...
>>> 2003 Highlander with 51,000 miles.
>>>
>>> Both Check Engine and VSC lights are on. Manuals says take to Toyota
>>> dealer. Meanwhile OK to drive.
>>>
>>> I have tried the ABS system on loose gravel and the brakes feel and
>>> sound
>>> like they are functioning OK.
>>>
>>> Any ideas what might be causing the lights to go on? I have had the
>>> vehicle for a week. No idea of age of battery or service record.
>>>
>>
>> Take the car to a Toyota dealer. The repairs may be covered by the
>> emissions warranty. I doubt if a loose gas cap caused all those trouble
>> codes, there is probably a problem with one of the evaporative emissions
>> valve.
>> --
>
>
> I don't agree. I suggest making sure the cap is properly secured, then
> taking the car for service if the code returns.
>
> The reported codes are classic loose cap codes. One is a gross leak the
> other is a minor leak. Neither is a safety-of-flight item, so there is
> ample time and opportunity to check the free stuff before spending money.
>
I've got to agree with Jeff. S. My one hour at the Toy dealer to find out
that my multiple error codes were based on a loose gas cap cost me $88
labor, and the problem never returned....believe me, I give the gas cap
another couple of twirls now!
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

"mack" <mackerel.RemoveThis@dslextreme.com> wrote in message
news:0ROOj.35486$oQ4.12147@fe113.usenetserver.com...
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.RemoveThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:pHOOj.3376$aq4.1762@trnddc02...
>>
>> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>> news:-LWdnVzzu5LAKJbVnZ2dnUVZ_vudnZ2d@comcast.com...
>>>
>>> "franz fripplfrappl" <bogus.RemoveThis@bogus.net> wrote in message
>>> news:yAMOj.4541$vF.3871@newssvr21.news.prodigy.net...
>>>> 2003 Highlander with 51,000 miles.
>>>>
>>>> Both Check Engine and VSC lights are on. Manuals says take to Toyota
>>>> dealer. Meanwhile OK to drive.
>>>>
>>>> I have tried the ABS system on loose gravel and the brakes feel and
>>>> sound
>>>> like they are functioning OK.
>>>>
>>>> Any ideas what might be causing the lights to go on? I have had the
>>>> vehicle for a week. No idea of age of battery or service record.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Take the car to a Toyota dealer. The repairs may be covered by the
>>> emissions warranty. I doubt if a loose gas cap caused all those trouble
>>> codes, there is probably a problem with one of the evaporative emissions
>>> valve.
>>> --
>>
>>
>> I don't agree. I suggest making sure the cap is properly secured, then
>> taking the car for service if the code returns.
>>
>> The reported codes are classic loose cap codes. One is a gross leak the
>> other is a minor leak. Neither is a safety-of-flight item, so there is
>> ample time and opportunity to check the free stuff before spending money.
>>
> I've got to agree with Jeff. S. My one hour at the Toy dealer to find
> out that my multiple error codes were based on a loose gas cap cost me $88
> labor, and the problem never returned....believe me, I give the gas cap
> another couple of twirls now!
>

And THAT is my only point. If the gas cap is not the problem, the code will
return, and there is nothing lost in the mean time. If the cap is the
problem, the code will not return and there is no cost in the mean time.
Either way, one that watches the cap is money ahead, or no money behind.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on 

On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:25:52 +0000, Jeff Strickland wrote:

> "franz fripplfrappl" <bogus RemoveThis @bogus.net> wrote in message
> news:unOOj.1106$ix6.929@newssvr11.news.prodigy.net...
>>
>>
>> Thanks again. Will check the cap and make sure gasket and where it
>> seats are both clean and smooth. May even put o-ring lubricant just to
>> be sure.
>
> You can do that if you want, but all you really need to do is make sure
> the cap clicks a few times when you put it on. If you have others that
> also put gas in the car -- a Main Squeeze for example -- them make sure
> they also put several clicks on the cap. AFTER you do that, then star
> looking at the cap itself.
>
> This is not a problem that will cause any other problems. You have
> plenty of time to investigate doing stuff that is free before you have
> to open the checkbook for professional repairs.

Thanks for the help AND reassurance. I am still in GMC pickup mode, the
vehicle I had before the Highlander. Will be more careful and definitely
will listen for the clicks.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine: VSC lights on