Check Engine and VSC Lights

Asked by Jim Apr 22, 2015 at 07:12 AM about the 2009 Toyota Avalon XLS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I recently turned a corner quickly, it had gravel on it so the tire spun a bit. Shortly after the check engine and VSC lights came on. I looked at 10 to 15 forum chats on the subject and all explained how to reset the lights. I did so but they keep on coming back on. Going back and reading a bit deeper into the forums, just about all of the people who have had this experience say they have gone to the dealer only to pay big bucks and not get the issue resolved. One said it was a charcoal canister the other says it is Oxygen sensor. The car is a 2009 Avalon and I bought it as a certified used car, so I have coverage until 10/2015. Does anyone have any ideas as to what this really is and how I might fix it economically.

8 Answers

4,385

VSC should be vehicle stability control; the light came on when the system activated while sliding in gravel. As for the check engine light, you need to have the system scanned. There are many, many reasons this light can come on.

11 people found this helpful.

It's not the charcoal canister, spinning out will not throw an EVAP code ...unless by chance gravel really slung up in to one of the EVAP parts and broke something. Not 02 sensor. If you are not experiencing any drive-ability problems, no loss of power, I have a feeling -- an informed guess -- that all those lights will go out on their own after a few days, probably less, of driving. If not, the system.... just as Chris64microbus says... should be scanned. If you do get some codes before you buy anything, especially electrical parts (they can not be returned if not the problem) bring the codes back here, in a new question so we will see them. Then one of us will be happy to help. But wait a few days...unless it's already been a few days and 100 miles or more, then do it as soon as practical for you, no urgency but soon as you can. Go to AutoZone or O'Relieys, some of them scan for free some not.

13 people found this helpful.
18,245

Did you reset gas cap listen for one click Did you remove positive battery cable for 60 seconds? Then try this Check brake fluid level! Fill reservoir if necessary Check brake pads front and rear for worn pads Check for warped rotors Check codes for oxygen sensor Check for ignition coil code Speed sensors all operational? .... Now the really expensive one is the YAW SENSOR. $2000 And ABS SYSTEM $1500 .... Get it to the Dealer and pay the deductible if its the last two! If this was useful please click my Helpful link Thanks Papa

24 people found this helpful.
18,245

As Ford Nut stated get it scanned Autozone will do it for free in Colorado Sensors are not cheap to replace so do the easiest and cheapest first! My daughters 4runner had the lights go on ! Now my Sequoia is doing it! In my case I suspect worn brake pads and warped rotors! Pads will be first then reset gas cap and positive battery cable! INSPECT FILL BRAKE FLUID , Then warped rotors! In this fashion I isolate each problem then gas cap and cable if still on! You see the pattern oh and know for a fact these two items are in need of repair! After this SCANNING IT AT AUTO ZONE Hope this helps ! If it does Please click my Helpful link Thanks Papa

12 people found this helpful.
880

I have a 2006 Toyota Avalon and the VSC and traction off came on the dash what could cause it

89 people found this helpful.
440

I have Toyota Avalon limited and has vsc and engine sign on

44 people found this helpful.
20

I turned my car off then ten second later turned it on and the engine light came on I have a 2001 Avalon

2 people found this helpful.
40

Unhook negative battery cable and wait 60 seconds and rehook battery cable.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Avalon

Looking for a Used Avalon in your area?

CarGurus has 34 nationwide Avalon listings starting at $7,300.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Farmboy93
    Reputation
    2,300
  • #2
    MsAngie1968
    Reputation
    1,300
  • #3
    GuruDCW7P
    Reputation
    1,120
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
44 Great Deals out of 1,140 listings starting at $3,900
Used Lexus ES
10 Great Deals out of 210 listings starting at $6,495
Used Honda Accord
59 Great Deals out of 1,026 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Corolla
137 Great Deals out of 2,258 listings starting at $3,495
Used Toyota Highlander
37 Great Deals out of 814 listings starting at $8,495
Used Toyota RAV4
111 Great Deals out of 2,857 listings starting at $2,949
Used Lexus LS
26 listings starting at $7,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
20 Great Deals out of 517 listings starting at $6,825
Used Lexus GS
8 Great Deals out of 23 listings starting at $6,990
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 684 listings starting at $9,975
Used Toyota Camry Hybrid
12 Great Deals out of 196 listings starting at $5,000
Used Lexus IS
27 Great Deals out of 391 listings starting at $5,400
Used Honda Civic
190 Great Deals out of 4,208 listings starting at $2,916
Used Toyota Tundra
27 Great Deals out of 993 listings starting at $9,240

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.