When I started the car this morning the dummy lights were on.

The "Check Engine" Light as well as the 3 Traction Control Lights (eg "VSC On" and "VSC Off") were all on and YELLOW.

It is 3 years w/ 26k miles

It is a 2005 4Runner.

Is this routine stuff reminding me for scheduled service or is this a problem that must be addressed immediately?!???

 

It means the computer has registered a trouble code, which triggers the Check Engine Light. When that comes on the VSC, TRAC are turned off, which is why those lights are on. The code could be one of hundreds of problems, some a minor nuisance, some more serious.
You need to get the computer scanned to find the code. If you're near an Autozone they'll do it free, or if you're near me I have a scanner A dealer will usually charge 1 hour of labour for the scan.

 

thanks, Eric-the-Red - I appreciate your offer!

the dealer was going to charge me for an hour and they found a bad sensor and some other hosing issue

$500! Just 2 week after the warraty!

but they are going to fix the entire thing for free!

What is the difference between VSC and TRAC? I know VSC is the Variable Stability Control but what is "TRAC"?

By the way, so if a sensor goes bad for emmissions the computer is programmed to take away your ability to utilize 4X4???? In an effort to force you to fix the problem sooner rather than later? That's total BS! On my other car I only fix emission sensors when I have to pass the emmissions inspection. No need spending money until it is absolutely necessary these days!

 

TRAC is traction control, basically it stops wheel spin if you accelerate too fast. It applies the brake to the spinning wheel, and then cuts power to the engine if that doesn't do the trick. The 2nd part is lots of fun if you've just pulled out into traffic. I think the system on your 4th gen is a bit less sensitive than the 3rd gen one though.

VSC tries to keep the vehicle pointing in the direction it thinks your steering, is uses a couple of sensors and individual wheel brakes to prevent skids, etc. Mine works quite well, I've tried to get sideways a couple of times and it just straightens out.

I can still use my 4wd with those lights on, don't know about the newer models though.

 

thanks....what year is yours?