This truck in going to get me killed! I have a 2001 4Runner 4x4, and the traction control has a mind of it's own. It only happens on cold (<30 degrees) mornings. The roads are dry, and I am taking it easy. I turn out of my subdivision, get the wheels straight, and all of a sudden the traction control warning light flashes and beeps at me. The system activates the brakes, and I can basically go nowhere. Sometimes I can feel the brakes being activated but the are no lights or beeps. It does this for about the first 15 minutes in the morning, and then it goes away. It has never done this in warmer weather. There's no rhyme or reason to it. Any suggestions?

 

Your speed sensors at each wheel must be acting up in the cold weather.

 

As a point of commentary, I understand the merits of automatic traction control, but I really love my old school 4WD on the 99.

You are correct, your issue could cause an accident and should get fixed.

 

Update: My truck is with mechanics that specialize in Toyota & Lexus. My right rear speed sensor is covered in gear oil. They think I could have a rear axle seal leak. I don't understand why the oil has not coated my brake shoes like my 97 did. Do the 01 & 02 4Runners have problems with the axle seals like the earlier 3rd generations? If so, could it leak on a speed sensor and cause problems with vsc and traction control. Anyone else have this problem?