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Check Engine and VSA lights on after driving in rain
Hello. 2002 TL type S. Whenever I go through puddles after rain my check engine light and VSA lights come on and remain on for several days until, I'm assuming, whatever is getting wet dries out. If I happen to go through a heavy puddle the lights come on also but my car will sputter upon starting and driving sporadically and has even stalled a few times. Sometimes it'll do the sputtering and stalling for days after going through significant water. I've tried researching what could possibly be getting wet and asked "mechanics" to no avail. Any info or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi, Do you have a copy of the manual? Manual Download link. First, stop driving through puddles. Sorry couldn't resist.
When you go through the puddles does the TCS light also come on?
The VSA system is tied in just about everything. Since you are experiencing problems you need to start checking ALL the electrical connectors from the 02 sensors and up. So much to check but use the manual, go to section 19-108 and start reading, page 19-109 starts the description of interactive components.
You should disconnect each of the electrical connectors and check the gaskets and both sides of the each connector for a broken plastic housing. Then clean out the each side of the connectors using Electronic cleaner (
Hi, Do you have a copy of the manual? Manual Download link. First, stop driving through puddles. Sorry couldn't resist.
When you go through the puddles does the TCS light also come on?
The VSA system is tied in just about everything. Since you are experiencing problems you need to start checking ALL the electrical connectors from the 02 sensors and up. So much to check but use the manual, go to section 19-108 and start reading, page 19-109 starts the description of interactive components.
You should disconnect each of the electrical connectors and check the gaskets and both sides of the each connector for a broken plastic housing. Then clean out the each side of the connectors using Electronic cleaner (https://www.amazon.com/CRC-Industries-Inc/dp/B0BHKM2F4K) and some Qtips, make sure you clean out around the internal gaskets of the connectors.
Definitely could be the speed sensors but I still would check everything; having the problem with water last for a few days and not having the TCS go off would lead me to look around but it could be the speed sensors. I guess if water got into the sensors it would behave strangely.
Being the check engine light is on I put a obd11 reader on the car yesterday and it gave me 02 sensor circuit low voltage bank 1 sensor 1. Think I should check that sensor connection first?
You bet. Always include any codes you have from an OBD reader with your posts, it helps speed up our guesses.
I have a Toyota pickup that had a cracked plastic connector for the O2 sensor and it would cause random engine trouble. Of course, it was between the engine and the firewall, a real pain to get to and actually see the damage. Once I replaced the connector (on the harness side) problems went away.
Well that is the 1st O2 sensor. If the connectors check out just replace the 02 sensor with a denso unit. I once had one (on a different car) that started to work after I tapped it several time but I didn't trust it as I was not sure why that made a difference so I replaced it. Most here have replaced them as these cars are over 20 years old now and things wear out.
06-06-2023, 03:16 PM
