When a mechanic spilled brake fluid during brake work, the warning lights in the cockpit started to go off. Suddenly, power dumps occurred while driving at highway speeds. After investigating, it was found that the brake fluid level was below the low line and adding brake fluid solved the problem.
But, further troubleshooting was needed to find out why the lights kept coming back on. This article will go over the solution found and how to troubleshoot VSC/TRAC/BRAKE indications.
Brake Fluid Level and VSC/TRAC/BRAKE Indications
The mechanic found that the brake fluid level was below the low line, causing the VSC OFF, VSC TRAC, and BRAKE indications. Adding more brake fluid resolved all the problems. The mechanic had spilled the brake fluid during the brake work, which caused sudden power dumps while driving at highway speed.
The ABS light had also been present from a previous occurrence of similar indications. The cause of the ABS light was a bad O2 sensor, which was replaced to resolve the issue.
VSC and TRAC lights come on with Brake, ABS, or Check Engine lights because the computer disables VSC and TRAC if there is an issue with other systems. The CEL code was pulled to identify the issue, showing codes P1441 and P1444.
The power loss and engine codes were likely caused by a faulty vacuum switching valve (VSV) or air injection system. Resetting the lights by disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring harness temporarily resolved the issue.
ABS Light and O2 Sensor
The ABS light was caused by a faulty O2 sensor. Replacing the upstream O2 sensors resolved the issue. Other warning lights, such as VSC OFF, VSC TRAC, and BRAKE, may also come on due to O2 sensor failure. This is because the computer will disable these systems if there is an issue with other systems. A CEL code may also be related to the O2 sensor, and it may be necessary to replace the sensors if there are multiple codes.
| O2 Sensor | Possible Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Bad | ABS Light |
| Faulty | VSC OFF, VSC TRAC, BRAKE Lights |
| Upstream | CEL Code |
| Replacing | Power Loss |
VSC and TRAC Lights With Other Warning Lights
If other warning lights such as ABS, Check Engine, or BRAKE come on with VSC and TRAC lights, it is necessary to get the CEL code pulled to identify the issue. This will help determine if the O2 sensor or other components are causing the lights to come on.
O2 sensors are a common cause of multiple warning lights, so replacing them may be necessary.
Additionally, if the brake fluid level is low, adding brake fluid to the correct level can resolve the issue. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to check the vacuum switching valve (VSV) or air injection system.
Resetting the lights may also help temporarily, but it is important to look into why the lights keep coming back on.
Power Loss and Engine Codes
When power loss occurred and VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, and Check Engine lights appeared, Auto Zone showed codes P1441 and P1444. These codes indicated that the issue could be related to the vacuum switching valve (VSV) or air injection system.
To troubleshoot the issue, the following steps should be taken:
-
Check the brake fluid level and replace any sensors necessary.
-
Check the vacuum switching valve (VSV) for problems.
-
Inspect the air injection system for any issues.
If any of these three components are not functioning correctly, it could be the cause of the power loss and engine codes. Replacing any faulty parts should resolve the issue and get the vehicle back up and running.
Resetting VSC/TRAC Lights
Disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring harness can reset the VSC and TRAC lights. This was done by the dealership during the troubleshooting process, and it temporarily resolved the issue. However, it may need to be done periodically, as the lights can come back on. This is why it is important to look into why the lights keep coming back on.
Resetting the lights is a quick and easy solution, but it is important to not ignore the underlying issue. If the lights keep coming back on, the cause could be due to a faulty vacuum switching valve (VSV) or air injection system. Checking the brake fluid and replacing sensors if necessary could be necessary.
It is important to remember that resetting the lights does not always fix the underlying issue. If the lights keep coming back on, it is important to get to the root cause of the issue. Otherwise, the problem may persist and cause further damage to the vehicle.
Diagnosing the Issue
After resetting the VSC and TRAC lights, it was clear that there was still an underlying issue that needed to be addressed. Diagnosing the issue was the next step in the troubleshooting process.
To do this, the mechanic had to consider the following:
- Pulling the CEL code to identify the issue
- Checking the brake fluid level
- Replacing faulty sensors
By doing this, the mechanic was able to pinpoint the issue and resolve it. In this instance, the problem appeared to be related to the brake fluid level and the O2 sensors.
After adding brake fluid and replacing the upstream O2 sensors, the VSC OFF, VSC TRAC, and BRAKE lights were all resolved.
Causes of Warning Lights
Mechanics often encounter warning lights on the dashboard, which can be caused by a variety of issues. VSC OFF, VSC TRAC, and BRAKE indications are often linked to brake fluid levels and can be resolved by adding brake fluid.
ABS lights can be caused by a faulty O2 sensor, and replacing the upstream O2 sensor can resolve this issue.
In some cases, VSC and TRAC lights can be triggered by other warning lights such as Brake, ABS, or Check Engine lights. This can be due to a faulty vacuum switching valve (VSV), air injection system, or an O2 sensor.
In these cases, resetting the lights by disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring harness can be a temporary solution, however it may need to be done periodically.
It is important to identify the cause of the warning lights to prevent further issues.
Repairs Needed
After exploring the possible causes of the VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, and BRAKE indications, the mechanic identified that brake fluid was low and needed to be topped off. Additionally, the O2 sensor and other related components needed repairs.
To correct the issue, the mechanic took the following steps:
- Replaced the upstream O2 sensors.
- Filled the brake fluid to the correct level.
- Reset the VSC and TRAC lights by disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring harness.
These repairs allowed the vehicle to operate as normal and the warning lights were no longer present. The mechanic continued to monitor the vehicle in case the lights returned, but none did.
The car was able to drive safely, and the customer was pleased with the solution.
Benefits of Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the vehicle’s VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, and BRAKE indications provided a successful solution for the customer. The benefits of this approach cannot be understated. It saves time, money, and effort, since repairing the individual components can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, troubleshooting the issue can help identify the root cause of the problem, allowing for a more targeted approach to repairs.
| Benefits | Examples |
|---|---|
| Saves Time | Identifying root cause, targeted approach to repairs |
| Saves Money | Replacing individual components can be costly |
| Saves Effort | Troubleshooting the issue, resetting the lights |
| Identifies Root Cause | Looking into why warning lights keep coming back on |
| Targeted Approach | Replacing sensors, checking brake fluid |
Common Issues With Vsc/Trac/Brake Indications
Common issues with VSC/TRAC/Brake warnings can arise when brake fluid levels are low or when O2 sensors are faulty. Additionally, the ABS light may come on and the power may dump while driving.
To troubleshoot and resolve these warnings, mechanics should:
- Check the brake fluid level and, if necessary, top it off.
- Replace upstream O2 sensors if necessary.
- Get the CEL code pulled to identify the issue and look into why the lights keep coming back on.
These steps can help mechanics identify and resolve the issue quickly, and if done properly, they can prevent the issue from recurring.
It is important to take the time to properly troubleshoot and resolve the issue before going on to the next step.
