Toyota Experts

[DTro]

Hopefully Airjer will peek in

Anyways, I have an '03 4-Runner with the V6 that has 2wd 4hi and 4lo. While in 2wd there is no way to disable the VSC, which in my opinion is a little dangerous.

Say it's snowing or icy roads and I pull out and gas it a litte too much, it disables all the power so your basically your hands are tied and left up to the CPU.

I'm sure most late model vehicles have this, but most of them also have a disable switch.

I've done a little research and found a sensor plug that can be disconnected, but that also disconnects the ATRAC and ABS.....not good.

Just a shot in the dark, but has anyone tried to override this or found a work around.

It's nice to be able to break the tires every now and then

[Shack]

I am sure Airjer will have a lot more to say about this!

First off I have had customers state concerns about this over the last couple years. It does suck when a computer over rides a drivers ability to have control over his or hers vehicle!

But! Its like the wave of "disconnect my airbag" questions I had to deal with 4-5 years ago. A dealership can not deactivate a safety feature because of liability!

Now with that being said, a mechanic on the side might be able to help!

I am not a Toyota expert at all (domestic experience) but a factory scan tool might be able to switch off VSC function and not effect other part of that system like ABS.

I still do not know why they would not put in an over ride switch. Maybe a liability stand point from the factory or the VSC is integrated into system so much, it can not or should not be disabled (would effect the whole system in some way and cause damage).

I will be interested in what Airjer says about this! I am always looking for a new trick.

A good tech can help with all the tricks, from stopping speedo from reading mileage to making a diesel get 100-150 more horse power for $25.00 of electrical diodes and it being almost untraceable for factory to find out. I have seen it.

Edit note:

Dtro, have you tried reading manual about vehicle speed control? Can you go into insterment cluster or a dash computer and swith it off. Sometimes in oil minder area in dash computer or cluster, you can get extra prompts for other adjustments, like switching things on and off! Just a thought!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Sorry, can't help you out on this one.

VSC or vehicle stability control is far more advanced than "traction control" which I'm sure you are referring to when you mentioned the on off switch.

As you mentioned the VSC uses the ABS and engine management to reduce the vehicles chances of skidding out of control. Basically the computer is programed to react to a host of sensor data. When it senses the car is about to be out of control it will react by limiting power, increasing power, applying brake, or releasing brake depending on the situation.

Traction control is essentially the use of the abs system to reduce tire slip and has no real control over what the entire vehicle is doing. the system moniters wheel speed only and will apply the brake to the wheel that is spinning the fastest.

If it makes you feel any better the new Highlander is now using a technology (optional) that will override driver throttle input. If it sees that the driver has a hard time maintaining a smooth or constant throttle it will take over and smooth it out itself. All in the name of conserving fuel. Now thats scary!!

[DTro]

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VSC or vehicle stability control is far more advanced than "traction control" which I'm sure you are referring to when you mentioned the on off switch.

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Actually the 08 4runner has a "VSC off" switch. Hence my thinking that there must be some way to override it.

[DTro]

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If it sees that the driver has a hard time maintaining a smooth or constant throttle it will take over and smooth it out itself. All in the name of conserving fuel. Now thats scary!!

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I've ridden with people who have this problem

[Jeremy airjer W]

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Actually the 08 4runner has a "VSC off" switch.

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I haven't seen that yet.

[william wallace]

I'm not a Toyota experts by any means but I would not disable any safety features on the vehicle... that is kind of like disabling the airbags because they can be harmful in some cases...

[Jim Almquist]

The 07 Tundra has a ON/OFF switch for the VSC.

[caseymcq]

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If it sees that the driver has a hard time maintaining a smooth or constant throttle it will take over and smooth it out itself. All in the name of conserving fuel. Now thats scary!!

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In most vehicles that is called cruise control.

[Jeremy airjer W]

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In most vehicles that is called cruise control.

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But I determine when I want to use it, Not the car!!

[PikeBayCommanche]

My 2000 landcruiser has a button too.