CEL, traction control, both Vsc lights on

Hoping to receive some insight on where to go from here. Originally thought that i overflowed my gas tank and was having some evap canister issue. Or my gas cap was bad(the easy fix i was hoping for)

Unfortunately after a diagnostic scan I find 4 advanced crankshaft position codes and no evap code. I have P0011 P0016 P0018 and P0021. Internet search has me fearing my timing belt jumped a tooth or two. Just checked and at TDC my pullies are in alignment with the marks on the castings. Whew...

So where should I go from here? Hate to just wing it and start throwing sensors at this issue.. but maybe thats where I am at :/

Thanks for any insight.

Also; Ive tried the battery disconnect and cleared the codes with a scanner and they came right back.

 

I should note that the idle seems higher and i believe i notice a slight decrease in low end power. All these lights came on randomly on my drive home from work.

 

Did some testing on my VvT solenoids.. they both seem ok.
The high idle is causing drivability issues.. when it comes to slowing down and coming to a stop.. good times.

 

AI’s take FWIW:
—-
You’ve got a cluster of VVT and crankshaft correlation codes—P0011, P0016, P0018, and P0021. That mix strongly suggests timing or oil flow issues, even if your pulleys seem aligned at TDC. Here’s a methodical route forward so you’re not just tossing parts at it:

Start here: Mechanical Timing Double-Check

• Rotate the engine two full turns by hand and recheck alignment marks.
• If cam phasers are visible, confirm they’re not advanced/retarded beyond spec.


️ Oil Quality & Flow

• Ensure oil level and viscosity are correct—these codes can fire from poor oiling.
• Consider an oil flush if there’s any sludge.
• Check banjo bolt filters if your engine uses them.


️ VVT Solenoids

• Even if solenoids “seem ok,” bench test with 12V and verify full travel.
• Clean screens and internal passageways.
• If possible, swap solenoids side-to-side—see if codes follow.


Crank & Cam Sensors

• Look at live data for signal consistency (especially under load).
• Inspect wiring for wear, corrosion, or loose pins.
• Replace only if signals are flaky—not just because of the codes.


Idle Issues

• Could be the ECU compensating for timing errors.
• Also check IAC valve and throttle body condition—they may be contributing.


Other Notes

• If the timing belt was changed recently, one tooth off may not show visibly but still cause correlation faults.
• Don’t forget to clear codes after each fix attempt.

 

Thanks for that..
Im not throwing a cam or crank sensor code, or maf code.. so i think theyre ruled out as being the issue, i verified the vvt solenoids are moving under power, fresh clean oil.
I dont know where the filter screens are located, expected if there are any they would have been right by the solenoids and theres none there.

35,000m on this timing belt, but i dont know if it was oem or some lesser quality aftermarket.

 

My Bank 2 solenoid tested okay on the bench but, under the hood at operating temperature and cycling, the coil would intermittently malfunction. Same thing with the Bank 1 O2 sensors -- tested okay with the ohmeter but threw a code when in operation. The good thing is that all these doohickeys are reasonably inexpensive from the aftermarket (Denso, NTK). In fact, the Genuine Toyota VVTi solenoid (made in Mexico) I bought from the dealer looked identical to the NTK solenoid. These electrical parts are old so it's okay to change them like a form of preventative maintenance.

 

https://www.toyotatownpartsdirect.c...archGuid=E0F34C0A-09DE-4623-91BF-7B039D8E8BAD

Item No. 15678A on the drawing.

 

Thats a solenoid filter in the diagram. I havent pulled the cylinder heads to look at them, but im meticulas(sp) at changing the oil every 3000m and it seems these motors actually keep alot cleaner oil than everything else ive owned for whatever reason.
I am wondering if one of camshaft sensors is acting goofy.. but was expecting they would have their own specific code? Seems like a real prick to get at, under the fuel rail.

 

That's the thing, those screens are there to catch the odd metal sliver or sealant chunk from assembly or repairs. Yours are probably fine (mine were like new). Regardless, restricted oil flow would contribute to camshaft over-retarded codes, not over-advanced. The crank position sensor and its circuit would play a role in all the codes your engine has so that's a good place to start.

 

Im not getting the specific crank position sensor code.. but perhaps sometimes sensors can be faulty and not throw the proper code? Im not sure...

I fear my timing belt is either stretched or the tensioner isnt working correctly.

Im planning to have the vehicle floated to the Toyota dealer next monday..
I pray they show some mercy on my bank account.

 

So after 3 days of having my wheels toyota finally put an hour into it and confirmed everything i had told them. They then call back and tell me my timing is off by three teeth on both cams, but it seems theyre looking at it wrong according to my tech book.

Good times.

 

Ugh! How do the teeth get off? Get a new belt, and "while your in there" I hope you don't have to sweat too much waiting for the bill! Argh!

 

They "thinK' that the last time the belt was put on it was lined up to the arrows at TDC and not the Lines its suppose to be.. I asked, how could I drive it for 40,000miles before having any sort of issue.. that has them scratching their heads.. All i can figure is that maybe its stretched a bit or the tensioner isnt working properly causing slightly more timing than what 3 teeth would have been.. its hard to believe 3 teeth off wouldnt have caused an issue long ago.. really at a loss

Went online to save some money and ordered the Aisin timing belt kit which includes tensioner and water pump also ordered the a Gates serpentine belt kit that comes with 2 pulleys. hopefully when all said and done my issue is resolved.

The expected bill is already reaping extreme financial stress, kind of between selling our dog, a hunting rifle or going without alot of our groceries this month.

There seems to be a very good reason to never go to a dealership unless your absolutely stuck with that remaining option.

 

$3200 later its ready for pick up and runs well.

I'm left stunned.

 

What did they end up doing?

 

Timing belt job from hell

I supplied them an Asisn Timing belt/water pump kit as well as a Gates serpentine belt and pully kit. I bought this stuff to save from buying the parts from them as the price difference was astonomical.

Anyways they installed everything and then noticed the water pump was leaking. Had to tear it all apart again (+5hrs labour) and have me buy their water pump($350) and they claim that solved the leak.

I talked the the actual master tech and he "seemed" honest claiming that he was hoping it was an install issue and that I wouldnt get hammered with all the additional labour. Anyways he concluded that the casting of my water pump or faulty gasket must have been the culprit. The issue I have is that its the SAME brand stuff thats labelled Toyota..

 

Rough! I'm glad she's working and not leaking!

 

The service writer told me yesterday that I was "welcome to come take it, it just has a bit of a water pump leak now."

I thought that was pretty ridiculous coming from a dealership,

Take it in for one issue, take it home with a new one.

I was going to have them install a block heater while they were at it, but that went out the window.
Will be nice draining all the fresh coolant out do to that in the driveway in the near future.

I couldnt sleep last night, hoping and praying that they'd find fault with their install, as I was told by the service writer mid day, that the tech was struggling getting an Oring seated properly behind the pump..

..today the tech claimed that pipe wasn't where the leak was coming from.. Its hard to know, but impossible to feel like you didnt just get completely shafted when this kind of bs goes down.

 

I plan to pick my vehicle up Friday and more than likely never go back to this stealership.

It only got more frustrating, as I receive a call this morning to let me know that they accidently threw out all my old parts that I had told them twice I wanted to keep. Raises questions whether they changed out everything I provided or not.

 

They're crooked, for sure...tell them to dumpster dive and grab them...I dont trust dealerships for this very reason! Look at your stuff and make sure it is indeed, new...no leaks, new sealants et Al...beat them ar their game is the only way to have to use them!

**Edited words for real words

 

Do what to them?? Is that a karate move? lol

The service writer told me I can bring it into the garage and check out that new stuff is on it. Except its half a teardown to really know if they put certain pullies on and impossible to know if they put the new crank seal on.

Its been such a drawn out headache its almost unreal.

 

Man, I hate this for you. My cynical side wonders if they decided to recoup that money you saved on the parts through the extra labor. And it’s total BS that they threw out the parts.

Could be a long road but I’d document everything, including pics, then write a demand letter giving them a deadline to make it right at no further cost. Next is Toyota corporate and your state consumer protection agency. If none of that works, have a trusted shop fix it (and check the parts if it’s worth the additional cost), then take the dealer to small claims court for reimbursement. Wait till all is said and done then torch them on every review platform and forum you can.

That place is why people despise dealers. Hope it eventually works out.

 

Update: I was talking again to the master Tech that did the work, seems like a super honest guy(maybe the only one there) he told me everything that he changed(I felt he was honest the first time I spoke with him, my biggest concern was the little weasel service writer maybe didnt give him all the parts I supplied.

At one point I asked the sly service writer if he dropped my water pump and kicked it across the floor, he claimed they dont do things like that... of course). I found it almost too much of a coincidence that the service writer told me ahead of time(when he knew I wasnt buying their parts) about how he bought a water pump online and it failed prematurely, then I have a problem with mine when they install it.

I talked to the service manager about my concerns and how this was my first experience there, hoping to have a good one etc.. He brought the price down about $400 for throwing away my parts and my troubles.

Still not enough to have me feel good or ever go back. I felt they should have split the extra labor charge and not charged me for their so called superior Aisin pump over my so called inferior Aisin pump.

 

Tis the holler of a dealership...this is a repeated, everywhere, story...I'm glad they knocked the price down but now, if you must go back, mark your parts you bring to them with some ink, paint, or a stamp and know for sure. Happy Friday!

 

I dont think I could ever deal with them again because I dont think I could deal with the service writer again without choking him out. Picking it up tonight so may still have to do that if he gets rambling on about "aftermarket parts" again.