Alright here is something you guys may appreciate.
Quite a few threads have been posted already about people having their VSC Track and Off light on for various reason.
Here is a new one.
Last week end I was wheeling with other FJ'ers and got stuck in really deep sticky mud. It took 2 other FJ's to pull me out. After gettinbg out and disengaging my 4x4, I noticed that the 2 VSC lights and the "slipping car" lights were on. So first I thought, ok my under chassis is glazed with mud and maybe that messes up the sensors. Rode back home, took the wheels and all the skid plates out and started cleaning. After 4 hours of that, I ended up with 2 wheel barrels of dirt I scooped off my drive way. Lights wer still on.
Did several other checks but nothing. So I decided to sleep on it and if I can not come up with anything, to the dealership I would go to see what is going on.
2 Days later I decided to go under the car again to check for loose connectors or broken wires and there I noticed that my lower left rear control arm, which keeps the axle tied up to the chassi was bent pretty badly. And sure enough, after a close look, I can see that my axle is a little crooked.
I checked with the dealership for a new arm, cost $180. I check online and found much stronger ones for $300 for the pair at Man-o-free.
Of course I need my car, those things need to be ordered, and so I figure I was going to take the bent one out and try to straighten it and reinforce it while I am waiting for the new ones.
2 hours later, I put it back in, test drove, and the darn lights were off!!!
Found out that the computer is sensitive enough for your balancing and traction system that it knew my axle was crooked. How about that.
So here are some pics of what it was and what I have done:
1 - The problem
2 - The control arm
3 - The solution (2x2x1/4 thick steel angle welded in several places)
4 - Finished and painted:
5 - INstalled and voila:
Of course I did the other side as well after this.
Maybe not as good looking then the Man-o-free ones, but they sure did not cost me $300.
And yes, getting those either reinforced or replaced with stronger ones is highly recommended since the stock ones are really thin and super week.
It probably wont since you have not gone off road that much and hit stuff, but just to show you how so many things can potentially affect those lights.
Darn computers... actually in my case it was cool.
Yeah you are right about darn computers!!!! I have been driving it and it seems ok but you never know.. I just thing that if it was rats that chewed up the wires then the short would possibly make something else go out or start burning up the wire.. But this is all a guess..
Just so you know, I was doing a little online window shopping and saw that All-Pro has some of their LCA's on sale,
Extreme Links for $99.50 (reg $199, gonna call them tomorrow to verify the price) or I might just go with the Ultimate Links for $229 (reg $289)
__________________
Dave
TLCA #18835
CA4WDC #11465
08 Brick, 4x4, 5AT, OEM Rack, OEM Tow package, OEM RR Dif Lock, Steelies w/Toyo A/T's, OME 886/895, Digger Links, TG Sliders, MAF skids,
ARB Bull Bar, Warn 9K, Garvin HiLift and Shovel/Axe mounts, CB, Earthmate PN-20 GPS, TRD CAI, Dual Batteries, ATRAC switch.
Mod's: 12V Aux Fuse Block, 2x 12V Power Outlet in-console, Cobra 75 in-console install, Inside rear door release, sleep/storage mod.
Next - on board air, Rear Bumper (not sure which one yet)
It probably wont since you have not gone off road that much and hit stuff, but just to show you how so many things can potentially affect those lights.
Darn computers... actually in my case it was cool.
I ALWAYS like little "accidents" that help justifying my upgrades to the CFO of the family!
__________________
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Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. --Mark Twain
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TLCA Member #18690
Well Boss I sure hope you find an easy/cheap solution to your problems, but you will still need to chaeck this out ASAP cause a burned arness can propagate even bigger problems and get very expensive.
DaveF2, those seem like great prices indeed. Cheaper and definitely better built then the stock one. In my case I love to fab stuff and count on my ressourcefulness. Don't mind saving money either so I can put it to other use.
My mode cost me 3 hours and about $15 in material.
Just so you know, I was doing a little online window shopping and saw that All-Pro has some of their LCA's on sale,
Extreme Links for $99.50 (reg $199, gonna call them tomorrow to verify the price) or I might just go with the Ultimate Links for $229 (reg $289)
hey men, where did you say this?? im browsing the website now and cant find this deal...
Thanks in advance.
BTW Great Job High-Yo-Silver, i wish i knew how to weld.. Good for you.
Alright here is something you guys may appreciate.
Quite a few threads have been posted already about people having their VSC Track and Off light on for various reason.
Here is a new one.
Last week end I was wheeling with other FJ'ers and got stuck in really deep sticky mud. It took 2 other FJ's to pull me out. After gettinbg out and disengaging my 4x4, I noticed that the 2 VSC lights and the "slipping car" lights were on. So first I thought, ok my under chassis is glazed with mud and maybe that messes up the sensors. Rode back home, took the wheels and all the skid plates out and started cleaning. After 4 hours of that, I ended up with 2 wheel barrels of dirt I scooped off my drive way. Lights wer still on.
Did several other checks but nothing. So I decided to sleep on it and if I can not come up with anything, to the dealership I would go to see what is going on.
2 Days later I decided to go under the car again to check for loose connectors or broken wires and there I noticed that my lower left rear control arm, which keeps the axle tied up to the chassi was bent pretty badly. And sure enough, after a close look, I can see that my axle is a little crooked.
I checked with the dealership for a new arm, cost $180. I check online and found much stronger ones for $300 for the pair at Man-o-free.
Of course I need my car, those things need to be ordered, and so I figure I was going to take the bent one out and try to straighten it and reinforce it while I am waiting for the new ones.
2 hours later, I put it back in, test drove, and the darn lights were off!!!
Found out that the computer is sensitive enough for your balancing and traction system that it knew my axle was crooked. How about that.
So here are some pics of what it was and what I have done:
1 - The problem
2 - The control arm
3 - The solution (2x2x1/4 thick steel angle welded in several places)
4 - Finished and painted:
5 - INstalled and voila:
Of course I did the other side as well after this.
Maybe not as good looking then the Man-o-free ones, but they sure did not cost me $300.
And yes, getting those either reinforced or replaced with stronger ones is highly recommended since the stock ones are really thin and super week.
Great mod/fab work on the LCA's. Looks solid.
FYI...you get the most bent LCA I have ever seen award.
Consider buying a ScanGuage. They're great to help diagnose and reset OBDII codes, monitor gas mileage, trip info, etc. Gives you digital engines temps, etc. Would not have helped in this case but they're still a great addition.
One last thing. Check your radiator for any residual mud. Mud can really raise the engine temps and cause long term wear issues and since your gauge is analog you might not notice a 10 to 15 degree rise. Another good reason to get a ScanGauge. Larry at DirtyParts has great prices on them.
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TLCA#16768
33' BFG MUD's, Icon Front Coil Overs, OME Rear Shocks and Coils. ARB Bumper, Warn 9500XD winch, MAF Sliders & Skid Plates, Gobi Ranger Rack w/ PIAA Lights ft, rr, sd, w/Gobi Hi Lift, axe and shovel Mounts, dust lights. Dirty Parts Dual Battery System, Cobra 75 WX ST CB, Extreme Hi Lift Jack, Power Tank 10 lbs. CO2 System, All Pro HD LCA's, Custom Rear Drawers. Custom electrical.
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