Flashing 4lo/4hi is now a no start, stuck starter issue?

Morning all,

I thought I had the usual flashing 4hi/4lo, solid ABS and VSC issue that would indicate a wheel speed sensor/abs sensor. This started back in September after a snow storm in Yellowstone, but resolved when I restarted the vehicle. Happened again w our first storm a few months ago, but would go away w a restart. Now, we have 2.5-3' of snow on the ground, and because my lazy ass didn't address it in good weather I am addressing it now.

Last week, I couldn't get the lights to go away w the usual restart, so I bought 2 rear wheel speed sensors and replaced them a few days ago, now the issue is constant. Yes, could be the wires, but there are some new developments that have me scratching my head.

After installing the new sensors, I got an error on the display saying that the trans temp was high and vehicle was overheated. Def not accurate as it had been sitting for hours in the snow and cold. Left the vehicle for the day yesterday as I was clearing snow around the house.

Just now, I started the vehicle up and got the same flashing lights and solid ABS/VSC, no CEL or message on the display. I shut the vehicle off, and went to restart to see if that trick would work and when I did, it misfired and wouldn't start and the starter stuck on, so I shut the truck off. I tried starting it again and the starter stuck in the on and vehicle wouldn't start, just kind of stumbled.

Waited a few, started it up just fine, and still had the same flashing/solid lights. No CEL even after the misfire and starter issue.

So now, I'm leaning towards some sort of electrical issue. I'd read in another post about a bad body ECU. Would something like this cause this many issues?

Can someone point me in the right direction for assessing and troubleshooting so I'm not throwing random parts at the truck?

Thanks
G

 

I should add that after installing the new sensors, I disconnected the battery for 20 mins to reset things, and nothing changed as far as the light went, but that is when I started getting all these other issues.

 

Any evidence of rodents chewing on your wiring harnesses?

 

I'd check for codes...

 

Agreed; this should be the first step and you can go to pretty much any auto parts store and get it done for free. The problem is with all of those issues together, you are likely to pull a lot of codes. Troubleshooting each one is important if you don't want to throw parts at it. This graph may help get you started:

 

Good points on the codes gents...completely spaced that part of my troubleshooting due to the frustration.

Prior to replacing the two sensors, the codes I pulled were:
P0300
P0894
P144D
P2714
P2772

Note, none of these caused a CEL, but were pulled from my old Innova 1003e as "Readiness DTCs." Frankly, I don't know the difference of a CEL code and a Readiness DTC and haven't googled the difference yet.

Now, I just went down and pulled a new set of codes since I've had all the issues described in the first post. I think most of the codes present are due to the issue w starting that I mentioned above.
P1604
P0300
P0011, 12, 14, 15, 21, 22, 24, 25, 37, 38, 57, 58
P101, 102, 103
P011B
P0128
P0136, 137


I looked all the through the engine bay and under the vehicle w flashlight and mirror to see if there is any rodent damage and saw none. No signs of rodents either...nesting and feces.

@shawn474 , I appreciate the chart and will double check what I am getting on the dash display.

 

Also, with the age of my Innova(well over 15 years I believe), several of the codes didn't have a description w them. Is it worth while to upgrade my scanner? If so, which model is suggested to be able to read everything or even get RT readouts as this model won't do that.

 

That is a lot of codes for sure!!!! I would take it to AutoZone or another shop and get them to pull codes with their scanner. See what they come up with (there will be explanations for each).

 

Def will take it for better code readings, or get a better scanner.

The original codes that I listed are my main concern as I see the second set of 20+ codes as an issues w the starting/starter issue and not the first set of flashing lights.

 

Going back to the Indicator Light sheet shown above, I'm not seeing the combo of lights that I have on there.

I have a solid VSC and Solid ABS, with flashing 4hi/4lo, but no traction control symbol, no brake and no CEL.

Am I missing something here?

 

Thinking maybe a more interactive diagnostic scanner that can test each system ...and narrow it down to whats causing the issue..

 

Agreed; looking at some of the higher end bi-directional scanners from Autel.

 

No I am seeing the same thing now that you mention it. And a couple of the closest related issues have "unknown cause"......which leads me to believe that there may be something else going like rodent damage???? I hope you get it figured out soon and are back on the road quickly with little expense.

 

I just had one of those "ahhhhh shit" moments when you mentioned the rodent damage.

When in Yellowstone in September, both my truck and my buddy's were infiltrated by at least one mouse, on two separate nights. We got them out, but had to listen to them gnawing on different things, and at least in my truck, the rodent got in to the cab portion. We bought traps in Jackson on our way to the Greys, but never caught anything, and we didnt have any further indications that rodents were present. No droppings, noises or visuals.

The first instance of all of this happening was the day after the mouse issue.

 

Oh man; you may have answered your question then. I would take a hard long look at the mouse closed wiring harnesses and try to identify any areas of chewing. Also try pulling your cabin filter - they sometimes like to nest there. If you haven’t considered it yet, many of us have secured the cabin access under the windshield cowl with hardware cloth / chicken wire. If you are able to get a flashlight and crawl and look under and around the engine bay and the sensors you might find the issue. I use peppermint oil spray to try to keep the critters out of my engine area.

 

OK....some odd occurrences, but think I have everything figured out.

First, the ABS and flashing lights was a stand alone issue that was solved. I'll get that in a moment. The thing that caused the myriad of codes and misfires and such starter was the PRODIAG Mini Wifi bluetooth OBD2 scanner. I was able to reproduce the same results by using the adapter a second time, having cleared all the codes and reset everything. I dont know why it caused these issues, but when i plugged it in to my 2003 Accord, I got a ton of issues that had nothing to do w one another. So... that plugin scanner got trashed.

Second, I dropped the money on an Auto Mx808 and love it! So easy to use, and comprehensive scanner, with real time code reading abilities.

Cause of the ABS issues was the from right:


Not only had the sensor been broke in half, the connector to the sensor was toast too, so I had to get a new harness; $80 at the local parts store. Test drive proved everything functioned well and no further codes.

I explored the engine bay, under dash on both passenger and driver, including the cabin air and squirrel cage, and no indications of rodent damage. Still going to add some peppermint oil in the engine bay and under the dash as preventative measures.

 

Glad you got everything figured out and relatively inexpensively and without much trouble!

 

Honestly man, the prospect of rodent damage had me concerned. I hate electrical gremlins and sold my old Montero because of them.

Appreciate the help!