Help! Brake Controller Error, No Traction Control, Blinking 4hi/4lo

I installed an sPOD this morning, after putting everything back together I am seeing the following errors:



I disconnected the battery for the duration of the install. I removed the panel below the steering wheel to gain access to route the sPOD cable through the firewall, but did not disconnect any of the electrical connections there.

In addition to the above image, the 4hi / 4low lights blink off and on.

The truck drives ok and doesn't seem to be in limp mode or anything. It will not actually transfer into 4wd. I have already checked all connections on the panel I removed to make sure nothing was loose or unplugged accidentally. I also removed the battery again for about 30 minutes in am attempt to reset the codes.

I am stuck leaving for a family function now and cannot keep troubleshootong. Wondering if anyone has any good ideas?

 

I also went through and checked any applicable fusea. No problems there.

 

I got (and was expecting to get) the Brake Controller error when I removed my Intergrated Brake Controller to install a Prodigy 2, I would say that you accidentally unplugged it while under the dash. Since the 4 wheel drive knob is just to the right of the brake controller, you could have got that one too.

 

I thought the same, but checked both. My ABS light is also on. None of these plugs are disconnected and the fuses all check out.

 

Just went over every under dash connection again, also went over each fuse with a meter (both under the hood and the interior fuse box). Still no luck, still happening.

If anyone has any ideas I'm all ears. =\

 

don't know what spod is. is it brake controller like prodigy?

if it is a brake controller, sounds like brake Controller error is expected based on HTGreen post ... but not the other errors.

to start with, I would back track and disconnect the spod. maybe just unplug/disconnect the 12v supply to spod and see what happens.

 

Starting thinking it might be unrelated to what I did today. I didn't drive the truck yesterday and didn't turn it on at all before d/c the battery to install the sPOD. I checked all the wheel speed sensors and they seem ok...

I don't really have a way to take the truck to the dealer and still get to work on Tuesday. =(

 

sPOD is a modular switch panel. I will d/c power and see what happens. I didn't touch any of the brake or traction control electronics at all, so I'm pretty lost at this point as to what the connection might be. Your advise is good, considered it earlier but got off on another path. I'll report back.

 

If something doesn't work after I've been tinkering around it's usually something to do with the tinkering. You're on the right track. Disconnect the new device and then reset your computer. I bet that works.

 

Removed power from the sPOD, disconnected battery for 2 hours, just tried again and I'm getting the same thing.

I'm really beginning to believe the two things are not related. I am starting to think I have an issue with a wheel speed sensor or similar. Going to poke around a bit more tomorrow.

 

if you are still looking for solution, can you explain at a very high level what did the work involve?
for example:
1- ran wire from battery to relay
2- ran power from fuse box to spod
3- grounded wire x
4- connected spod to relay
5- drilled/cut a hole to install spod
...

 

...

The sPOD is a switch panel that takes the place of your sunglasses holder. The panel allows you to wire in a bank of 6 switches to a source module that is under the hood. This makes it possible to add additional lighting and accessories that require power without having to go through the firewall multiple times.

Before beginning I disconnected the negative battery terminal. I installed the panel in the sunglasses holder and ran the cable that contains 6 hots and a ground under the headliner, down the a-pillar, and out the firewall. I then connected it to the sPOD Source unit, which has 6 relays, 6 diodes, and 6 fuses ranging from 15a - 30a. I grounded out the source unit at the battery ground point and connected the power to the battery. After everything was done I reconnected the negative battery terminal and tested the sPOD for functionality - it worked. I did not start the vehicle at that time because I had no real reason to.

I used the main wiring plug/gasket to enter the engine compartment from the cabin. I had previously had a number of lights running through that I completely removed and then wired to the sPOD source unit. The sPOD and everything connected to it works fine.

As previously stated, I did not start the truck or even put the keys in the ignition this morning before starting. I cannot definitively say whether or not this problem existed prior to the sPOD install.

I should also mention that I am an engineer that works on fairly complicated automation. I am by no means a certified Toyota tech, but I'm not an idiot either. I checked the wiring that goes through the gasket into the engine compartment to be sure I didn't damage anything. None of those wires or the loom's jacket are damaged in any way. I also checked the plugs and sockets for any connectors that were anywhere near where I was working, which was the kick panel in the driver's footwell, and the panel below the steering wheel. All are tightly connected with zero damage. I checked continuity for literally every fuse both in the cabin and under the hood, and there are no blown fuses.

I didn't drill anything except the plastic cover to the fuse box under the hood, and that was of course done on my bench and not in the vehicle.

 

The more research I do regarding the symptoms I'm seeing, the more it appears that there is a problem with the ABS system or perhaps a wheel speed sensor. I am going to see if the service dept at a toyota dealer is open tomorrow (probably not) and see if they can read the techstream codes for me. I have a feeling it's going to turn out to be a wheel speed sensor. That being said, I'm absolutely willing to try any reasonable ideas anyone here may have.

 

sounds like you know what are you are doing and tested everything along the way ... i am beginning to like spod now its a good idea and leaves room for expansion!

coincidence is always a possibility if you didn't accidently bump any of the sensors or zap any other electronic components.

reading the codes if any is another good idea!

 

Sounds like an unintentional ground somewhere. If youve checked all wiring this should be fine. I would however remove all panels and loosen the wiring incase there is a slight pinch somewhere, fire it up (after battery unhooked for a few minutes) and see what lights up.
I have also experienced funny stuff with a bad wheel sensor on my taco.
You stated no connectors were unplugged? If any were I would ensure they are not plugged in backwards or that the pins were not bent or pushed in.

Like you stated. Sounds like youve covered your bases. Next step is diagnostics.

 

I was thinking bad ground or similar as well. I did remove some grounds for lights that were grounded both at the battery ground point and the common ground for the interior accessories (behind driver's side kick panel). Along that line I confirmed that both grounds were good (both read same exact voltage as battery test).

All of the plugs that connect to the switch panels around the steering wheel are keyed. I went through and disconnected and reconnected each one just to be positive. I also looked at the back of each socket to make sure no wires had come loose from the socket connector itself.

I've also done a visual inspection for each of my speed sensors. None are obviously damaged. I followed the wires back as far as I possible could and have seen no damage in the exposed areas.

I have read that this system is separate from the OBD2 system and that I might not get a code from a standard code reader. I think I will need a Techstream reader to see what is wrong with the ABS/4WD/Trailer Brake Controller system. =\

Gonna head to Autozone today and just give it a shot having the codes read. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Side note: I see there are a number of Techstream options around ~$40. Reviews are mixed with some people claiming the cable is good but the software is counterfeit. I've never had a problem getting a hold of software so this doesn't really bother me, but I'm curious if anyone has had any experience with one of these kits?

 

Finally got code checked, and while the result isn't ideal, it makes me feel a lot better that I didn't screw anything up. It looks like it's just coincidental that I'm getting an error directly after installing the sPOD.

 

Fixed. Was an issue with a broken wire sending power to the wheel speed sensors. Dealership corrected under warranty.

 

Having the same issue suddenly after casual drive during a rain shower. Was the technician specific about where the broken wire was; or which sensor was being affected?