PCS Malfunction Alert

PCS on driver dash window indicates PCS is working and I can adjust the sensitivity. However, I have an alert that says "PCS malfunction, do not rely on this system" same for Vehicle stability--message is dated Oct 2020 and I bought in 2021 with 4 miles on it.

My rig is clean and I have tested on the road and no PCS seems to work. Cruise control works. Everything I read is related to lifts and I am a completely stock SR5P.

Any pearls of wisdom out there before I go back to dealer?

Cheers!

Richard

 

I had messages like that in the alerts when I bought mine. I cleared them and it's never been a problem. I think those are residual messages from a factory test. There been a few threads on this before.

Clear them and go on about your day. If there's a problem, they'll pop up again. But I'll wager all is good.

 

Thanks JMK... I was able to remove message. Took for a drive and still don't think the PCS works as I tried to "safely" approach both moving and parked cars with all 3 sensitivity distances with no PCS alerts. Attached is the warning pic. I hate going to dealer for the time cost, but will take in since it is under warranty. Salesman where I bought (40 miles away) said it could be a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) issue so best to have a dealer (local 4 mile away dealer) check it out. Will do next week and report back. Cheers!

 

The PCS system is pretty smart, it knows your tricks and is not fooled!

Check out page 258 or so in the owners manual. It talks about the PCS system and gives examples of when the system my activate even if there is no/limited threat of collision, such as a car stopped in front of you to make a turn. If you are really set on testing it, you may be able to replicate one of those scenarios in a safe manner.

FWIW my '20 had the same message dated prior to my purchase. As other's said, it's normal.

 

I am thankful that Toyota's PCS programming seems to be pretty smart. Honda's system is a total spaz, always thinking you're about to die and warning you as such.

 

It's pretty picky about what will set it off. I've got about 5000 miles on mine and it's happened once when a car in front was moving to the shoulder to make a right. The car was out of my lane and barely over the white while turning, and I didn't see a need to slow down. The 4Runner disagreed and warned me. Now I do the safer thing and give a wider berth to those cars or I slow down a bit.

The cruise control uses the radar on the front, which is part of the PCS system. Hop on the highway and set your cruise. When you approach a vehicle moving slower the dash display will indicate you're closing in, and then it'll adjust the speed to maintain distance. I doubt that tests every aspect of the system, but it's an easy check.

 

Good recall, P258 exactly... Copy on car being smarter than I am. Will trust the technology, but rely on my driving skills. I'll pretend I have the old school FJ60 technology and appreciate the 5Gen comforts. I am digging my new rig and can't believe I have it. Appreciate everyone's feedback.

 

Take to dealer for this 100% no brainer. Same as Alightment logic.

 

Follow up: Did the no brainer and took back to dealer this AM. As was stated in the thread, not an issue and confirmed by dealer inspection. Maybe a pre-delivery inspection issue, but they found nothing wrong. Aloha Friday!

 

Yeah I had that same thing on mine and realized the date stamp was on it before I even bought the car. So I assumed it was the tests that were ran before delivery. I have had it go off a few different times for those unexpected stop in the middle of the road to make a left turn. Idk why so many people here in Arizona think that is okay. Anyways good to know your 4Runner is okay.