Power Steering, Traction Control and Multi Terrain Select lights on after new steering wheel

Hey everyone,

Long time Tacomaworld/T4R guy here. Just picked up a 15 Trail. I sold my 18 TRD ORP 2 years ago and am glad to be back

On Sunday, I installed new Pro Bilstiens in the rear and installed a new OEM steering wheel.

After installing both items and reconnecting the battery, I have the following lights on:

Anti Slip
MTS - Flashing + MTS Not Avalible
Steering Wheel with !

I removed the steering wheel and checked all connections. Did not see any issues. Also checked the rear to see if I dislodged a brake sensor. Before I start blindly replacing the clock spring, wheel sensors etc, is there something simple I should check?





New Trail

My Old 18 ORP

 

Dump question, are you in 4LO or 4HI? or just 2WD?

The Green icon is saying you gotta be in 4Lo to use the Multi Terrain Select. You likely just need to push the button at the top center console and disable it.

The top left icon is traction control. When you hit the button for that it didn't turn off?

The steering wheel + ! Icon, I got nothing. Hopefully someone else can comment.

 

I've tried tapping the buttons, engaging 4LO, 4 HI and it does not do anything. When I jacked up the rear, I put it in 4HI and in Park as an added safety measure, but I can't see how this did anything.

 

There's an electronic locker on your 4Runner cause it's a Trail, have you checked the rear diff, near the top, to ensure the e-locker wire and all the gadgets are plugged in fully and no grime affecting connectors?

 

I tried the locker when I test drove it and it worked no issues.

 

Not going to pay the dealer ~$150 an hour to diagnose it. Truck runs and drives fine, its something simple.

 

I’d double check wiring at the steering wheel. At the buttons lid out the same from one to the other? Typically there’s a ground point, double check that. Are all the connections plugged in all the way? I have a hard time believing you killed the clock spring just swapping a steering wheel, it shouldn’t have turned or or anything with the wheel off.

Grab a test light and run down the fuse box and do a quick check of all of them. Do you have a scanner to check for fault?

 

The yellow steering wheel + ! indicates an issue with your power steering.

 

I actually took the controls and wiring out of the old wheel (TRD Black vs Sliver) and swapped it all over. No electronics changed. I agree about the clock spring. Hard to believe it was damaged.

I ordered one of these. Hopefully it works. My cheap reader only does OBD CEL lights.

I see that, but it doesn't always mean that's the issue. Lots of light's can be triggered by other lights. My power steering works fine, no issues with the rack or fluid level.

 

FYI you can go a much cheaper route to access non OBD-II modules.

I use a Carista dongle with the OBD Fusion app and the 2011 4Runner enhanced diagnostics add on and I can access, read, and clear faults as well as see value blocks for every module in the vehicle (I originally did this for trans temp for properly setting the fluid level) for something like $35-40 total.

 

Thanks! I might try this if the other one doesn't work or maybe I'll send it back for an exchange.

 

Everything works? All exterior lights, wipers, etc?
Was the battery connected when you unplugged/plugged connectors?

Could be fuse but if everything works, maybe not.

Maybe you missed a ground or a small plug?

Might just disconnect battery overnight, let it sort of reset?

 

I removed the wheel and bag twice! Cruise control works and all steering wheel controls work.

Battery was unplugged both times.

 

Really strange. I'm stumped too why everything is working but lights are on.
Wonder if there is a steering position sensor zeroing procedure maybe.

 

I'm installing the front suspension tonight and getting an alignment tomorrow, after that I can mess with the everything.

 

Try a zero point cal procedure.

 

That's my next step. It's at the dealer for the fuel pump recall today and they are going to scan it for free. Also, I am installing my front struts on Friday, so I will try it after everything is installed and alignment done.

 

Just wanted to update this with some info:

I did get a scanner tool with the OBD Fusion app. Well worth it.

I had a code for the steering position sensor. It is located behind/attached to the clock spring. I must have messed it up when I removed the old steering wheel.

After replacing that, the lights went off without any further issues. No zero point needed.

 

Glad you found it and thanks for telling us. I hate those threads that never followup on what the fix was.

 

damn 147k in a 15.

 

Yep! Runs like a top too!

 

thanks for posting the fix

 

I’m having the same issue after swapping my plastic steering wheel on my 13’ SR5 for an OEM leather wrapped wheel. I had the cap pop off the clockspring and ended up removing it to inspect it and reinstall. Every steering wheel button works, horn works, and cruise control works so I don’t believe the clock spring is broken... so you have any more information about the sensor you replaced?

I’m wondering if I didn’t reconnect something tight enough...

 

I ordered a new slip ring and a new wheel position sensor

 

Any links? I’m having trouble searching and locating those parts.

 

Sorry to bump an old thread but any more info on these parts? I am having the same lights on after removing and re-installing my steering wheel. (Working on a heated steering wheel mod).

 

Throwing this out as a guess, is there any type of steering angle sensor that may need to recalibrated if the new wheel could be a spline off from the original one.

 

I found a sensor on Ebay but it will take a few weeks to arrive. Does anyone have any other sources for this sensor, especially within North America?

 

@Emmantik keep us updated like the OP did if replacing the sensor fixes your issue. It would be good to know for future users. I'm sure a lot of people are going to have this issue as more will start doing the heated steering wheel mod