The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[Markus1967]

Hi forumers

Got a strange one, driving during the day and all ok, but as soon as I turn on my headlights the ABS, TRC and VSC lights come on.

Any ideas!

Mark

[Google]

[karl2000]

Whats the voltage at the battery (with the engine running), before and after you put the headlights on?

[Markus1967]

Hi sir

That's something that I have not checked yet, I'll do that tomorrow to find out, I do, as you know, have 2 batteries so there shouldn't be a problem but I'll check nevertheless and also what it is charging at.

Also, I did replace the O/S Rear Wheel Sensor as I did have an issue, and it worked with all codes deleted, rescanned and no fault codes, drove it a couple of miles with no issues until I put my headlights on

Mark

[Markus1967]

[karl2000]

Worth checking the voltage as a lot of systems malfunction if the voltage isn't quite right.  The 2 batteries wont normally save you if there's a fault as they're linked together in parallel - one bad battery will bring down the other one.  As you know checking the voltage at the battery while the engine is running should give you the output from the alternator - just want to make sure there isn't a massive voltage drop when you load the system up with your headlights.

Always go where you've been before - if something strange happens, and you've just finished a job on the wheel sensor, I'd go back and double check that - especially wires and connections.

You've got a code reader - any codes come up when this happens?  Do you have access to live data - are all the wheel sensors still reporting a speed when you put your headlights on?

good luck!

[Beekeeper]

My money is on a bad earth somewhere, but I've also had bother with both positive battery terminals coming loose.  The connectors have become worn or stretched over the years so I've sleeved the terminals with an offcut of copper pipe cut down the side and cleaned up.  I've also got a cigar lighter plug digital voltmeter which only cost a few pounds off fleabay and gives a continuous display with no wiring required.

[karl2000]

+1 for the voltmeter!  Gives an idea whats going on, can get early warning if your alternator is about to pack in!

[Tractionman]

As Karl says, return to scene of original problem fix to check. The wires on the sensors are thin and easily damaged and it is not always seen without a multimeter check. Electrickery is witchcraft !

Another for digital plug in volt meter. 👍