2011 Toyota Sequoia SR5, 4.6L 156k miles: Brake, VSC off, Trac, ABS lights on, no codes with regular scanner, truck does drive well at any speed, lights come on after driving above 15 mph, all the wheel speed sensors are clean. Toyota dealer says it is the ABS Actuator, code C0278, open circuit in ABS solenoid relay circuit. They are asking $1,800 dollars to fix it. How difficult would be to do it myself, the part cost about $1,000 new online. I have good knowledge doing my own car repairs. I’m also planning to get also a second opinion, what would you recommend Mr. Kilmer?
Benjamin - Katy, Texas
When all the brake lights are on, there is usually a code. Put it isn’t an emissions code, like a check engine. On some scanners, you have to go through a different menu to read the brake related codes. TMK, brake related codes won’t show up like check engine light codes.
I just looked up your codes. And potential fixes. The dealer will probably give you the most expensive repair option first.
But reading the possible problems form this websites, the problem could be something else, with the most expensive option as the dealer suggested.
https://www.autocodes.com/c0278_toyota.html
I am not versed in doing this specific job, as I have never done it. But I will tell you how I would approach it. So please take my words with a grain of salt.
I’d start with the easiest and cheapest first. Look at the fuse. If the fuse is bad, change the fuse. Granted, it could be something else and the fuse is working as a fail safe.
Then I would look into the relay. Test it if you can figure out how. Relay’s should be relatively easy to change unless they are hidden behind all kinds of stuff.
I’d also look at the connections as suggested in the link. And then the actual ABS Actuator. I know ABS systems can be tricky, and may need a specific scan tool, so also take that into consideration.
maybe others with actual experience with this problem may have some insight.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.