Traction Control sand driving damage?

[Beachsnow Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Beachsnow]

Hey guys,

I was driving along the beach up in Rainbow Beach, first time in the new Prado (2009 150 series)
The traction control alarm was sounding and obviously the wheels vibrating, my old car didn’t have this so didn’t know what the hell it was but could’t stop due to the boggy sand.
Eventuallythe slip indicator light stayed on permanently (car symbol with the snakey tyres) and on the way back the alarm was’t sounding so assuming the track control now isn’t working.
I’ve seen the previous posts about clearing the codes and wheel alignment which I haven’t done yet but was wondering if anyone knew if I may have done some damage to the trac control system or have any suggestions?
Am heading up to Cairns so hoping I haven’t lumped a couple of G’s on the bill after a trip to Toyota!

[kizbot Member Find all posts View Profile Close kizbot]

I have not heard of leaving TC & Stab Control on in sand causing serious issues. It's recommended to turn them off so they don't cause loss of power to the wheels. You could try d/c the battery and see if that resets the lights or a techstream / obd 2 device should be able to clear the codes and as long as there are no other physical symptoms to indicate there is a problem, i'd leave it.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

In future turn traction and stability control OFF in sand and make sure you have your tyres DOWN - start at 18 psi and be prepared to go 2 or 3 lower if necessary. Have you accidently turned the traction and stability control switch back on? As above , disconnect the battery for a while then read the manual.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

In future turn traction and stability control OFF in sand and make sure you have your tyres DOWN - start at 18 psi and be prepared to go 2 or 3 lower if necessary. Have you accidentally turned the traction and stability control switch back on? As above , disconnect the battery for a while then read the manual.

[andoland Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close andoland]

I had the exact same thing happen a few years ago when I was on Moreton Island. When the Prado was at Toyota for the next service I asked them to look at it. They simply reset the system and said it is comes on again they might need to replace the steering angle sensor but it has been working perfectly ever since.

I believe that the stability control will not work while the fault still exists but I think traction control should still work. You won't have damaged anything mechanical, as I said at worst it should be the steering angle sensor but most likely just needs the fault code reset.