Toyota Drive Start Control Malfunction Warning
When the Drive Start Control Malfunction appears on your dashboard, it indicates that the Drive Start Control feature is not working. This safety feature prevents unexpected acceleration and collision damage. This article will help you learn more about the Drive Start Control feature and the common causes of its malfunction.
What is Toyota Drive Start Control?
The Drive Start Control is a safety system in some new Toyota models. It can sense a sudden brake and take fast corrective action to avoid accidents.
If something happens, the ECU adjusts the engine output so that the car can accelerate smoothly and safely. This consequently prevents, for instance, the problem of uncontrolled acceleration during a motor vehicle’s opening phase. Should the accelerator pedal or the gear shift lever be misapplied, this system also helps prevent the car from going out of control. The Drive Start Control provides a safety measure that helps reduce accidents and driver errors.
Toyota Models with Drive Start Control
Here are some examples of Toyota models equipped with the Drive Start Control safety feature:
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- Highlander
- Tundra
- Rav4
- CHR
- Camry
- Land Cruiser
- Tacoma
- Sequoia
- Sienna
What Does Toyota Drive Start Control Malfunction Warning Mean?
The Toyota Drive Start Control Malfunction warning indicates a problem with the safety feature. It is also automatically disabled to prevent any further malfunctions or accidents caused by the malfunctioning feature. Here are some common symptoms that arise if there is a problem with the Drive Start Control:
- Warning Light: This is the most prominent symptom a driver will experience. A warning message will appear on the dashboard, alerting the driver.
- Engine Performance Issues: It can also cause the engine to run poorly. Driver can encounter reduced power, hesitation during acceleration, or engine stalling.
- Loss of Control: In a worst-case scenario, drivers may notice a loss of control, like a delayed or incorrect accelerator pedal response.
Common Causes
Knowing the common causes behind the Driver Start Control Malfunction can be an effective tool for diagnosing and addressing the problem quickly. The following are the common causes of the warning.
- Weak Battery or Malfunctioning Charging System: The Drive Start Control uses power from the battery and the charging system. If the power supply is low, it may fail to supply the needed energy to operate the feature.
- Blown Fuses: Fuses are a safety feature that protects any electrical system from excessive current, including the Drive Start Control, in your car. When a problem occurs in any system, the fuse is usually the first to be damaged, preventing current flow and protecting the whole system.
- Faulty Wiring: Damaged or defective wiring and connectors can cause malfunction. Electric signals cannot flow to and from the ECU and sensors. Corrosion is the most common cause of disrupting the signals that can trigger the warning messages to pop up.
- ABS Speed Sensor: The Drive Start Control relies on the ABS speed sensors to detect the wheel speed. It tells the ECU how fast the vehicle is going. If the ABS speed sensors malfunction, the Drive Start Control cannot operate properly.
- Park/Neutral Position Switch: It tells the Drive Start Control which gear position the driver is in so it can determine what corrective measures are needed. If the Park/neutral position malfunctions, the module will receive incorrect gear selection data and will have difficulty starting the car.
- Accelerator Pedal: When the accelerator pedal is not functioning correctly, it can send false signals to the ECU, which can lead to a malfunction in the system that starts the Drive Start Control System to control the engine power
- Faulty Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs: If the ignition coils and spark plugs in the engine are incorrect or become faulty, the system will interfere with the engine. Possible symptoms are engine lack of power, misfire, and rough idling.
Troubleshooting and Reset Toyota Start Control Malfunction
A Drive Start Control Malfunction warning will often display on your dashboard. The YOUCANIC Full Systems Scanner can diagnose and clear this issue on your Toyota. An OBD2 scanner can read and interpret your Toyota’s diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to determine the problem, view live data as you drive, and even erase the trouble code from your vehicle’s computer once it’s been resolved. Whether it’s a warning or a check engine light, the YOUCANIC scanner eliminates the need for various tools to diagnose or maintain your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still safe to drive with the Drive Start Control Message?
Safety must be your primary objective whenever the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning appears. Stop driving immediately and get yourself diagnosed professionally and repaired to avoid injury, further complications, and expensive repairs. Safety first!
What should I do if the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning appears on my Toyota’s dashboard?
Do not ignore the Drive Start Control Malfunction warning light. If your vehicle is moving, pull over to the side of the road safely and come to a complete stop. Switch off the engine and wait a short time. Start the engine again to see if the warning light is reset.
