Hi all,

1999 3.2. Errors are failsafe engine mode, asc, traction not available.

I’ve got this new issue. My car would occasionally go into limp mode but a quick reset would provide a temporary fix. Now, the problem is a lot more persistent to the point where I can’t drive it.

I’ve checked online, and it’s mentioned it could be the break switch but I’ve turned off cruise control and the problem still persists.

The issue occurs when I slow to a standstill.

What can I start investigating?

 

I suspect most answers you'll get will say 'what error codes?' till you plug a code reader in you're guessing in the dark.

 

Yeah, you could get a cheap little ELM327 code reader that will display the codes to an app
you install on your phone and that could give you a great deal of information of what might be
causing your issue. Shooting in the dark is often unproductive and can be expensive.

 

P0121 is the code! Time to research..

 

The sensor detects the opening and closing speed of the throttle valve and feeds the
voltage signal to the Engine Control Module. The Idle position of the throttle valve
is determined by the ECM by receiving the signal from the throttle position sensor.
This sensor controls engine operation such as fuel cut. On the other hand, the wide
open and closed throttle position switch, which is built into the throttle position sensor
unit, is not used for engine control.

 

Info for you.

 

If it turns out that you have the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) pin corrosion issue due to dissimilar metals screw up, per TSB from Motorcarman (and that's an "if" - could be something else...),
then some options to consider are
- disconnect the TPS plug from the socket (on the 4.0 it's on the throttle body under the intake air tube, on the 3.2 I don't know..), spray plug and socket with electrical cleaner, plug it in and out 2-3 times. This likely will clean it up enough to work for 3-9 months before the problem inevitably reoccurs because the corrosion continues forever...
- buy the Jaguar replacement cable (I think it's pricey) and install per the TSB
- buy the connector plug and gold plated pins, and do the fix yourself (requires some skill in soldering/crimping/connector assembly/general wiring), which will be considerably cheaper. I think from my old notes, and please double check it looks like your plug before ordering, because this was for a 4.0 engine, that the gold plated pins can be sourced from Digikey (in USA not UK) part number 171662-5, and connector I think is a 4 Way SSC Sensor Plug Connector Toyota # 90980-10711 from Ballenger Motorsports (or other Toyota parts source) - might also be Digikey 184046-1 but can't be 100% sure since I've never ordered it from them).