AWD system malfunctioning

Tiny
ANDRIN ATEM
  • MEMBER
  • 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 28,769 MILES
Vin number: 5TDDZRBH8MS063087

Hi dear, please can you help me this puzzle, I can’t find the AWD and the abs on the gateway network when scanning this car. Also a message shows on dash AWD overheating 2nd engaged. Am going to attach an image below on the dash warning message.

Question is, is the abs and the AWD suppose to appear on the can bus network system, May I have blog diagram of modules on network system. So to figure out why my scanner scans all other modules except for ABS and AWD module.
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Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 AT 6:51 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,877 POSTS
The modules might not be talking because of a burnt fuse or the module itself is out. Does it list the modules but not go into them? What kind of scanner do you have? Yes the AWD and ABS should show up in the scan.

This message does NOT always mean actual overheating, it often means:

“I can’t communicate with the module that controls AWD, so I’m disabling it.”

So I would turn all systems on and then check the fuses in both fuse panels. This guide can show you how.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If the fuses are good, chances are the ABS control module is out which is common on Toyotas. When you turn the key on (engine off) does the ABS waring light come on? Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
ANDRIN ATEM
  • MEMBER
  • 408 POSTS
Thank you I will do so and let you know Ken. I was expecting the abs to stay on days indicating fault, but it does not, only when the ignition is open then the light appears, but when the car is idling you won’t see the light as well no communication.
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Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 AT 3:11 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Hi Andrin,

Yep, the module can be failing intermittently. Also, it can be a bad connection at the ABS module. With the scanner can you get any codes at all?
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Thursday, January 1st, 2026 AT 12:44 PM
Tiny
ANDRIN ATEM
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  • 408 POSTS
Not at all. No communication
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Thursday, January 1st, 2026 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,877 POSTS
I would check the fuses and the ground to the ABS module and if they are good replace the the module. Here are the fuses you need to check and the grounds for the system as well. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes
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Friday, January 2nd, 2026 AT 10:07 AM

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