Could being barely rear-ended in traffic hurt traction?

MARISAZ

MEMBER
TOYOTA 4RUNNER

I have a 2001 Toyota 4Runner with a towing package attached. 7 days ago, I was rear ended on the parkway. The traffic was at a stand still, but a 2000 Mercedes SUV mistakenly thought the traffic was moving, and took off and hit me. It looks like the only damage is to the cap on the hitch. It is pushed in. This morning, however, on my way to work, the CHECK ENGINE light along with the TRAC OFF and VCS TRAC indicator lights came on. Is it possible that being rear ended damaged the traction system on my 4Runner? I am meeting with her insurance’s adjuster on Wednesday, March 21st, and I want to make sure that her insurance repairs any damage that has to do with TRAC and VCS if the accident resulted in is the reason those lights are now coming on.

1 Reply

JOEMECHANIC

MEMBER

It is possible that during the 'Jolt'of being rear-ended the computer noticed a temporary displacement of the suspension controls which may have occured, and responded by creating the corresponding trouble codes, causing the dash lights trac-off, and vcs-trac to be illuminated, the chances are your vehichle incurred no physical damage, but until the computer is reset, the lights may continue to be lit. You can often reset the computer by simply disconnecting the negative battery cable overnight 8)