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View Full Version : Need help identifying a cut/chewed wire


caffaro
02-19-2022, 05:09 PM
Hi everyone. After leaving my car parked outside my house while out of the country for two months, I found my poor Yaris with a few problems. Namely:

1) The speedometer does not work
2) The P/S warning light is on and the EPS does not appear to be working (steering wheel is very stiff, difficult to turn at low speeds)
3) Malfunction indicator lamp showing

I tested my battery and discovered it was in low health, so went ahead and replaced it. This took care of the malfunction warning, but not the other problems.

As I go to double check the battery is secured, I notice a glaring issue --- a cut wire (hopefully chewed by a rodent and not cut by a person).

https://imgur.com/a/6ejrett

I have a decent knowledge of engines and DIY maintenance, but am completely ignorant when it comes to electronics and wiring. I also have no clue what the cylindrical component is that the wire is leading to.

So my questions are:
1) What is this wire? Is it possible that this wire is somehow connecting the VSS to the ECU? I kind of doubt it, since it isn't feeding directly into the ECU, but I have no idea where the VSS is actually located.
2) I'm not entirely clear how the EPS functions, but is it possible that a bad VSS would be causing the EPS to shut down and/or go into failsafe mode?

I am really, really hoping that fixing this snapped wire will resolve my issues. I still don't have a trusted mechanic in this area. Dude who did some (mediocre) work for me a few years ago told me he wouldn't touch it and suggested I take it to the dealership. I've got an appointment tomorrow, but I'm a bit terrified they're going to tell me something crazy, like that they want to replace the entire harness.

Anyway, any thoughts or info is very appreciated. Cheers!

Turbiini
02-20-2022, 12:44 AM
looks aftermarket car alarm. nothing to do with vss or steering

IndestructibleYaris
02-20-2022, 01:15 PM
Check the EPS fuse, and all the fuses while you're at it

caffaro
02-21-2022, 01:50 PM
Thanks for the response y'all. Turb, that makes sense and explains why I didn't see this component in any of the diagrams I checked. Indeed, the alarm installed by the previous owners hasn't worked for years now. Can't believe I never noticed this cut wire, but it was tucked back behind the motor and out of site.

Fuses all look good and none of the wiring is visibly damaged. Took it into the shop today, so we'll see what they say. Is it reasonable to hypothesize that a faulty VSS would cause the EPS to go into failsafe mode?

caffaro
02-21-2022, 03:29 PM
Adding an update for posterity, in case anyone stumbles on this trying to diagnose a similar problem. The wiring running from the VSS to the control unit got completely chewed through by a rodent. The lack of a speed signal caused the EPS to go into failsafe mode.

Learned my lesson about taking the proper steps to protect against rodent damage when leaving the car undriven.