Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Toyota Matrix Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Fail-Safe Chart
- FAIL SAFE OPERATION
- If there is a problem with sensor signals or actuator systems, the skid control ECU prohibits power supply to the ABS and TRACTION actuator and informs the ECM of VSC system failure. The ABS and TRACTION actuator turns off each solenoid and the ECM shuts off the VSC control (traction control signal) from the skid control ECU accordingly, which turns out to be as if the ABS, VSC and TRAC systems were not installed. The ABS, VSC, and TRAC control will be prohibited, but EBD control continues as much as possible. If EBD control is impossible, the BRAKE warning light comes on to warn the driver (See DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM
).MALFUNCTION REFERENCE
Malfunction Symptom ABS system The ABS, BA, TRAC, and VSC control prohibited BA system The ABS, BA, TRAC, and VSC control prohibited EBD system The ABS and EBD control prohibited TRAC system The TRAC and VSC control prohibited VSC system The TRAC and VSC control prohibited HINT:
- A malfunction in either the ABS or BA system will result in identical operation, with ABS, BA, TRAC, and VSC system control prohibited.
- If control is prohibited due to a malfunction during operation, control will be disabled gradually. This is to avoid sudden vehicle instability.
- If there is a problem with sensor signals or actuator systems, the skid control ECU prohibits power supply to the ABS and TRACTION actuator and informs the ECM of VSC system failure. The ABS and TRACTION actuator turns off each solenoid and the ECM shuts off the VSC control (traction control signal) from the skid control ECU accordingly, which turns out to be as if the ABS, VSC and TRAC systems were not installed. The ABS, VSC, and TRAC control will be prohibited, but EBD control continues as much as possible. If EBD control is impossible, the BRAKE warning light comes on to warn the driver (See DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM
).
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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