One great safety feature of some modern Toyota models is the ICS or Intelligent Clearance Sonar. Similar to any other sensor and power-based system of your vehicle, the ICS can also malfunction. In this case, you’ll see an ICS malfunction check engine warning on your dash.
Typically, ICS malfunction occurs due to damaged ICS sensors, software bugs or updates, and a corroded wiring harness. Obstructed sensors and wave interference can also be potential causes. To fix this, repair or replace the related part and perform a hard reset.
Let’s dive in and find out the possible causes of why your ICS system is malfunctioning and what the easy way to fix it is.
ICS Malfunction Check Engine on Toyota: How to Fix?
The ICS system depends on 8 ICS sensors, wires, sensor connections, ICS software, and a steady power supply. When one of these components fails to perform, the system malfunctions and triggers an error message and engine warning light. Here are the details:
Software Update and Malfunction
Just like any computer system, the ICS system of your vehicle relies on software to operate. If there are software bugs or glitches, it causes erratic behavior, inaccurate readings, or trigger malfunction warnings.
Also, software updates are required to recalibrate the ICS sensors or adjust the system’s parameters. Without the latest version of the software, the ICS system might not work at all and trigger the check engine light.
How to Fix?
Contact your Toyota dealership to check if there are any software updates available for your vehicle’s ICS system. Download and install the new version of the software as directed on the manufacturer’s site.
In case updating the latest software version doesn’t do the trick, there might be a bug or glitch. To solve this, you need to reset the ICS system. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the down arrow button on your steering wheel to access the ‘Eco Settings‘ option. However, on a multi-information display (MID), you need to open the Driving Support System menu and select ‘Settings.’
- Scroll and locate the ICS option from the menu. Press on it and select ‘Enter.’
- Now press the ‘Reset‘ button and hold it for about 5 seconds. If the indicator light turns off, the system has been reset.
Corroded Wiring Harness
As the wiring harness maintains a steady flow of power to the ICS system, a corroded wiring harness can cause the whole system to malfunction.
Due to environmental factors and collisions, the harness and related wires become corroded or damaged. It causes erratic behavior in the ICS system.
If your check engine light came on then went off and you received an lCS malfunction warning text, the wiring harness might be damaged.
Also, when the wiring harness is corroded, the system might completely shut down and turn on from time to time. Other symptoms include false obstacle detection signals and failure to detect obstacles altogether.
How to Fix?
In this case, you need to visually inspect the wiring harness, related cables, wires, and connector for corrosion or damage. You can easily repair or replace the broken wires and connectors with cheap replacement parts.
If the harness is beyond repair, you must get it replaced by a professional. While the wiring harness itself costs only $100 to $300, the labor cost can be as high as $500 to $700.
ICS Sensors Are Obstructed
Here’s how the ICS system works. ICS sensors emit ultrasonic waves to detect obstacles around the vehicle. Upon detecting any object too close to the vehicle, the system alerts the central computer, which acts accordingly.
When the sensors are obstructed by dirt, snow, ice, debris, or other foreign objects, it interferes with the sensor’s ability to send and receive the sonic signals properly. It reduces the sensor’s sensitivity and causes the system to give inaccurate readings.
How to Fix?
First, refer to your owner’s manual to know the exact location of the ICS sensors. Among the 8 sensors, 4 are placed on the vehicle’s front, and the remaining ones are in the bumper.
Visually inspect the area around the sensors and clean the sensors and their connections if you notice corrosion, dirt, or debris. Apply a powerful surface cleaner like Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaner. You can also use a protective coating or sealant on the sensors to prevent water and moisture from causing corrosion. If your vehicle has any cleaning systems for the sensors, make sure these systems are working correctly and use them as needed. To prevent this issue in the future, keep your vehicle covered when you’re not using it and ensure regular maintenance.
Damaged ICS Sensors
So, you’ve cleaned the sensors and repaired the wires, but are the warning lights still on? In this case, you’re probably dealing with damaged ICS sensors. Regular wear, collision, damage in the other internal components, etc., can lead to ICS sensor damage.
Similarly, prolonged exposure to water or moisture can damage the internal electronics of the sensor. It typically happens after heavy rain or car wash. Water also creates short circuits in the sensor’s wiring and electronic components.
When one or more sensors fail, it can trigger the ICS malfunction warning and check engine light.
How to Fix?
Before anything else, inspect each ICS sensor for signs of moisture damage, drips, or water. If you find any, use a clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe off the water and dry the surface.
In case this doesn’t fix the issue, you need to diagnose the vehicle with an OBD-II scanner. It allows you to extract any DTCs or Diagnostic Trouble Codes and detect the damaged sensor. If you’re wondering whether an OBD2 scanner can damage ECU, there’s nothing to worry about, as it’s often used by professionals.
Once you’ve diagnosed the damaged sensor, you need to replace it to fix the ICS system. It’s best to get the replacement done by an expert mechanic. For each sensor, you need to spend around $150 to $700.
Wave Interference
As mentioned, the ICS system sends sonic waves to detect obstacles nearby. Many external factors, including the presence of similar sonic waves, can prevent the system from performing optimally.
Typically, the ICS system filters these waves out, but excessively intense external factors can block its capabilities. Loud horns and engine noise are some factors that affect the performance of the ICS system.
How to Fix?
Try to locate the source of wave interference and get your vehicle away from it. Pay your focus on other Toyota models with ICS. Slow down or take a different route to avoid wave interference. Getting rid of the source of external interference usually solves this issue.
Wrapping Up!
While discussing the ICS malfunction check engine warning issue, I’ve explored all the possible causes of why it occurs. If your Toyota is having this issue, the first thing you need to do is update the software and inspect all the sensors for damage.
To diagnose the ICS system, you can use a scan tool or take expert help. In case a repair or replacement is needed, it’s best to leave it to a professional, as the fix is complex and time-consuming.
Resources
- https://www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/
- https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/toyota-survey-confirms-benefits-of-intelligent-clearance-sonar/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20cnet%2FNnTv%20%28CNET%20River%20RSS%29
- https://www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/
- https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/board-diagnostic-ii-obd-ii-systems-fact-sheet
- https://youtu.be/NsHedeiOTt0?feature=shared
