Help! My VVT-I shat itself!

[V88Dicky]

As the title says, driving home from work tonight, engine still cold, and whilst stopped at traffic lights it suddenly started coughing and running dog rough, similar to running on three cylinders (or less!). At the same time, the Check Engine light, along with VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and VSC OFF illuminated. Pulling away from the lights, there was hardly any power, but I managed to coax it to a layby and switch off. Car then started ok but warning lights still lit, but the old girl got me the 28 miles home and drove normally.

Just thought I'd ask if anyone might have a clue as to what it might be, before I take it to my mates tomorrow and get it checked out (he has a scan tool and is a Jaag mechanic).

2001 2.0 vvt-i Avensis BTW (stop sniggering at the back)

Thanks in advance.

[liner33]

Thats not sh8t itself , when a rod punches a hole through the block then its sh*t itself.

Plugs , coilpacks would be my first point of call but a code reader will speed up things no end

[V88Dicky]

Yeah, 'shat itself' is a bit dramatic

Off to my mates soon, I'll check the coil packs, and swing through all the fuses for good measure. It's the stability control warning light coming on that I can't understand

[V88Dicky]

Accelerator pedal position sensor! Seems fine now, checked all the connectors, and the various warning lights have gone out, my mate cleared the fault.