Check VSC System Lexus: How To Fix It

Several Toyota and Lexus vehicles are equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which balances your truck if it slides in temperate weather. To correct your vehicle’s direction and avoid an accident, the VSC system will instantly cut engine power to some wheels when it detects that your automobile is losing traction.

It is crucial to fix your VSC system as soon as you notice a VSC light on your dashboard since it significantly minimizes the number of traffic accidents in wet, foggy, and snowy weather.

What Does The VSC Light Mean?

Your VSC and ABS systems will be momentarily disabled if you have a Check VSC System Warning or VSC light on your dashboard. This light denotes a traction control system issue. It can also show up if you press the VSC button by mistake.

The technologies used by Toyota and Lexus to manage traction control are known as VSC, or Vehicle Stability Control. By lowering the engine power delivered to the wheels and occasionally even applying brake force via the ABS, traction control aids in keeping your automobile in its grip.

Car traction control buttons.

Along with other control modules, VSC operates with ABS. The traction control is entirely deactivated if you notice the “VSC OFF” warning light on your dashboard, and it will not engage if you start to lose control. A “Check VSC system Light” message instead of the standard VSC light may appear on your dashboard if your Toyota or Lexus is more recent.

What Causes The Check VSC System Light?

Engine issues are the most typical reason for a VSC light to appear. Your dashboard will display the VSC and check engine lights if this is the situation. Moreover, ABS issues such as a defective ABS sensor or poor wiring may be to blame.

Several potential issues exist because the VSC system is connected to the engine management and brake control system to control your car’s traction. A more thorough list of the most frequent reasons for a VSC warning light is provided below:

1.     Accidentally pushed the VSC button

Most vehicle models with a VSC system also have a button to turn the system off. Before drawing any conclusions, you should verify this again because it’s always possible that you clicked this button by accident.

Yet, the likelihood of seeing a VSC OFF light rather than a typical VSC warning light increases if the button is depressed. Understand when to press the VSC button.

2.     Wiring Problems

Modern autos have several electronics, and each of these gadgets requires wiring. This is another reason why wiring issues are now prevalent in contemporary automobile models. Unfortunately, wiring issues can be challenging to identify without the necessary expertise and understanding.

So if you believe there is a wiring issue with your car after checking everything else, it could be a good idea to consult a specialist.

3.     Engine problems

Engine issues are the most frequent cause of the VSC light illuminating. This is especially true if your dashboard also displays a Check Engine and VSC light. Modern engines include a wide range of sensors, actuators, and other components that might cause a check light, which, if you drive a Toyota or Lexus, can also cause a VSC light.

As a result, it won’t be able to speculate about its origin simply. A fault code will be stored in the engine control module when your dashboard’s check engine and VSC lights come on. You must study this issue code to determine what is triggering the warning lights.

Showing the car dashboard panel on driver’s view.

The following are a few typical engine problems that could activate the VSC light:

  • Defective MAF sensor
  • O2 sensor issue
  • Unstable gas cap
  • Ineffective accelerator pedal
  • Faulty cam position sensor
  • Wiring problems

But many different parts can cause this problem as well; with that being said, it’s crucial to examine the codes using a scanner first if you see both caution lights on your dash.

4.     Defective ABS sensor

Each wheel on your car has an ABS sensor that measures wheel speed. Several significant control modules, such as the ECM, TCM, and ABS control modules, use this data. Because the VSC system depends on this information, a VSC light will appear on your dashboard if there is a problem with an ABS sensor.

These ABS sensors are situated at the wheel spindle hubs and are thus highly vulnerable to water, rust, and dirt. Another possibility is that the ABS reluctor rings, which are used by the sensors to gauge speed, are having an issue.

The ABS and VSC systems also use the steering angle sensor, and if it sends the incorrect signal to these control modules, the VSC light will illuminate.

5.     Error in the brake light switch

The switch for the brake lights or the brake pedal is found there. As you depress the brake pedal, it performs a number of other tasks as well, including turning on the brake lights and sending data to numerous control modules.

The VSC system is one of the systems that use this data, and if there is a problem with the brake light switch, it will save a fault code and turn on the VSC light on your dash.

Which Car Models Use The VSC System?

Toyota’s traction system is called the VSC system. It is also present in many Lexus vehicles, though. The following models feature the VSC System:

  • Lexus is250
  • Toyota Verso
  • Toyota Avensis
  • Lexus is220d
  • Lexus RX400H

How To Fix The VSC Light?

You must read the trouble codes with a scanner to identify the issue causing the VSC light to illuminate. Also, you can check the brake fluid level and the brake lights. Here are a few more thorough procedures for repairing the VSC light:

1.     Examine the gas cap

A leaking or loose gas cap is a frequent cause of the VSC light on Lexus and Toyota vehicles when it is present together with a TRAC OFF light and a check engine light. Check if the gas cap is securely fastened and if the VSC light came on after you refueled your automobile.

That can also happen if you fill up your car and leave it running while the gas cap is off. If so, the VSC light may just need to be cleared from the code memory. It would be best to examine the O-ring on the gas cap to ensure it is sealing correctly and not leaking.

2.     Check the level of the brake fluid

Checking the amount of brake fluid is another simple remedy. Many issues with the ABS, including failure of the VSC system, can be brought on by low braking fluid. As a result, you should ensure the brake fluid reservoir’s level is soft enough. If it is shallow, you must check for brake fluid leaks around the brakes before topping off the pool.

3.     Examine error codes

It would help if you constantly scanned the fault codes from the engine control module, ABS control module, and other relevant control modules before taking further action due to the wide range of issues that might result in a VSC light.

Modern automobiles come equipped with sophisticated diagnostic software to identify and inform you of any problems with the engine or ABS sensor problems. That’s advantageous since it eliminates the need to test and identify every sensor in your automobile if there’s a problem.

An OBD2 scanner can be used to read this data. You can use any scanner on the market to read the engine control module. But, you might require a specific scanner for your automobile model to read the ABS control module.

Mechanic holding an OBD scanner near SUV dashboard.

If you can’t detect an issue with the engine control module, you can try reading the codes using a less expensive scanner or go to an auto shop and have them read the ABS codes for you.

4.     Check brake lights

The brake light switch is one frequent component that can turn on the VSC light. Hence, checking the brake lights might be a simple and quick solution. While you check to see if the brake lights are functioning, have a friend or family member press the brake pedal with the engine on.

Even if the brake lights function, it may still be a switch issue because some brake light switches include two distinct currents. But, if your automobile has no brake lights, examining the brake light switch is imperative.

5.     Talk to a professional

It would be a good idea to get assistance from a specialist if you’ve tried the suggestions above and are still trying to identify the root of the issue. Taking the automobile to a mechanic to diagnose the problem can be expensive.

Yet, as many mechanics have dealt with the identical issue numerous times before, the process can be completed swiftly.

How To Reset The VSC Light?

Try to reset the VSC light; it’s a simple fix. Perhaps the VSC light was merely intermittently on due to a malfunction. Try these to try to reset your VSC light:

  • Put the gear in Park and then stop your car.
  • Track down the VSC button. Depending on the model of your car, it may be behind the steering wheel, next to the gear shift, or anywhere in between.
  • For a short period of time, press and hold the VSC button.
  • The TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicator lights will now be visible. The VSC system is currently off, as well as traction.
  • For one more brief second, press the VSC button. The systems have now been re-engaged, as the TRAC and VSC lights will go out.

Where Is The VSC Button Located?

In the Toyota and Lexus, the VSC button is typically found under the left side of the steering wheel or close to the gear lever. Some models of cars feature merely a skidding car icon, while others have the text VSC on the button.

Can I Drive With The VSC Light On?

If you drive carefully, operating your vehicle when the VSC light is on is generally safe. The traction control system of the car will be turned off. Therefore you should drive with extreme caution. It is therefore advised to correct it as soon as possible.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The VSC System?

Repairing a VSC system might cost anywhere from $50 to $2,000 because there can be numerous reasons why your VSC system is not working.

For instance, it can cost $250 if a faulty ABS sensor is to blame. But, if the throttle body is broken, you can pay more than $1,000.

Conclusion

The VSC light indicates a fault with your traction control system, and both the VSC and traction control systems will be turned off until the problem is resolved. The VSC system in your car model interacts with numerous other approaches.

Thus, various issues might cause the VSC light to turn on. Reading the codes from all control modules and beginning the diagnostic in the proper location is, therefore, highly crucial.

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About Brock Rangel

Hi, I am Brock, and I am the lead editor/photographer for TheCarColony. I have been a mechanic for over 14 years now, and I am here to spread my car knowledge across the web!

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