VSC and ABS lights ON!

[d***@hotmail.com]

My VSC and ABS lights sometimes come on at the same time, and then they
go off again together. Then they come back on again later.
I took it to the local Lexus dealership and they hooked up a handheld
computer to get the code, but no code was indicated. They are puzzled
and suggested that I bring the car in for further diagnosis.
Any clue on what may be happening?

Sometimes I could feel the ABS system activating when I press on the
brakes. Right after that, the lights would come on together. But
sometimes the lights would come on even without the ABS system being
activated (as far as I can tell of course).

This is a 1998 Lexus LS400.

Thanks

[Ray O]

Post by d***@hotmail.com
My VSC and ABS lights sometimes come on at the same time, and then they
go off again together. Then they come back on again later.
I took it to the local Lexus dealership and they hooked up a handheld
computer to get the code, but no code was indicated. They are puzzled
and suggested that I bring the car in for further diagnosis.
Any clue on what may be happening?
Sometimes I could feel the ABS system activating when I press on the
brakes. Right after that, the lights would come on together. But
sometimes the lights would come on even without the ABS system being
activated (as far as I can tell of course).
This is a 1998 Lexus LS400.
Thanks

I believe that the trouble codes for those problems have 2 trip detection
logic, where the computer has to see the same problem for 2 consecutive
trips to turn on the lights and conversely, if the problem is absent for 2
consecutive trips, the light will turn off.

In order to read a trouble code, it has to be stored in the computer's
memory, and a sign that a trouble code is stored din the memory is having
the lights on. In other words, you have to read the codes while the lights
are on.

I suspect that a component that is common to both the ABS and VSC, like a
wheel speed sensor, is beginning to fail. If that is the case, the lights
will come on more consistently.

[m***@dontspam.me]

On Fri, 8 Dec 2006 01:01:49 -0600, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by d***@hotmail.com
My VSC and ABS lights sometimes come on at the same time, and then they
go off again together. Then they come back on again later.
I took it to the local Lexus dealership and they hooked up a handheld
computer to get the code, but no code was indicated. They are puzzled
and suggested that I bring the car in for further diagnosis.
Any clue on what may be happening?
Sometimes I could feel the ABS system activating when I press on the
brakes. Right after that, the lights would come on together. But
sometimes the lights would come on even without the ABS system being
activated (as far as I can tell of course).
This is a 1998 Lexus LS400.
Thanks

I believe that the trouble codes for those problems have 2 trip detection
logic, where the computer has to see the same problem for 2 consecutive
trips to turn on the lights and conversely, if the problem is absent for 2
consecutive trips, the light will turn off.
In order to read a trouble code, it has to be stored in the computer's
memory, and a sign that a trouble code is stored din the memory is having
the lights on. In other words, you have to read the codes while the lights
are on.
I suspect that a component that is common to both the ABS and VSC, like a
wheel speed sensor, is beginning to fail. If that is the case, the lights
will come on more consistently.

good points. I might add that a wiring short can cause the same
symptoms. If you done any electrical work to your car (added a sound
system, alarm, backup sensor etc.,), I'd recommend double checking the
wiring.

I had a similar situation with my 02 LS430 with the ABS and VSC lights
coming on then going off and the techs at the dealership discovered a
pinched wiring harness in the trunk lid.

[d***@hotmail.com]

Thanks for your replies.
I have not done any electrical work on my car, but in any case, I think
I may need to bring it into the dealership and have them look into it.
Did they charge you a lot to locate the short?

Thanks

Post by m***@dontspam.me
On Fri, 8 Dec 2006 01:01:49 -0600, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by d***@hotmail.com
My VSC and ABS lights sometimes come on at the same time, and then they
go off again together. Then they come back on again later.
I took it to the local Lexus dealership and they hooked up a handheld
computer to get the code, but no code was indicated. They are puzzled
and suggested that I bring the car in for further diagnosis.
Any clue on what may be happening?
Sometimes I could feel the ABS system activating when I press on the
brakes. Right after that, the lights would come on together. But
sometimes the lights would come on even without the ABS system being
activated (as far as I can tell of course).
This is a 1998 Lexus LS400.
Thanks

I believe that the trouble codes for those problems have 2 trip detection
logic, where the computer has to see the same problem for 2 consecutive
trips to turn on the lights and conversely, if the problem is absent for 2
consecutive trips, the light will turn off.
In order to read a trouble code, it has to be stored in the computer's
memory, and a sign that a trouble code is stored din the memory is having
the lights on. In other words, you have to read the codes while the lights
are on.
I suspect that a component that is common to both the ABS and VSC, like a
wheel speed sensor, is beginning to fail. If that is the case, the lights
will come on more consistently.

good points. I might add that a wiring short can cause the same
symptoms. If you done any electrical work to your car (added a sound
system, alarm, backup sensor etc.,), I'd recommend double checking the
wiring.
I had a similar situation with my 02 LS430 with the ABS and VSC lights
coming on then going off and the techs at the dealership discovered a
pinched wiring harness in the trunk lid.

[m***@dontspam.me]

Post by d***@hotmail.com
Thanks for your replies.
I have not done any electrical work on my car, but in any case, I think
I may need to bring it into the dealership and have them look into it.
Did they charge you a lot to locate the short?
Thanks

Fortunately, they covered it under my extended warranty so there
wasn't any charge. They had to cut about a 6" section of harness and
splice in a section. After they did that, they rerouted the harness
and tie wrapped it so that it would not happen again. I got a loaner
car for a day while they did the repair.

And the good news is, it's been fine ever since.