Travis8214

I recently bought a 2004 ES330 with 117k miles from CarMax and haven't really had any problems with it so far. Well, no, actually, it's a ML with navigation model, and the subwoofer sounds like it's blown, so I already have a repair order/request for that, and if they can't fix what I suspect to be the problem, I'll just glue the foam myself.

But that's not what I'm posting here for! Tonight, driving home from work on the freeway - straight ahead, not even braking, dry roads, albeit cold (I've read that turning, braking and slippery surfaces and cause the lights, no?) - the VSC, TRAC OFF and CHECK ENGINE lights all clicked on at the same time. I didn't notice any difference in performance or anything like that from when I had first hopped into the car or even when I first got on the freeway tonight. So, as soon as I got home, pulled out the manual, and while that says there's specifically something wrong with the VSC and to take it to a dealer, literally everything else I've read on the internet says this is sort of like a wildcard of codes, problems, and fixes.

Here's the thing, since my previous car, a 2001 Inifiniti i30, had very frequent servicing problems, leaks, bad coils, sensors, boots, lots of things, I let CarMax sell me on their Max Care warranty. I know, there are a lot of different things when it comes to make and model reliability and all that, I just don't want to wind up paying as much as I shouldn't have to keep that thing running, not again, anyway. Preventative, if you will. Anyhoo, the way CarMax explained it, and the little advertisement sheet vaguely explains it "If the manufacturer warranty covers it, so do we." If that really is the case, anyone know if Toyota/Lexus cover stuff like this in their warranty? You know, unexpected "OOPS SERVICE LIGHT" things.

Of course, I know that there isn't really a whole lot anyone can tell me without first knowing the codes, but I don't personally have any method of code retrieval, and unfortunately don't think I can make it into anywhere that can read codes for a week or two. I do have a repair order or whatever for the subwoofer in two weeks, as previously mentioned, and I could try calling them to squeeze this into there, but beforehand I'd like to figure out what's going on, first. I might be able to swing by my service mechanic in a few days, though. I'll update this post if/when I can get those codes.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

To state the obvious, you need access to a code reader.

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

VSC & Trac Off lights come on anytime the CEL comes on. Doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem with the VSC system.

It could be as simple as a hose left off the air box, to a bad 02 sensor. Like has been said above, we need the codes!

You can visit an AutoZone, they will read the codes for FREE!

PFB

Or even better yet, buy your own code reader. They start at around $25.00. Will save you a lot of money and hassle.

nwa320drvr

I second the code reader. Either buy or borrow.

FYI my 2002 Sienna had a bad oxygen sensor (air fuel sensor in Toyota speak) that would cause the same condition and lights. Any problem with the engine management system will render both the VSC and TRAC system inop.

Good luck with your fix.

George

Travis8214

Weird semi-update:
Auto Zone can no longer read out error codes in California since/if they do not have an actual repair shop, as of "some time in 2012". But since my visit, I've ordered an Autel MS300, and just this morning the light went off. I don't know if that's because it was a loose gas cap and the light cleared when I tightened it, or if there had been enough cycles/miles since the lights clicked on. I guess I'll find out when the reader arrives.

PuReChaos

Some good code readers will be able to pick up DTC's stored in history. However, they are only stored in history for roughly 40 "trips" (on/off cycles).

But yeah its unfortunate California no longer reads codes. Its due to people going to autozone/oreilly's right before smog and they would clear the codes and attempt to pass smog this way. Also those same stores would get in trouble by giving advice as to what the problem was and when the customer bought the part and it didn't solve the problem things would escalate.

Travis8214

Well, I've got good news, and bad news. The good news is that scanner I ordered already arrived (thanks, amazon!), was dirt cheap, and was able to read the code in seconds! The bad news is I was sweatin the small stuff. P0442. And I know it's just the gas cap because I was actually baffled by this car's gas cap when I first took it out. I'm used to the "screw in until it clicks 3 times" and "unscrew until it falls out", not the "match the shapes and twist until 1 click" yadda yadda. Like man rediscovering the wheel, but in fact mistaking it for an oval, I just didn't twist it all the way.

Show's over, nothing exciting, everyone can go home. Except for that sub-woofer. That's gonna be interesting.

PuReChaos

How anticlimactic Anyways glad it was something simple. A code reader is always worth it in my book.

Excalibur

ES330 gas caps wear. Regardless of how many clicks you tighten it , it will unscrew with one finger. Get a new cap and unless you have a more serious issue, the CEL, VSC & Trac Off lights will be gone after clearing either with a code reader or disconnecting the battery.

Fritz330

Ha Ha, was ready to chime in say that I had this combo of lights come on in my 03 Sequoia and it turned out to be the gas cap but you already figured it out.

Excalibur

Apparently a problem across the Toyota line. So the thing we have learned if the CE, VSC and Trac Off lights all come on, first replace the gas cap then move on to more expensive fixes.