justinp95

I just got my 99 LS400 and the VSC wont work. The light does not illuminate on the dash or on the button. Is this a common issue?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

...so what happens when you PRESS the "VSC OFF" button?

the only time the light on the dash lights up is when you press the VSC off button....

otherwise just try doing a donut.

justinp95

Nothing happens.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the car's on right...
and what do you mean nothing happens.

justinp95

The VSC button does not light up at all and it does not turn on or off the VSC dash light. Ill check the fuses tomorrow. Is there a single fuse for this or does one fuse control more?

Kansas

I took a quick look at your owners manual and saw at least four fuses that are involved in the VSC system -- some in the fuse box under the dash on the drivers side and some in the engine compartment fuse box. You might as well check all your fuses since you just got the car.

You can view your owners manual online in the Owners section of http://www.lexus.com/
It is no longer necessary to register to view an owners manual but it is necessary to register if you need to order a free replacement hard copy of the manual.

If one or more of your VSC fuses are blown, you replace them, and you get something like a VSC OFF or Check VSC message, then look in your owners manual for instructions on how to reset the VSC system.

justinp95

Thanks, Ill let you know if I find anything.

justinp95

All the fuses were good. Also, the telescoping button wont work. It does going up and down though.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

sounds more like the button is disconnected in the panel.

try doing a donut in an EMPTY remote parking lot and see if the traction control kicks in.

justinp95

Wont it just not peal out too if its on?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

no, it'll kick at you as the traction control kicks in.

the VSC system is actually a 2-part system, consisting of VSC, the vehicle stability control, and Traction control. both are turned off when the button is pressed and the VSC OFF light turns on in the dash.

justinp95

Could this be a issue with the battery? I saw on here somewhere that the VSC check light comes on when when the battery has died and something about low voltage when starting. Doesnt make a lick of sense though. I know that the battery was dead the week before i bought it and i have seen that "check vsc" on the dash just one time, but it went away.

Kansas

I've found that on my 00 LS - essentially same car as yours - the VSC will reset itself on its own within a day after changing or reconnecting a battery if I don't perform the VSC reset procedure.

Puredrifter has a point. Have you removed the wood console panel to see if the VSC button is plugged in? It is very easy to do. The wood console panel is held in place by only six friction fittings - three on each side. Pry it up with a stiff trim removal tool, a flat blade screwdriver or stiff putty knife -- if the tool is metal, wrapping the blade with electrical tape will prevent scarring the wood.

As Puredrifter said, take your car to an empty parking lot -- one with a wet surface is best -- and drive your car in a very tight circle to see if the VSC kicks in. If it works, TRAC will cut the throttle when you lose traction. When you get really crazy and VSC intervenes, you should hear the VSC beep-beep-beep warning and feel one or more wheel brakes being automatically applied without stepping on the brake pedal.

Have you asked the previous owner about the condition of the VSC?

justinp95

Na he was a old guy that most likely wouldnt know about it nor use it. I did take a fast turn today and felt something so i dont think there is any doubt its on. Ill try to pull off the wood tomorrow.

justinp95

Well it is on for sure. Saw the skid light flash on the other day while turning.