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Thanks for the Aisin. I have contact them directly, although doubt that I will get any response from them.
I can find couple of spare rear steering assy from USA, but not delivering outside. I could use MyUS or Express Planet kind of services. Any recommendation or comments about those?
Now the wild approach suggested elsewhere for cheating the control module to thing the stroke sensor is fine. I can share my own drawing about suggestion from here and here. Only reason I even considering this is that annual inspection is approaching on spring. With current error codes it wont pass the inspection and car will be banned for driving by authorities. If I do not get spare part by then and get this fixed I can at least pass the inspection. Of course, trying this can cause even more damage.
@WhiteGS450 - What DTC Code(s) do you have being thrown?
You have said you got error codes C15C9, C120E, C1B17, C1A50, C165A, B241D but if the dealer has told you the Rear Steering Assembly's stroke sensor can't be calibrated; C1B17 is for an angle mismatch of the stroke sensor, but I would think trouble code either C1B14/24 or C1B24/34 (see DTC list below), regarding the Stroke Sensor circuit or the actuator angle being indeterminate should also be the trouble code(s) thrown too.
Last edited by bclexus; Dec 11, 2024 at 10:16 AM.
Reason: orthography
Yes I don't see where those codes match up. I have heard about this before. When I 1st saw you post I thought, nah it's a sensor throwing everything else off. Like a break in the communications it just starts throwing a bunch of codes. They will light up the whole dash with multiple code on many cars.
I have seen those you have before. My guess from previous others who had similar, is that it's the DRS ecu. A few people had to replace this mis diagnose by the shop to be the Rear steering unit, but it was not. It was the DRS ecu that fixed the problem. I would also be ruling out speed sensor problems, for ABS and other, and also a break in the wiring underneath the car going across each wheel. Those code you have more often are ABS, braking system, Traction, brake pad wear indicator, and like. What also is strange is that one of more of those codes is related to Headlight leveling systems I think. Again my money is on a Sensor of DRS ecu. Strange it just popped up out the blue?
Did you happen to just have any work done on the car anywhere, anything?
@WhiteGS450 - I asked for your Air Conditioner Amplifier thread to be split off after Post #38 and a new thread created here with the remaining posts about your 'Rear Steering Assembly Issues' titled the same. Your A/C Amplifier thread was getting very lengthy and was too confusing with both completely different topics being covered in one long thread.
Please continue posting about the rear steering issue in this thread...
Last edited by bclexus; Dec 11, 2024 at 04:27 PM.
Reason: orthography
Yes I don't see where those codes match up. I have heard about this before. When I 1st saw you post I thought, nah it's a sensor throwing everything else off. Like a break in the communications it just starts throwing a bunch of codes. They will light up the whole dash with multiple code on many cars.
I have seen those you have before. My guess from previous others who had similar, is that it's the DRS ecu. A few people had to replace this mis diagnose by the shop to be the Rear steering unit, but it was not. It was the DRS ecu that fixed the problem. I would also be ruling out speed sensor problems, for ABS and other, and also a break in the wiring underneath the car going across each wheel. Those code you have more often are ABS, braking system, Traction, brake pad wear indicator, and like. What also is strange is that one of more of those codes is related to Headlight leveling systems I think. Again my money is on a Sensor of DRS ecu. Strange it just popped up out the blue?
Did you happen to just have any work done on the car anywhere, anything?
It appears the problem is most likely the DRS stroke sensor according to his Lexus tech per the OP - see below ↓
Lexus GS450 F-Sport seems to have major failure in rear steering design. The rear steering assy (45900-30070) has stroke sensor connected and it will ultimately fail when car is around 10 years old. This happened to my car two weeks ago. Got error codes C15C9, C120E, C1B17, C1A50, C165A, B241D. Checked the issue with Lexus mechanic. DRS issue. Invalid stroke sensor which triggers also errors for PCS, AFS, VGRS and track control. Rear steering assy (45900-30070) needs to be changed and also control module (89182-30040). Although what I see from existing cases the control module usually does not need to be replaced.
Here is good conversation about this and really good pictures about the issue and what 10 years makes to the sensor underneath of the car.
What makes this a problem is that price of Rear Steering Assy in Finland is 19 000 € and control module 4 300 €. Unbelievable! I try to ordered it from Amayama for price of 2 500 €, but just got message that they need cancel the order as they cannot deliver the part. Will try Yoshi Parts next with price of 3 000 €, but doubt that will succeed either. Everywhere else ridiculously expensive. Cannot find used part either.
I have seen those you have before. My guess from previous others who had similar, is that it's the DRS ecu. A few people had to replace this mis diagnose by the shop to be the Rear steering unit, but it was not. It was the DRS ecu that fixed the problem. I would also be ruling out speed sensor problems, for ABS and other, and also a break in the wiring underneath the car going across each wheel. Those code you have more often are ABS, braking system, Traction, brake pad wear indicator, and like. What also is strange is that one of more of those codes is related to Headlight leveling systems I think. Again my money is on a Sensor of DRS ecu. Strange it just popped up out the blue?
The issue started when I turned left on parking garage in low speed. Loud beeping alert and warning lights came on.
My first hope was that it could be speed sensor or front wheel angle sensor. Lexus mechanic told me that based on the error codes and their instructions rear steering unit and ECU needs to be replaced. He told that codes can be removed (I can do the same with my ODB2) but once the car started DRS issue will trigger them all active.
The error codes my car shows are those mentioned earlier (C15C9, C120E, C1B17, C1A50, C165A, B241D). Also my car have PCS, AFS OFF and track control yellow lights and displaying Check VGRS, PCS, AFS, DRS. Track control does not work but ABS breaks are working (easy to notice on slippery roads).
Based on those known cases reported in Lexus Owner Club / UK same codes have appear for others (see below in cursive) and it has been stroke sensor. On those cases no need to replace rear steering ECU. Couple of cases in UK and one other in Finland. I chat with this other Finnish guy and he confirmed that replacing rear steering unit was enough. Although I have one additional code C1A50, which was not reported by other cases.
NS (Navi system): C165A DRS ECU Malfunction
AFS: B241D DRS System
DRS: C1B17 Motor Rotation angle Mismatch (Stroke Sensor)
VGRS: C15C9 DRS System Malfunction
ABS: C120E DRS Control System
It is of course possible that Lexus mechanic have made miss diagnose, but based on other cases it seems unlikely. I have no means or competence to rule out speed sensor or any other issue.
So, if you have any indication that it could actually be something else - I'm all ears. I could even consider to ask other mechanic to double check but I need some reasoning what specific I should ask them to check. I believe they will just check the codes and their instruction manual which says - "replace all" .... I would just like to get this car fixed as cheap as possible so I can get rid of it.
Last edited by WhiteGS450; Dec 12, 2024 at 07:18 AM.
The issue started when I turned left on parking garage in low speed. Loud beeping alert and warning lights came on.
My first hope was that it could be speed sensor or front wheel angle sensor. Lexus mechanic told me that based on the error codes and their instructions rear steering unit and ECU needs to be replaced. He told that codes can be removed (I can do the same with my ODB2) but once the car started DRS issue will trigger them all active.
The error codes my car shows are those mentioned earlier (C15C9, C120E, C1B17, C1A50, C165A, B241D). Also my car have PCS, AFS OFF and track control yellow lights and displaying Check VGRS, PCS, AFS, DRS. Track control does not work but ABS breaks are working (easy to notice on slippery roads).
Based on those known cases reported in Lexus Owner Club / UK same codes have appear for others (see below in cursive) and it has been stroke sensor. On those cases no need to replace rear steering ECU. Couple of cases in UK and one other in Finland. I chat with this other Finnish guy and he confirmed that replacing rear steering unit was enough. Although I have one additional code C1A50, which was not reported by other cases.
NS (Navi system): C165A DRS ECU Malfunction
AFS: B241D DRS System
DRS: C1B17 Motor Rotation angle Mismatch (Stroke Sensor)
VGRS: C15C9 DRS System Malfunction
ABS: C120E DRS Control System
It is of course possible that Lexus mechanic have made miss diagnose, but based on other cases it seems unlikely. I have no means or competence to rule out speed sensor or any other issue.
So, if you have any indication that it could actually be something else - I'm all ears. I could even consider to ask other mechanic to double check but I need some reasoning what specific I should ask them to check. I believe they will just check the codes and their instruction manual which says - "replace all" .... I would just like to get this car fixed as cheap as possible so I can get rid of it.
Can't you trade the car in 'as is' on another vehicle? Maybe the new owner will elect to fix it.
Can't you trade the car in 'as is' on another vehicle? Maybe the new owner will elect to fix it.
first thing what came to my mind. I have already checked what can I get by selling or trading the car (private or delers) with or without the issue. Dealers are not ready to take the car because they worry difficulties to get spare part. Couple of private persons have offered to buy the car, most probably hoping to get it fix later. When I compare the offers, in all cases it is still more profitable to try to repair the car as long as it costs less than 3 - 4000 euros and then sell it. I can still drive the car and inspection is coming later spring so I still have time try to find spare part.
This was best car I have ever had. All good things comes to the end. Most probably the next car will be Lexus also. Despite the fact that I'm currently really disappointed to Lexus. Not because the car broke down. Cars are mechanical complex devices and they can break down. I am disappointed and annoyed by how Lexus prices that part astronomically. It practically costs the same as a new used GS. In Finland Lexus is asking 19 000 euros ( $ 20 000 ) for which you can practically get used GS. In UK / Ireland Lexus asking 14 000 £. Ridiculous. This is completely unacceptable because same new OEM part made by Aisin have been sold for $ 2600 from Japan (like Amayama, Yoshiparts). They don't sell parts at a loss. I would be "happy" to purchase part from Lexus if the price of the part would be realistic ... but no. It seems that they do not really care about their customers. Lexus is no different with other brands in that sense. Cars are great - as long as they work.
Last edited by WhiteGS450; Dec 12, 2024 at 11:47 PM.
first thing what came to my mind. I have already checked what can I get by selling or trading the car (private or delers) with or without the issue. Dealers are not ready to take the car because they worry difficulties to get spare part. Couple of private persons have offered to buy the car, most probably hoping to get it fix later. When I compare the offers, in all casesit is still more profitable to try to repair the car as long as it costs less than 3 - 4000 euros and then sell it. I can still drive the car and inspection is coming later spring so I still have time try to find spare part.
This was best car I have ever had. All good things comes to the end. Most probably the next car will be Lexus also. Despite the fact that I'm currently really disappointed to Lexus. Not because the car broke down. Cars are mechanical complex devices and they can break down. I am disappointed and annoyed by how Lexus prices that part astronomically. It practically costs the same as a new used GS. In Finland Lexus is asking 19 000 euros ( $ 20 000 ) for which you can practically get used GS. In UK / Ireland Lexus asking 14 000 £. Ridiculous. This is completely unacceptable because same new OEM part made by Aisin have been sold for $ 2600 from Japan (like Amayama, Yoshiparts). They don't sell parts at a loss. I would be "happy" to purchase part from Lexus if the price of the part would be realistic ... but no. It seems that they do not really care about their customers. Lexus is no different with other brands in that sense. Cars are great - as long as they work.
Here are two used Lexus 45900-30070 ASIN Active Rear Steering assembly replacements for the Lexus 4GS, one for $1,900 USD and one for only $640 USD. (Links provided below)
The $640 ARS assembly is located in South Carolina. Surely you can get the seller to ship it to you in Finland.
Either of these two prices will easily meet your goal of spending less than €3k - €4k Euros which is equivalent to about $3k - $4k USD to fix your GS 450h.
If it was me looking for a solution to pass inspection and hopefully keep the car on the road, I'd be jumping on that $640 ARS assembly like a Texas duck on a June bug!
Hell, I'm almost inclined to offer to buy the Dynamic Active Rear Steering Assembly myself and ship it to you in Finland...
This seems to me to be a no-brainer decision!
Yes, no?
The donor vehicle for the $640 ARS assembly appears to have likely been from a southern (no snow area) part of the U.S.
The following images are of the $640 ARS assembly:
Hopefully you can get it sorted out soon, I thought it was super robust and extremely hard to fail, so nobody is ordering it hence the insane price.
I wonder if you can send me the broken one once you replace it (I will send you the shipping costs ), I work as an automotive engineer and want to see if it is feasible to develop a service kit for it.
It's currently priced at $639.99 ($614.99 for 'holiday sale') or ►Best Offer◄. I think it would be wise tor you to contact them with your 'best offer' if you are serious about this. If you are serious about replacing the ARS I hope you are successful in buying it, which will be a major step toward making sure your car can be driven for hopefully many more years.
FYI - 8 people have viewed this item on their eBay webpage in the last 24 hours. This doesn't surprise me because I'm guessing the views are probably due to me posting the link on this thread and likely not from others honestly searching for and needing the item like you do - - but the seller doesn't know that, so they may think there is sizable demand for it...
I have no awareness of what they would actually take for this item, but it's obvious (of course) they want to sell it. I do think it would be prudent for you not to upset them with an unrealistic offer.
I recommend that you contact them via email at: Andersonautoparts864@gmail.com or call them at 1+ 864 940-4679 and work out a deal to buy it and have them ship it to you in Finland, and shipping it to you in Finland should not be a problem.
Or, you can make an offer for the item on their eBay webpage listing HERE.
I hope this helps you!
I don't know how else I can be of help...
Last edited by bclexus; Dec 13, 2024 at 07:00 PM.
Reason: orthography
.... I would just like to get this car fixed as cheap as possible so I can get rid of it.
first thing what came to my mind. I have already checked what can I get by selling or trading the car (private or delers) with or without the issue. Dealers are not ready to take the car because they worry difficulties to get spare part. Couple of private persons have offered to buy the car, most probably hoping to get it fix later. When I compare the offers, in all cases it is still more profitable to try to repair the car as long as it costs less than 3 - 4000 euros and then sell it. I can still drive the car and inspection is coming later spring so I still have time try to find spare part.
), I work as an automotive engineer and want to see if it is feasible to develop a service kit for it.
Or, did you miss out? 