I have an IS250 AWD. Today, while exiting off the interstate at 60 mph onto a 25 mph off-ramp (I usually take it at 45-50), when I took my foot off the gas and went into the curve, it felt like the car suddenly downshifted/and or braked on its own. This has happened a couple of other times when I'm going over the crest of a hill on a two lane road at higher speeds--seems like the car drops into a lower gear to slow the car down.

Anyone else experience this? Is it the VSC?

 

VSC = Beep Beep Beep

That's all you hear and a little light flashes on the dash. Otherwise I have no idea.

 

I've never heard any beeps on my IS350, but I have seen the VSC light blinking at me.

 

I think I read somewhere that if the light flashes only Traction Control is working, if it flashes and beeps then VSC has kicked in as well.

If you see it flashing, hear the beeps, then feel and hear a crunch - you're in the Armco.

 

if you turn the traction control off, will the car slide? my 2006 LS430 slides a bit but the VSC starts to make it stop slidding, eventhough the traction control is off. does this happen to the IS too?

 

Welcome to Russia in winter. Te VSC works always!!!!!!!! It`s very important device!!!!!!!! for snow drive

 

TCS can only be disabled up to 30mph i think after that it automatically turns on.

 

I think this is right. Beeping means VSC or VDIM. Flashing without the beep is traction control.

Accelerating (hard) from a stop on a rainy road I'll see the icon flash, but no beeps. Hanging the tail out (going around turns on a snow covered road) causes the icon to flash and a beep-beep-beep.

 

^^ truth. In the snow, I've tried drifting the car, but the vsc beeps me and traction control lights blink..... no fun...

 

That's when you turn it off, the VSC that is. I've turned it off and drifted and man is it fun! Haha

 

What you can turn it off on the awd?! Is it the parking brake, foot brake, etc method for the vdim?

 

Yeah, that turns off everything in any 2IS.

 

I've noticed it downshift and brake on its own. Usually when I press the brake suddenly. I think its the brake assist. not sure though. It's been raining and stuff, and i have still never seen the vsc light go on. Not that I want to see it. I guess that means I'm not a 'crazy' driver. hahah. jk.

 

Spaseeb - My daughter tells me that's how you say thank you in Russian.