I read a few threads ago about a common VSC problem that was coming on, and there was a wide variety of reasons from the dealer. I tried to do the search for it, but for some reason the search isn't working for me.

My dealer is going to try to blame the VSC light on some aftermarket HID's that I installed, and is saying that it is heating up the computer. Is there a known cause for this, or are we left running in circles since Lexus hasn't been able to figure it out.

Any information would be appreciated. The car has stalled on me a couple of months ago, and I am afraid they will just blame it on this, and void the warranty.

 

no replies?

 

How can a set of aftermarket HID's cause the VSC and CEL to come on?!?!?! Your dealership must be on crack. If they really insist that it's your HID's that are causing the problem, then take them off and bring it to another dealership and see what they say.

I had the same problem come about a few months ago, it turned out that I had a cracked gas cap (at least that's what they told me). If you read the other threads though, others here on CL have experienced different problems which triggered the VSC/CEL to go off.

 

I believe my dealership was trying to say that the location of the HID components like the balast was too close to the computer, and causing it to create errors.

I don't even know if he knew what he was talking about.

I printed out and wrote down all the previous problems reported.

Running Rich
Faulty Injectors
Cam Position Sensors
Gas
ECU Glitch (ECU Update)
O2 Sensors
Misfiring (Valve Timings)
Gas Cap Sensors
and the generic Gas Cap Being Tight

I just wanted to have as much information, before he tries to void the warranty due to aftermarket parts.

 

Same thing happened to me i unplugged the battery and Viola all the lights went away .. If you dont close your gas cap properly the lights will turn on hope this helps!

 

Had my new '08 IS350 for one day (50 miles of total driving) and VSC came on along with a hodgepodge of other lights. Called dealership and they checked the car and said it was a faulty sensor in one of the rear wheels...not sure if it was a stability sensor or tire pressure sensor. Anyway, they replaced the sensor (on a brand new car) and I haven't had any problems...although I will tell you I was extremely annoyed to have to take a car with 59 total miles on it to the dealership to be repaired.

 

wow good thing that hasnt happened to me yet i have aftermarket HIDs and my dealership compliments me on my install ha. I mounted the balasts near the strut mounts if that helps. and i havent experienced any probs.

 

take it to another dealer ?

 

I'm not sure if this is a common thing on Lexus cars, but my dad has an 01' RX300 and it seems to come on and off as it pleases. Most of the time when I see it, I plug the fuse for the ECU/ECM or disconnect the battery before it goes into the dealer.

Haven't had a problem yet on my GS.

 

Writing down all the possible problems that turn the light on is kind of pointless. You need to have the dealer (or someone else with scan tool) read out the specific DTC (or DTCs) that is/are causing the light to illuminate. For example, if you had a P044x DTC (evaporative emissions system problem), there is a good chance it could be the gas cap. But if you had a P030x (misfire), it most likely isn't. Bottom line -- get the code read.

 

i had the same problem..about 3 months ago.dealership told me that my IS needed a computer upgrade in my car..they took about 11 days to fix the problem b/c their computers went down or about 2 days..oh welll at least i took the rental car to vegas n back without puttin any mileage on my IS..

 

well it happens to me only when i just installed my HID...it goes off after 20 miles or so...

 

I have had gas mix in with the engine oil to trigger the light. I had the light come on two times, and both times I noticed that the oil on the dipstick actually smelled like gas. The dealer did a free oil change under warranty, and also upgraded the computer the second time. I wonder if the problem is fixed, or if they just clear the codes just to cover up the problem.

I can't imagine gas in the engine oil is good. I think there was a TSB posted on the site about this problem.

We will see if it happens again.

 

Mine also came on after the install but turned off after a few miles..