Hello,

I just took a 4 hour car ride to visit some family, and my check engine light came on with the check vsc error on the dash. Also, the skidding car icon has popped up on dash. I just got new tires and an allignment, so I'm not sure if that affected anything. Would there be a way to diagnosis this before I take it to my mechanic 4 hours away? Thanks!!

 

What year is it? Is it an IS250 or 350? How many miles do you have? Does it feel or sound different since the lights have been on? Usually when the check engine light illuminates, so does the VSC and slippery vehicle icon too. The only recommendation for now would be to remove and retighten the gas cap. You can try to disconnect the battery and reconnect it to reset the lights, if it continues to illuminate, it's an ongoing concern. Otherwise you need a OBD checker/scan tool to know what it really is.

 

Have you restarted the car yet to see if the codes re-appear? They probably won't. Check the gas cap for tightness.

 

It's a 2006 is250 with 96k miles on it. I haven't had any problems with it at all. It runs great. I'm going to disconnect the battery and see if that helps. Ill take it to the dealership if it comes on again after trying all those things.

 

I just got it diagnosed at NTB, piston 2 and 4 are misfiring. I believe that means I will be eligible for the engine rebuild (courtesy of Lexus)?

 

Most likely the piston/rings/gasket replacement. I've seen all, or some of those parts get replaced for that concern depending on the diagnosis. It's rare that they replace the short block, but it's been done.