Hi, I,m new in this GS forum. I just found a black 1999 GS400 that I like with HID, mileage=270k, asking=$6000.

I need help:

The problems are:
1. Check engine light=on
2. VSC-off light=on, altough I pressed VSC button.


The accelaration is good, however tire noise is Rough, altough tires look new. and suspension is also Squeeky.

What may cause the VSC-light on?

Thanks
mek88@yahoo.com in Los Angeles

 

270K....That is a LOT of miles for a 99 GS4. I don't have HALF as much on the same year car. Amazing how long our cars last.

I would take the car to AUTOZONE and have the codes read. Then you would have a clue as to which component set the check engine light off. Once that light is on, the VSC light automatically comes on.

As for the rough ride, is the car equipped with stock 16 or 17 inch tires? If not, you have to live with the noise of larger tires. That is one reason I stay with stock 16 tires. They are the smoothest and quietest. Stock 17's are a bit noisier, but liveable in my opinion.

Good luck on your purchase.

 

The shocks are probably old also with that kind of mileage. Check for ball joint play. 270k is a lot of miles. I'll be glad to spend more money for less miles.

 

I have the exact same problem with the CEL and both VSC lights right now. Car is currently at TM Engineering. Problem just started to happen after I got my 180K done at TM. Todd is currently trying to figure out the problem along with some other problems with ignition timing. Hopefully I will have a solution when I get my car back and find out what was wrong with it.

Tommy

 

a bit off topic, but I saw your car at TM two weeks ago I think I really like the way the car looks

 

When this happened to me it was the throttle positioning sensor that cause the occurance of both lights to come on at the same time.

 

Is 99 GS400 using timing chain or timing belt? I did not see black plastic cover for timing belt.
According to a website, the 99 GS4 using timing chain. Is it correct? www.forparts.com/ICtimingbeltreplacement01.htm

Thanks
Mike

 

Thanks. Yep, that was it. Hopefully Todd can work his magic and I can get it back soon.

 

Our engines use timing belt. The cover is actually metal (silver in color)

 

lots of reason engine light and vsc came on, but 6k might be worth it. i would get compression check and tranny. might be some heavy highway driving. there are some cars that reported 300+, but that not all ways the same for all cars.
good luck

 

With that many mile if you were really serious about it I'd spen $100 or so and get an inspectionto make sure there was not any major prolems lurking. Other wise not a bade price
First see if you can find out when the timing chain was replaced- Lexus sevice records or from previous owner. If you can't tell that would be the first thing I would replace. Check engine compression,Brakes,coolant and oil.
Most peiople take of their Lexus w/ religous maintenance but ther are some some people who only chnage stuff every few years just my $.02

 

Will you be using the car as a daily driver?? Just seems like a lot of mileage in my opinion. Anyways, autozone would be the eay to go since they don't charge to read your codes. If you are very serious about the car, get it inspected like someone already stated here, then you can be aware of any potential problems.