Warning lights on the dashboard of your vehicle should never be disregarded. If you own a Lexus, you may have observed that the VSC off and check engine lights occasionally illuminate simultaneously. If you have dashboard lights that remain illuminated after starting your vehicle, you need to solve some issues immediately, or you may soon harm your vehicle. When the VSC system detects that your car is losing traction, it will automatically reduce engine power to specific wheels in order to prevent an accident. VSC minimises the number of traffic accidents in wet, foggy, and snowy weather; thus, it is imperative that you repair your VSC system as soon as you notice the VSC warning light on your dashboard.
In this article, we will be going over what the VSC light on your Lexus means so that you can be aware of the underlying issues that your car might have.
What does VSC mean?
VSC is the acronym for vehicle stability control, a lifesaving function present in Lexus cars. It functions to keep the vehicle under control in challenging driving or cornering conditions. VSC helps manage engine speed and stop to avoid skidding. The terms Traction control and VSC are frequently used interchangeably, yet they are not the same. Yes, they both serve the same function, albeit at different periods.
While the VSC stabilises the vehicle during cornering, the traction control stabilises it during acceleration. In addition to traction control, VSC interacts with other automobile components, which I shall explain as we continue. On the four wheels of Toyota or Lexus vehicles are sensors. Typically, these sensors connect with the powertrain control module (PCM) to report wheel status.
The PCM aids in engine and gearbox management for optimal performance. For instance, the PCM indicates when it is time to change gears. In conjunction with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the VSC modulates the brakes to control the rotation of the wheels. When these wheel sensors detect wheel slippage, they notify the PCM and ABS immediately. Then, these two systems regulate the engine, transmission, or brakes to reduce slippage. The PCM is informed if the sensors detect that the right front wheel is slipping. The PCM then assists in reducing engine speed and increasing braking force to decelerate the vehicle.
What causes the VSC light to turn on?
If your dashboard displays the check VSC light, the most common cause is a malfunctioning engine. Since the VSC system is connected with the engine management and brake control systems to control your vehicle’s traction, numerous potential problems could arise. Here is a list of the most frequent causes of a VSC warning light:
- Overlooked issues with your engine
The engine is the most likely cause of the VSC warning light illuminating. This is especially true if your dashboard also displays the Check Engine and VSC lights. Modern engines feature numerous sensors, actuators, and other components that can trigger a check engine light and a VSC light if you drive a Lexus. Therefore, it will be pretty challenging to determine the cause. The engine control module will store a fault code when the check engine light and the vehicle stability control light are illuminated on your dashboard. You must examine this error code to determine the cause of the warning lights.
- Your car’s ABS sensor should be replaced
The ABS sensors are positioned at each wheel of your vehicle to measure wheel speed. This information is utilised not just by the ABS control module but also by other critical control modules such as the ECM and TCM. These ABS sensors are positioned at the hubs of the wheel spindles, where they are highly exposed to water, rust, and dirt, making them susceptible to failure.
Since the VSC utilises this information, it will illuminate a VSC warning light on the dashboard if an ABS sensor fails. It is also possible that the ABS reluctor rings, from which the sensors monitor speed, are malfunctioning. The sensors and ABS control module could also be affected by faulty wiring. The VSC indicator will light up if the steering angle sensor sends an incorrect signal to the ABS and VSC control modules.
- Overlooked issues with your car’s wiring
Modern automobiles are equipped with a variety of electronic components, many of which require wiring. This is also why wiring faults have grown so prevalent in current gen cars. Unfortunately, diagnosing electrical problems can be difficult without the proper skills and understanding. If you suspect your car has a wiring problem and you’ve tested everything else, it may be advisable to consult an automotive specialist.
What does check vsc mean on a lexus?
Let us now analyse what the “check VSC system light” signifies and how to fix it in a Lexus vehicle. If the “VSC OFF” indicator appears on your dashboard, it indicates that your traction control has been completely disabled and will not function if you lose traction. If you have a more recent vehicle, the “Check VSC system light” message may appear instead of the VSC light. Due to its connection to the engine control and brake control systems, the VSC system, which regulates your vehicle’s traction, is susceptible to various problems. A defective accelerator pedal, throttle body, ABS sensor, or mass airflow sensor are typical causes of a malfunctioning VSC indicator. Using a diagnostic scanner to read the error code memory is the simplest method for determining what triggered your VSC light.
Bottom line
The VSC system interacts with numerous other systems in your vehicle’s model; as a result, the VSC warning light might be triggered by a variety of issues. When the VSC indicator illuminates, there may be an issue with one of the other stabilisation systems. Typically, if the VSC light is on in your Lexus, other lights, such as the check engine and ABS lights, will also illuminate. Therefore, it is essential to begin the diagnostic in the correct location and to read the codes from all control modules.