What causes my VSC light to come on on my 2002 Lexus RS300

VSC is vehicle stability control system. Read codes with a GOOD scan tool for more information. On Toyota and Lexus cars, using a scan tool other that the dealer tool will trigger VSC off and VSC lights, which can be reset using a procedure of key off, shift to certain gears, key on etc. as follows:

Friends,
For the benefit of any 2002 Lexus SC430 owners, I'll post the following item dealing with "Zero Point Calibration".
After hours of troubleshooting, I came to the hypothesis that the instructions MIGHT be different from 2002 - 2005 and 2006 - 2010 models. Below are the instructions I followed and WORKED on my 2002 SC430.
If you receive the "VSC" and "VSC Off" lights on the dashboard after a visit to a mechanic (often an independent mechanic using non-Lexus ODBII equipment), this means your "Zero Point Calibration" has been erroneously reset by a non-Lexus specific ODBII tool. This might especially happen if your state requires state inspection via ODBII, and you take your Lexus to a no-name place (like a Jiffy Lube or something). Follow the steps described in Post #6 in this thread to resolve this issue:
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2...d-vsc-off.html
Note that where you see a reference to a tool called the "SST 09843--18040", substitute that "tool" for a simple jumper cable (such as a short speaker wire) or a paperclip.
Here is the relevant excerpt from the above thread:
"The solution consists of approximately 15 step .
NOTE:While performing the Zero Point Calibration, do not tilt, move or shake the vehicle.
The vehicle must remain in a stationary condition throughout the entire process.
Be sure to perform the procedure on a level surface with an inclination of less than 1%.
Explanation of symbols:
SST (4-inch wire)
DLC3 (OBD-II connector under the dash)
TS (on the top row,pin number 3)
CG (on the bottom row,pin number 5)
(See picture below)
1. Ensure the shift lever is in the ''P'' range.
2. Turn the ignition switch Off.
3. Using SST 09843--18040, repeat a cycle of short and open between terminals Ts and
CG of DLC3 4 times or more within 8 seconds (refer to the specific vehicle EWD for
TS and CG pin location in the DLC3).
4. Turn the ignition switch ON, do not start.
5. Verify that the VSC indicator light is lit indicating the recorded zero point is erased.
6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
7. Be sure the terminals Ts and CG of DLC3 are disconnected.
8. Turn the ignition switch ON, do not start.
9. Check that the VSC warning light goes off about 15 seconds after the ignition switch
is turned ON.
10. After ensuring that the VSC warning light remains OFF for 2 seconds, turn the ignition
switch OFF.
11. Connect terminals Ts and CG of DLC3 using SST 09843--18040.
12. Turn the ignition switch ON, do not start.
13. After turning the ignition switch ON, check that the VSC warning light is lit for about
4 seconds and then starts quick blinking at 0.13 second intervals.
14. After ensuring the blinking of the VSC warning light for 2 seconds, turn the ignition
switch OFF.
15. Remove the SST from terminals Ts and CG of DLC3.
16. Drive the vehicle for at least 5 minutes to confirm Zero Point Calibration is complete."

Is you vsc light on by itself, or is it on with a Check Engine Light as well. If it is just the VSC light then you need a Zero-Point calibration. This is supposed to be only done at a toyota/lexus dealer. They take out the VSC computer and run their diagnostics program and reset and configure(calibrate) your vehicles VSC. I personally would disconnect both battery terminals for at least an hour, even better overnight, this should allow enough time to have all the electricity drain completely from those computers. Hopefully this would reset everything. I would try this before going to the dealer, try to save some money. If it is the VSC and CEL(Check Engine Light), then you would have to get the codes read at AutoZone....they do this for free unlike the dealer and then post your codes up on this forum. Hope this helps.

Hello, the reason for the vsc light to turn on is that the check engine light came on first causing the vsc system to become disabled, this is normal, once the cause of the check engine light is fixed the other lights will turn off. You'll need to find out the diagnostic codes that caused the check engine light to turn on first, most auto parts stores like autozone, pep boys, o reilly can help you with getting those codes from the computer and they do this for free in most US states, when you have the code numbers you can reply if necessary and I can advise as to what should be done.

VSC = Vehicle Stabilyti Control

Generally could be a speed wheel sensor failure, you will need scanned the computer to know other fault codes stored there.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I'll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using Fixya, and have a nice day.

A bad wheel-sensor will cause the VSC/VSC-OFF lights to come on. Might work hope it helps.

Battery was diconnected for 1 minute and then reconnected. All lights are off.

VSC is Vehicle Stability Control. This is and electronic sensing which monitors and combines performance of braking, wheel slippage and handling, ect.
If this light comes on along with check engine light, it can be caused by a loose gas cap or faulty o2 sensor.

VSC means Vehicle Stability Control.

It comes on when the sensor send a signal that the vehicle is not stable on the ground.....check the wheel balancing and alignment and the air pressure of your tires too.

Good luck.

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My 2000 Lexus GS 400 just had the VSC/VSC off light and the check engine light come on. I would have to push the accelarator peddle all the way down to get it to go. Took it to the Toyota dealer and the code pulled up as the Throttle Position Sensor was out. Purchased one and having it put in. Will update if this fixes the problem.