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michaellonghenry Posted on Jun 27, 2012
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Check engine light comes on intermittantly along with vsc and vsc off lights i loose all throttle control

At times i move wires by driver side fuse panel and car runs normal for a while

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ZJ Limited

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  • Lexus Master 17,989 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 27, 2012
ZJ Limited
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Joined: Jul 15, 2008
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Hi there:
When the light comes on, one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) are stored in the engine control module. These DTCs remain even if the light goes out. To address a Check Engine Light problem, the DTCs are retrieved and the appropriate troubleshooting information is followed in order to determine the problem.

The four most common Check Engine Light scenarios and what to do:
* The Check Engine Light turns on and off or flickers.
If the Check Engine Light comes on in the city but goes off on the freeway, then the fault is present during city driving conditions. Pay attention to whether or not the vehicle runs or drives any differently when the Check Engine Light illuminates. If vehicle performance does change, drive the car as little as possible and take it to be checked by a service professional as soon as possible. If there is no change in vehicle performance, you can drive home, but have it inspected as soon as possible. In this condition, you run a risk of the vehicle dying or not starting.

* The Check Engine Light comes on and stays on.
If the Check Engine Light illuminates constantly during driving with no noticeable driving or performance problems, there is a permanent fault in the emission control system. When this happens, the computer that controls the emission system usually has a backup program that runs while the fault is present. (These backup programs are often referred to as "limp home" mode programs.) You should get the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, but in most cases, the vehicle will continue to operate, though you run a risk of it dying or not starting.

* The Check Engine Light illuminates, stays on, and there are performance problems.
This means that a vital component of your emission control and engine management system has a serious problem. It usually involves a component or system needed for the vehicle to run at all. In most cases, drive the vehicle as little as possible. In many cases, the vehicle is not safe to drive at all -it could stop or stall out at any moment. It is best to pull over to a safe place and have the vehicle towed to an automotive diagnostician for a thorough inspection and repair.

* The Check Engine Light light comes on and blinks in a steady pattern while driving.
Don't confuse this steady pulsing of the Check Engine Light light (usually one or more flashes per second) with a flicker (see above). The Check Engine Light may stay on steadily or it may flash when the vehicle is accelerated. This is very serious. There is a severe failure of the emission control system that is causing the engine to misfire to the point that the catalytic converter is damaged each time the Check Engine Light flashes. It may mean that the catalytic converter is overheating to the point that it will glow red or, in extreme cases, start a fire on the underside of the vehicle. Immediately pull over to a safe place and have your vehicle towed to an automotive diagnostician for repair. Vehicles can be severely damaged and even destroyed by fire if this condition is ignored for too long.

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, have a nice day.

  • ZJ Limited
    ZJ Limited Jun 27, 2012

    Additionally, keep in mind that VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) message could be refear at ABS or Speed Wheel sensor, and you will need to scanning the module to know fault codes stored there.

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5 Related Answers

gfischer21

George Fischer

  • 236 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 17, 2009

SOURCE: My 2001 Lexus LS430 was misfiring, riding rough,VSC light is on

go to auto zone, advanced autoparts, or a certified mechanic and ask if they can reset the codes, it should be free

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Bob B

  • 272 Answers
  • Posted on May 09, 2009

SOURCE: LS430 check VSC light on after check engine light on

My car (06 GS430) began giving me more frequent "Check VSC" warnings. (Code P0455 in my case. Really glad I bought that OBDII tool--resetting the codes is a snap!)

I knew that a loose gas cap could cause this, so normally I just give it a twist and it tightens. Now I found that no matter how many "clicks" I tightened the gas cap, it would not cinch down snug. The lightest turn the opposite way would open it.

I was all set to head over to CarQuest for a replacement filler cap. But I thought I'd inspect mine first just to see why it stopped holding. Upon inspection, I saw that what holds the cap in place is compression of the rubber O-ring at the back of the cap, which compresses against the filler neck. That apparently was no longer happening.

I carefully removed the O-ring from the cap--using screwdrivers to lift it over the edge of the groove it sits in. Like removing a bike tire from the rim--work your way around. Then I cut a strip of electrical tape about 10" long, and 1/4" wide. I wound this into the curved groove where the O-ring normally sits, just to build up a little thickness. Put the O-ring back in place. Done.

Now the cap tightens like it's supposed to, and thus far, it has stopped the VSC error codes. Don't know if it will fix your issue or not, Good luck.

Anonymous

  • 5 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 20, 2008

SOURCE: Traction control light stays on along with engine light when car is running.

This has been happening to my car as well. It typically happens when your oxygen sensors start to wear out. Mine does it once in a while and I have the local auto store reset it. Go to your nearest auto store and have them tell you what code it is and ask them to reset the OBD so the light goes out. If the light comes on right away and the code has to do with your oxygen sensors, have them replaced. There are three, two are easy to replace, one takes some effort as it is in a tough to get to spot. The dealer will charge you a fortune to replace them so do it yourself or through a local mechanic. It is a very simple task other then the access.

If you disconnect the battery to reset the engine light, make sure you have the code to reset the anti theft on the radio, otherwise your radio will not work

Anonymous

  • 3741 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 29, 2009

SOURCE: 2007 lexus rx350 ,vsc light on and check engine light is flashing

First check and make sure your gas cap is tight, if this does not resolve the problem read below.
A vacuum hose has become disconnected, more than likely due to having your air filter replaced. The VSC and Check engine light typically don't come on until after 150-200 miles after the vacuum hose was pulled out.
The fix: on the right-hand-side of the engine compartment behind the big plastic housing that holds the air filter you will find a black rubber hose that is not connected to anything. Squeeze the finger clamp on the hose and slide the hose back onto the half inch nipple on the back of the air filter's plastic housing.
In order for the VSC and Check engine light to be turned off, you will need to open the fuse box, right-side of the engine compartment, and pull the 20 amp EFI fuse for 10 seconds. This will reset the system. The fuse location is marked on the lid of the fuse box, also I believe the EFI fuse is the only 20 amp fuse
. This will help. Thanks, please keep updated. please do rate the solution positively .thank you for using fixya


DRACO A5OG

Jim Chang

  • 22 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 26, 2011

SOURCE: engine light, vsc, vsc off come on. code P0121 and P0120

It is your Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), the black component on the side of your Throttle Body normally on the right side as you look from the front of your engine.

Take the **** of a screw driver and tap the TPS, while the car is on, you might notice a fluctuation. tapping again may not yield a response but it is prone to jolts.

Before replacing it, try to check the resistance with a Digital Volt Meter on the terminals. You can check Haynes Book at a local supply store that might have it or go to a book store that carry the books. Each series of Lexus/Toyota have there own value. If the values are off, loosen the mounting screws and turn the TPS clock wise until you get the values needed. A slight movement is all that is needed or tolerated so take care not to over adjust or the fix will not work.

If you want to just replace it then not where it is positioned and place the new one starting at a counter clock wise postion then place the new TPS and rotate to exact position the old one was and then tighten down. Caution it is best to check the resistance values to insure proper adjustment.

Hope this helps

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Amazon com Oxgord CAN OBD II Scanner Tool for Check Engine Light...

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