2006 Lexus LX470 VGRS issues (1 Viewer)

[krispykritter]

Interesting, i’m gonna check my ecu connection again then. it should only be the center plug unplugged correct?

I believe it's the middle plug, yes. You might need to clear the codes via techstream after unplugging it, but if I start with no codes and unplug just the center plug on the module, i get a VGRS light and nothing else. It does set some codes for the VGRS system but that doesn't set any trac or check engine lights.

 

[zipdoa]

Checking in - I had a bad ecu (VGRS/VSC/TRAC lights are on) (89181-60040) and snagged a used one off eBay.

My steering wheel was centered before installing the new ECU.

VGRS obviously does some sort of initializing procedure after detecting the new ECU, but now steering is off by 110' . All lights turned off.

I drove it like this for a couple days, but now VGRS/VSC/TRAC light have returned - is this expected with an incorrect zero point calibration?

I have booked in for the following recall repairs as well:

"Safety Recall ALF - Certain 2003 through 2007 Model Year Lexus LX 470 Vehicles Steering Shaft"

"Safety Recall GLB - Remedy Notice, Certain 2003-2006 LX470, Certain 2004-2006 GX470, Curtain-Shield Airbag (CSA) Airbag Control Module"

Hoping that the steering shaft recall will also fix the issue, otherwise wondering if suddenly this replacement ECU has also failed.

 

[Hidec]

Update: The used VGRS ECU I ordered is still making its way west from Dubai. After 2 stops in Europe, it is now in Cincinnati.

Hopefully it will be here by EOW and I can give it a try this weekend.

The short story: SUCCESS!!!

The long story:
I was finally able to get back to the truck to install the recently arrived ECU. However, it was not as simple as I had hoped:

1. Installed the new to me VGRS ECU.
2. Battery reconnected and the truck started. Same dash lights as before (stability control, traction control, and VGRS).
3. Techstream revealed the traction control code was the same as before (C1289 - VGRS error), but the VGRS code changed to C1531 (VGRS ECU Malfunction)
4. I assumed this was because the VGRS actuator had not been calibrated with the new ECU, so I followed the Service Manual and attempted to clear all codes and go through the VGRS calibration via Techstream
5. Codes did not clear, and C1531 would not allow Techstream to start the VGRS calibration.
6. Tried clearing the codes multiple times through Techstream with no success
7. Much cursing ensued which did not clear the codes either...
8. Remembered that the truck would need to be driven in a straight line above ~25 mph for about 30 seconds, to identify the "straight" value for the VGRS
9. Drove around town for about 10 minutes with multiple 40 mph over 30 second straight sections
10. Returned home, connected Techstream, tried to clear the codes - no success
11. More cursing, and still no code clearing secret words...
12. Decided to follow the calibration procedure using the SST check wire instead of Techstream
13. Per the SM as C1515 was not a current error code, I created my own SST and performed the 3 way connection per the Service Manual. Interestingly the SST has 3 connectors (at leas in the picture I could find online), and the SM required CG and Ts to be constantly connected, but CG and Tc to be connected and disconnected 10 times within 20 seconds, then turn the steering wheel to the left >180 degrees, then 10 more connect / disconnect in under 20 seconds of CG and Tc - all under 1 minute.
14. After an on / off cycle of the ignition, two things had happened - Techstream now also showed the C1515 error in addition to the already present codes, but the two traction control lights on the dash were no longer lit. Just the VGRS light.
15. Used Techstream to clear codes again, and after the refreshed health check, only the C1515 code was present!
16. Since the steering wheel was already centered from when I installed the new mid-shaft actuator, I skipped ahead in the SM to step 8 - "Adjust the actuator angle". reconnected CG and Ts, turned the ignition on, and the VGRS light now was blinking!
17. Ignition off - remove the CG-Ts jumper - start the engine - turn left > 90 degrees - turn right 90 degrees - back to center for > 3 seconds
18. VGRS light goes out!!!!
19. Much celebratory yelling and family coming outside to see if I am ok...
20. To be sure, drove around town for about 20 minutes and no warning lights!

So, after all this I am not sure if it was the VGRS ECU, the mid shaft actuator, or both that were non operable.

It was interesting that both the original C1567 and the new C1531 codes caused the C1289 traction control error and the lights on the dash, but the C1515 code seemed to suppress the traction control error and turn off the dash lights.

It also appears my Techstream / Mini VCI combination could not start the calibration cycle, but the manual wire method could. Wondering if another Techstream / Mini CVI version would actually ground and unground various pins on the port.

Anyway, I'll come back to this thread and update if the light reappears, but I'm calling this one good for now and am enjoying a warning light free dashboard!

 

[zipdoa]

^^Congrats - I bought techstream and also fixed my issue.

Notes for anyone in this situation:

If you replace VGRS ECU, and the self-calibration finishes with the wheel off-center, you will likely throw a VGRS/VSC/TRAC code.

I performed a Zero Point calibration, followed by a VGRS centering calibration, which solved the issue and now all lights are off.

Now I'm wondering if my old ECU was fine and just needed recalibration....

 

[rrc swb]

The short story: SUCCESS!!!

The long story:
I was finally able to get back to the truck to install the recently arrived ECU. However, it was not as simple as I had hoped:

1. Installed the new to me VGRS ECU.
2. Battery reconnected and the truck started. Same dash lights as before (stability control, traction control, and VGRS).
3. Techstream revealed the traction control code was the same as before (C1289 - VGRS error), but the VGRS code changed to C1531 (VGRS ECU Malfunction)
4. I assumed this was because the VGRS actuator had not been calibrated with the new ECU, so I followed the Service Manual and attempted to clear all codes and go through the VGRS calibration via Techstream
5. Codes did not clear, and C1531 would not allow Techstream to start the VGRS calibration.
6. Tried clearing the codes multiple times through Techstream with no success
7. Much cursing ensued which did not clear the codes either...
8. Remembered that the truck would need to be driven in a straight line above ~25 mph for about 30 seconds, to identify the "straight" value for the VGRS
9. Drove around town for about 10 minutes with multiple 40 mph over 30 second straight sections
10. Returned home, connected Techstream, tried to clear the codes - no success
11. More cursing, and still no code clearing secret words...
12. Decided to follow the calibration procedure using the SST check wire instead of Techstream
13. Per the SM as C1515 was not a current error code, I created my own SST and performed the 3 way connection per the Service Manual. Interestingly the SST has 3 connectors (at leas in the picture I could find online), and the SM required CG and Ts to be constantly connected, but CG and Tc to be connected and disconnected 10 times within 20 seconds, then turn the steering wheel to the left >180 degrees, then 10 more connect / disconnect in under 20 seconds of CG and Tc - all under 1 minute.
14. After an on / off cycle of the ignition, two things had happened - Techstream now also showed the C1515 error in addition to the already present codes, but the two traction control lights on the dash were no longer lit. Just the VGRS light.
15. Used Techstream to clear codes again, and after the refreshed health check, only the C1515 code was present!
16. Since the steering wheel was already centered from when I installed the new mid-shaft actuator, I skipped ahead in the SM to step 8 - "Adjust the actuator angle". reconnected CG and Ts, turned the ignition on, and the VGRS light now was blinking!
17. Ignition off - remove the CG-Ts jumper - start the engine - turn left > 90 degrees - turn right 90 degrees - back to center for > 3 seconds
18. VGRS light goes out!!!!
19. Much celebratory yelling and family coming outside to see if I am ok...
20. To be sure, drove around town for about 20 minutes and no warning lights!

So, after all this I am not sure if it was the VGRS ECU, the mid shaft actuator, or both that were non operable.

It was interesting that both the original C1567 and the new C1531 codes caused the C1289 traction control error and the lights on the dash, but the C1515 code seemed to suppress the traction control error and turn off the dash lights.

It also appears my Techstream / Mini VCI combination could not start the calibration cycle, but the manual wire method could. Wondering if another Techstream / Mini CVI version would actually ground and unground various pins on the port.

Anyway, I'll come back to this thread and update if the light reappears, but I'm calling this one good for now and am enjoying a warning light free dashboard!

I'll try these steps... Thanks for this info.

I know for a fact I will repeat steps 7 & 11 probably twice every step.

 

[suprarx7nut]

The short story: SUCCESS!!!

The long story:
I was finally able to get back to the truck to install the recently arrived ECU. However, it was not as simple as I had hoped:

1. Installed the new to me VGRS ECU.
2. Battery reconnected and the truck started. Same dash lights as before (stability control, traction control, and VGRS).
3. Techstream revealed the traction control code was the same as before (C1289 - VGRS error), but the VGRS code changed to C1531 (VGRS ECU Malfunction)
4. I assumed this was because the VGRS actuator had not been calibrated with the new ECU, so I followed the Service Manual and attempted to clear all codes and go through the VGRS calibration via Techstream
5. Codes did not clear, and C1531 would not allow Techstream to start the VGRS calibration.
6. Tried clearing the codes multiple times through Techstream with no success
7. Much cursing ensued which did not clear the codes either...
8. Remembered that the truck would need to be driven in a straight line above ~25 mph for about 30 seconds, to identify the "straight" value for the VGRS
9. Drove around town for about 10 minutes with multiple 40 mph over 30 second straight sections
10. Returned home, connected Techstream, tried to clear the codes - no success
11. More cursing, and still no code clearing secret words...
12. Decided to follow the calibration procedure using the SST check wire instead of Techstream
13. Per the SM as C1515 was not a current error code, I created my own SST and performed the 3 way connection per the Service Manual. Interestingly the SST has 3 connectors (at leas in the picture I could find online), and the SM required CG and Ts to be constantly connected, but CG and Tc to be connected and disconnected 10 times within 20 seconds, then turn the steering wheel to the left >180 degrees, then 10 more connect / disconnect in under 20 seconds of CG and Tc - all under 1 minute.
14. After an on / off cycle of the ignition, two things had happened - Techstream now also showed the C1515 error in addition to the already present codes, but the two traction control lights on the dash were no longer lit. Just the VGRS light.
15. Used Techstream to clear codes again, and after the refreshed health check, only the C1515 code was present!
16. Since the steering wheel was already centered from when I installed the new mid-shaft actuator, I skipped ahead in the SM to step 8 - "Adjust the actuator angle". reconnected CG and Ts, turned the ignition on, and the VGRS light now was blinking!
17. Ignition off - remove the CG-Ts jumper - start the engine - turn left > 90 degrees - turn right 90 degrees - back to center for > 3 seconds
18. VGRS light goes out!!!!
19. Much celebratory yelling and family coming outside to see if I am ok...
20. To be sure, drove around town for about 20 minutes and no warning lights!

So, after all this I am not sure if it was the VGRS ECU, the mid shaft actuator, or both that were non operable.

It was interesting that both the original C1567 and the new C1531 codes caused the C1289 traction control error and the lights on the dash, but the C1515 code seemed to suppress the traction control error and turn off the dash lights.

It also appears my Techstream / Mini VCI combination could not start the calibration cycle, but the manual wire method could. Wondering if another Techstream / Mini CVI version would actually ground and unground various pins on the port.

Anyway, I'll come back to this thread and update if the light reappears, but I'm calling this one good for now and am enjoying a warning light free dashboard!

What's the firmware versino on your mini-VCI cable? If it's 1.XX then it's likely not capable of sending commands to do some things. If it's 2.XX and still unable to send commands then that's a new one for me.

Version 1.XX cables are kinda like idiot-proof cables. It's hard to do much harm because they just won't send many signals.
Version 2.XX will let you suffer the consequences or revel in the victory of your actions.

 

[Hidec]

What's the firmware versino on your mini-VCI cable? If it's 1.XX then it's likely not capable of sending commands to do some things. If it's 2.XX and still unable to send commands then that's a new one for me.

Version 1.XX cables are kinda like idiot-proof cables. It's hard to do much harm because they just won't send many signals.
Version 2.XX will let you suffer the consequences or revel in the victory of your actions.

I was originally using a cable with v 1.4.3. Had read a few posts that a version 2.x.x helped some, so i ordered a v 2.0.4.

I tried both multiple times throughout without success.

 

[Raggler79]

I have the same issue after a dead battery. I'm ignoring the Christmas lights on the dash.

Hopefully you can find the problem.

Just came home to a dead battery, after being gone for 23 days.. replaced the battery today and noticed the VGRS light on.. but good news my AHC seems to be working.

 

[rrc swb]

Just came home to a dead battery, after being gone for 23 days.. replaced the battery today and noticed the VGRS light on.. but good news my AHC seems to be working.

My VGRS works too, but for some reason the lights came on.

I haven't done anything yet... I'll get to it at some point.

 

[jLB]

Just came home to a dead battery, after being gone for 23 days.. replaced the battery today and noticed the VGRS light on.. but good news my AHC seems to be working.

This is normal after a dead or disconnected battery. It should take care of itself, after a relatively short drive

 

[rrc swb]

This is normal after a dead or disconnected battery. It should take care of itself, after a relatively short drive

Not always. :-(

 

[jLB]

Not always. :-(

I dunno, in 15 years of ownership, I get a VGRS light, every time that I’ve had a dead or disconnected battery, on my 06 LX. Maybe I’m doing something wrong?

If you’ve got other issues, a “relatively short drive” may not resolve it.

 

[aharlan001]

I dunno, in 15 years of ownership, I get a VGRS light, every time that I’ve had a dead or disconnected battery, on my 06 LX. Maybe I’m doing something wrong?

If you’ve got other issues, a “relatively short drive” may not resolve it.

This is also my experience after 6 months with an 07. Also sometimes the steering wheel will be off alignment for a hundred feet after making a sharp turn. Not sure if that is normal...

 

[UncleLDP]

just found this thread. I have on 03 LX470 with VGRS and trac lights on. BUT, I also have no Auto wipers, no electric locks, no mirror adjust, no interior lights, also my AC auto doesn't actually do "auto". AC works but I now have to go into the controls and turn AC to Hi or Med etc...Also, the AC is always on 75 when I start the car. This is how I found out the auto is not working. All of this happened in one day. The same day the VGRS light came on. I took it to a Lextech, a lexus specialty shop, they 1st said I needed a new steering sensor but it didn't change anything. They removed it and didn't charge me which was nice. Now they say I need a new VGRS ECU. $2800. But from everything I'm reading online, including here, these other crazy symptoms do not necessarily come with the VGRS light. Any thoughts? I'm leaning towards current or alternator. BTW, my battery gauge is reading around 14V while driving. I've never really paid much attention to that gauge before. Does 14V sound right?? Seems a little high??
Look forward to any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[UncleLDP]

Hey guys, been lurking this site for a long time in an effort to solve my VGRS problems so here we go. Bought my dream car 2006 LX 189,000 miles runs and looks perfect. When i bought the truck, the steering wheel was already slightly off center however i assumed i could just get an alignment after buying it. Sadly, within a couple of days i was driving and the VGRS, VSC OFF, VSC TRAC lights came on and the steering wheel became more off center. Ever since then, my steering wheel has been growing more and more off center and the lights will come on every couple times i drive it. I took it to a mechanic they said it needed a new steering rack, took it to lexus and they said i needed a new VGRS Ecu and quoted me at $3000, yeah right. I then took it to a family friend and toyota dealer who aligned it and attempted to recalibrate the ecu however the problems still persist. I’m at my wits end and just want to enjoy my damn truck without stressing about this anymore so I’m asking for advice as i’ve seen similar situations. Is it alright to just disconnect the ECU, and has anyone had luck replacing it with different parts, lastly, does anyone know a good source i could potentially find a replacement ECU for cheap?
from a Long time MUD fan and land cruiser enthusiast

have you tried switching the position of the multi pin in the fuse box in the engine compartment?

 

[rrc swb]

just found this thread. I have on 03 LX470 with VGRS and trac lights on. BUT, I also have no Auto wipers, no electric locks, no mirror adjust, no interior lights, also my AC auto doesn't actually do "auto". AC works but I now have to go into the controls and turn AC to Hi or Med etc...Also, the AC is always on 75 when I start the car. This is how I found out the auto is not working. All of this happened in one day. The same day the VGRS light came on. I took it to a Lextech, a lexus specialty shop, they 1st said I needed a new steering sensor but it didn't change anything. They removed it and didn't charge me which was nice. Now they say I need a new VGRS ECU. $2800. But from everything I'm reading online, including here, these other crazy symptoms do not necessarily come with the VGRS light. Any thoughts? I'm leaning towards current or alternator. BTW, my battery gauge is reading around 14V while driving. I've never really paid much attention to that gauge before. Does 14V sound right?? Seems a little high??
Look forward to any thoughts or suggestions.

Check your fuses... I'm not home right now. But it's on the PS footwell fuse box.

Don't worry about the battery gauge... that's what mine is and that's normal.

 

[rrc swb]

Found it... The only thing I remember was the 10A fuse. LOL

VSC/TRAC/VGRS; Gauges Shutter/Twitch; Doors Don’t Lock!? :(

Hello everyone, Long time; hope all is well with you and yours. Kindly review the photo attached. When I started my truck today, the error lights lit. The instrument cluster gauges also shuttered / twitched a bit, then went steady; never saw this before! Furthermore, the passenger side...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[UncleLDP]

just found this thread. I have on 03 LX470 with VGRS and trac lights on. BUT, I also have no Auto wipers, no electric locks, no mirror adjust, no interior lights, also my AC auto doesn't actually do "auto". AC works but I now have to go into the controls and turn AC to Hi or Med etc...Also, the AC is always on 75 when I start the car. This is how I found out the auto is not working. All of this happened in one day. The same day the VGRS light came on. I took it to a Lextech, a lexus specialty shop, they 1st said I needed a new steering sensor but it didn't change anything. They removed it and didn't charge me which was nice. Now they say I need a new VGRS ECU. $2800. But from everything I'm reading online, including here, these other crazy symptoms do not necessarily come with the VGRS light. Any thoughts? I'm leaning towards current or alternator. BTW, my battery gauge is reading around 14V while driving. I've never really paid much attention to that gauge before. Does 14V sound right?? Seems a little high??
Look forward to any thoughts or suggestions.

OK, to everyone with VGRS issues-I took my 03 LX470 in to a Lexus "specialty" shop in Decatur GA. They told me I needed a new VGRS ECU for $2800. Well, thanks to you guys here at ih8mud, I'm back in biz by switching out a burned 10amp fuse in the PASSENGER side footwell. (I didn't know I had one there) apparently neither did the "specialty" shop. Anyway. After replacing the fuse, I did the usual. I removed the multi pin from the engine bay fuse panel, started the car. Replaced the multi pin and started the car. the VGRS, drive at 35mph and then a couple of turns and the light is off. All my other issues , elec locks, mirror adjustments, auto wipers, auto AC etc...are fixed as well. Thanks

 

[rrc swb]

OK, to everyone with VGRS issues-I took my 03 LX470 in to a Lexus "specialty" shop in Decatur GA. They told me I needed a new VGRS ECU for $2800. Well, thanks to you guys here at ih8mud, I'm back in biz by switching out a burned 10amp fuse in the PASSENGER side footwell. (I didn't know I had one there) apparently neither did the "specialty" shop. Anyway. After replacing the fuse, I did the usual. I removed the multi pin from the engine bay fuse panel, started the car. Replaced the multi pin and started the car. the VGRS, drive at 35mph and then a couple of turns and the light is off. All my other issues , elec locks, mirror adjustments, auto wipers, auto AC etc...are fixed as well. Thanks

Next round on you?

Glad to see that you found the problem.

 

[Craiggger]

The short story: SUCCESS!!!

The long story:
I was finally able to get back to the truck to install the recently arrived ECU. However, it was not as simple as I had hoped:

1. Installed the new to me VGRS ECU.
2. Battery reconnected and the truck started. Same dash lights as before (stability control, traction control, and VGRS).
3. Techstream revealed the traction control code was the same as before (C1289 - VGRS error), but the VGRS code changed to C1531 (VGRS ECU Malfunction)
4. I assumed this was because the VGRS actuator had not been calibrated with the new ECU, so I followed the Service Manual and attempted to clear all codes and go through the VGRS calibration via Techstream
5. Codes did not clear, and C1531 would not allow Techstream to start the VGRS calibration.
6. Tried clearing the codes multiple times through Techstream with no success
7. Much cursing ensued which did not clear the codes either...
8. Remembered that the truck would need to be driven in a straight line above ~25 mph for about 30 seconds, to identify the "straight" value for the VGRS
9. Drove around town for about 10 minutes with multiple 40 mph over 30 second straight sections
10. Returned home, connected Techstream, tried to clear the codes - no success
11. More cursing, and still no code clearing secret words...
12. Decided to follow the calibration procedure using the SST check wire instead of Techstream
13. Per the SM as C1515 was not a current error code, I created my own SST and performed the 3 way connection per the Service Manual. Interestingly the SST has 3 connectors (at leas in the picture I could find online), and the SM required CG and Ts to be constantly connected, but CG and Tc to be connected and disconnected 10 times within 20 seconds, then turn the steering wheel to the left >180 degrees, then 10 more connect / disconnect in under 20 seconds of CG and Tc - all under 1 minute.
14. After an on / off cycle of the ignition, two things had happened - Techstream now also showed the C1515 error in addition to the already present codes, but the two traction control lights on the dash were no longer lit. Just the VGRS light.
15. Used Techstream to clear codes again, and after the refreshed health check, only the C1515 code was present!
16. Since the steering wheel was already centered from when I installed the new mid-shaft actuator, I skipped ahead in the SM to step 8 - "Adjust the actuator angle". reconnected CG and Ts, turned the ignition on, and the VGRS light now was blinking!
17. Ignition off - remove the CG-Ts jumper - start the engine - turn left > 90 degrees - turn right 90 degrees - back to center for > 3 seconds
18. VGRS light goes out!!!!
19. Much celebratory yelling and family coming outside to see if I am ok...
20. To be sure, drove around town for about 20 minutes and no warning lights!

So, after all this I am not sure if it was the VGRS ECU, the mid shaft actuator, or both that were non operable.

It was interesting that both the original C1567 and the new C1531 codes caused the C1289 traction control error and the lights on the dash, but the C1515 code seemed to suppress the traction control error and turn off the dash lights.

It also appears my Techstream / Mini VCI combination could not start the calibration cycle, but the manual wire method could. Wondering if another Techstream / Mini CVI version would actually ground and unground various pins on the port.

Anyway, I'll come back to this thread and update if the light reappears, but I'm calling this one good for now and am enjoying a warning light free dashboard!

HIDEC I joined specifically so I could reply to your post. Very useful.
I had VSC/VSC OFF VGRS steady lights.
Used Techstream to get the codes: 1567 and 1289
It was pointing to VGRS actuator and VGRS ECU failures. (I thought the black tape I put over the dash lights would be permanent)
Your success inspired me to keep trying.
Ultimately I did not replace anything.
I tried all the centering and calibration procedures. could not clear it.
I fully disconnected VGRS ECU, disconnected battery.
To clear the problem I executed the FSM procedure attached.
I had to do it all twice before I got the blinking VSC and VGRS lights. Then I knew I was homefree.
STEP 3 Actuator Angle Initiation was critical.

Thanks to all who keep sharing their experience. It saves everyone a lot of time and $. I was pointed to this doc by one of you I'm sure.