2006 Lexus LX470 VGRS issues

[sexilexi470]

Have the same issue , replaced alt and batt. Vgrs and vsc lights on. Iv driven it over 100 miles now and lights still on . .



Update, it's been about 3k miles since those dredding lights came on . I finally got tech stream . Erased stored codes but c1289 and c1531 still active . After all 3k miles, my steering wheel remains centered, which is a good sign. I may need to manually recalibrate the vgrs. I tried to calibrate it through stream but it would not allow me to do so-see attached photo .

 

[prickly]

I have been having VGRS issue for nearly a year. It all started when I replaced my steering rack. Initially VGRS functionality was disabled every intermittent start-ups. Then it became a permanent feature. somewhere in between, during one of my Techstream sessions, it magically allowed me to center my wheel, before it wouldn't let me because of codes present.

Now my VGRS functions fine every time I start the car but it randomly gives me the code when I turn my steering wheel. The degree at which it gives me the code is random.

This gave me the indication that the VGRS and ECU seem to be functioning properly but something else gives? Maybe Steering Angle sensor?

 

[2001LC]

It is important, to post what codes (DTC).

Often time, when replacing steering rack. The #2 intermediate shaft universal joint is pounded off (upward, in direction of steering wheel) input shaft of steering gear. This can damage the VRGS actuator (#1 intermediate shaft) and other components in steering column.

Try a full calibration procedure. This is more than just setting steering angle. It a procedure requires starting and stopping engine 15 times, as you turn steering wheel. in a set mano. Nite: It would be best, to do zero-point calibration first. Then calibration of VRGS steering.

 

[prickly]

It is important, to post what codes (DTC).

Often time, when replacing steering rack. The #2 intermediate shaft universal joint is pounded off (upward, in direction of steering wheel) input shaft of steering gear. This can damage the VRGS actuator (#1 intermediate shaft) and other components in steering column.

Try a full calibration procedure. This is more than just setting steering angle. It a procedure requires starting and stopping engine 15 times, as you turn steering wheel. in a set mano. Nite: It would be best, to do zero-point calibration first. Then calibration of VRGS steering.

That's the code. Note: My VGRS is now functioning normally, but I get random VGRS warning light where my steering angle turns almost 180degrees. This is random and happens only when I have my steering turned to a high degree. Switching off the vehicle and switching it back on gets rid of VGRS light and everything is back to normal.

 

[Indiana80]

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!

This thread gives me hope. Thanks, all. I just bought an ‘05 LX with VGRS and trac lights on. PO owned it for prior 7 years and 60 or 70K miles. He told me VGRS and track lights were triggered shortly before he bought it at 145K miles- independent dealer that he bought it from had had an indie shop replace clock spring and that triggered the trouble lights. Also, VGRS locked wheel at ~ 45 degrees left, where it is still clocked today. PO had a Lexus dealer diagnose in 2017 and that paperwork states code 1567 and VGRS actuator needs to be replaced. My plan, without tech stream and thanks to this thread, is to try to bring VGRS back from the dead using test wires and diagnostic ports. My plan is to get steering wheel back to near-center by applying 12V to VGRS ECU connector and unlock / relock actuator to get SW in a more centered position. Then, I plan to install an OEM clockspring. Next, try a zero point calibration. Finally, I’ll do a VGRS calibration. Looks like I can remove the OBD port under the dash and get it facing outward to do the jump wires for the VGRS calibration. I’m not a mechanic or an electrical guru, but I do plan to put some 1/2 toothpicks in the adjacent OBD pins to prevent mistakes. Does my order of operations seem logical? If this fails, VGRS intermediate shaft is coming out, and LC upper and lower intermediate shafts are going in- with an LC firewall boot. I like that idea better, anyway.

 

[sexilexi470]

In my 2006, no. I have one plug disconnected from the VGRS computer (I think it's the middle plug - it's the plug on the wires going from the computer to the boot on the firewall) and all i get is the VGRS light. VSC OFF and VSC TRAC should NOT light up.

I had this vgrs and vsc trac / off light on for the longest time . . All the research and troubleshooting I did with no success. BUTTTTTTT, I did try this method, unplugging that harness from the vgrs module and baaaam!!!! The vsc Trac vsc off light turned off !!!! I'm so happy . Thank you for sharing your experience. For anyone that still having this issue ... this is the connector that is disconnected, see picture.

 

[Indiana80]

I had this vgrs and vsc trac / off light on for the longest time . . All the research and troubleshooting I did with no success. BUTTTTTTT, I did try this method, unplugging that harness from the vgrs module and baaaam!!!! The vsc Trac vsc off light turned off !!!! I'm so happy . Thank you for sharing your experience. For anyone that still having this issue ... this is the connector that is disconnected, see picture.

View attachment 3530900

Nice! If VSC lights turned off when you pulled that plug, seems like you have stability control again, correct? I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to get VSC working again if I put the LC shafts in. Thanks for this info! I’ll report back when I get things sorted out.

 

[Indiana80]

I had this vgrs and vsc trac / off light on for the longest time . . All the research and troubleshooting I did with no success. BUTTTTTTT, I did try this method, unplugging that harness from the vgrs module and baaaam!!!! The vsc Trac vsc off light turned off !!!! I'm so happy . Thank you for sharing your experience. For anyone that still having this issue ... this is the connector that is disconnected, see picture.

View attachment 3530900

Do you recall how you removed this plug? I just tried to pull it. No dice. My bifocals can’t hit the angle for me to get a better view, must be a locking mechanism on the side of the connector?

 

[sexilexi470]

Nice! If VSC lights turned off when you pulled that plug, seems like you have stability control again, correct? I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to get VSC working again if I put the LC shafts in. Thanks for this info! I’ll report back when I get things sorted out.

Correct, my vsc is working again. I drove it home from work which is about 30miles and it operated normal. Except a the constant solid vgrs light being on but steering is normal with steering wheel centered . I'm assuming my vgrs light is caused by faulty vgrs module.

 

[Indiana80]

Correct, my vsc is working again. I drove it home from work which is about 30miles and it operated normal. Except a the constant solid vgrs light being on but steering is normal with steering wheel centered . I'm assuming my vgrs light is caused by faulty vgrs module.

Thank you for this update…do you recall how you unplugged that bottom connector from the VGRS ECU? I couldn’t just tug it out.

 

[sexilexi470]

Thank you for this update…do you recall how you unplugged that bottom connector from the VGRS ECU? I couldn’t just tug it out.

The tab on the plug is kinda stiff so u just gotta press it hard and pull it out. Press on that tab hard and pull it ..

 

[Indiana80]

The tab on the plug is kinda stiff so u just gotta press it hard and pull it out. Press on that tab hard and pull it ..

View attachment 3531085

Got it….so press down on the tab I have the red arrow pointing to? And in the general direction I have the arrow pointing?

The tab on the plug is kinda stiff so u just gotta press it hard and pull it out. Press on that tab hard and pull it ..

View attachment 3531085

Just pulled the bottom plug from VGRS ECU. Started truck. Still have VSC lights. Maybe I’ll pull the top (and final) plug, as well. Will report back

 

[sexilexi470]

Got it….so press down on the tab I have the red arrow pointing to? And in the general direction I have the arrow pointing?

Just pulled the bottom plug from VGRS ECU. Started truck. Still have VSC lights. Maybe I’ll pull the top (and final) plug, as well. Will report back

View attachment 3531092

Yes that's exactly where u wanna press on and then pull it out .

 

[Indiana80]

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

FWIW, I bought a 2005 LX470 back in December. PO had vehicle since 2017 and purchased it with VGRS and VSC lights on. His seller told him an independent shop had replaced spiral cable and that’s what triggered VGRS fault (code 1567 per the dealer’s quote in the service history file that came with vehicle). A Lexus dealer had told him VGRS actuator needed to be replaced for thousands of dollars, so he lived with it for the better part of 100K miles and a way off-centered steering wheel. I decided to replace the clockspring with an OEM part and recalibrate the VGRS system, perform steering angle sensor adjustment, and zero point calibration using some test wires I purchased from Bosch Automotive. I can provide the phone # and parts #s to order these these Toyota SST parts, and if you have some spare small gauge wire laying around, that would work, too. I like the SST wire. I did have to disconnect VGRS plug at VGRS ECU, apply 12V of power per FSM, to get steering wheel closer to centered position. I did have to buy a cheap OBD cable extension off Amazon so I could do the check wire method from driver seat. It took several attempts to clear / recalibrate everything, but it worked. Finally, Techstream can be used to fine center the steering wheel. In my case I did not need to replace the VGRS actuator. Only had to replace clockspring- easy. Hope this helps someone with VGRS and VSC lights on with crooked steering wheel.

 

[tolvota]

FWIW, I bought a 2005 LX470 back in December. PO had vehicle since 2017 and purchased it with VGRS and VSC lights on. His seller told him an independent shop had replaced spiral cable and that’s what triggered VGRS fault (code 1567 per the dealer’s quote in the service history file that came with vehicle). A Lexus dealer had told him VGRS actuator needed to be replaced for thousands of dollars, so he lived with it for the better part of 100K miles and a way off-centered steering wheel. I decided to replace the clockspring with an OEM part and recalibrate the VGRS system, perform steering angle sensor adjustment, and zero point calibration using some test wires I purchased from Bosch Automotive. I can provide the phone # and parts #s to order these these Toyota SST parts, and if you have some spare small gauge wire laying around, that would work, too. I like the SST wire. I did have to disconnect VGRS plug at VGRS ECU, apply 12V of power per FSM, to get steering wheel closer to centered position. I did have to buy a cheap OBD cable extension off Amazon so I could do the check wire method from driver seat. It took several attempts to clear / recalibrate everything, but it worked. Finally, Techstream can be used to fine center the steering wheel. In my case I did not need to replace the VGRS actuator. Only had to replace clockspring- easy. Hope this helps someone with VGRS and VSC lights on with crooked steering wheel.

Please excuse my ignorance but, what is a clockspring and where did you find a replacement?

 

[krispykritter]

Please excuse my ignorance but, what is a clockspring and where did you find a replacement?

Generally, a clock spring is a thing that sits between the steering wheel and the steering column and provides wired connections between the two - since the wheel spins, and the column doesn't, there needs to be a "clockspring" between the two to allow the wired connections to spring. The spring basically keeps tension on the wires as the steering wheel is turned.

You can get them from most OEM parts suppliers. This was just a quick google for my Lexus; I've never used this site.

Genuine Lexus LX470 Clock Spring

Shop wholesale-priced OEM Lexus LX470 Clock Springs at LexusPartsNow.com. All fit 1998-2007 Lexus LX470 and more.

www.lexuspartsnow.com

 

[sunfic]

"perform steering angle sensor adjustment, and zero point calibration "

How do you do this part?

 

[2001LC]

"perform steering angle sensor adjustment, and zero point calibration "

How do you do this part?

With Tech Stream.

 

[sunfic]

With Tech Stream.

I only see the angle adjustment with tech stream. I would like to do the angle sensor reset but don't know how to do it

 

[2001LC]

I only see the angle adjustment with tech stream. I would like to do the angle sensor reset but don't know how to do it

Post #70 I included the recall snap ring TSB. In last few pages, it walks through more than you'll need. Part of which is driving, part you'll start and stop engine 15 times. Make sure to clear all REC, in date stream of AHC.

Zero point, is in ABS section of TS. Clear and than reset.