“Check VGRS System” -> c1595 Steering Angle Sensor (1 Viewer)

[relaxing]

2010 LX. Got this message in the dash screen today (“You want me to check the VGRS system? What? How?”) Especially annoying because it was covering up the proof that half a tank down, I was still making 18.3 mpg. I get home, plug in a ODBII wifi dongle, and check codes. Nothing hopping except the VGRS network. (Who knew I had a VGRS, let alone a dedicated network for it?)

Only code is c1595, “Lost communication with steering angle sensor module.” I don’t have a service manual, but from googling it appears I’d have to take apart the steering column to check the sensor connection and/or replace the sensor, assuming that is the true root of the problem.

To make things interesting, I just bought the LX570 from a Lexus dealer earlier this week. So I’d appreciate the advice of the forum to tell me if any of my assumptions and/or troubleshooting is incorrect, and generally tell me should I…

a) Take it back to the dealer and raise hell (EDIT: note that I am not generally the hellraisin’ type, I just don’t have the appetite for strongarming people and I don’t know that I have any leverage in this case.)

2) Call and see if they’ll cover a repair under the limited power train warranty (I’m assuming the Steering Angle Sensor is not powertrain, but it’s not not involved with getting power to the wheels IYKWIM)

three: Call and see if they’ll still sell me the extended warranty at $3k for 3 years, $200 deductible, then immediately file a claim heh heh

Last: Fix it myself (a prospect I do not relish in this heat) or pay an indie to do it. I have no idea what the parts or labor costs might be. It sounds simple enough, but it also seems like the type of thing that could be symptomatic of a bigger issue, although since it’s not exhibiting any other problems I’m optimistic?

5. Other?

Thanks in advance!

 

[PDoyle]

I wonder how old the battery is?
First I would clean the battery cables and battery terminals. Let sit to hopefully clear that code and reinstall the cables. See if that works.

 

[gaijin]

While driving forward very slowly, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left then all the way to the right, repeat, then drive straight. This should get the sensor in sync with the actual wheel position and hopefully clear the warning.

HTH

 

[relaxing]

I wonder how old the battery is?
First I would clean the battery cables and battery terminals. Let sit to hopefully clear that code and reinstall the cables. See if that works.

Battery voltage good. Looks old, but it’s healthy enough that it kept the vents and DVD player going on ACC for 45 minutes while I was checking codes last night, and still started right up this morning.

Disconnected battery for a few minutes. Used the opportunity to switch the orientation of the tightening bolt on the NEG terminal so you can get at it without hitting the washer fluid filler (the last person had pulled the filler off its mount and shoved it forward to make room.)

This did not clear the VGRS status. My ODB2 dongle/app can’t seem to clear that code either.

 

[relaxing]

While driving forward very slowly, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left then all the way to the right, repeat, then drive straight. This should get the sensor in sync with the actual wheel position and hopefully clear the warning.

HTH

I did some S turns and donuts, no dice. How specific is this procedure - is it possible I was not going slow enough or straight enough?

Not to question your knowledge, but c1595 is lost communication to sensor, not just bad position or alignment… or is that the same thing in this case? I’m obviously very confused here.

 

[relaxing]

Power steering fluid is a little low, but I assume that’s unrelated.

 

[gaijin]

I did some S turns and donuts, no dice. How specific is this procedure - is it possible I was not going slow enough or straight enough?

Not to question your knowledge, but c1595 is lost communication to sensor, not just bad position or alignment… or is that the same thing in this case? I’m obviously very confused here.

It's the recommended procedure for when the wheel doesn't point straight ahead when driving straight ahead, and for when the backup guide lines do not align properly in the NAV display. Since these systems rely on accurate VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) feedback to function correctly, I thought it was worth a shot to see if it was an easy fix for your problem.

Sounds like it didn't work - but hey, it was worth a shot.

Maybe time to see a Dealer Service Department.

 

[relaxing]

I also checked all the fuses related to the VGRS ECU and steering sensor, all good.
Did find this wiring harness taped to the back of the engine fuse box. Seems fishy, it must have been meant for a better resting place than that.

I also found this connector dangling loose next to the passenger side fuse box. Any guesses what it’s for?

I assume it’s just for some option my truck doesn’t have, like precollision or something… I hope. I didn’t see any open connectors missing a cable, but it is hard to get your head up under there…
Haven’t found any feature not functioning yet.

It would be too good if that were my missing sensor connection, but from what I’ve read, everything relating to VGRS is on the drivers side.

 

[PDoyle]

Battery voltage good. Looks old, but it’s healthy enough that it kept the vents and DVD player going on ACC for 45 minutes while I was checking codes last night, and still started right up this morning.

View attachment 2758737

Disconnected battery for a few minutes. Used the opportunity to switch the orientation of the tightening bolt on the NEG terminal so you can get at it without hitting the washer fluid filler (the last person had pulled the filler off its mount and shoved it forward to make room.)

This did not clear the VGRS status. My ODB2 dongle/app can’t seem to clear that code either.

Not sure what that little plug is for but, just my 02.....I would take some sand paper and clean off the battery terminals and connectors. Also, there is a ground right next to the washer fluid you could clean up. battery might be about 83 months old. I personally would get a new one. If it dies you don't get in the truck. Make sure that little key opens your driver door. But spray a little wd-40 into the key hole first.... Sorry too much coffee today

 

[tbisaacs]

I also checked all the fuses related to the VGRS ECU and steering sensor, all good.
Did find this wiring harness taped to the back of the engine fuse box. Seems fishy, it must have been meant for a better resting place than that.
View attachment 2758762

I also found this connector dangling loose next to the passenger side fuse box. Any guesses what it’s for?
View attachment 2758765

I assume it’s just for some option my truck doesn’t have, like precollision or something… I hope. I didn’t see any open connectors missing a cable, but it is hard to get your head up under there…
Haven’t found any feature not functioning yet.

It would be too good if that were my missing sensor connection, but from what I’ve read, everything relating to VGRS is on the drivers side.

Isn’t that the connector for a trailer brake?

 

[Docboy]

OP, check out this thread:

Check VGRS System Light - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/check-vgrs-system-light.1193844/

Happened to me sometime ago as well, and I was able to get the code cleared.

 

[relaxing]

Isn’t that the connector for a trailer brake?

trailer brake connector is up under the drivers side, no?
this was in the passenger side, below the glovebox.
it’s a small 2 pin connector.

 

[relaxing]

OP, check out this thread:

Check VGRS System Light - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/check-vgrs-system-light.1193844/

Happened to me sometime ago as well, and I was able to get the code cleared.

So it was a loose battery connection in the end? Seems hard to believe the electrical systems seeing low voltage from that wouldn’t mess up a bunch of other stuff too, but ok! I’ll go do a more thorough cleaning.

I did see that thread but it seemed like you had different issues and a different trouble code. Other posts about VGRS I’ve read also seem to have a host of other electrical gremlins to go with.

 

[Markuson]

I did some S turns and donuts, no dice. How specific is this procedure - is it possible I was not going slow enough or straight enough?

Not to question your knowledge, but c1595 is lost communication to sensor, not just bad position or alignment… or is that the same thing in this case? I’m obviously very confused here.

I don’t know about the resetsith communucation error…but those kinds of things (like @gaijin suggested) are usually worth a try.

Example: Two weeks ago I was getting “Tire Pressure Monitoring System” failure, or some such verbiage… Turned out I have a slow leak in one of my tires, and ot was way down around 20psi. But instead of telling me to check a tire… it just told me the system was down.

So… I refillthat tires…and voila… All is healthy again. It definitely seems that (at leastthe rarlier models lime yours and my 08) definitely are not great at communicating soecicics…and tend to just spout verbiage about failure. Quite annoying, but sometimes strangely encouraging…since warnings are sometimes not as scary as they sound.

 

[Sandroad]

The small white connector loose on the PS is likely for a glass breakage sensor microphone. Either your truck doesn’t have that or someone disconnected it for some reason. Either way, not related to the VGRS.

Odd that grey connector on the fuse box is just taped with electrical tape. Is that a taped splice in the blue wire going in there?

 

[relaxing]

The small white connector loose on the PS is likely for a glass breakage sensor microphone. Either your truck doesn’t have that or someone disconnected it for some reason. Either way, not related to the VGRS.

Thanks! My vehicle wasn’t optioned with GBS, so I hope that’s it.

 

[relaxing]

Update: Disconnected both battery terminals for 45 minutes. This did not clear the codes. They must be persisted in eeprom or nvram etc. BUT I discovered my OBDii reader would clear the codes as long as the car is totally off. (I was trying to clear with the “key” in accessory mode, and it was telling me the operation wouldn’t work if the engine was on. I stupidly ignored it because the engine wasn’t on, but turns out ACC counts too.)

So, no more warning… for now! I gave the battery terminals and chassis ground screws a good wire brushing. Did some more slow S’s for good measure. Will that do it? We’ll see!

 

[relaxing]

Hahaha wow, check this out…
Got the service history from drivers.lexus.com
Last entry before they traded it in:

Description: FOUND CODE C1575 LOST COMMUNICATION W/STEERING ANGLE SENSOR MODULE. CODE NOT ACTIVE NOW. RECALIBRA
Service:
Description: FOUND CODE C1575 LOST COMMUNICATION W/STEERING ANGLE SENSOR MODULE. CODE NOT ACTIVE NOW. RECALIBRA ~|~C/S: C/S: VGRS LIGHT IS ON ~|

Now what do I do about that???

 

[relaxing]

VGRS message came back this morning on the way to the store.
Did not show up on second start up of the day and started off through about 20 miles of highway driving, but came back on again later.

At this point I’m up for any advice on how to handle this with Lexus, given they knew about the issue 300 miles ago and sold it to me anyway.

 

[Sandroad]

Well, contrary to your first post, I think you now have some leverage with the dealer. IMHO, that should have been fixed before sale, especially since it could be related to safety. Take it to the dealer, go over the problem and history, and gently but firmly insist they fix it.