How to disable or correct AFS

[r2m]

This is geared for anyone with suspension lift and larger tires.
Now that I've lifted and added larger tires on my 2013 GX 460, Premium, my AFS light blinks all the time.
Is there a way to fix the flashing AFS light on the dash for the headlights? It just flashes and will not disable from the steering wheel controls.
Note: I don't want to put a piece of tape over the light on the dash. I don't want to start unplugging connectors.
Anyone know how to get it working again?

 

[HitchCrack]

When they lifted your truck did they remove the compressor? If they did and unplugged all the gizmos that run the rear air suspension than you are in uncharted waters sir. If the compressor and all the gizmos are still plugged in then it should just be adjusting the sensors on the rear upper trailing arms.

 

[r2m]

Thanks guys! When it starts to "dry out" down here. (LOL, I can't think of the last time I said anything like that about So.Cal!) I'll crawl under the rear and take a look.

 

[r2m]

This is kind of building upon what Acrad posted on another thread about testing the AFS and since this thread is about AFS and my issues with it, I'll try to continue it on here.
So I did this test:

And my AFS was spot on except for the "High"

• High 45°: ~4.28 (outside tolerance, a little on the low side)
• Normal 0°: ~2.5 (within tolerance)
• Los -45°: ~.47b (within tolerance)

I plugged the sensor back in and put my ignition on AUX (the second button push). The dash flashed with all the lights as it should when starting or going into AUX but the AFS light still flashing on.
I then crawled under again, unplugged the sensor and did a voltage reading from the plug. I couldn't get any reading. I tried every combination of the three sockets in the plug but nada, nothing.
I then tried connecting the wires together in every combination, outside together, middle wire to either outside wire and all three together. There are only four combinations possible with three wires and did them all. Every time that darned AFS light kept flashing!
I then looked to see where the fuse for the AFS was, but it's fuse not 20 under the dash it's associated with:
Shift lock ECU, VSC ECU, ABS ECU, steering sensor, yaw rate sensor, sequential switch, auto wiper ECU, back up relay, tilt & telescopic steering, PSB ECU, DSS#1 ECU, front radar sensor, AFS ECU, TIRE PRESS ECU, DRIVER MON ECU
So I KNEW that couldn't be it or I'd be having a whole lot more issues than my AFS light flashing!

From my searches, another option to disable the AFS light is to unplug the headlight control module, but I can't find it's location. I found websites showing the location for many other Lexus models but not GX's.

I am befuddled and in quite a conundrum about this.

 

[Acrad]

Do you still have 2 height sensors in the back or just one now?

 

[r2m]

Are there two? I thought there was only one, on the drivers side.
Hummm. Let me go down and look.

 

[r2m]

Hope you don't mind Acrad, but wanted to also copy your diagram here since it's applicable to this thread.

 

[Acrad]

If you get Techstream or other OBD program running here is the code list for 10-13 models.

 

[r2m]

Do you still have 2 height sensors in the back or just one now?

By gum, you're right Acrad! I do have two sensors! Just removed the one on the left, I guess the air bag one and tested that also.
Again, the same numbers as the other one!

• High 45°: ~4.28 (outside tolerance, a little on the low side)
• Normal 0°: ~2.5 (within tolerance)
• Los -45°: ~.47b (within tolerance)

When YotaMasters did my suspension and air bag delete, they just cable (zipped) tied the level arms in place on the sensors. But that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[r2m]

I have TechStream and also a OBDII dongle plugged in using Torque app for Android. I'll see if Torque throws a code. It's easier than lugging my laptop downstairs and getting into TechStream.

 

[Acrad]

I haven't used Torque in quite a long while... I assume it can get at the extended Toyota/Lexus codes. If it says it can't find anything I would assume it can't without some other add-ons. Some of the ECUs in the 460 you can get codes with a terminated wire on OBD port and flashing indicator light...unfortunately this system doesn't allow for that.

 

[r2m]

If you get Techstream or other OBD program running here is the code list for 10-13 models.


View attachment 2754542

I'm looking in my C:\Users\Owner\Documents\GX 460\GX460 Service Manual\rm14k1e\index2.html manual but can't find that code or the link to the "click here".
Where did you pull that from? Do you have a link?

 

[Acrad]

Try from here.. at least close directly path

/GX460/rm14k1e/repair2/html/contents/rm000000pkk03cx.html

Here is root to AFS troubleshooting

GX460/rm14k1e/repair2/html/frame_rm000000pkj05ix.html

 

[r2m]

Try from here.. at least close directly path

/GX460/rm14k1e/repair2/html/contents/rm000000pkk03cx.html

Here is root to AFS troubleshooting

GX460/rm14k1e/repair2/html/frame_rm000000pkj05ix.html

I found your links in the FSM, Thanks!!
But for most of that I have to completely disassemble that part of the interior and I just don't have time or patience for that.
What I did do was partially disassemble the drivers kick panel and the panel below the steering wheel just enough to get my fingers in there.
Through a lot of finagling and loosening up the fuse panel, I was able to unplug all three of the connectors that go into the ECU.
I'm assuming the ECU is the very left most thin vertical gray box closest to the fender with three vertical connectors, each with a lot of wires.
So they're all disconnected and I turn on my ignition without starting. STILL flashing AFS!
I go and start my vehicle, same thing!!!
So I just go and reassemble everything and chalk up another unsuccessfull test.
I was really expecting to unplug the ECU and have the flashing AFS light be off. This guy did it in his LS with the ECU in about the same location and same plug layout after he removed the factory headlights and installed LED headlights that don't have the motors. But his LS also had a separate fuse JUST for the AFS and not an all inclusive type like in the GX's.

Wondering if the AFS ECU is bad? My lights still do the little dance at night when I start the car so I know the motors and all that are working. Wonder if the ECU is evoked during start up to have the headlights go up and down? If so that may tell me that the ECU is NOT bad???

Getting really stumped on this. I may just let it go for a while again and try sometime in the future when I have time and let this rattle around in my head a wee bit.
Many thanks for all the help!

 

[Acrad]

If you get a chance see what Techstream has for codes.

I haven't looked at specifics lately but something like BCM might be looking for ECU as well.

 

[r2m]

If you get a chance see what Techstream has for codes.

I haven't looked at specifics lately but something like BCM might be looking for ECU as well.

Thanks! It will probably have to wait until at least this weekend before I can hook up Techstream.

 

[40FOX]

Mate did you come up with a solution for the flashing AFS light? Mine is flashing to after air bags removed and suspension upgrade. I would like to remove the light from the dash, Like you I can't which fuse to remove or the ECU to stop the flashing.

 

[r2m]

Considering you didn't comment on my post about the AFS light, I'm thinking you're wondering if I've solved that issue and if so, how.
Answer: no.
Still flashing, but I'm so used to it, never even notice it.
Now I have an issue with the air suspension light being on all the time since I had to replace the ECU. The new ECU didn't recognize my lift and hence I have the stupid /!\ symbol on my dash all the time also. That too now has become invisible to me.
Yes someday, it's on my bucket list, I'll fix them.

 

[BillZ260]

Looking for an answer too. Swapped to base headlights and would like to kill the blinking light. FSM is showing the module to be up high, drivers side under the dash, and says you have to remove the dash to get to it. I'm guessing this is why no on has a solution...

 

[Acrad]

From recollection AFS ECU unplug doesn’t defeat

Were your height sensors removed completely from vehicle?