KDSS Nightmare

[JoCoGx]

New to posting on the forum. I have searched and been unable to locate an answer.

2009 GX 470 138K KDSS dash light started coming on intermittently. Now the light is continuously on. This is a pavement princess - no mods. The KDSS operates fine, no lean and no clunking. I assume at some point there will be issue. The KDSS control unit is extremely corroded. (See photo) We have had this vehicle for 10 years.

It has codes for the KDSS accumulator pressure sensor and both actuators. My 4WD shop doesn't want to mess with it and the dealer quoted a $12K (WTH?).

Has anyone else converted KDSS to conventional sway bars? This shouldn't be that difficult. I have searched unsuccessfully for a KDSS/sway bar conversion kit.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Acrad]

Have you pulled codes to confirm reported problem with Techstream? There is a way to pull codes via OBD port on the 460 for KDSS ...not sure if same for 470.

A lot of KDSS corrosion repairs in Russian market. Example on a few posts past #72

EDIT: I see you pulled codes.

#KDSS Info / Problems / Discussion - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) - #KDSS Info / Problems / Discussion - I have a 2010 Lexus GX460 bought in 8/2010. I live in Wisconsin. The vehicle has 49000 miles as of 5/2015. The vehicle has been running great until the winter of 2013/2014 when the KDSS light starts to flash from time to time. I...

www.clublexus.com

 

[OCGX]

Not sure about KDSS 470's, but 460s and 5th gen 4Runners don't have the sway bar mounting points threaded into the frame.

 

[sedonut]

As I am a bit of a blacksmith, I'd bet you could measure the sway bars and find something that fits in a wrecking yard. If need be you could even cut off the mounting points off the donor. I'd look for a suv with a similar wheelbase and weight. Not elegant, but neither is rust. It would probably be a really cheap fix and you could make a thread on it.

Just a thought.

 

[Jstawgn]

What is your goal? If you just want to get rid of the light, you can disconnect the white connector on the stabilizer controller. It's located at the right rear corner.

Without the solenoid connected or pressure sensor the solenoid would not closed. But it would probably still work as good as non KDSS version.

 

[Jstawgn]

Not sure about KDSS 470's, but 460s and 5th gen 4Runners don't have the sway bar mounting points threaded into the frame.

That is true for GX470 too. No holes on the frame.

 

[JoCoGx]

What is your goal? If you just want to get rid of the light, you can disconnect the white connector on the stabilizer controller. It's located at the right rear corner.

Without the solenoid connected or pressure sensor the solenoid would not closed. But it would probably still work as good as non KDSS version. View attachment 2752931

View attachment 2752936

I really like simplicity of unhooking the connector, but what else is affected? Are there certain wires that control KDSS in this harness?

 

[JoCoGx]

That is true for GX470 too. No holes on the frame.

That is true for GX470 too. No holes on the frame.

Confirmed. No holes

 

[Jstawgn]

I really like simplicity of unhooking the connector, but what else is affected? Are there certain wires that control KDSS in this harness?

Nothing. It strictly control the KDSS. The white connector contain power and CAN BUS. Disconnect that and the system does not even know you have KDSS.

If you feel it drive fine now, you would not know the difference.
Off course fully functional it would feel much tighter around corner.

 

[edes300]

I,m in the process of redoing mine take a look at my threads