Real time help needed - VGRS and airbag lights on; nothing on steering wheel works

[dwh13]

Hey guys, I just had the CV joints and exhaust manifold changed on my 03 LX. I also checked my spark plugs. Now my VGRS and airbag lights are on, and nothing on the steering wheel works (audio controls, cruise control). This makes me think something just got disconnected, but I have no idea what. Any ideas?

 

[Julian Stead]

In the UK we call it a rotary switch, it sits behind the steering wheel. Have you had any work done to the steering/suspension recently.

 

[Julian Stead]

LX470 Clock Spring Replacement

 

[dwh13]

In the UK we call it a rotary switch, it sits behind the steering wheel. Have you had any work done to the steering/suspension recently.

I had the snap ring replaced when I had the steering recall performed about a week ago.

 

[Julian Stead]

What is the steering recall, this sounds like it could be linked to the issue.

 

[dwh13]

What is the steering recall, this sounds like it could be linked to the issue.

Toyota recalls Lexus LX 470 for potential 'steering shaft disengagement'

 

[Julian Stead]

Not sure what work was carried out, someone else might step in but it is worth phoning the dealership and mention what has happened.

 

[Julian Stead]

Do you know how to take your steering wheel off and remove the covers/cowlings behind the steering wheel.

 

[dwh13]

Do you know how to take your steering wheel off and remove the covers/cowlings behind the steering wheel.

I don’t. Searched the forum for a guide and found one for a LC, but I’m not sure if there are any additional steps with the VGRS system in an LX.

BTW, thanks for all your help so far - I’m going wheeling tomorrow and taking a 6 hour trip - I’m not thrilled about doing all that with an airbag light on!

 

[PADDO]

Here’s the embodiment instruction for the steering shaft service campaign.

 

[dwh13]

Here’s the embodiment instruction for the steering shaft service campaign.

Thanks, this is great in case it’s the VGRS actuator. Is that more likely than the clock spring?

 

[Julian Stead]

Nice one @PADDO. It certainly looks like it is most probably there fault. There are instructions on the link @PADDO posted, just check the connectors. Remember to disconnect the battery and to mark the steering wheel and that the clock spring is centralized when refitting the steering wheel.

 

[dwh13]

Nice one @PADDO. It certainly looks like it is most probably there fault. There are instructions on the link @PADDO posted, just check the connectors. Remember to disconnect the battery and to mark the steering wheel and that the clock spring is centralized when refitting the steering wheel.

Thanks - just to be clear, you think it's just the connection to the VGRS actuator?

 

[PADDO]

With all steering wheel mounted controls out and the SRS light on you’d put your money on a busted clock-spring aka spiral cable. The VGRS actuator system uses angular input from the steering wheel, if that input is missing (broken cable) then VGRS will default to OFF and you have “standard” steering. If SRS detects an open cct (busted cable) it will alert you via the red light and fault codes.

 

[dwh13]

With all steering wheel mounted controls out and the SRS light on you’d put your money on a busted clock-spring aka spiral cable. The VGRS actuator system uses angular input from the steering wheel, if that input is missing (broken cable) then VGRS will default to OFF and you have “standard” steering. If SRS detects an open cct (busted cable) it will alert you via the red light and fault codes.

So if I've got this correct, a busted clock spring would trip the steering wheel mounted controls and trigger the airbag light, but NOT the VGRS light, which would be on because of a broken cable? Sorry for all the questions, I'm a moderate wrencher but have never dug into anything steering related.

FWIW, the airbag light came on a few minutes before the VGRS light.

 

[Julian Stead]

If you can hear crunching noises when turning the steering wheel then it is toast.

Here is a video

 

[dwh13]

If you can hear crunching noises when turning the steering wheel then it is toast.

Here is a video

The crunching started about a week before I got the recall done. Only at low speeds when its cold. The video mentioned the horn, that has never worked since I got the truck a month ago. Looks like it's the clock spring to me.

Is it ok to drive this on my 6 hour road trip and replace it when I get home?

 

[Julian Stead]

That is a decision only you can make, you know what isn’t working, you just need to weigh it up. No airbags etc.

 

[dwh13]

That is a decision only you can make, you know what isn’t working, you just need to weigh it up. No airbags etc.

Ok thanks for all your and @PADDO 's help - I'm going to go ahead and order a new clock spring and postpone my road trip. I'm still three hours from home though so wish me luck!

 

[Julian Stead]

No worries, just be a bit cautious and you should have nothing to worry about.