steering issue

[jdshepard]

we have a 2011 LX 570. got in it last night and the steering wheel was turned about 90 degrees but the tires were tracking straight. drove a short distance to our destination and when we came back out the problem corrected itself. the next couple short trips were normal and just now came back out and the steering wheel was turned again but tires straight. see photos. has anyone had this happen before? we are in west tx and about 3 hours from a dealer. tried talking to a service advisor and they suggested an alignment but that can't be it since it's random.

any help would be appreciated.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

I have not heard of this issue, but would be interested to hear the cause.

 

[tabraha]

Longshot as I have no experience with this but could possibly be a VGRS issue. If it cuts up it can release the "gears" and allow the wheel to turn without the wheels turning. So perhaps after the vehicle is turning off the gears are releasing and the wheel is relaxing but upon the vehicle turning back on it locks back up. If it tracks straight but the wheel is the only issue it seems it would be a possibility.

Some 100 series food for thought:
Steering Wheel 20deg off.
VGRS

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

^^^ what @tabraha said.

That's the VGRS, if you are getting out of the truck with the ignition off, are you using the steering wheel as a support to get out? Or for any other reason you move the wheel a certain amount once the truck is off, it will be like that and correct itself. No issues, and don't get an alignment.

Now if your steering will is persistantly off center, that is not a VGRS issue, as some people on other threads have illuded to, and an alignment would be needed.

If you are very conscious about the wheel, and it keeps happening, take it in to the dealer, but you are not causing any damage in the mean time, and no need to waste money on an alignment at a random shop.

 

[gaijin]

If you look in your engine bay, you'll probably see a sticker like this:

What it means is that somehow, the power from the battery was disconnected while the steering wheel was turned 90 desgrees. When the battery was re-connected, it took "a while" for the system to self correct.

While not harmful, this should not be a recurring problem. If you continue to see this, you should probably take it to a dealer to sort out what is causing the power interruptions.

HTH

 

[jdshepard]

thanks for the replies.

@tabraha what do you mean by "cuts up"?

unfortunately i'm 200 miles from the nearest lexus dealer. we drive back to houston on friday and i'll get it looked at there. it doesn't sound from this that it's dangerous to drive.

 

[tabraha]

@jdshepard I just meant if VGRS is not functioning properly after engine shutdown you could possibly get your described symptoms.

 

[stridertexas]

This just happened to me on my ‘14 LC.

I pulled into a parking spot, left the vehicle.

Came back, and didn’t hold the start button down long enough, so the vehicle hesitate to turn on, and then died. Took two more button pushes to get it to start.

Then as I pulled out of the spot and proceeded to drive off, my wheel was way off center, just like OP’s first picture.

Came home, parked in the garage, shut the vehicle off, and on twice, and the wheel (for now) seems to have aligned itself again.

Guess time will tell if it stays so...

 

[OregonLC]

I wouldn't have guessed that was related to button push duration. On the 200 it's a automated process; if the starter engaged at all it would hold regardless of how long you pressed the button unless something disrupted the start cycle. More likely you have corroded battery terminals, a bad ground, or a bad battery and the system starved itself for electricity upon starter current demand. That it failed to start and that you have VGRS alignment problems indicates a common problem.

 

[stridertexas]

My finger slipped on the first button push and the button was pushed maybe 1/2 way down and not a full press.

I’ve always held the button down until it starts, so I feel more inclined to believe that the button duration caused it.

Battery has zero corrosion, is still factory, so could be getting time to replace.

But nevertheless it occurred on a “bad crank” where the car didn’t have full power or electrical systems running yet.

Cranked it 3 more times today and no issues after. For now ; )

 

[2001LC]

I've read somewhere; If Steering wheel takes 2.7 turns from lock to lock VGRS is set properly, 3.3 turns it needs setting. Can anyone shed some light on this and how to set?

All I've seen on this is drive >22 MPH for 5 seconds in a straight line.