Did you experience a steering shaft disconnect failure prior too or after having the assembly repaired under the recall?
VGRS light (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter sseaman
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Thats interesting that you had a failure like that. Despite my issues I've never been unable to drive or steer. I drove down to Southern Utah on Thursday and wheeled all weekend with my steering wheel rotated about 90* off normal with no issues. My understanding is that when the system recognizes there is an issue (the VGRS light turns on) the system goes into lock down mode and essentially turns into a non VGRS system for safety purposes.
Now that I think about it if I can get my steering wheel set back up to center I may pull some fuses and disconnect the VGRS ECU and see if the problems continue. I don't want to replace the ECU again and won't pay for a new shaft and actuator, if it comes to that I'll piece together the parts to remove the VGRS and go with a solid "dumb" steering shaft system.
Now that I think about it if I can get my steering wheel set back up to center I may pull some fuses and disconnect the VGRS ECU and see if the problems continue. I don't want to replace the ECU again and won't pay for a new shaft and actuator, if it comes to that I'll piece together the parts to remove the VGRS and go with a solid "dumb" steering shaft system.
under_psi
SILVER Star
i was able to drive....but it litterally had my steering disconnected for a second, probably less. but then the steering wheel just turns and there is no response, that's scary.
i dont like it when it's off because it disables the Atrac, ABS, and VSC
I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but I also just got a diagnosis of a failed VGRS actuator, to the tune of $3,600. However, I just had the steering recall done about 3 weeks ago, so Lexus had their hands around that system less than 500 miles before failure...seems fishy. Any long-term updates on LX's without VGRS? Or anyone who has swapped in shaft parts from an LC?
Hi
I also had a problem with the VGRS Indicators (and TRC off trc trk) on
by looking for information everywhere including on this forum I came to the conclusion that it is extremely rare that it is related to the ECU Vgrs but often to VGRS itself which is on the column of direction.
The only piece of VGRS that is likely to break is the cable wound.
This was the case in my VGRS most of this cable was cut at the beginning and the end
dismantling and repair of this cable by welding and Yes ....
It is repaired
I also had a problem with the VGRS Indicators (and TRC off trc trk) on
by looking for information everywhere including on this forum I came to the conclusion that it is extremely rare that it is related to the ECU Vgrs but often to VGRS itself which is on the column of direction.
The only piece of VGRS that is likely to break is the cable wound.
This was the case in my VGRS most of this cable was cut at the beginning and the end
dismantling and repair of this cable by welding and Yes ....
It is repaired
With your issue, by any chance could you still see a connection in TechStream? I've been trying to diagnose my issue for about a year now, but am not willing to spend $700+ for an issue that doesn't bug me much. I THINK I've narrowed my issue down to the ECU, mostly because when I attempt to ping the VGRS module in TechStream I don't get a response.
So after a year of dealing with this issue, I finally found a salvage yard with a used VGRS unit for $180 shipped. I jumped on the deal, and just installed it today - issue FIXED. So, if it helps anyone in the future, my VGRS ECU ended up being bad. Finding replacement used VGRS ECUs is difficult though, and sub $650-700 units are even more scarce.
My LX470 has the VGRS, VSC OFF, and VSC TRAC lights on. They are steady and remain on all the time while driving. Took it to Toyota to get diagnosed and the codes pulled were ABS: C1289, C1291, C1340 VGRS: C1554, C1568 AHC: 1777. I was told these are all related to the VGRS going bad except for one that is CDL open circuit (I'm assuming that means it needs a new sensor to show the light on dash). The only things not working that I know of is the Center Diff Light. The actuator itself works (hear relay clicking, motor actuating, and checked front tires to ensure it was locking/unlocking). The steering wheel feels completely fine and centered. I don't care much for VGRS so don't really care if it doesn't work but would like VSC to work. Is there a way to trick ECU into thinking VGRS is working so that VSC and VSC TRAC work again?
Also very interested in the answer to this question. Seems like a few folks claim it can be done, but cannot find any information on how to actually disable the system and the light but keep stability management.
In case anyone else comes across this post in the future - I'm having intermittent hard steering. I've seen many posts where people blame the steering rack but that seems a little extreme to me. I'm diagnosing other more common thing first and will get to the rack at the end - I started by soaking the steering ujoint nearest to the rack with lubricant in the hopes that it'll help, but it doesn't seem to have had any / much affect. Doesn't eliminate that joint though, so that is still my top suspect.
In order to try and discount any vgrs issue, I disabled the system by disconnecting the bottom plug on that computer module. This set the vgrs error light but so far hasn't caused any other codes - vsc and Trac lights are still off. If my random difficult steering goes away, it's a vgrs problem. If it doesn't go away, then on to the next thing - replacing bushings.
In order to try and discount any vgrs issue, I disabled the system by disconnecting the bottom plug on that computer module. This set the vgrs error light but so far hasn't caused any other codes - vsc and Trac lights are still off. If my random difficult steering goes away, it's a vgrs problem. If it doesn't go away, then on to the next thing - replacing bushings.
Hi, have a 2003 LX with VGRS light issue. I have pulled the codes in tech stream and they were calibration related. I have gone through the calibration procedure and the light went away. After about a week, the light came back on with the same codes. Done this twice already.
Am I just not calibrating correctly? Steering wheel was within a couple of degrees of center each time. Closest I could get it with running calibration 4-5 times.
More notes:
1. My steering has always been loose. I did replace the bushings with polyurethane ones a month or so ago. It did improve my steering but still not as sharp as my GX.
2. Before I started having the VGRS light issue, my steering wheel started making a screeching noise when turning. I thought it was due to the cold but now not so sure. Could this be related to VGRS or is that another issue?
Any thoughts?
Am I just not calibrating correctly? Steering wheel was within a couple of degrees of center each time. Closest I could get it with running calibration 4-5 times.
More notes:
1. My steering has always been loose. I did replace the bushings with polyurethane ones a month or so ago. It did improve my steering but still not as sharp as my GX.
2. Before I started having the VGRS light issue, my steering wheel started making a screeching noise when turning. I thought it was due to the cold but now not so sure. Could this be related to VGRS or is that another issue?
Any thoughts?
I am having intermittent hard steering issues also, but its on my 03' LC. I don't have a VGRS light on my dash, so I suspect I don't have VGRS on my particular model. I am curious, did you change the bushings and did it solve your steering problem?
Well, this is a difficult one. I still occasionally had a difficult steering episode after disconnecting vgrs, so that doesn't seem to be the problem.
I decided to replace the bushings, but ordered the wrong ones - there are two different styles and I didn't realize that when I ordered the early style, so that never got done.
However, I did do a flush and replacement of the power steering fluid by soaking/turkey basting it out of the reservoir, then running the truck with the fluid return dumped into an oil drain pan. Please look up a write up about this though, as that's a really sketchy description.
After swapping out as much of the old fluid for new fluid as possible, I haven't encountered my issue again. I'm not convinced it's completely gone, but it hasn't happened once in the last eight months or so. It's probably prudent for me to flush the fluid again in case all the fresh fluid cleaned out whatever gunk was built up thats now floating around in the new fluid.
Hope that helps.
2001LC
SILVER Star
IIRC: VGRS is Lexus only from 03-07.
Wrong, old (bad) or low fluid in reservoir can cause intermittent issues. With old fluid, which many have the factory fill still in the system. We see the screen in the reservoir clogged. Cleaning or replacing reservoir and flushing system is key.
Make sure no leaks, or weep. Replacing hoses that weep, as need is best practice. Power steering (PS) systems; do not use up PS fluid. Meaning we never need to add, so level should never drop. If it does, there is a leak.
Flushing power steering regularly (10 to 20K miles) with proper type fluid. Which is ATF. Is important to health of system.
I use Mobil MV full synthetic ATF, in all 100 and 200 series PS systems.
forum.ih8mud.com
Wondering, pulling to one side than the other side during different throttle setting, etc are generally not fluid related.
Wrong, old (bad) or low fluid in reservoir can cause intermittent issues. With old fluid, which many have the factory fill still in the system. We see the screen in the reservoir clogged. Cleaning or replacing reservoir and flushing system is key.
Make sure no leaks, or weep. Replacing hoses that weep, as need is best practice. Power steering (PS) systems; do not use up PS fluid. Meaning we never need to add, so level should never drop. If it does, there is a leak.
Flushing power steering regularly (10 to 20K miles) with proper type fluid. Which is ATF. Is important to health of system.
I use Mobil MV full synthetic ATF, in all 100 and 200 series PS systems.
Steering Flush & Cleaning
Cleaning power steering reservoir and flushing it's fluid. Keeps Vane pump and rack & pinion in top condition. These step will help you get, a better idea on how to. Power wash reservoir & hoses using a degreaser, before starting service. Makes for cleaner job. Repeat, once all done with...
forum.ih8mud.com
Wondering, pulling to one side than the other side during different throttle setting, etc are generally not fluid related.
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Any idea how the cable broke? It seems sealed in the pictures above and should not break. I have heard that re-calibration will work for a while, but then the VGRS lite will show up again because the VGRS ECU is bad or something else. My VGRS lit up last winter after heavy snow fall, but went away after driving down the street. I bought my 2003 LX470 5 years ago, steering is always approx 10-15 degress to the left. I am now used to it. VGRS lite is off. I figure if it goes bad, then I will simply replace with Non VGRS shaft and be done with it. If anyone has done this, then please give part numbers, advice, pics if you have, etc.
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Hello everyone,
I do have a problem with the VGRS on my 2004 LX570, light is coming on and off, steering wheel was off center and after alignment it was good for one day, now its again off center but not as much. There are no codes when the light is off and I was able to pull the code when the light was on is: C1552 DC Motor Power Source Voltage. Did anyone have the same problem? How did you figure it out?
Thank you all!
I do have a problem with the VGRS on my 2004 LX570, light is coming on and off, steering wheel was off center and after alignment it was good for one day, now its again off center but not as much. There are no codes when the light is off and I was able to pull the code when the light was on is: C1552 DC Motor Power Source Voltage. Did anyone have the same problem? How did you figure it out?
Thank you all!
My 2003 VGRS would come on after a few days after alignment as well (twice). I got it to take after doing like 3 alignments in a row and then doing the learning confirmation procedure below. Light has not come back. I did not have the error code you describe above though.
I'm trying to repair my VGRS: Tech stream is unable to communicate with VGRS ECU, but it was able to 1 year ago.
As I was working on tilt motors, I also removed the VGRS actuator motor.
I checked the spiral, it seems OK. The 3 big wires seems to be connected together, less than 1 ohm of resistance between them.
Is there any way to test the actuator, can I inject 12 V on these big wires ?
Complete instruction to get the VGRS actuator off at TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS | Manualzz - https://manualzz.com/doc/22459312/technical-instructions
As I was working on tilt motors, I also removed the VGRS actuator motor.
I checked the spiral, it seems OK. The 3 big wires seems to be connected together, less than 1 ohm of resistance between them.
Is there any way to test the actuator, can I inject 12 V on these big wires ?
Complete instruction to get the VGRS actuator off at TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS | Manualzz - https://manualzz.com/doc/22459312/technical-instructions
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Curious if you ever resolved this issue, and how? My 2003 LX steering wheel is off center, but I don't see the VGRS light. Where do you find out the calibration procedure. I have never used Tech Stream
2001LC
SILVER Star
