VGRS System Error on LC200 – Missing System; ECU Overide to remove dash light? (2 Viewers)

[KnockingCruiser]

Hi everyone,



I recently purchased a 2016 Land Cruiser 200 (Model: CBA-URJ202W-GNTAK) and noticed an error on the main instrument cluster: "Check VGRS System".



After taking it to my mechanic, we discovered that the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system is completely missing from the car. He compared it with another LC200 that has VGRS, and the difference is clearly visible (see attached pictures for reference).



Interestingly, I have no issues with the ride quality or steering performance – the car drives perfectly fine albeit a slightly stiffer steering wheel requiring heavier inputs in lower speeds. The only issue is this persistent warning message on the dashboard, which I’d ideally like to remove from appear (both yellow light and warning in instrument console).



I'm hoping someone here can help with a few questions:



Has anyone else encountered a situation where the VGRS system was missing entirely? Do any LC200 variants come from the factory without VGRS or why would it be removed?



What are the best options to resolve this issue?



So far, I’ve been given two options:



Install a full VGRS unit, which is quite expensive and hard to source where I live.



Use an ECU override to suppress the VGRS error.



If anyone has experience with the ECU override approach:



Is it effective?



Are there any risks or long-term issues to be aware of?



Any input or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!



Thanks in advance.

 

[KnockingCruiser]

Photos attached

 

[GrouchyTech]

Do you know if any of the ECUs on the vehicle have been replaced? If so, the replacement ECU may be looking for a system that is not installed on your particular vehicle.

On the newer vehicles: using GTS+ you can go to System Select > Main Body ECU > Utility > Initialization. This will initialize the Gatewaay ECU and discover/record only the ECUs present in the vehicle at the time the initialization is performed.
(I am working on a 2024 Sequoia right now and just double checked and the above is the correct process.)

… BUT I don’t recall if that utility is available for the 200 series Land Cruiser, so I am NOT certain that this will work. But it’s worth checking.

 

[KnockingCruiser]

I’m not sure if the ECU has been replaced, I think it’s more likely the VGRS was removed.

Unfortunately I don’t have access to GTS+ right now. Any idea about the remapping of the ECU to remove the dash warning?