A common problem with Toyota and Lexus vehicles is that you might find the “VSC OFF” and “Check Engine” lights lit simultaneously. We’ll walk you through what this means and ideas to fix it.
Most Toyota owners will find that when the Check Engine and VSC lights are lit, there is a problem with an O2 Sensor or gas cap. Try tightening or replacing the gas cap for a hopefully cheap fix.
Contents
VSC System OFF and Check Engine Light is On
If you notice that the “VSC Off” icon is on, don’t worry because your car is still safe to drive. But, you must be careful on the snow or slippery road because the car won’t stabilize itself. VSC stands for “Vehicle Stability Control.” It is likely that “Traction Control” will not work while this light is illuminated. On some vehicles, the “skidding vehicle” or “TRAC OFF” light may also be lit as well.
How to Fix the Problem
To fix the ‘VSC Off,’ you might have to read codes for diagnostic information. An OBD2 Scanner can help you pinpoint the exact cause of the problem, whether it’s an ABS or engine sensor. When the VSC Off light turns on, the check engine light goes on too. To reset both without a scanning tool, disconnect and re-connect the terminals after 10 minutes.
To be sure of the problem, you may want to take your vehicle to an Auto Zone or NAPA store to have them plug in a code reader to determine the problem. Another option would be to take the vehicle in for service.
If your problem turns out to be O2 sensor related, you can continue driving the vehicle without problems, but you may not achieve the most efficient gas mileage. O2 sensors can be difficult or easy to replace depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Some require access under the vehicle, while others are accessible under the hood.
VSC System ON
When the VSC System is ON, it automatically redirects engine power from certain wheels, playing an active role in stabilizing your car from losing traction. In Toyota and Lexus models, traction control ensures that a vehicle does not skid in hostile weather by correcting its course.
Models with a VSC system include:
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Avensis
- Toyota Verso
- Toyota Sienna
- Lexus RX400H
- Lexus is250
- Lexus is220d
Our code reader said the O2 sensor was the problem. We have replaced every O2 sensor on the vehicle, but the light still comes on about every 200 miles. We take it off, it comes back on. We replaced the gas cap. What is the problem?
I have the same issue with my Toyota 4Runner and have had it for a couple of years already. Replaced O2, replaced Gas Cap, and the annoying lights keep coming back on. What is the issue Toyota ??
It my help to replace the speed sensor
Same issue with my Highlander. All three lights come on sometimes, but other times they don’t. I’ve had the engine, the O2 sensors, AND the gas cap replaced. Still… Lights come on. And… It fails emissions when the lights are on.
Your steering angle sensor needs to be calibrated.Theres a video on utube that shows you how to do it.
My car would not start this morning and there was no power so I got someone to boost my battery for me and it did start but the engine light is on and the traction light is on and it says check VCS so when I went to go drive and it Would only let me go the speed of 15-20 km
What do I do.
So sorry I forgot to mention I have an 2008 lexus IS250
Hey Lisa I had the same issue this evening please how did you go about it because I am confused here
hey Jude what did you do about the lexus problem.
When I bought my 2008 Toyota tundra used brought it home in the very next morning this very same thing happened truck started up fine but would not go over 15 mph took it to the mechanic they replaced the secondary air intake pump fixed the problem
Lisa, You may want to check your spark plugs or plug wires
My engine light and VSC came on just today never had a problem. Check everything and drove the car and light is on.
If the car runs rough or skips like a cylinder is not firing you may have a bad coil. It can be an intermittent problem the check engine light may or may not come on.
Have a diagnostic check done, sometimes it will show what cylinder is the problem. But they are easy and relatively cheap and easy fix $70 for all four coils.
James- I had a similar issue to what you are describing and replaced all the coils and spark plugs but the lights are on still.
It’s your steering angle sensor.It needs to be calibrated.Theres a video on you tube.put in the search box(2006 Scion xB check engine,vsc,and traction control lights all come on.Turn your steering wheel straight ,turn your ignition off and put a paperclip between two pins on the obd port and the lights will start flashing for like five seconds and it will reset your steering angle sensor and your lights won’t come back in.
Did your “VSC” light come on after giving/receiving a jump start? I noticed mine came on after giving a jump start to someone else.
Mine did the same thing as yours “VSC” light come on after giving/receiving a jump start? I noticed mine came on after giving a jump start to someone else.