Vsc-off/abs/vsc Light On And High Pitched Sound

mughal · September 2, 2003

Over the last few days, my GS300 (2000W) started making what sounds like a baby-crying type noise coming from the steering well area, this happens for a few minutes, then the VSC-OFF/ABS/VSC and Handbrake lights come on along with a high-pitched sound continously. This used to happen intermittently and now happens pretty much all the time. The lights do go off and the sound off at random (more often I found this when reversing) and then may stay off for the rest of the journey or may come back on again at random.

I took it to Lexus Nottingham, the guy there reckons it could be the ABS actuator!? and the unit could need replacing at a cost of £2000!! He's trying to find out more details.

Has anyone else had this? can any one shed any light?

are there any independent garages I can take it to who wont charge the sky!

any help will be very gratefully appreciated.

I'm regretting the day I bought this car - I've had it less then 6months, its over its 3 year warranty.

Thanks,

Tahir.

james2210 · September 2, 2003

Sorry to break the bad news but I think the dealer is correct in his assumption. Open the bonnet and listen around the drivers side windscreen wiper area while an assistant turns on the ignition (without starting the engine). On a normal car, you should hear the motor in the ABS servo run for about 20-30 seconds to pressurise the VSC/ABS module. If the motor runs continually then the required pressure is not being attained and, it's probably this that triggers the lights and warning sound. A dealer once told me that you can replicate this by continuously stomping on the brake pedal (with the car stationary) as this also causes the motor to run longer than it should. Maybe a scrap dealer would be able to supply one at a cheaper price, or maybe someone else in the club knows of an ABS specialist that could refurb yours. I take it the dealer checked the obvious things like brake fluid level and whether any caliper pistons were leaking?

I'm almost getting to the same stage as you. I've had nothing but problems since I bought the car. OK nothing this serious, but I feel like all the small problems are mounting up and I can't help thinking what's going to be next. At least I managed to end up with a 3 year warranty when I bought mine. The dealer gave me an extra year to try and make amends for the problems, and Lexus GB also gave me an extra year because of their apparent inability to spell, get dates correct and identify the correct model of their cars on my warranty certificate (do Lexus even do a 6 month warranty?)

Good luck getting it sorted and I hope it doesn't cost too many $£$£ as Christmas is coming up fast!!