If you notice your Lexus SI250’s VSC Light coming on, don’t worry: it could be an indication that your vehicle stability control system is in good working order. But, if that light stays on, or if you are getting other warning lights in concert with the VSC warning, it might be time to pay your mechanic a visit.
Dashboard warning lights can be a bit of a riddle. What does the genie’s lamp mean, anyway? Oh, that’s the oil light? I see…That means I’ve got lots of oil, right? No?
Here to uncover the hidden messages behind your Lexus IS250’s VSC Warning Light is the car insurance
broker app and dash light oracle Jerry
. We’ll show you what your VSC Light is trying to tell you and how to fix it—and we’ll throw in some hacks on how to lower your Lexus IS250 insurance costs
, too. What does the VSC Light mean on a Lexus IS250?
First thing’s first—VSC stands for “Vehicle Stability Control,” which is the system that helps your Lexus SI250 maintain its grip on the road in slippery driving conditions. This type of driver assistance technology is often called traction control, and it works by braking or cutting power from wheels that your car’s computer detects may be slipping.
Traction control systems help reduce the number of accidents in wet and slippery environments, and they’re required in all new vehicles. In fact, all new Lexuses use the same VSC system that appears in every Toyota
-made vehicle. The VSC Light is unique in that it isn’t just a warning light. If you notice your VSC Light coming on while driving in difficult or slick terrain, it probably means that your VSC system is operating as intended. This light looks like a car with swerve marks beneath it, and it comes on to indicate that the system is actively working to stabilize your Lexus IS250.
If that light remains on, however, or if you are receiving other warning lights with messages like “VSC OFF” or “TRAC OFF,” that may suggest another issue entirely. These warnings indicate that your tractions control system is off, possibly due to an electrical or mechanical problem. Some newer Lexus models may have a “Check VSC System” light, but no matter how you phrase it, you should have your VSC system inspected if you see these lights.
It can be tough to narrow down the exact cause of a VSC Warning Light because the stability control system works closely with both the engine and your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system. A VSC Warning Light can be caused by issues like faulty wiring, major engine problems, or even a loose gas cap
. Or, you could have accidentally pushed the VSC Off button when reaching for your sunglasses. Here are some of the most common causes of VSC malfunction in the Lexus IS250:
Bad ABS Sensor: Your VSC system works closely with your IS250’s anti-lock braking system, so any ABS issues could trigger the VSC Warning Light, including a faulty ABS sensor.
Electrical issues: Like many systems on modern vehicles, the VSC system relies on electricity. If your VSC Warning Light is coming on, it could be the result of bad wiring.
VSC system turned off by accident: It’s easy to accidentally press buttons when reaching for objects or trying to toggle other vehicle settings. It may make you feel dumb to discover that you accidently turned off your VSC system yourself, but the upside is it’s a pretty cheap fix.
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VSC Light and Check Engine Light on
There are times when your VSC Light might come on alongside other warning lights, such as the Check Engine Light
. That might cause you a bit of panic, but seeing the Check Engine Light on with the VSC Light isn’t necessarily a sign of big problems. Here’s a look at a few things that can cause both the VSC and engine lights to come on: Loose/cracked gas cap: $16 to $95 to replace
Faulty oxygen sensor: $649 to $733 to replace
Bad crankshaft sensor: $421 to $532 to replace
Bad camshaft sensor: $428 to $451 to replace
Faulty catalytic converter: $1,000 to $1,300 to replace
If both of these lights are coming on, it’s not necessarily cause for alarm, but you shouldn’t ignore it either. Taking your IS250 to a Lexus dealership or Lexus certified repair shop to have your car inspected is always a good idea. You can try using a standard OBD-II scan tool to diagnose your issue, but the tool may not be able to recognize specific SI250 codes. A Lexus dealer will have specialized equipment with which to pinpoint what’s causing your warning indicators to light up.
VSC Light and ABS Light on
The VSC warning light is often seen paired with ABS Warning Lights
. This usually indicates brake trouble that is also affecting the VSC system. Reasons for this warning light combo include: Low brake fluid: $102 to $1,000 to repair, contingent on what the issue is
Damaged wheel speed sensor: $441 to $486 to replace
Bad brake pedal switch: $103 to $118 to replace
Faulty ABS fuse: $4 to $99 to replace
Brakes are the most important part of any vehicle, so brake problems should be taken very seriously. Not only is it dangerous to drive with malfunctioning brakes, but it can also become very costly if you don’t address the issue quickly.
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How to reset the VSC Light on a IS250
If your stability control light is on, you may need to reset the VSC system to get rid of it. First, check to make sure that you didn’t accidentally push the VSC button. If that’s not the source of the problem you can reset the VSC system by following these simple steps:
Ensure that your car is stopped and the gear shifter is in Park.
Find the VSC button. It is usually located near the gear shift stick, though it may be located behind or next to the steering wheel.
Press and hold the VSC button. The VSC OFF and TRAC OFF lights should light up.
Let go of the button, then press it normally. If both the VSC OFF and the TRAC OFF lights go out, your VSC mechanism has been reset and your traction control system is active.
Is it safe to drive a IS250 with the VSC Light on?
It is usually fine to drive your IS250 if the VSC Warning Light is on. Traction control is not integral to your car’s operation and driving without it will not affect your fuel economy. That said, it is an important safety feature that has helped to greatly reduce the number of accidents caused by slippery surfaces, so if your warning light is coming on, you should get your VSC system looked at as soon as possible.
There are some instances in which you should avoid driving with the VSC Light on:
If you have a Check Engine Warning Light on : A Check Engine Light isn’t always an indicator of something serious, but it does suggest a problem that goes beyond just the VSC system. In this case, it’s a good idea to have it checked out before you drive.
If you have an ABS Warning Light on: Like traction control, anti-lock brakes are not essential to the operation of your car. Still, ABS is an important safety feature, and any ABS Warning Light should not go unattended to.
If your car is making strange sounds, odors, or behaving erratically: If your Vehicle Stability Control Light is on and you are experiencing engine misfires or strange noises, it is best practice to get your vehicle to a mechanic ASAP.
Lexus owners can get top-level service for their IS250 at a Lexus service center. Lexus technicians will be able to accurately diagnose any VSC system issues, and if the cause is covered by warranty, you might be able to get it fixed free of charge.
Note: accidentally pressing the VSC button when reaching to scratch your leg is not covered under warranty.
How to save on Lexus IS250 insurance
You can still drive with the VSC Warning Light on, but a faulty traction control system makes you more prone to accidents, and therefore, more prone to higher Lexus IS250 insurance costs
. Fixing your VSC system quickly is a good way to keep your car-related expenses down. Another good way to keep your expenses down is by getting cheap car insurance
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