mekelly

Got in my 2002 LS430 the other morning (ran fine the night before).

Started the car and got a 'Check VSC' on the display, ABS and Brake light came on. Car wouldn't shift out of park without overriding the shfit interlock with a screwdriver.

The car drove fine with these symptoms.

When I got back, I started to do some diagnostics. The brake lights do not come on when the brake pedal is pushed.

I started thinking it was a fuse or the stoplight switch on the brake pedal.

I checked every fuse that I though could possibly cause these symptoms (shift interlock, ABS, stop lights, etc.). They were all fine.

I purchased a new stoplight switch and installed it. Same exact symptoms.

I know there's a solenoid that releases the shift lever but I don't hear a click with the key on and the brake pedal pushed. I think that's because it's never getting power.

I am having somebody come by Monday morning to read the ABS code(s) and hopefully point me in the right direction as I think I've checked all the logical culprits. I am not going to throw any more parts or time at it without knowing what the codes are. I know there's an ABS relay and something called the ABS Master in one little compartment under the hood.

In the interim, is there anything that makes sense for me to check or try? What am I missing?

Thanks!

rkw77080

You mentioned that a new stoplight switch did not fix you stop light problem. The next thing to check are fuses - there are two as shown in diagrams below. The 5A "STOP" fuse is in the driver-side fuse box. The 50A fusible block is in the engine bay next to the battery.

mekelly

Thanks RKW77080!!!

I thought I had checked every fuse that was remotely connected with my problem. I did check the 50A fusible link you mentioned, but amazingly had not checked the 5A 'STOP' fuse!

Replaced that fuse, brake lights are back on, no error messages on the dash, and the car shifts out of Park when the brake is pressed without having to use a screwdriver.

Thanks again, this forum is awesome!!!!!!