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I would retrieve the DTC before disconnecting the negative battery cable. That way, if the Check Engine light comes back, you can see if the same DTC is causing it.
I would retrieve the DTC before disconnecting the negative battery cable. That way, if the Check Engine light comes back, you can see if the same DTC is causing it.
Thanks, but what is the DTS ? and how do I retrieve it ?
DTC stands for Diagnostic Trouble Code, and is sometimes called "Error Code". It is logged in the car's computer whenever the Check Engine light is illuminated. You will need a OBDII reader to retrieve the code (OBD stands for On-board Diagnostic). Most auto parts stores like AutoZone will have one of these OBDII readers. They will read the code for you free of charge. This error code is very helpful in troubleshooting what is wrong with the car.
VSC stands for Vehicle Stability Control. The LS430 has a bunch of behind-the-scene and very sophisticated controls to keep the vehicle stable. You will not such automated assistance when the VSC warning light is on.
99% of the time, the TRAC OFF and CHECK VSC are warnings that follow whenever you 'throw a code' aka the CEL (Check Engine Light) comes on. When that Check Engine light comes on, the computer/OBD2 system almost always "stores" the code in memory. You need an OBD2 scanner and a cable which plugs into the OBD2 port around the driver's left shin area.
There's a whole industry/economy on Amazon etc on OBD2 scanners/tools/cables/etc. I bought a scanner a year ago for about $100 because I was in the same situation as you, plus I always wanted a "scanner" as they're referred to, just to have one, just "in case".
You can also go to AutoZone or another auto parts place and they will scan the code for free, and tell you the letter+digits of the code. The code identifies the probable malfunctioning system. Once you know which system has the fault, you fix it, then you can 'erase' the code with the scanner tool or disconnect the battery, etc.
Like RKW said, you need to find out what code(s) are in the system's memory then go from there. You can actually search for the code online, because the codes are pretty much standardized across the automotive industry.
(Sucks driving at night and those lights are shining like beacons on the dashboard, doesn't it? lol)
The lights has gone out, by itself .... but my guess is it is going to return later. Thanks for all the help,
This place is awesome .... just like the LS
The lights has gone out, by itself .... but my guess is it is going to return later. Thanks for all the help,
This place is awesome .... just like the LS
Interesting to see if it comes back. If I were you, I'd still take it to a auto parts place and see if the system stored any codes.
A high frequency occurrence that turns on the check engine light, (followed by the VSC and TRAC on the LS), is the gas cap not being on tight, or the seal/gasket on the gas cap isn't sealing perfectly anymore. Any chance you fueled up a while ago and left the gas cap loose (thus triggering on the CEL) and you very recently fueled up again, this time properly tightening the gas cap?
The gas cap checked and it looks new. So I disconnected the battery for 2 minutes and the lights went out but returned after a 240 mile drive.
I suppose I will get the scanning done and see what codes it gives me. Thanks for the help.
06-11-17, 09:07 PM
VSC and check engine lights
