jgulvin

Backed RX up driveway about 50', stepped on brake, put in park, several waring lights came on. Among them: yellow triangle, ABS car icon, "BRAKE" in red, circle with ! in middle and () on each side, battery icon in red. Warning comes up: "CHECK STEERING WHEEL LOCK". Also had something about Air Bag system once. Predominantly it's the steering lock msg.

Connected blue tooth OBD with Torque Pro & scanned codes. U0293 came up. Disconnected/reconnected battery, waited for system to load, same error messages on display. Scanned and came up with U0293 again. Checked all fuses in engine compartment and under dash (took awhile to get my 72 yr old bones to contort under the dash ). Called it a night and started researching.

Next day, same error msg on display. Scanned: Torque Pro shows no fault codes.

Anyone had something similar? Any pointers on likely culprits? This forum is a wealth of information. Thanks to all for sharing.

salimshah

Do simple things as .. check brake fluid level. Check the battery terminals are clean and tight. Look at the battery age. If easy enough put the battery on charger. Give it few hours and check again.

Salim

Clutchless

You need a new battery.
The winter cold has made your old 12 volt battery too weak to power anything and the low voltage is triggering all the random warning lights. I have seen this too many times to count.
Before you explore anything else drive to an auto parts store that will check your old battery, then sell and install the new one. I am almost positive that will fix everything.

jgulvin

Did see random icons come and go on the display as my troubleshooting progressed (40 degrees in the sun). Put charger on battery overnite. Original problem(s) persist.

salimshah

So you have traversed the path for simple stuff.

If the warnings are fleeting [come and go], it may be time to check the error codes. Pending means some issue which has not happened for a while and if the same thing is observed over time, the pending will turn into a solid error code. You could be at the verge where the solid codes are monitored again and if the system has decided to remove them as they error condition has not been observed over time. In this case the Pending codes can give you some direction. I generally would not suggest reacting to the fleeting pending codes .. other them log them and use them when the error code is solid.

Traversing the previous path, you may like to measure voltage output from your alternator or have your electrical system tested. I would expect about 14v when the engine is running.

Was there some work done where potentially a ground was left unconnected?

You must be wondering why I am pounding on the voltage stuff? Any code you get has to be verified with good DC conditions.

Salim
ps: Some times you have to wait for a Solid fail as the random stuff is very hard to trace.

Clutchless

Your charger may show a charge but have you checked the actual battery voltage? Will it hold a charge?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I second Clutchless, start with the battery. Get it charged and checked. It may be due for replacement at this time and the cold has exposed any weakness in your battery that may have just barely gotten you by when it was warmer.

Low battery voltage will confuse your computer system as it’s heavily dependent on 5-12 volt references to run its systems.

Pro tip: The 450h has a very particular 12V battery that is best sourced from the dealer. You won’t find an exact fit anywhere else. Get a replacement battery through the dealer but purchase it online for in store pickup. Avoid paying full retail which is around $400, you can usually get it for around $250-300 if you shop around.

See here for more info.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hybrid-technology/769307-replacement-12v-battery-for-lexus-rx450h.html

jgulvin

Battery reads 13.8V when charger is removed. With car off, I can turn wheels fully left/right. Steering lock actuator (ECU) doesn't seem to be listed when I do a CAN Bus scan with Techstream. Both of which lead me to suspect the steering lock actuator is defunct. Researching to see if I can remove/replace on car or if I have to remove steering column.