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ABS and VSC Lights On - Erratic Braking on 2022 Lexus ES 350

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:27 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Lexus ES 350 Luxury

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing a concerning issue with my 2022 Lexus ES 350. The ABS warning light and the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) light have both illuminated on my dashboard. Simultaneously, the braking feels a bit erratic – sometimes it feels like the ABS is kicking in unnecessarily at low speeds, or there's a slight pulsing in the pedal even under normal braking.

I've checked the brake fluid level, and it seems fine. There hasn't been any recent work done on the brakes or suspension. This just started happening out of the blue a couple of days ago. I'm worried about driving it like this, especially with the stability control potentially compromised.

Has anyone encountered this specific combination of lights and symptoms on their newer Lexus ES 350 or similar models? What could be the potential causes, and is this something I can troubleshoot myself before heading to the dealership? Any advice on what to expect or look for would be greatly appreciated.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:27 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

When both the ABS and VSC lights illuminate on your 2022 Lexus ES 350, it indicates a fault within the anti-lock braking system or the vehicle stability control system, which are interconnected. The erratic braking feel further confirms a problem with these critical safety systems. This is not something to ignore.

Common Causes:

  1. Wheel Speed Sensors: These sensors monitor the rotational speed of each wheel. If one sensor is dirty, damaged, or has a faulty wiring harness, the ABS/VSC system receives incorrect data, triggering the lights and potentially causing erratic braking. Common OBD-II codes associated with this include C0031 (Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor), C0034 (Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor), C0037 (Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor), and C0040 (Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor).
  2. ABS Module/Pump Failure: Less common on newer vehicles, but the ABS control module or the hydraulic pump can fail. This is a more expensive repair.
  3. Low Brake Fluid Level: While you checked this, a critically low level can sometimes trigger these lights, though usually, the primary brake warning light comes on first.
  4. Brake Light Switch: A faulty brake light switch can sometimes confuse the VSC system, though it's less likely to also trigger the ABS light with erratic braking.
  5. Steering Angle Sensor: The VSC system uses the steering angle sensor to determine driver input. A fault here can trigger VSC, but less likely ABS and erratic braking.

What to Do & When to See a Shop:

  • Check for OBD-II Codes: The most crucial first step is to get the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). A standard OBD-II scanner might not read ABS-specific codes, so a more advanced scanner (like those used by repair shops) is often needed. These codes will pinpoint the exact area of the fault.
  • Visual Inspection: While waiting for a scan, you can visually inspect the wheel speed sensor wiring at each wheel for any obvious damage or disconnections.
  • Do NOT Ignore: Driving with compromised ABS and VSC can be dangerous, especially in emergency braking situations or adverse weather. The erratic braking you feel is a direct symptom of the system malfunctioning.

It is strongly recommended to take your Lexus ES 350 to a qualified technician or your Lexus dealership as soon as possible. They have the diagnostic tools to accurately read the specific ABS/VSC codes and properly diagnose the issue. Do not attempt to reset the lights without addressing the underlying problem, as this will not fix the fault and could lead to a dangerous situation.

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