DEAD THROTTLE, CEL, VSC OFF . 2000 RPM limit

[tprjim]

No problem yesterday -today "heavy" gas pedal, check engine light, VSC off. won't rev past 2000 RPM.  Recent TB, etc work done. Any thoughts?  I haven't gone to an OBD yet; just put it back into gsarage.

[RX400h]

Quote

It sounds like your 2002 Lexus SC430 is experiencing a form of “limp mode,” a safety feature that limits engine performance to prevent further damage. The “heavy” gas pedal, check engine light, VSC off, and the inability to rev past 2000 RPM are typical symptoms. Since you’ve had recent throttle body service, it’s possible that the issue could be related to that work, such as a loose connection or a sensor issue.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Check for any loose connections around the throttle body. Ensure all sensors and electrical connectors are properly seated.
2. Inspect the throttle body itself for any signs of damage or improper installation.
3. Use an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes from the car’s computer. This will give you specific diagnostic information related to the check engine light.

In similar cases, issues have been traced back to:

• A faulty O2 sensor.
• Problems with the throttle position sensor or other related components.
• Air fuel related issues, which could trigger the VSC light.

It’s important to address the check engine light and retrieve the diagnostic codes as soon as possible. The codes will guide you to the specific issue, which could range from a simple sensor replacement to more in-depth repairs. If you’re not comfortable performing these checks yourself, it would be wise to take the vehicle to a professional mechanic who can diagnose and resolve the issue. Drive carefully if you need to take the car to a shop, as the reduced power mode is intended to protect your vehicle from further damage.