Vsc,vsc Off, Check Engine Light

[Zxque]

My 2003 Lexus SC430 VSC, VSC OFF and Check Engine light came on today. Took it to a Toyota dealer for diagnosis. Everything checked out until they did a pressure check (?), and found EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS LEAK AT CHARCOAL CANNISTER. Solution is to replace the charcoal canister assembly, $1540.00. Is there a way around this. The car runs fine but the lights are still on. Driving that way I will never know if there is another problem in the future. Do I have any other options.

[VBdenny]

I'd go to Autozone or Advance, borrow their code reader and clear the codes. Might not be an issue. CEL came on on my Chevy truck when cold. No codes showed and never came back on. It might give you a starting point. The price is way out of line to me.

[VBdenny]

And Hey Kenneth,

Glad you found us. Welcome.

[Zxque]

Thanks! I will give code clearing a shot. The dealer said the canister would not hurt anything. It is the wife car and she finds the lights annoying. Hope can get cleared.

[VBdenny]

Understand about the wife part not liking the lights on, ditto here.

Since you are in Carolina, I certainly wouldn't worry about the cannister. For them to quote you that price really seems extremely excessive. Were this me, at this point I would be shopping for the replacement part online and figuring if I could change it myself. Now that the snow and cold are finally departing the Southland, might be able to work outside.

Although I am familiar with the charcoal canister and function, I have never changed one on a Toyota product. Hopefully someone around here has and will chip in. Meanwhile, gather up 15 $100 bills and wave them in front of your wife and say "so how much does the light bother you?" My bet is not that much.

Denny

[pgsandiego]

I had a simular problem with my 2005 Lexus GX470 a few months ago (lots of the warning lights lit). I found online info suggesting I buy a new gas cap as that has fixed the same issue with other Lexus owners.

~$10 for a new cap and, it fixed it.

Maybe your issue isnt the same but, for $10, it might be worth a try.

Patrick

[ShawnOklahoma]

You could also try the "jumper" fix. Totally free. Check this thread.... http://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-430/268137-vsc-lights-and-scangauge.html

[pj8708]

Hi Kenneth and welcome to the Club.

A couple of ideas. Our Club members receive a hefty discount from a Lexus dealer in Dallas. Sewell Lexus has great service and helpful ideas. Simply go to "sewellparts.com" When you register, check the space where it shows those Lexus clubs that are eligible.

Or, check with ebay for price and availability.

If your a true DIY'er check "TIS.com" This is the official Toyota, Lexus, and Scion technical site. For $15, you can rent use of the entire site for 2 days. Here you'll find diagnostics, diagrams, part number, and anything else you might want.

Paul

[ShawnOklahoma]

Sorry guys, but Sewell Lexus no longer offers online ordering nor part diagrams. Total bummer, I know.