What does "Check VSC System" mean?

Asked by jimverobeach Dec 21, 2014 at 05:32 PM about the 2008 Lexus RX Hybrid 400h FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

For 2 days now, every time I start the car, this message appears "Check VSC System".  What does it mean? Today, the car failed to start at all.  The "Ready" light will not come on. Is the starting battery dead.  Its been 30 months since I replaced it.  This is a 2008 RX 400h with 75,200 miles on it.

18 Answers

965

I had a similar problem with my 08 400h where it had been sitting for two weeks. The problem for me was that the starting battery was too discharged. I shut off the lights and tried it again about 10 minutes later and was able to get it started and now I make sure I run it weekly.

41 people found this helpful.
630

I have same problem with VSC System in my RX 400h. What is nature of the problem and how can it be corrected????

63 people found this helpful.
480

The RX hybrids do carry a smaller starting battery,it’s the same as any car battery however because it’s smaller it may have less cranking longevity, 30 months is about correct, have an emergency battery starting pack with you in the vehicle, do not jump start with another car but recharge or change the 12v car battery.

25 people found this helpful.
550

Just had the same issue. Lexus 2008 RH400. coming back home after a late night out, the message pops up " Check VSC system check hybrid system" drove for a couple of minutes, was annoyed and decided to check online whatever this message was..pulled over, stopped the engine and google.decided why here can do it at home later...the engine wouldnt start .was stuck in the middle of nowhere in the dead of night...swore at myself...I am a computers guy so I said if its the error messgage thats not allowing me to start...then reboot! disconnected the battery, reconnected, engine is alive..At least I could drive home...will go to the dealer's tommorrow...at least I was able to save a couple hundred for towing and all the inconvenience!!

51 people found this helpful.
250

Had the same problem: check VSC and then 'shift to P when starting' even if the shifter was already in P. This on a 2006 RX400h. Had a mobile battery service replace the battery, and $250 later car started without a problem.

25 people found this helpful.
130

I had all this happen, and LEXUS mechanic replaced the hybrid fuel pump. Works fine, now. The only time I had that problem was THEN, and not since.

13 people found this helpful.
100

It seems these error codes can be because of different issues. In the case with our 2007 400h it was the gas gauge being around 1/8 tank. Once it was filled up, the codes went away.

10 people found this helpful.
70

My Lexus RS 400 will not start with my normal key what could be the problem

7 people found this helpful.
110

I have a 2008 Lexus 400H and the same light came on, VSC and check hybrid system. It was my fuel pump and draining my battery. Once the mechanic fixed the issue i had no more problems. I was so worried about it being the hybrid battery which is thousands of dollars.

11 people found this helpful.
170

I HAVE A 2008 LEXUS 400H I JUST BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND NOW THE VSC SYSTEM IS SHOWING ON MY CAR.

17 people found this helpful.
480

Not enough starting power. You’ll need 13v to start. Recharge the starting battery, the one you see under the hood or get a jump start. I own a 2008 Lexus RX 400h.

17 people found this helpful.
80

i have lexus rx400h which give me problem with battery, my car battery get dead in winter cold weather so i need to jump start and then it runs well but again overnight it get dead. i have tried with 3 different 12v batteries still having a problem, have checked all lights and other electric was switched off still i dont know why battery get dead? is any one have solution please let me know. thank you

8 people found this helpful.
100

I've just had the same problem as Hars25 on my 07 RX400h. Parasitic drain overnight every night since laden with several inches of snow and ice a couple of weeks ago. I tried 3 different batteries and concluded not a battery issue. A Milli-volt measurement across the 'Dome' fuse showed an unexpected drain but couldn't figure the underlying cause. Then after 2 weeks (and desperation) I connected an inexpensive generic OBDII Reader - it showed no codes but I chose to ERASE CODES anyway (just for good measure). The problem resolved immediately. I can't be sure that it was the OBD reset that cured it for sure but 3 days later and all seems okay (fingers crossed). The OBD RESET is certainly worth a punt. Good luck to anybody unfortunate enough to suffer this extremely frustrating issue.

10 people found this helpful.
20

same problem w my 2008 400 h why lexus dont recall n fix this problem

2 people found this helpful.

Had this problem last night, but just replaced the battery with brand new one a couple months ago. Something else must be draining the battery and causing this. Has anyone had success other than replacing starter battery?

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