After being continually frustrated with our inability to completely turn off the GS's traction and stability control system, we recently learned from an anonymous source how to disable the overprotective electro-nanny. Road test coordinator Marc Noordeloos performed the complicated procedure, took a test drive, and, while grinning from ear to ear, pronounced the car transformed. If you own a 2006 GS (or IS), follow these steps and enjoy the slide. Once the car is started, you have thirty seconds to complete the process. With practice, the procedure can be completed in approximately fifteen seconds but, unfortunately, must be repeated each time the car is switched off.
1. Make sure the car is in Park and the parking brake is disengaged before you start the car.
2. Start the engine.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Fully depress the brake pedal and then release.
5. Fully depress the brake pedal and then release.
6. Disengage the parking brake.
7. Fully depress and hold down the brake pedal.
8. Engage the parking brake, then disengage it (while holding down the brake pedal).
9. Engage the parking brake, then disengage it (while holding down the brake pedal).
10. Release the brake pedal.
11. Engage the parking brake.
12. Fully depress the brake pedal and then release.
13. Fully depress the brake pedal and then release.
When "Check VSC" is displayed in the multifunction display along with the "Trac-off" icon indicator, you'll know that you have successfully completed the procedure.
Click here to see the video.
Disclaimer: If you're as stupid as we are, and if you disable VSC on your Lexus, don't blame us when you wrap it around a tree.