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Lexus ES 300/ES 330

5443 messages,  Last post on Aug 14, 2010 at 9:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus ES 300, Lexus ES 330, Sedan

Messages Page 536 of 545

#5350 of 5443 Check Engine Light related to Oil Sludge? 1998 ES by tammy10

Mar 09, 2007 (7:21 am)

I'm new here, I'd really appreciate some advice. I posted this question on the engine forum but then realized it's pretty dormant.
  
I am the second owner of a 1998 ES 300 with approximately 86k miles. I purchased the car 12/01 when it was 4 years old and had 35k miles on it so I've had it a little over 5 years. So, the car is 9 years old as of last December.
  
I have never taken the car to the dealer for service because it has always been quite far from my house- I've moved around a bit since I purchased the car.
  
My "check engine" light has come on three separate times, starting in May of 2005. The first mechanic said it was the O2 sensor and he reset it.
  
Later it came back on.
  
The second mechanic replaced that sensor.
  
The engine light came back on but the same mechanic said it was the "knock sensor" P-330 and he reset that because the "condition wasn't present at that time."
  
Now the engine light is back on and I am aware that in addition my engine has a significant sludge problem. I've changed the oil every 3-5k miles. I do realize that the first owner may not have regularly changed the oil but it was "clean" when I purchased it.
  
Unfortunately, neither of the mechanics mentioned the sludge problem to me.
  
My question is this- is the oxygen and/or knock sensor possibly related to the sludge?
  
I ask because I have a claim with Lexus/Toyota re: sludge only if I can show that the sludge problem existed within 8 years of purchase. If the engine light reoccurence will demonstrate that (it started within 6-7 years of purchase) it may help my case. I need to know before I lose my rights to file a claim next week. The repair could cost more than 10k.
  
Thanks so much!

#5351 of 5443 Re: Check Engine Light related to Oil Sludge? 1998 ES [tammy10] by larry1

Mar 12, 2007 (5:15 pm)

Replying to: tammy10 (Mar 09, 2007 7:21 am)
Believe it or not, a common reason the "check engine" light comes on is because the gas cap is not on tight, or the cap was removed with the engine running.
 
The following procedure is always the first thing I try when the dreaded "check engine" light comes on: With the engine off remove the gas cap and replace it tightly, until you hear a click or two. Then open the hood and using the proper wrench, remove the negative battery cable from the battery for a second, then replace it. That should turn off the "check engine" light. This has always worked for me, on my old 1992 ES300, and my current 2000 ES300.
 
The sludge problem is not related to the oxygen sensor.

#5352 of 5443 Re: Check Engine Light related to Oil Sludge? 1998 ES [larry1] by tammy10

Mar 13, 2007 (6:59 am)

Replying to: larry1 (Mar 12, 2007 5:15 pm)
Thanks. The engine light code now is for the knock sensor. That sensor has been activitated before and reset despite the fact (at least the mechanic said) that there was no knock.
 
I did have a mechanic tell me the knock sensor may be activated by sludge. Do you agree?

#5353 of 5443 Re: Check Engine Light related to Oil Sludge? 1998 ES [tammy10] by larry1

Mar 19, 2007 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: tammy10 (Mar 13, 2007 6:59 am)
"I did have a mechanic tell me the knock sensor may be activated by sludge. Do you agree?"
 
I am not a car mechanic, so I can't say for sure. But to me that doesn't seem likely. Sludge is sort of like gummy oil deposits in the engine crankcase and oil passageways, while a knock sensor senses low octane fuel which could cause the air/fuel mixture to detonate too early in the compression cycle. Two unrelated things, in my opinion, but then again, I only know so much about car mechanicals.
 
One other thing I forgot to add to my previous post: If disconnecting the negative battery cable (a 12mm socket) for a second doesn't reset the "check engine" light, disconnect the negative battery cable again and leave it off for five minutes. That should definitely turn the light off.

#5354 of 5443 Re: Check Engine Light related to Oil Sludge? 1998 ES [tammy10] by wwest

Mar 20, 2007 (4:28 pm)

Replying to: tammy10 (Mar 13, 2007 6:59 am)
The knock sensor can also be triggered by "lugging" the engine, but that generally will only happen with a manual transaxle with the driver not downshifting appropriately.

#5355 of 5443 Remote died on 1997 ES300 - HELP!!!!! by gomboy60

Mar 22, 2007 (9:29 am)

I have 1997 ES300 with 150K miles on it and everything works well (except of course, some oil leak, dead lights for stereo, etc). Recently my both remote lock/unlock/trunk opener/panick controller are dead. They are from the factory. Is there a fuse related to this devices? I cannot find any form the manual. Yes, I have replaced the batteries for both of them. Your help is greatly appreciated.
 
Cy

#5356 of 5443 2002 Lexus ES AC Light Flashes...No Cold Air by lexuslx

May 22, 2007 (7:21 pm)

I drive a 2002 ES 300 w/75k miles. The air conditioner was working perfect this morning. When I got in the car this afternoon, the AC button light was flashing and NO cold air was coming out. I called my Lexus service advisor and he said that it sounded like the condensor RELAY was probably out.
 
Have any of you had this problem or have suggestions? I have left the car at the dealership for service tomorrow. They mentioned around $150 for the repair plus service. I am hope the $150 included not only the relay, but also the labor.
 
THANKS in advance for any info!
 
Matt

#5357 of 5443 Re: 2002 Lexus ES AC Light Flashes...No Cold Air [lexuslx] by pate

May 23, 2007 (7:28 am)

Replying to: lexuslx (May 22, 2007 7:21 pm)
I had the same pproblem but mine is a 2003 Es 300 and was still under warranty.

#5358 of 5443 Re: 2002 Lexus ES AC Light Flashes...No Cold Air [pate] by lexuslx

May 23, 2007 (6:19 pm)

Replying to: pate (May 23, 2007 7:28 am)
I took the ES to the Lexus dealership and they fixed it today. One of the relays to the AC Compressor had went out. The relay was around $85 + labor, I also had the car serviced and the total was $187. Not too bad if it doesn't happen again for a long time. I'm just scared it will do it again soon!?! Has yours went out again since then? THANKS!

#5359 of 5443 Re: Lexus / Toyota Customer Service is the Worst [maddmike] by zippy5

May 31, 2007 (12:02 pm)

Replying to: maddmike (Dec 18, 2006 7:59 am)
Maddmike,
I have had the same problem (VSC engaging on a clear dry road) several times with my 2003 LX470. Extremely frightening. Left it at the dealer for three days, and they could find nothing wrong. Can you provide any more information as to the steps you are pursuing with Lexus?
Thanks.

Messages Page 536 of 545

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