lexfan007

Hello forum, new member here. while helping a relative troubleshoot cylinder misfire codes and rough idle on an LS430 with 170k miles, I decided to play doctor by pulling out my stethoscope and sticking the long probe into selected areas of the engine, and yessir it felt really good. that's what she said!! I'm an experienced electronics and mechanical troubleshooter, but not an auto mechanic. I heard an unusual, intermittent gurgling and pulsing sound on the passenger side bank, but not on the driver's side bank. this led me to suspect the OCV on the passenger side. I'm wondering if I stumbled onto an unconventional troubleshooting technique. what do you think, can an OCV malfunction be diagnosed audibly?

Gronemus

I'd say it sounds plausible (no pun intended) but since you are likely the first one to try this here (someone correct me if I'm wrong) the only way to verify this is to either replace the OCV in question or get access to another LS430 that's working fine and try listening for the sound or lack thereof on that engine. Perhaps you could take a picture of the exact spot on the engine where you are placing the stethoscope and I or somebody around here could try to duplicate your experiment. Post back if you resolve your issue in the meantime...

lexfan007

just read these codes:

P0300, P0302, P0304, P0308, P1351, P1354.

(there are other threads in the forum with these codes)

all misfires on bank 2, even numbered cylinders, passenger side. last two codes are VVT related. I'd say this confirms my suspicion of an OCV problem on bank 2. plugs are new, coils seem to test good. I'll replace both OCV/solenoids and report back with specifics. the stethoscope test will save time and money.

garyd

I replaced both valves on my 2002 LS430 but still get failure code. How did you remove the code?

rkw77080

Which error code(s) are you getting? You can erase error codes with a OBDII reader, or simply disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes.

reozone

If you are referring to the VSC OFF light on the dash, this might work if disconnecting the battery does not help. I found this solution originally because apparently, some OBD II scanners will cause that error message to pop up just because you plugged in the scanner. With the key off, jumper (paperclip works great) between the TS and CG pins on the OBD connector under the dash (sorry, I don't have a diagram for you). Turn the key on, but do not start. VSC TEST should come up on the dash. Then turn the key off and pull the jumper. That should fix the problem.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

Fixed this item today. Very easy and a no-brainer. Thanks for the great info!!