teamplayer

iTrader: (2)

This is interesting to see. Us Hawaii peeps don't have this on our cars here. We don't have smog checks.

All these months and I can't believe I missed this thread.

rjacket

I can't get the bolt off with a regular 10 wrench. Did you guys have to use a socket to get yours off?

AlexusAnja

I used a socket because I just have a set and I use it. It was pretty tight, so I think a socket set might be best. You don't want to strip the bolt. Also, the sensors are in a place that gets extreme hot and colds, so it's probably pretty tight in there from the temp changes all these years.

Lust4Lexus

This is a great thread. I just did mine yesterday. When I opened mine, it was not nearly as dirty as Surfers, but since I went through the trouble of taking it out and apart, I obviously cleaned it up nicely. As it turned out, even though mine was not terribly dirty to the naked eye, it seems that if the screen has a even a light film on it, performance of the sensor suffers. I had no idea how responsive the sensor was supposed to be as I bought the car used, but now I actually notice the mode switching back and forth as needed. I never actually noticed the lights change before, probably because it was such a seldom occurance. When driving in the city however, it pretty much stays locked in circulate mode.

Thanks Surfer

SteveM

Thanks for the great writeup + pics. I didn't even know this feature existed on the car. I'm always finding the odd new thing these spaceships have

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

NO problem guys. Always glad to contribute when i can because this forum has definatly help me numerous ways and im sure it will continue to help me in the future.

chris81964

Did mine today. I will soon know if it resolves my issues of ingesting diesel fumes from trucks. Thanks for the write up.

Carnut

Great advice, but can you share EXACTLY what you used to clean it ? Did you spray it with a garden hose, use Chemtool B-12, or any Solvent to clean it ?

Thanks for any further advice........I can handle that, but I don't want to "Ruin It".

Great post.

Jabberwock

I dissembled and cleaned out mine with a small shop vac. Basically vacuumed the dirt and dust out of it.

Carnut

Thanks Jabberwock...........I'll vacuum it and brush it and NOT use any chemicals.......that sounds like a MUCH better idea. I have 2005 LS-430, swithed the Smog Sensor to above Medium and it seems to already be "switching" a lot from outside to recirculate. Once the sensor is clean, should one run it on HIGH, or Medium, or just above Medium?

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

i just shook out most of the dirt that was clogged in the little filter. Cleaned the case with a damp cloth and that was that. I'm sure others have done a more thorough job than that since.

As far as settings, i would try out the lowest first and see how the system responds a then adjust accordinally.

Carnut

Does anyone else have a "Recommended" setting" after cleaning the Smog Sensor besides LOWEST ?

Thanks in advance, and thank you for this post.

jayclapp

I use the highest setting, as I want to block out any external odors immediately. Also, I think a thorough cleaning of the filter is best. You want the filter to keep out debris, but you don't want it to block or distort any external emissions. I soaked mine in hot water with detergent, rinsed under the faucet with hot water, and pressurized air afterwards.

Carnut

Thanks Jayclapp, that sounds like a VERY reasonable thing to do. Once I clean mine, I "Might" set it one notch above Medium and see how it goes. Thanks for your post.

Carnut

For one that does not have Navigation, is there any other way to set the "Sensitivity" on the Smog Filter System ? Mine has Nav, but a good friend does not and wants to set his sensitivity up a bit higher after he finds and cleans his filter......thanks for any ideas.