98GS300-2

Hey guys, once again I am having issues with my car...On my way to work on Friday I was at a stoplight and my car started to idle very rough, threw a CEL, and then the usual VSC/VSC OFF lights. I didn't know what was wrong so parked it and then came back with a scanner and pulled a P1349 ONLY. Cleared it, drove it, and got the code back...repeat this process 3x and I finally got a P1346 with it too.

I followed the advice of a thread I found regarding the issue and pulled that OCV filter out and cleaned it up real nice, hoping that would solve the issue...no such luck. Any other ideas? Think the OCV is bad?
When the car sits and cools off and I come start it, it runs very smooth. The rough idle usually doesn't really start until the car has warmed up and/or been driven. Of course this happened as we just finished up a super cold spell (temps were down to -40F overnight so I figure that might have contributed, who knows).

Symptoms:
-Extremely rough idle
-Drives a little rougher, probably due to the limp mode though
-P1346 VVT Sensor Rang/Performance Problem (Bank 1)
-P1349 VVT System Malfunction (Bank 1)

Car:
98 GS300
177K
2000 miles into the current oil change
Freshly cleaned OCV filter

timgs300

iTrader: (22)

1346 is VVT Sensor/Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit. 1349 is VVT System Malfunction. The two kind of go hand in hand. Possible causes of this fault are a timing belt that has jumped or stretched, VVT Controller Assy messing up timing, ECM is screwed up. Lots of miles on your car, when is the last time the timing belt was replaced?

98GS300-2

Before I owned it, so I have no idea of the maintenance history of the vehicle. Could have been at 100K, could possibly never have been replaced. It was a company vehicle first and then owned by a reliable guy (as in regular oil changes probably) but otherwise I have no idea.

Edit: Printed off EM-17, EM-21, and VVT System Malfunction pages from the service manual...I'll see what I can do as far as diagnostics from those. I should see if I can rig up super long extension cords and use the oscilloscopes from school to check that timing.

98GS300-2

So I just used a timing light on it and, if I have this all hooked up correctly, it is at 10 degrees...

Here is how I had the light hooked up, and the reading (crappy cell pics, sorry!).





So 10 looks to be dead on according to the Service Manual (8-12* allowable). Will use a multimeter to test the OCV area.

Here is what is recommended based on the Service Manual:
Check Valve Timing - Did this, still need to see if the cams are on though...or is there even a way that the belt could slip on a cam and not alter the timing?
Check Operation of OCV - Did this, pull plug and ran OK (good), forced 12V and killed it (good)
Check voltage between OCV Terminals - Gotta see if I can borrow an oscilloscope from the school, will try that tomorrow
Check VVT Controller Assembly - Have not done yet
Check for oil blockages - Have not done this really either...Is there something I can put in my oil that would be like a clot-buster for any problems?

98GS300-2

Still running like crap so will do some more digging today...

gman44116

iTrader: (11)

there is usually a sticker on the valve timing cover (that comes with oem timing belt) that states the mileage and date the timing belt was changed. Most if not all mechanics will put this sticker on. FYI

jhill20

iTrader: (1)

I assume there's no oil around the VVTi gear? Could have a bad gear?....or clogged ports inside the cam gear. hard to believe this could happen but i guess it's possible. I just replaced mine. Due to oil leakage. It was leaking pretty bad. but ya know I never set any sort of code.

Honestly never diag'd either of these codes on this car either so I'm not sure...but it does sound like you have an electrical issue. Either a sensor that is bad or a ckt problem.

wbmx1981

Replace the OCV! Mine ran the same way, and I cleaned the OCV thinking that would fix it, but it didn't. The OCV may appear to be fine, when it is really bad. I hope this helps.

98GS300-2

I thought yours was the cam control solenoid or something? Or are they one in the same? I have a mechanic who does GREAT work and does it dirt cheap (will overhaul an entire engine for ~$500). He just doesn't like to deal with 1) Imports and 2) Electrical issues...so of course my car that has all the problems is the import and all the problems tend to be electrical.

98GS300-2

So....I fixed it. I was fed up with the POS, called the local Toyota dealership and checked with them to see how bad they would rape me to find and fix the issue then threw in a bottle of seafoam while I was at work. I got done with work, turned the car on, CEL/VSC/VSC OFF are all lit up like usual. Then when I was turning halfway on my way home I noticed the quick ticking noise of traction control and was thinking "WTF that isn't supposed to be working". Glanced down and sure enough, all the CEL/VSC lights were off and traction control was working again. Hasn't had a problem since then now!

Frankdorn

iTrader: (7)

You suck. I'm having the same problem, going to Lexus at 11am tomorrow to have 'em check it out... Did you put the WHOLE bottle of Seafoam in the crankcase?

98GS300-2

Entire bottle of seaform, had 3/4 tank of gas in it. I poured it, car sat for about 2 hours, then I drove it home and about 5 miles into my drive it shut the lights off.

EDIT: Just noticed you said crankcase...the weird thing about this is that I put NO seafoam in the crankcase. Just in the gas! I'm as stumped as the next guy as to how something that seems like it would be oil-related was solved by putting seafoam in the gas tank.

jvince512

Hello everyone I'm new to the club.

I have been reading up on everyones comments and opinions well I am having the same problem with my car 1998 GS300 with 167k I keep up with my GS. The timing was done @ 134k with alot of other major engine maintnance to get the most out of the car ,but I also got the code P1349 it started this monday 1/12/2010 cleaned the OCV filter it will run really good and the light goes away then comes back and starts all over again. It may be telling me its that time to let go. lol

jhill20

iTrader: (1)

hmmm....yes puzzling. probably just a coincidence in my professional opinion. Lights are off though, hell yeah!

jvince512

What is "SEA FOAM"?