vimal01997

I have a 2001 Lexus RX300 V6 approximately 109.5k miles on it. I recently replaced the O2 sensor, thanks to Lemex's DIY. Although the thread on where your suppose to put the screw in, was have rusted and broke off, so I tried to put the o2 sensor in as tight as possible..
After I put it in , I disconnected the battery and plugged it back in, I took it for a drive and the CEL and VSC light popped right back up and the CEL light started flashing.. I tried to brake but the brakes were hard, I could only press them a little and it took a while to brake.. The car started idling rough, and it feels like i've lost power. I took the car to Advance auto for a code check and I got codes :

P1354 - Valve timing or something

P0300- Random Multiple Misfires.
P0302
P0304
P0306
C1201- Engine communication circuit.. I've had this the time i went to get a code check for the O2 sensor.. I don't know how to fix it..

I've changed all coils 500 miles ago, along with spark plugs, A/F sensor, and I Just replaced the O2 sensor due to code P0141...

I've read lots of forums and they all say OCV or Timing belt. I don't know when I last had the timing belt replaced because this is a second hand car.. I also have an appointment for Toyota tomorrow for repair, but I want to save money so I need you guys to help me ASAP.

Symptoms :

Rough Idle,
CEL Flashing,
Misfires
Lost power
Hard Brakes
VSC light ( might be because C1201)

Lemex, buddy where are you when I need you?

Can someone please tell me what to do.. Replace the OCV? Or Timing belt? The timing belt is a bit expensive, and I dont think that'd be it.. Even though i dont know when it was last replaced.

Road Rage

Oil Control Valve on Bank 2. The VVT-i is out of whack on that bank so the whole side misfires. Easy fix, takes 5 minutes. Buy a new OCV, look behind the filler cap down in the valley and you'll see a cylinder with a single electrical connection and held in with a 10mm bolt. Almost looks like a roll of quarters cut in half. Disconnect, remove bolt, give it a twist to break loose, pull straight out, it's a tight fit. Some oil will spill out, insert new one, secure bolt, reconnect, clear codes. Drive. Done.

vimal01997

Where exactly is it located? A picture can kind of help. Also, what is the part I need to get called? If possible, can you please list me a part for a 2001 Lexus RX300 V6? Thanks!

vimal01997

Do I need http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...6264&ppt=C0141

or http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...6264&ppt=C0141

?

salimshah

All you need is a search in CL. Give it a try. Also buy the gaskets/orings.

It was 12 or so posts down. Here you go.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ement-diy.html

Salim

vimal01997

I already read that.
But he listed 2 parts, I don't know which Solenoid is for the front VVT-I..

And what do I need the gaskets and orings for?

vimal01997

Anyone? :/

salimshah

Vimal:

I gave you the link ,,, which you say you read ... See post #3 for picture and read the whole thread again.

I encourage others to DIY but at the same time, please know the limits of your comprehension, ability, tools and experience. A well meaning attempt to repair can quickly snowball into a disaster. At times it is better to pay some one.


Salim

chachacha

Vimal:

Read the thread suggested by Salim...and read where I replied on the same thread

For your part
-Front VVT (near battery and radiator): Dorman OE Solutions Part # 917-211 - Lexus Part Number 15340-0A010
-Rear VVT (near firewall) : Dorman OE Solutions Part # 917-214 - Lexus Part Number 15330-0A010

Though if you have code P1354 = bad rear VVT, then should have codes P0301, P0303, P0305 because these are rear cylinders. P0302, P0304, P0306 are front cylinders....Im guessing both of front and rear vvts could be bad

Hope this helps

20012003rx

I'm kinda late on this, but Amazon.com sells the Dorman ones for about $41 each with free shipping.

I recently had the same codes for Bank 2 pop up... I opened the solenoid and checked the filter, they're both ok (filter was clean, and solenoid moved freely). Should I replace the timing belt? I have 220K miles and I last replaced it at 120K, so I have 100K miles on this timing belt and spark plugs... Suggestions?

jgoorn

Pretty sure I had a similar problem. Do click through my profile to find that thread but on the RX 300 just thoroughly clean the grounds and it all goes away. (If you've got the same issue as I did)

Momscar

Replaced my vvt solenoids that looked clean and closed when 12v. was placed across contacts. My RX no longer stumbles at takeoff (I thought trans. was going bad) only code I had was p1354 250K miles

toohip

I had the P1354 "VVT malfunction bank 2" early this spring. Right away I noticed the associated symptoms of no brake assist at low rpms, and failure to shift into 4th gear. But after a couple days the "symptoms" when away but the check engine light stayed on. Was running fine, same mpg. So I cleared the code a couple times but after awhile it came back. So this summer I saw a video on how to remove and clean the VVT solenoid. Seemed easy enough, so I removed it and cleaned it, and replaced it. A week later the check engine light came back, same code (but no symptoms). So I bought a VVT solenoid online for $18 vs $75 at O'Reilly's, and installed it. Little later, code returned. Cleared the code several times (disconnect battery), but eventually would return. Was going to take to Toyota mechanic, when I started having some low battery problems, I resolved? by cleaning the battery posts. Noticed check engine light was gone, and has stayed off for several days. Keep hope alive? Thoughts? Comments?

salimshah

All sensors put out a voltage or absorb certain current and that is interpreted by the onboard ECU. All of the sensor data depends upon the voltage [battery + alternator]. A good mechanic ensures the voltage is correct before chasing any error codes.

Personal experience: My alternator went bad and couple of diodes burnt off. So I was getting the right voltage, but the current output was limited. Just because I charged my batteries fairly frequently and do very little night time driving, my weakened alternator was able to keep up. But the rectifier was generating spikes in voltage and that kicked the an error code in ABS. It went away after I fixed the alternator.

Salim

toohip

So you think the P1354 error code I've been having is related to the alternator? When I didn't trust my cheap error-code puller, I went to the local auto parts to have their more reliable device pull them. They got the same code, but their device said it couldn't connect the code with a specific issue. That made me suspicious if the VVT was the problem. If the check engine and same code returns and/or the battery keeps a low charge, I'll take it in, and recommend your experience as a place to check. Thanks!