RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

P0330 Knock Sensor, 15 min. Hack Repair...

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Old 10-26-16, 07:49 PM
  #136  
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Buy the way I'm getting all the parts I'm going to need before i dive into the right way. I've had a lot of cars and truck's but this sixteen year old is the best old car I have ever owned better than some brand new out of the show room. I'm going to enjoy going into it.
Old 10-26-16, 09:05 PM
  #137  
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Originally Posted by Puckintruc
I spliced black wire into the clear wire. Erased the code. Took car for test dive and as soon as I hit 45 MPH It started throwing a P0330 code and lose of high gear also.Thinking it might be a bad splice I redid the splice and repeated test drive. Same result. Any other ideas on this 2002 RX 300 or should I just put the black wire together,button up the glove box and take it to the garage. I'm a senior citizen and no longer able to do any major repairs any longer. :
Are you shure it was the no.2 you can try the other if it don't work then both knock sensors are out.
Old 10-26-16, 09:05 PM
  #138  
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Originally Posted by Puckintruc
I spliced black wire into the clear wire. Erased the code. Took car for test dive and as soon as I hit 45 MPH It started throwing a P0330 code and lose of high gear also.Thinking it might be a bad splice I redid the splice and repeated test drive. Same result. Any other ideas on this 2002 RX 300 or should I just put the black wire together,button up the glove box and take it to the garage. I'm a senior citizen and no longer able to do any major repairs any longer. :
Are you shure it was the no.2 you can try the other if it don't work then both knock sensors are out.
Old 11-01-16, 06:07 AM
  #139  
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Default Knock Sensor Problems

Hello everybody,Okay, let me describe my basic situation. I’m here in the US for 6 month for an internship and bought a used Lexus ES300 2001 with 215k miles of from craigslist for $1700 (I know there should be something wrong)

I LOVE THAT CAR.

But last week the CEL came on - 2 codes one of the knock sensors and the downstream O2. After deleting the codes they come back on immediately after I turn the car back on… At first I had issues with the fail safe mode (no overdrive, weird RPM), but now my car is driving great. The RPM, Transmission and everything works perfect – I can only feel slight vibrations when I drive around 65-70 mph. My gas mileage is still okay (23 city / 28 highway). I switch between premium gasoline (93) and regular (87) with additive.

I had to learn that the knock sensor is an expensive fix and the best price I got so far was $700 with used original parts. I am now hesitant to put any money in a car that I want to drive only 5 more month.

I found this fix and am really considering it – I just have to find someone who does it for me since my technical capabilities are limited.


My question is now if it is safe to drive the car as it is right now? So I know that a broken sensor might lead to engine damage, but with a car in that age/miles that could happen due to various reasons. Right?My plan was to drive that car as it is and if I start having issues like some described here (overdrive, no power, bad gas mileage) find someone to do the 15 minute fix.
Or would y’all suggest doing the 15 min fix now – no matter what?Another possibility would be to sell the car for cheap and start looking into used cars again.But I hate the idea of selling my first Lexus...

What would you guys do?

Thanks and Best regards
Rene

Last edited by RenMar; 11-01-16 at 06:13 AM. Reason: Formating
Old 11-01-16, 03:24 PM
  #140  
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Originally Posted by RenMar
Hello everybody,Okay, let me describe my basic situation. I’m here in the US for 6 month for an internship and bought a used Lexus ES300 2001 with 215k miles of from craigslist for $1700 (I know there should be something wrong)

I LOVE THAT CAR.

But last week the CEL came on - 2 codes one of the knock sensors and the downstream O2. After deleting the codes they come back on immediately after I turn the car back on… At first I had issues with the fail safe mode (no overdrive, weird RPM), but now my car is driving great. The RPM, Transmission and everything works perfect – I can only feel slight vibrations when I drive around 65-70 mph. My gas mileage is still okay (23 city / 28 highway). I switch between premium gasoline (93) and regular (87) with additive.

I had to learn that the knock sensor is an expensive fix and the best price I got so far was $700 with used original parts. I am now hesitant to put any money in a car that I want to drive only 5 more month.

I found this fix and am really considering it – I just have to find someone who does it for me since my technical capabilities are limited.


My question is now if it is safe to drive the car as it is right now? So I know that a broken sensor might lead to engine damage, but with a car in that age/miles that could happen due to various reasons. Right?My plan was to drive that car as it is and if I start having issues like some described here (overdrive, no power, bad gas mileage) find someone to do the 15 minute fix.
Or would y’all suggest doing the 15 min fix now – no matter what?Another possibility would be to sell the car for cheap and start looking into used cars again.But I hate the idea of selling my first Lexus...

What would you guys do?

Thanks and Best regards
Rene
The hack is a temporary fix only if you just have one knock sensor out. I know sometimes your back to square one and with the same problem. You pay for what you get, it cost you 1,700 if you invest to get it fixed 1,000 you can still sell for 2,700 to 3,000 and drive it around until you ready to leave. Then again you might run into more problems before your done, depending on the shape the rx was in before you bought it. Use logic and hope for the best. If you are not a mechanic and or willing to dive in and get some grease under your finger nails, just about any used car will be a problem.
Old 11-02-16, 06:08 AM
  #141  
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My RX300 finally threw this code at 240,000 miles. I've been awaiting this day for awhile, haha. I'll be going the replacement route, but not for a few months (too cold to deal with this job right now).
Old 11-02-16, 07:56 AM
  #142  
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Default Hi, CW; I'm interested in the upgrade of the rear valve cover.

Originally Posted by cwsteini
Fair warning and advice to those of you who will do, and have done, this hack:
You mention upgrading the rear valve cover. Can you post where you got it an specs of what to look for.
This is a HACK, and should not be considered a permanent fix. The 1st Gen RX300's appear to be notorious for this issue and a small handful of other issues. If you are going to do this I highly recommend that after doing so you determine how to replace the sensors (or in my case the wiring harnesses). Figure out if you are going to do it, or if you are going to have a shop do the work and prepare for it, because it is my opinion that it is only a matter of time until the other sensor begins throwing the knock code. Just fair warning. (in my case 33,000 miles before the other knock sensor went out)

Also, my advice, if you are going to do this job or have this job done, it only makes sense to also have a full tuneup. Your going to be tearing all the way down to the rear valve cover anyways, so you might as well replace the rear valve cover with the newer updated one, and PCV, to prevent the whole "oil leaking through the PCV" issue, replace your spark plugs, replace all of the gaskets and seals you're going to have access to.. SUPER DUPER worth while if you want this car to last and run really well. It can be a costly or time consuming venture, but I believe $2,000 spent on this car, and knowing its exact condition, is money better spent than on some "new" car that you'll be unfamiliar with and likely will not be nearly as dependable and serviceable.

My two cents.
C.W. I'm interested in the upgrading of the rear valve cover, where did you buy it an for how much. It makes sense to me if it's a common problem. I have a 2000 rx300, I tried the hack and the cel came back on I know sometimes it's other problems like wire harness. I'm gathering what I'm going to need to do it the right way no sence waiting my time. I'm really impressed with the quality of this vehicle I'm sure it will not be a waist of my time and money. Thank you for the head's up.
Old 11-02-16, 08:58 PM
  #143  
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Originally Posted by Gitano
Are you shure it was the no.2 you can try the other if it don't work then both knock sensors are out.
if you live close to me I'll give you a hand not only that I have a shop at my house we can do it there. I'm 75 myself and as soon as I gather all the parts I need, I'll be jumping into it. My e mail address is (ezpejo7@gmail.com) I live in Texas by the Red River. North of Denison.
Old 11-02-16, 08:59 PM
  #144  
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Originally Posted by Gitano
Are you shure it was the no.2 you can try the other if it don't work then both knock sensors are out.
if you live close to me I'll give you a hand not only that I have a shop at my house we can do it there. I'm 75 myself and as soon as I gather all the parts I need, I'll be jumping into it. My e mail address is (ezpejo7@gmail.com) I live in Texas by the Red River. North of Denison.
Old 11-02-16, 09:45 PM
  #145  
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Puckingtruc;​
I posted a reply for you where I offer to give you a hand replacing the knock sensors since you mentioned you were a senior citizens that is if you live close to me.
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Old 11-07-16, 09:56 AM
  #146  
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Originally Posted by Gitano
C.W. I'm interested in the upgrading of the rear valve cover, where did you buy it an for how much. It makes sense to me if it's a common problem. I have a 2000 rx300, I tried the hack and the cel came back on I know sometimes it's other problems like wire harness. I'm gathering what I'm going to need to do it the right way no sence waiting my time. I'm really impressed with the quality of this vehicle I'm sure it will not be a waist of my time and money. Thank you for the head's up.
Gitano,

I purchased my updated rear valve cover on eBay. At the time it was the only one I could find.

Info for the complete job:
99-03 RX300 Right Valve Cover NEW genuine Lexus OEM 11201-0A060 (That is the updated one, if you're updating a 99-00 RX300) : Paid $194.95 + $16.80 Shipping

PCV Valve BECK/ARNLEY 045-0345 (This is the metal PCV for the new valve cover., this is assuming you are updating you're 99-00 RX300) : Paid $5.99 + $2.04 Shipping

LEXUS OEM FACTORY VALVE COVER GASKETS AND SPARK PLUG SEAL SET 1999-2003 RX300 (11213-0A010 VALVLE COVER GASKET QTY.1, 11214-0A010 VALVE COVER GASKET QTY.1, 11193-70010 x6 SPARK PLUG TUBE SEAL) : Paid $39.86 + $2.71 Shipping

94-10 Toyota Camry Avalon Solara Lexus ES300 RX330 1MZFE 3MZFE AISIN Water Pump (Part #WPT-057, for "1MZFE" Engine for a 99-03 Lexus RX300) : Paid $59.99 + Free Shipping

MITSUBOSHI FITS FOR TOYOTA AND LEXUS ENGINE TIMING BELT TB257M : Paid $24.20 + $3.63 Shipping

HAT006-11 Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner 1992-02 Toyota / Lexus V6 3.0L : Paid $29.00 + Free Shipping

Serpentine Belt MITSUBOSHI 6PK1040 : Paid $14.03 + Free Shipping

TOYOTA OEM-Engine Crankshaft Seal 9031140022 : Paid $9.42 + $2.22 Shipping

TOYOTA OEM Camshaft-Oil Seal 9031138034 : Paid $13.94 + Free Shipping

TOYOTA OEM-Power Steering Belt 900809108883 : Paid $3.89 + Free Shipping

6-Pieces OEM SK20R11(3297) Long Life Iridium Spark Plugs Lexus Toyota 6cyl NEW: Paid $39.45 + Free Shipping

GENUINE TOYOTA LEXUS KNOCK SENSOR WIRE HARNESS OEM 82219-33030 (You only need one harness., it has hookups for both knock sensors) : Paid $28.80 + $4.00 Shipping

TOYOTA Lexus OEM 8961512090 Ignition Knock Detonation Sensor 89615-12090 (You ABSOLUTELY SHOULD REPLACE BOTH SENSORS): Paid $118.00 for qty:2 + Free Shipping

TOYOTA OEM-Engine Intake Manifold Gasket 1717662030 : Paid $9.02 + $2.04 Shipping

I also ended up replacing my Alternator.., I cannot remember the exact details but essentially it was necessary to remove the alternator in order to complete the above job and the hardware was so rusted it could not be removed, so we had to cut it out which ruined it and therefore I had to replace it.

Subtotal:
Total Parts Cost $591.44
Total Shipping Cost $33.44
------------------------------
Total Cost $624.88

*Final Words: To anyone dealing with "knock sensor issues", "oil wasting syndrome", "Constantly failing O2 & A/F Sensors" on your First Gen RX (99-03) (specifically 2000 RX300, because that's what I have) please do this job. Your RX baby will run sooo well if you take care of these issues. It took me a really long time to figure out the issues I had with my 2000 RX300, so learn from me and utilize this information.

**To make it super clear this is what's happening to the first gen RX's that have "oil wasting syndrome" aka "disappearing oil":
1)The original rear valve cover is flawed and eventually allows oil to leak through PCV and combust. 2)The combusting oil eventually causes your 3 catalytic converters to fail and clog, along with low level of oil in your engine causing sludge buildup etc. 3)Catalytic converters are "clogged"/"Failing" from all that oil they are trying to burn which stops up the exhaust system keeping your engine from being able to freely exhaust and run well, and super heating your exhaust system which is home to your two O2 sensors and A/F Sensor causing them to constantly super heat and fail way prematurely, so you replace them but because the systemic issues haven't been remedied your sensors just keep failing over and over again.

So replacing that rear valve cover and PCV with the updated one is essential to fixing the systemic issues, and since the knock sensors/harnesses WILL FAIL, and your already in there you may as well do the entire job I started this message outlining, to save you a huge headache and money down the road.

Thank you.
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Old 11-07-16, 10:07 PM
  #147  
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Originally Posted by cwsteini
Gitano,

I purchased my updated rear valve cover on eBay. At the time it was the only one I could find.

Info for the complete job:
99-03 RX300 Right Valve Cover NEW genuine Lexus OEM 11201-0A060 (That is the updated one, if you're updating a 99-00 RX300) : Paid $194.95 + $16.80 Shipping

PCV Valve BECK/ARNLEY 045-0345 (This is the metal PCV for the new valve cover., this is assuming you are updating you're 99-00 RX300) : Paid $5.99 + $2.04 Shipping

LEXUS OEM FACTORY VALVE COVER GASKETS AND SPARK PLUG SEAL SET 1999-2003 RX300 (11213-0A010 VALVLE COVER GASKET QTY.1, 11214-0A010 VALVE COVER GASKET QTY.1, 11193-70010 x6 SPARK PLUG TUBE SEAL) : Paid $39.86 + $2.71 Shipping

94-10 Toyota Camry Avalon Solara Lexus ES300 RX330 1MZFE 3MZFE AISIN Water Pump (Part #WPT-057, for "1MZFE" Engine for a 99-03 Lexus RX300) : Paid $59.99 + Free Shipping

MITSUBOSHI FITS FOR TOYOTA AND LEXUS ENGINE TIMING BELT TB257M : Paid $24.20 + $3.63 Shipping

HAT006-11 Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner 1992-02 Toyota / Lexus V6 3.0L : Paid $29.00 + Free Shipping

Serpentine Belt MITSUBOSHI 6PK1040 : Paid $14.03 + Free Shipping

TOYOTA OEM-Engine Crankshaft Seal 9031140022 : Paid $9.42 + $2.22 Shipping

TOYOTA OEM Camshaft-Oil Seal 9031138034 : Paid $13.94 + Free Shipping

TOYOTA OEM-Power Steering Belt 900809108883 : Paid $3.89 + Free Shipping

6-Pieces OEM SK20R11(3297) Long Life Iridium Spark Plugs Lexus Toyota 6cyl NEW: Paid $39.45 + Free Shipping

GENUINE TOYOTA LEXUS KNOCK SENSOR WIRE HARNESS OEM 82219-33030 (You only need one harness., it has hookups for both knock sensors) : Paid $28.80 + $4.00 Shipping

TOYOTA Lexus OEM 8961512090 Ignition Knock Detonation Sensor 89615-12090 (You ABSOLUTELY SHOULD REPLACE BOTH SENSORS): Paid $118.00 for qty:2 + Free Shipping

TOYOTA OEM-Engine Intake Manifold Gasket 1717662030 : Paid $9.02 + $2.04 Shipping

I also ended up replacing my Alternator.., I cannot remember the exact details but essentially it was necessary to remove the alternator in order to complete the above job and the hardware was so rusted it could not be removed, so we had to cut it out which ruined it and therefore I had to replace it.

Subtotal:
Total Parts Cost $591.44
Total Shipping Cost $33.44
------------------------------
Total Cost $624.88

*Final Words: To anyone dealing with "knock sensor issues", "oil wasting syndrome", "Constantly failing O2 & A/F Sensors" on your First Gen RX (99-03) (specifically 2000 RX300, because that's what I have) please do this job. Your RX baby will run sooo well if you take care of these issues. It took me a really long time to figure out the issues I had with my 2000 RX300, so learn from me and utilize this information.

**To make it super clear this is what's happening to the first gen RX's that have "oil wasting syndrome" aka "disappearing oil":
1)The original rear valve cover is flawed and eventually allows oil to leak through PCV and combust. 2)The combusting oil eventually causes your 3 catalytic converters to fail and clog, along with low level of oil in your engine causing sludge buildup etc. 3)Catalytic converters are "clogged"/"Failing" from all that oil they are trying to burn which stops up the exhaust system keeping your engine from being able to freely exhaust and run well, and super heating your exhaust system which is home to your two O2 sensors and A/F Sensor causing them to constantly super heat and fail way prematurely, so you replace them but because the systemic issues haven't been remedied your sensors just keep failing over and over again.

So replacing that rear valve cover and PCV with the updated one is essential to fixing the systemic issues, and since the knock sensors/harnesses WILL FAIL, and your already in there you may as well do the entire job I started this message outlining, to save you a huge headache and money down the road.

Thank you.
CWSteini;
thank you for your attention I really like the information, I will be paying attention to it when I finally dive into my rx. I will always hold you in high regard. Thank you very much. Gitano.
Old 12-05-16, 10:18 AM
  #148  
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Successful completion of the hack on Saturday, put about 120 miles on it over the weekend and its been fine.

Many thanks to bobster for posting this up.
Also to Cwsteini for awesome pic's, made it super easy.

15 minute job including searching for my wire strippers and stopping to refill my coffee mug.

Applause !!!!!
Old 02-12-17, 12:07 PM
  #149  
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Default PO330 Knock Sensor, 15 min. Hack Repair

I just wanted to give out another thanks for this post it solved the PO0330 code and my RX300 is now shifting into OD.
Old 02-14-17, 12:30 PM
  #150  
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Thumbs up

Ok guys,
My time is over here.
I sold the RX yesterday.
This thread was pretty much my only contribution in here.
Based on the feedback and large number of views I think its was a good one.

Hope all is well with all of my fellow RX peeps.

Peace out!
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