Neilpet

I have a 2004 RX330 with 62K miles on it that has the Check Engine Light and VSC light coming on. I've had the codes pulled, and it's showing P033 and C1223. These lights come on intermittently, but mostly "on". I'll shut the vehicle off, start it again a couple of hours later and they may or may not be on. I've looked on this site for details, but I haven't found anyone with these codes together.

When these lights are on, I've noticed that downshifting when going up a hill is not as good. I've also noticed that if I shift to slap-shifting, It goes from 3 to 1, bypassing 2 in either direction, when the lights are on.

Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

BlackLexRX

You're missing a number or 2 on your P code, so recheck that. As for C1223, that looks like an ABS system fault. Search the forums for that C code, its brake related.

Neilpet

My mistake. I mistyped the codes. They are P0333 and C1223. I've been told that the P0333 code is for a bad Engine Knock Sensor.
What I don't understand is what these codes have to do with my transmission, and why my vehicle won't select second gear.

BlackLexRX

If you have P0333 all the time, you probably need to replace your Bank 2 knock sensor. Many of the systems are interconnected and closed loop, such as VSC. Therefore, if knock sensor is bad timing will be retarded or advanced, misfires, DTCs, and it could affect shifting as everything is ECT and 'by wire', including ABS; which you also have a DTC. Completely skipping 2nd gear though seems like something more, particularly on the downshift. Check the level and condition of your transmission fluid first.