00RX300

I have a 2000 RX 300 with 115k on it. Recently the check engine light came on and I had my mechanic read them and it came up with Bank 1 Sensor 1, and Bank 2 Sensor 2. After replacing the codes he believes it is the converters that need to be replaced. This car is driven in upstate NY where we get some bad winters, but has been thoroughly maintained as we purchased it new. Another question related to the converters is that the RX says it is California emission vehicle and all I can find is 49 State legal Cats and wonder if they will work or effect the performance of the vehicle.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

After replacing the codes? Do yo mean the sensors? If he hasn't replaced the sensors, I would do that before anything else.

artbuc

I don't know about the 00, but my 99 RX doesn't have a Bank 2 Sensor 2. I have a Bank 1 Sensor 1 and Bank 2 Sensor 1 which are the upstream A/F sensors and a Bank 1 Sensor 2 which is the downstream 02 sensor. What do you mean when you say your mechanic "replaced" your codes? Did he replace your sensors?

Lexmex

Welcome to the Club

What are the actual OBD2 codes you have gotten on the vehicle?

The 2 A/F sensors on this vehicle are before any cats. Only an O2 sensor sits after a cat underneath the vehicle, Bank 1, Sensor 2.

I doubt U.S. gas will kill catalytic converters (though they can get degraded over time from use), but Mexican gas that I dealt with for 6 years was a different story.

00RX300

Yes, I meant replaced the sensors... And Bank 2 sensor 1, must have gotten carried away when typing. I just got off the phone with him and he is looking to see the exact codes.

00RX300

the codes were P0133 P0153

Lexmex

I think the correlation to Lexus codes are:

P1133- Bank 1 sensor 1 (that's behind the engine block)
P1153- Bank 2 sensor 1 (that's visible in the engine bay between the radiator and engine block

In this case, I'd have your mechanic verify the readings coming off the sensors.

Have the lights been reset and the codes still come up (and if so, how soon do they come up)?

Usually, when the problem repeats itself, even after another tank of gas, the sensors themselves are the culprit.

P0171 didn't show up as a code, right?

00RX300

He says its definately acting like clogged cats because it bogs out when he gives it gas then eventually clears out but its a repeated problem

Lexmex

Bad A/F sensors can do the same thing (and it's a cheaper fix). The piping is interconnected via joints with 14mm bolts enough that he could examine the precats and main cat to see if there is an issue in there.

molexGS400

those sensors take oxygen readings before the exhaust reaches the cats. if you had cat issues i would think you would get a skewed reading from the 02 sensor after the cats. replace the sensors first ! then take another reading. take caution and spray the o2 threads with a rust/corrosion penetrating liquid. those sensors are famous for taking the manifiold threads out with them upon removal.

00RX300

yea it still pulled codes after the sensors were replaced

Lexmex

What kind/brand of sensors were used?

00RX300

Bosch sensors were used.

artbuc

Many reports on this and several other Toyota forums that Bosch A/F sensors often do not work on this engine.

jimxo

OMG! I'M having these same issues. Replaced all the sensors with aftermarket then the dealer said OEM should have been used. So he replace the #2 sensor with OEM. The codes came back on a day later. Took it back in the dealer said he found a small hole in the pipe near the Cat. He said take it to a muffler shop. Muffler shop said Cat needs replacement at $835.00. going for a second opinion tomorrow. After replacing the tranny 8 months ago this is getting to be a real bummer. Plus the turning radius sucks and the OEM tires are a death trap in the winter.

So much for saving money after paying it off. My wife babys this car and we did ALL the regular service 30-60-90k.

The new RX is out of our league so I guess were going back to Ford. lol