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

Cel flashing and wont go over 40 mph

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Old 08-14-10, 10:29 AM
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e30s50
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Default Cel flashing and wont go over 40 mph

Hello all i have a 99 rx300 and my cel is flashing. Also it wont accelerate over 40 mph. I have replaced the maf so far. Anyone else expierence this and what did you do to fix it. Thanks in advance.
Old 08-14-10, 12:08 PM
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salimshah
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Your vehicle is in the limp mode.

You need to get the code read and reset at least once before embarking on the repair. Blindly attempting to fix without knowing exactly what is wrong is not the right approach.

If you dont have a reader, then visit store like Autozone to have it read for free.

Some errors can be reset by disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes.

Salim
Old 08-14-10, 06:12 PM
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ExPatBrit
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Originally Posted by e30s50
Hello all i have a 99 rx300 and my cel is flashing. Also it wont accelerate over 40 mph. I have replaced the maf so far. Anyone else expierence this and what did you do to fix it. Thanks in advance.
A CEL is something you can take your time fixing.

A flashing CEL, means park it. It could be dangerous to drive.

I know someone who drove for 20 miles with a flashing light (misfire) and his car caught fire due to the unburned fuel that was pouring into the extremely hot catalytic converter.

The fire truck came and did even more damage.

Old 08-14-10, 07:16 PM
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hypervish
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First, like ExPatBrit said a flashing CEL is something serious and requires attention right away, a steady CEL is something which can be done when you have a budget or when the part arrives.
Secondly, don't throw parts at it, if you don't know what the real problem is. It's just a waste of money and time.
Like others have suggested take it to AutoZone or a similar place and get the codes read and then report back to us. And, in the meantime do not drive the car, unless obviously it's an emergency or your going to AutoZone. lol
Old 08-14-10, 08:14 PM
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Lexmex
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Most common reason for flashing CEL in these vehicles is a misfire. If it the CEL is staying on, it is one or more of the coils. The code starts P030X which X being the cylinder number. Recently I had a a P0300 random misfire that caused the CEL to flash for a few seconds and then it went away.
Old 08-14-10, 09:38 PM
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e30s50
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I know i need to have it scanned but im kinda short on time. I work 2 full time jobs atm and spare time is very scarce. Prolly shoulda bought a strap on modis rather than a tool box, o well.

I should have some time to go get it scanned tomorrow afternoon and i will go from there. I will post my findings once i figure out what it is. Just figured someone else expeirenced this problem and could help me out and save me some diag time.

Btw im not throwing parts at it i replaced the maf because of an iat code. Fixed that then about four days later an 02 code popped up. Haven't been able to fix that one yet due to funds and time. I will replace it when i get paid on monday.
Old 08-15-10, 07:32 AM
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Lexmex
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Knock sensor, P0325/P0330 is another possibility here.
Old 08-15-10, 08:43 AM
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salimshah
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Originally Posted by e30s50
I know i need to have it scanned but im kinda short on time. I work 2 full time jobs atm and spare time is very scarce. Prolly shoulda bought a strap on modis rather than a tool box, o well.

I should have some time to go get it scanned tomorrow afternoon and i will go from there. I will post my findings once i figure out what it is. Just figured someone else expeirenced this problem and could help me out and save me some diag time.

Btw im not throwing parts at it i replaced the maf because of an iat code. Fixed that then about four days later an 02 code popped up. Haven't been able to fix that one yet due to funds and time. I will replace it when i get paid on monday.
This is one of the problems with cyber posts. Lacking the history or the background, I misunderstood your post as some one getting a CEL, has fixed MAF and CEL is still flashing and asking for a remote assistance. Probability of some one getting him the right diagnosis has the same odd as coming up with the winning lottery number. I also wanted to caution you to not to take any remote advice seriously without getting the codes read.

The best advice I read in this thread has been ... dont drive the RX with flashing CEL.

Salim
Old 08-15-10, 02:32 PM
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e30s50
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Ok i got it scanned and i came up with
p0125 insufficient coolant temp closed loop
p1135 ( the previously mentioned o2 sensor) bank one sensor one
bank one all cylinders misfire (1-3-5)

Ive attached a wiring diagram and from what i can tell its the ecu. correct me if im wrong as electrical is not my strong point.

Last edited by e30s50; 08-15-10 at 02:39 PM.
Old 08-15-10, 07:22 PM
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So that would be MAF, O2 and ECU all failing at the same time.

Very unlikely!

Retrace your steps maybe you created the problem. Check all the wiring connections on that Bank. Make sure you have 12 volts (white/ red) and ground at each coil.

Only the control signal comes from the ECU.
Old 08-15-10, 09:17 PM
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salimshah
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How about clear codes and do the first read to capture the first error (even record pending code) this is where a run time code readers shine.

Salim
Old 08-16-10, 05:22 AM
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Agreed, clear the codes and see what then comes up.

Focus on the cylinder misfire, P0301, P0303, P0305, (that's cylinders 1, 3 and 5) and a single busted ignition coil would cause the flashing CEL. You need to replace one or more of those.
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