BearsLexus

On the way in to work, on the highway, my engine (3.0L AWD) suddenly gave me about 1 - 1.5 sec of lag and the CEL popped with P1354.
This happened again about 7 times during my 35 minute highway trip.

I have read that this is a VVT issue, and as such it should be noted that I had kicked on the front window defrost about 1 minute before this happened. With the AC belt kicking in perhaps this is the initial root of the issue. It DID continue to have this issue after I shut off the AC.

I checked the oil, at the most 1/4 quart low. Checked the tranny fluid, Full. most recent Oil change: 3300 miles ago, Mobil 1 Full Synth. (always change at 3500, since these are such sludge-buckets). Tranny Fluid and filter changed (for the first time - I bought it used) about 12K mi ago.

I already had the engine rebuilt on this thing a little over a year ago... I'm freaking out man!

Any thoughts? Any Help is sincerely appreciated! Basically, I need to know how to fix this before it becomes a HUGE expensive problem!

Baetke

P1354 indicates a problem with the Oil Control Valve on Bank 2 (the one in the front). It could be sticking. If you're mechanically inclined, you can remove the valve, energize it, and see if it moves freely.

BearsLexus

I will check it out. Thanks Baetke.
I'll search the forums to see if anyone has posted pictures of where this is, and what I'll need to fix it.

Hoping LexMex will weigh in on this!

Lexmex

BTW, how many miles on your vehicle right now.

Did you top the oil off?

You can with a bit of low oil have an issue here where the oil flow through that valve was not sufficient enough to dislodge any accumulation that might have been in the OCV valve. Sometimes as Baetke mentioned they can get sticky.

I've known a few others who had this issue and found that latter of my sentences to be the case and ended up replacing the valve even after finding it was not moving freely.

BearsLexus

I have about 135K give or take.

I have topped off the oil, but it didn't solve the issue. I have had more than 1/4 to 1/3 quart low in the past without having this issue, never more than 1 quart and that was quite long ago before I realized I have a slow leak from the pan.

I will search out if you have posted any DIY pertaining to the OCV Valve in the forums... I really want to get this fixed before something explodes... I really don't think I am up to having this engine rebuilt a second time. :\

Thanks to both of you for your thoughts, I truly appreciate it!

Anthony

BearsLexus

LexMex, is this link potentially proper for my situation? https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4768156-post3.html I notice that there is no mention of P1354 in this write up...
This is one which you posted in reply to a fellow who was speaking of P1354 and surging and hard brakes... Which I have just developed (I have looked at my brake fluid, it's good, never had problems before this P1354 popped)

More notes on my situation as I paid very close attention on my drive home today:

22 minutes elapsed time before the first circumstance of the "Lag", then 3 times in that minute. (about 7 seconds between instances or so).

If I am on the gas, it doesn't happen, only when I am coasting.

The Idle RPM really fluctuates when I am at a stop light, sometimes dropping as low as 500RPM and threatening to stall getting very stuttery.

What it really feels like is the transmission is slipping into a slightly different gear, rocking the RX forward, then when I touch the gas, it slips back into the proper gear rocking the RX back.
It's really rather unsettling... makes me worry about my trans.

Thanks again for all your input. Gonna go out and take a look under the hood for the OCV now.

Anthony Bear

BearsLexus

...And now, goddamnit, the damn thing won't shift out of second... it's like the O/D is turned off - but it's not. Sonovabich, now I am missing work due to this. I don't like to miss work, but I am not going to drive 35 miles at 4700 RPM.

I have found a Dorman OE Solutions Part # 917-211 which corresponds with the Lexus Part Number 15340-0A010 which I spoke to my local Lexus Dealer and found is for Bank 2. It's about $67 after tax and is in stock at a local parts store. I am going to go pick this up around 1 PM. I HOPE this takes care of all my issues... I just had my DTCs read again since the thing won't shift now, and other than about 9 Misfire Codes which are all new since the P1354 popped, there are no other DTCs.

Lexmex - I really hope you see this and let me know that I am on the right path.

Lexmex

Sorry that I have been in and out.

As I said earlier that people who have attempted to rectify the OCV on there own by examining it, ended up for the most part replacing them. The P1354 would be the priority code over any of the P03xx misfires.

I think in nearly every case I have seen people have the OCV issue it was at 100K+ miles.

When you remove the existing OCV, let us know the status of the part in terms of any accumulation.

BearsLexus

Thanks Lexmex, you have nothing for which to apologize. I just wanted to be sure I am on the right path.
I am leaving now... I have found a route to the auto parts store that is 8.3 miles, no highway. It's gonna take me a half an hour to get there! Lol...

I will post what I figure out, including pictures, since I picked up a snazzy new camera.

Talk with you all soon.

BearsLexus

$140 and 1 hour later I am in great shape again! I replaced BOTH VVT Solenoids (OCVs) and cleaned their relevant filters.
Thanks to you wonderful people (Baetke and Lexmex) I have saved time, money, and my 2000 RX300.
As my way of saying thank you, I took many pictures and am creating a Forum Post detailing how to do this job!

A million thanks to both of you again!

Anthony Bear

Baetke

Glad to hear you got your RX running again, and at a bargain price too.
Looking forward to seeing your photo-DIY. If we all keep "paying it forward" we can keep our beloved RX's running for a long time.

Baetke