Sk8terGirl

I am in the process of selling my baby, my 1998 ES300. During the process of actually selling it to a couple the check engine light came on . I did not feel right going through with the sale. The mechanic that has always worked on "Baby" isn't available until next week at least. I don't want to go to Lexus because they will overcharge me and probably do work that does not need to be done. I've already replaced the gas cap with a new one from AutoZone. If I take "Baby" to another mechanic what should I tell him to do and to NOT do? Here's my thoughts (and no I don't know anything about cars):

Check the vacuum hoses & clamps
Check the VSV
Check the air filter (although it's fairly new)
Run a smoke test

Am I on the right track??? Any other suggestions ?
Once I get it fixed, what do you think it's worth. The car is really clean, new Michelin tires, new timing belt, new battery, new water pump, etc. etc.

I love this car, it has been so good to me. Anything I can check myself (you'll have to be clear on how to do it, I know nothing)

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Your problem is most likely the VSV. You first need to first check it by giving it power and ground and here if it clicks. If doesnt, thats the bad VSV

Sk8terGirl

Tx GS 4 is that something I can do myself? I really don't know much about cars... I'm a girl

Sk8terGirl

If it is the VSV and it needs to be replaced how much should I expect the charge to be from my mechanic ... labor & parts? He has his own independent shop and works on foreign cars only.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

The VSV is quite expensive. Its about $100 +/- . You can actually change it yourself. Its located under the engine cover. On the top of your hood or near the driver side firewall there should be a picture of the emission control system.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Forgot to mention there is also another VSV on top of the charcoal canister which is located near the fuel tank. You must confirm which VSV is not working as i stated in the first post.

Sk8terGirl

Tx GS. Really I can change it myself???? I don't think you get how little knowledge I have and I have no experience with fixing anything on a car.

I wish I had a picture of the two VSV's and where they are under the hood

Sounds like taking it to my mechanic is going to be expensive.

PFB

It's really not as conclusive as that. By applying power, the VSV may indeed click, but the plunger inside could still be stuck and not moving. A better way to identify a defective VSV is by removing the VSV, applying power, and blowing through it. It should restrict the air flow in one direction, and when reversing the power leads, it should restrict the air flow in the other direction. It's a lot more work, but at least you will definitely know which VSV is the culprit.

Perhaps it's easier to have a garage do a smoke test to look for leaks, which is another likely cause for subject codes showing up.

Sk8terGirl

PFB Thanks Here is my original posts and thoughts on what to have my mechanic do.

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I am in the process of selling my baby, my 1998 ES300. During the process of actually selling it to a couple the check engine light came on . I did not feel right going through with the sale. The mechanic that has always worked on "Baby" isn't available until next week at least. I don't want to go to Lexus because they will overcharge me and probably do work that does not need to be done. I've already replaced the gas cap with a new one from AutoZone. If I take "Baby" to another mechanic what should I tell him to do and to NOT do? Here's my thoughts (and no I don't know anything about cars):

Check the vacuum hoses & clamps
Check the VSV
Check the air filter (although it's fairly new)
Run a smoke test

Am I on the right track??? Any other suggestions ?
Once I get it fixed, what do you think it's worth. The car is really clean, new Michelin tires, new timing belt, new battery, new water pump, etc. etc.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Im sure its the VSV. If its a leak then it would be another code. gL

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Sk8terGirl

01LEXPL tx. That's certainly not something I can do. Looks like I'll have to wait till next week to get it to the mechanic.

Just wondering why the issue with the vsv at 69k. I've been searching the web and it seems that others who've had this problem have over 150K miles on their cars.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

I've gotten evap codes before [440/441/442] and they came back a couple of times after i cleared them. Its been a few months since i've last seen them.

Sk8terGirl

01LEXPL what did u do to the car after u cleared the code?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Just drove it. For me, i think i overfilled the car [all cars throw this code if that happens - well the codes i listed above]

I cleared the codes and drove it. I wasn't about to take apart the evap canister - couldn't be bothered and was grateful i didn't since its been fine ever since, and its been months...