Hi whats up everybody...
I have a '99 ES 300 that usually has the engine light and the traction light go on and off at the same time!!
Usually both lights stay there for a day or two and go off......or sometimes after I turn off my car and then turn it on again the lights go off immediately....
Has anyone had similiar experiences??
What kinda problems should I expect?? cost $$??
And if I dont look at this problem, would this harm my engine?
Any help/tips would be greatly appreciated.....
Thanks alot

Iron Sheik

 

hmmmmm traction control... it works by cutting off your fuel injectors. You get what im saying? No fuel = decrease in power strokes so less strokes on the crank thus decreasing your power and essentially getting the rubber to stick with the ground. I'm assuming there's a problem with your fuel injectors. It's got multi port fuel injection by the way.

 

Sheik, I had pretty much the same problem with my '01 ES last year. The TRAC OFF and CEL lights would go on and sometimes stay off at random occurrences. Brought the car into the dealership to have the errors diagnosed, and it turns out that the charcoal canister in the emissions system is going bad and needs to be replaced. I've been informed that this can happen when you regularly pump in extra gas after the automatic shut-off point from the gas pump.

Anyway, the charcoal canister was replaced by the dealership (not under warranty because of miles, but I paid half price for it). I have no problems for over a year since the CC replacement. I highly suggest you bring the ES to the dealership and have it checked for error codes. It could be emissions-related like my case, or something else. Good luck

 

Thanks guys!
My dad bought the car last year and when we did the emissions test, it was PERFECT....
The guy that did it, tested it twice to make sure it wasn't an error and it was perfect again..
Sooo how much should I be lookin at the charcoal canister replacement??
What harm is there to the car if it is not replaced as soon as possible??
Thanks again..
This has been helpful

Iron Sheik

 

The dealership originally quoted me around $575 (parts and labor) for the CC replacement.

I'm not sure of the consequences if the CC doesn't get replaced soon, but I'd either take it to the dealership soon, or if you like to save some money, a Toyota dealership or an independent mechanic who's expert in Lexus/Toyota factory parts.