I have a 2000 Lexus ES 300 that I purchase with 60,000 miles 2 years ago. At about 65,000 the check engine light, VSC and VSC light periodically came on but never stayed. I now have 108,300 miles and this problem plus some happened today.

I had started my car and it had been in idle for a few minutes. I noticed it started to somewhat stutter or shake prior to backing up (It was still in park). Strange! I proceeded to drive it and then the check engine light started flashing. About a mile down the road the VSC and VSC Off lights came on and stayed on. The check engine light would go back and forth between flashing and staying solid. The stuttering seems to be worse when first accelerating.

I came back home and waited a while. I went back out to see if it was any different. I decided to take it on the interstate, lights are doing the same and now I can't go over 30 - 40 mph because it's not recognizing to 'change gears' so at 70 it stays at 4000 rpms. Can't be good

Does anyone have any ideas??? I'm taking it to Lexus dealership and would kind of like to know what I might be looking at - repair and cost wise!!!

 

Could be a problem with one of your ignition coils (since it is flashing) or MAF sensor issue.

Real thing to do here is to take your vehicle buy an AutoZone and they can usually scan the codes in your vehicle for free. If you bring back the codes, I can go over them with you and you will have a much better idea of what is wrong.

 

It was 2 of my ignition coils - repairs ran me $396 at Lexus. There was also a code for one of my sensors but once the bad coils were replaced, it was no longer an issue. Whew!!! I was so afraid it was going to be worse than that. Thanks for the heads up! I'm so happy my 'L' runs beautifully again!!!

 

hello jennbrad I too am having the very same problem and I am in the middle of traying to resolve it so please lets keep in touch and try and help each other. My name is alberto and my e-mail is tatayajavier@hotmail.com
best of luck to both of us

 

I love my '98 ES300 with more than 204,000 miles on it! In 2001 I rear-ended a van, requiring extensive front-end work to my baby, and in December we had two valves replaced after the check engine light came on.
The light went off for a while, and now it seems to have a mind of its own. Sometimes it will go off if I fill up the tank, sometimes not. It seems to be running smoothly otherwise. Anyone else out there have the same problem? Ideas?