HI everyone,
I have a 98gs300 with 191k miles. Here is the sympton that I have: My check engine lights comes on and off here and there. It goes on for a day sometimes and then off for a week and then back on again. Sometimes it goes on and then it turns off when I turn the car on again after parking for few hours.

So anyways I went and purchase a code reader and I have two codes:
1. Too lean Bank 1
2. Shift Solenoid

My question is...I understand too lean, but specifically what is bank 1? My tranny slips sometimes when its cold, and I notice my tranny fluid is like the color of oil. A little dark and definitely no red at all. If I change the fluid would it cure the shift solenoid code or would I have to actually change the shift solenoid?

 

damnn tranny fluid looks like oil not good..
how does it smell burnt?
whens the last time you got the transmission serviced how long have you owned the car
are you doing drain and refills?
i have the shift solenoid problem also same thing goes and comes but now its steady I think the only way to really get it fixed is to replace it

 

....Basically this means that an oxygen sensor in bank 1 detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 1 is the side of the engine that has cylinder #1.(more on link) G/L homie..

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0171

 

I just recently purchased this car from an auction, so I have no clue when it was last changed. Im going to change it ASAP though.

Oh I almost forgot to metion my other issue. Besides the code, I noticed I have to crank the car a little longer in order to start it. So most car if you turn on ignition it basically will turn and start. Mine spins for a while, meaning the starter spins it for awhile, and then it will start.

Any guess on my issue? Im thinking dirty fuel filter or injector, thats why I also have the leaning issue. What do you guys think?

 

When you turn the ignition is it strong? Does the engine seem to be struggling? Do your lights dim when you crank it? If you start it, then turn it off and immediatly start it again does it start right up w/o hesitation? These questions may help you find a source, but really you should just take it to a shop to get a dianostic IMO.

 

Check all vacuum lines for leaks... and do a drain and fill on that transmission fluid...

 

auction car?? im a dealer too with that many miles i dunno what auction but seriously on another note take it to your mechanic that you take you auction cars too because seems like it need alot that car has probably been abused like all the other auction cars... yeah get it right auction cars are not as clean as one owner dealer bought cars like my gs4 is...
sorry to be an *** i know this isnt the bmw forums lol but when its that miles its mechanic first get all fluids changed all maintance done Rear end tranny flushed flushed cuz that one sounds bad.... how does it smell?
get oil changed
check for timing belt change sticker probably not even done im assuming
was this Adesa by any chance>?

 

Not Adesa. Before I purchase the car I was looking everywhere for a gs300 that within $6k range or lower. I coundnt find anything. I tried Prime, CADE, but cant really find what I was looking for. I was looking for a silver specifically with any mileage because I plan on swapping the aristo engine. My only concern is that it runs for a few months or more, maybe a year if anything, then the swap will come in. Also Im a wholesale dealer, and I didnt want to go through all the hassle of getting the sales transfer from a dealer back to me. Lots of fees. Anyways i got it at a public auction for $5500. The body is in great condition minus the front bumper, which I changed for $150. Blah Blah...let me get back on track here.


The cranking is strong. Its not the alternator, battery, or anything like that. Its either short on fuel or weak on spark. So my gut feeling is the fuel pump or fuel filter. Sometimes it starts up great, and sometimes its not. I just bought the tranny fluid today and will change it ASAP. So what do you guys think...am I on track in regards to the fuel pump or filter?

Timing belt...Im not sure, but I will inspect it later this week. Im sure its be serviced since there are signs of tamperiment on the timing belt cover bolts and throttle body as well.

note: Figure Im going to change it anyways, since the aristo swap will require me to change the filter and pump anyways due to high mileage. Just as precaution for the new motor.