Check engine light !!!
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
From: mississippi
Check engine light !!!
While driving my car today I noticed my CEL came on. Car felt a little “putsy” like it wasn’t firing on all cylinders but went back to normal when car was warmed up. Went to a gas station so I can stop to see what’s going on. I checked random things since I wasn’t close to any shop. Drove back to my job and turned car off.
Left it alone for 10 minutes came back and started car and now the CEL is off. I drove it around for 29 minutes and it didn’t come back on. Finally got home and check the gas cap and it seem like normal. I don’t understand what tripped it. It’s been cold here but afternoon it gets to around 70. Not sure what to do any suggestions? In the morning I’m going to get it diagnosed at a car part store that has those scanners. Any suggestions is appreciated. I’ve check all over CL and didn’t find anything.
thanks
Left it alone for 10 minutes came back and started car and now the CEL is off. I drove it around for 29 minutes and it didn’t come back on. Finally got home and check the gas cap and it seem like normal. I don’t understand what tripped it. It’s been cold here but afternoon it gets to around 70. Not sure what to do any suggestions? In the morning I’m going to get it diagnosed at a car part store that has those scanners. Any suggestions is appreciated. I’ve check all over CL and didn’t find anything.
thanks
Ive had this happen a few times, and usually its my maf sensor code that gets triggered. I simply remove it and spray the sensors filament with electrical cleaner and it goes back to normal. But always scan the car to verify whats going on before you dump time and money into it.
Last edited by ibidu1; Jan 19, 2022 at 04:55 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 330
Likes: 183
From: SC
Without pulling the code/codes that threw the check engine light, you're just guessing. If you don't have an OBDII code reader, you could go to an Advance Auto or Auto Zone. They will read codes for you and try to sell you parts to correct the code.
I'd recommend, like others above, share the stored code/codes and advice to correct will follow.
I'd recommend, like others above, share the stored code/codes and advice to correct will follow.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 330
Likes: 183
From: SC
The code is stored/saved in the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and can be retrieved via the OBDII scanner. Most scanners can retrieve and then clear codes. You can then see if the check engine light is triggered again. If it does reappear after clearing, a real solution will need to be implemented. Sometimes you get "ghost" codes that don't reappear.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 63
Likes: 4
From: MI
This is like "Dr I sneezed a few times but now feel great, what's wrong?" Yes, have the stored codes retrieved and proceed from there. Since the CEL didn't come back without having to be cleared, the ECU saw an intermittent/momentary problem that it does not see now.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
From: mississippi
Just got it scanned, cod was po301 engine misfire cylinder 1 . Guy there checked and said I need spark plugs. That’s good news to me!! I’m going to check out coils again along with all the spark plugs. Any other recommendations?
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 330
Likes: 183
From: SC
P0301 could be spark plug cylinder #1 or coil cylinder #1, or both. The questions is, how many miles ago were the spark plugs changed?
If you are a DIYer, swap the coil from cylinder #1 with the coil from cylinder #3 and see if code P0303 appears. If so, it's the coil. If P0301 comes back, then it's the spark plug. If neither comes back, you may have had a "ghost" code. If you aren't a DIYer, and your spark plugs need changing, I'd recommend only Toyota/Lexus spark plugs from a dealer or reputable seller. Avoid Ebay due to Chinese knockoffs. Lexus/Toyota spark plugs are manufactured by Denso, so reputable Denso plugs would also work, although my personal experience with Denso plugs from Advance Auto is not good (triggered codes 2 years later on 4 of 6 plugs). If you need a coil, buy only Denso. RockAuto sells them for a good price.
Good luck.
If you are a DIYer, swap the coil from cylinder #1 with the coil from cylinder #3 and see if code P0303 appears. If so, it's the coil. If P0301 comes back, then it's the spark plug. If neither comes back, you may have had a "ghost" code. If you aren't a DIYer, and your spark plugs need changing, I'd recommend only Toyota/Lexus spark plugs from a dealer or reputable seller. Avoid Ebay due to Chinese knockoffs. Lexus/Toyota spark plugs are manufactured by Denso, so reputable Denso plugs would also work, although my personal experience with Denso plugs from Advance Auto is not good (triggered codes 2 years later on 4 of 6 plugs). If you need a coil, buy only Denso. RockAuto sells them for a good price.
Good luck.
Denso 3473 or oem FK20HBR11 Densos are about $12 each
Rarely do these spark plug coils go bad! As for plugs replace them if they havent been done, as 93SC stated theres a lot of knock offs online so becareful of what you buy. That 6 pack "OEM" plugs for $19 is a knockoff, our cars are sensitive to spark plugs. If you run anything other then iridium you may get issues.
Rarely do these spark plug coils go bad! As for plugs replace them if they havent been done, as 93SC stated theres a lot of knock offs online so becareful of what you buy. That 6 pack "OEM" plugs for $19 is a knockoff, our cars are sensitive to spark plugs. If you run anything other then iridium you may get issues.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
From: mississippi
Got everything checked again this afternoon. Yes it was only the spark plugs. Since everything was opened up I just went ahead and change all the plugs . Double checked the coils , mechanic is a good friend and said coils are near damn new. Thanks for all the help and suggestions.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Iszy250
Maintenance
5
May 20, 2010 01:12 AM
Antphilli
ES - 1st to 6th Gen (1990-2018)
3
Aug 20, 2008 10:42 PM