Need help check vsc light and check engine light
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
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From: ny
Need help check vsc light and check engine light
Hello i recently purchased a 1999 lexus ls 400 from a small dealership and am starting to think its was a mistake... i love the car but same day check engine light came on took it back but they said car comes with no warranty but as a courtesey they will fix code was for cat converter... now 3 days later check vsc light and check engine light come on and codes says p1349 wich reads variable valve timing system malfunction and the car sputters ant idle but drives fine... anyone have any idea what it could be please help... or should i take it to lexus to have them check it
Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 3
From: CA
While most people here might not believe the damage to engine when hitting potholes, I recently damaged my fan clutch bearing after a big pothole, and got a clinking sound afterward. So while it may sound unscientific, hitting potholes does shake cars up a little bit, especially on worn out engine mounts, suspension, etc.... Anyhow, I am not familiar with 98-00's VVTi engine, but on 95-97, there are 2 tensioner pulley tugging on timing belt to keep it tight, and I can see how those pulleys might have gotten lose after a pothole incident (again, not likely but does happen).
Since your car is 11 years old it is probably time for a timing belt change (if it has not done so). If this is what you end up doing, ask the mechanic how tight the belt/pulleys were before removal. Don't skimp on the belt because I just bought a 96 LS (as a parts car) because its timing belt snapped (goodbye engine). Good luck.
Since your car is 11 years old it is probably time for a timing belt change (if it has not done so). If this is what you end up doing, ask the mechanic how tight the belt/pulleys were before removal. Don't skimp on the belt because I just bought a 96 LS (as a parts car) because its timing belt snapped (goodbye engine). Good luck.
search for it, generally speaking the P1349 code is an indicator of a dead oil control valve. there are two on the LS400 iirc. not a common issue at all, and with proper oil maint. they tend to last forever, but can be defeated when sludged up. a good LEXUS mechanic (dealership or independent) shouldnt have much of a problem fixing it.
you got hosed by that dealership though.
and no, hitting a pothole doesnt do anything to a car that 100k+ mi. does
you got hosed by that dealership though.
and no, hitting a pothole doesnt do anything to a car that 100k+ mi. does
Last edited by PureDrifter; Feb 9, 2010 at 12:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: ny
thanks guys will check it out... i am trying to go to dealer to see if they will cover it under some lemon law or some sort of warranty as its only been 3 to 4 days of me driving the car
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