Paper clip fix not working
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
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Paper clip fix not working
The paper clip fix is no longer working now, when the VSC off, Check VSC, Check Engine light, and and Red Triangle with inside (!) are all on. I've used the paper clip fix a few times before with total success. After using my OBD reader to clear my PO440 code sucessfully, a few days later all the mentioned lights came on (VSC, Check VSC, CEL, and the Red Triangle. I can clear them with my scanner, but they do reappear within a few days. In addition, I now have P1351 (Ignition Control Module Circuit Voltage). I'm not sure how to proceed....I'll be going to my regular Indy tomorrow, but am not totally confident with his limited diagnostic tools there will be a definitive fix. Anyone with a clue? I hope I didn't f...k up my ECM with constant clearing and posssibly placing my paper clip in the wrong receptacles on the OBD plug. I am willing to go to Lexus for a Diagnostic, but don't trust them for their most likely over the top super expensive fix....
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Ohio
Find an indi who has ability to truly read and test the computer and who knows what to do depending on what is found. I don't think you messed it up by just forcing it to clear a bunch of times
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
Update: I took my car to my Indi and he connected his way more sophisticated scanner than mine ($8500) which came up with my P1351 code. He checked the actual solenoid (VVT Solenoid Bank 2) and saw that the motor inside of the solenoid was not working. He said that would trip the VSC as well as the CEL. I ordered the VVT Solenoid from Lexus. If the VSC off light still comes on after the installing the solenoid, I'm hoping the paper clip fix will then resolve the issue. To be continued.
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: 565 St Peter NOLA
Update: I took my car to my Indi and he connected his way more sophisticated scanner than mine ($8500) which came up with my P1351 code. He checked the actual solenoid (VVT Solenoid Bank 2) and saw that the motor inside of the solenoid was not working. He said that would trip the VSC as well as the CEL. I ordered the VVT Solenoid from Lexus. If the VSC off light still comes on after the installing the solenoid, I'm hoping the paper clip fix will then resolve the issue. To be continued.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
Last edited by Bocatrip; Jun 9, 2021 at 02:06 PM.
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Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
Update: I took my car to my Indi and he connected his way more sophisticated scanner than mine ($8500) which came up with my P1351 code. He checked the actual solenoid (VVT Solenoid Bank 2) and saw that the motor inside of the solenoid was not working. He said that would trip the VSC as well as the CEL. I ordered the VVT Solenoid from Lexus. If the VSC off light still comes on after the installing the solenoid, I'm hoping the paper clip fix will then resolve the issue. To be continued.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Ohio
I was just wondering.....Would anyone out there suggest that I change both VVT Solenoids at the same time even though only one shows up faulty? I am currently changing VVT Solenoid Bank 2 as it showed up with code P1351....Should I change Bank 1 as well as long as I have it apart? Each OEM Solenoid is $112......What do you guys think? Thanks all.
*usually since in theory they won't ever wear out*
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
Yes you should do both, they usually* die due to some level of oil contamination building up so if one goes the other is not far behind and if not from dirt if the motors are just weak from cycle count then the other is again likely close.
*usually since in theory they won't ever wear out*
*usually since in theory they won't ever wear out*
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