By now I've read in many places that this model es300 is prone to this problem where the car would not shift to overdrive (automatic). I have purchased this with very high miles and didn't even realize that it is not shifting to OD when I test drove it. In any case, its been at the shop for several weeks now ever since I bought it. At first, the computer said it is knock sensors (as it was also said in many forums for this issue with this car), so we changed both knock sensors including its sub-harness, also changed the ECT sensor in the process. It drove fine and shifted to OD but after 15 or 20 miles, OD stopped again. The computer reading is now saying the O2 sensors as well as the knock sensors ... again.
I have not changed the O2 sensors as I am not sure if that even is the right thing to do.
I cant afford to take it to Lexus and not sure how many more sensors etc, is the computer going to require changing.

Pls. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

how did this turn out and what was the problem and was expensive to fix. thanks!

 

First, we need to know the exact codes that are being output by the computer. OD is often "turned off" by the computer when certain codes are stored in the system. Knock sensor codes are definately one of them. Give us a list of codes you are currently getting, and we can go from there.

 

it is saying knock sensor 2 again and o2 sensors...

 

I am experiencing the CEL and trac off dash light problem. I am NOT noticing any difference whatsoever in the engine performance, gas comsumption etc. I have a 1999 es 300 with 107000 miles on it. I took it to Auto Zone for the code reading and this is what I got:
P0171
definition-
system too lean-bank 1 (cylinder number 1 denotes bank 1)
probable cause
1.-lean air/fuel ratio-fuel injectore or vacuum leak
2. MAF sensor concern
3. ECT sensor fault
4. Faulty ho2s (heated oxygen sensor)

So...all I want is the car to be ok and those dash lights to go off.
side note...three weeks ago I replace the air filter and removed the battery terminal to clear the code. It made the dash light go off for about 4 days.

Where do I begin?
Where are these sensors located?

The guy at Auto ZOne suggested I try fuel injector cleaner. Any thoughts? Could that help?

Again, the car is running fine! However, I am into preventative maintenence. I want to keep this car nice! It is a wonderful, smooth running car!

Thanks!!
~Christy

(sorry for the novel)