joetarin

Hey guys. I was driving my 01 RX300 with 94K miles today in the rain and I took a turn pretty fast on the wet pavement and my VSC and Check Engine light came and and didnt go off. I tried to shut the car off and restart but no luck. Light is still on. Any ideas?

Thx

Lexmex

Welcome to ClubLexus

The VSC I don't doubt given what you describe and what could have happened here was an error related to the way the tires spinning and what what sensed by the vehicle's ECM. The specific code number escapes me for the moment.

There are two tricks we use to attempt the rest the check engine light are pulling the battery cables or easier to do is with the vehicle off and car out of the ignition pull the EFI fuse in your fusebox (yellow 20 amp outlined in blue below) for a few seconds, put it back in and start up the vehicle. Sometimes after 3 restarts, a check engine light will reset itself.

If error still persists, an AutoZone will usually read the code stored in the computer, known as an OBDII code and I or other fine members of this forum will be happy to help you diagnose the code.

Bwaters

I had the same problem on my 1999 ES300. Have the check engine codes read. If it comes up as P0330 and P0171 then the knock sensor probably needs to be changed. When the knock sensor goes bad it causes the engine to run lean thus code P0171. It also causes the transmission to go into a limp mode where it won't shift into OD. On mine, this didn't happen immediatly it took a few thousand miles.

There's two knock sensors, bank 1 and bank 2. P0330 is for bank 2 (the one closer to the radiator). You're supposed to change them both though. You'll also have to change the wiring harness for the knock sensors. You have to pull both the upper and lower portion of the intake manifold to change them. The dealer said it would cost about $1200 for the job. I was able to do it for under $200. I only changed one of the sensors though.

Let me know if you want more details. I just did it last week so it's all fresh in my memory.

bloo1987

My VSC and check engine light also came on this week. They said there is a leak in my exhaust. Like a broken gasket. P0174 and P0442. But I dont know if that is the only problem. I am about to have my 90k service done. Pretty big service, but I am looking for the right place right now.

Meetya

Good post. That's right even if one of knock sensors goes bad, ECM will shut down O/D. I will try to post FIY on how to replace them on RX. There is a trick on how to disconnect engine stay on passenger side. While you are at it it is really good idea to change ALL 6 spark plugs and both knock sensors, if you do it yourself.

Bandj

I have a 01 rx300 the Trac off light VSC light and check engine lights are on I reset the computer by disconnecting the battery they went away for a couple days come back on so I went to AutoZone and have them check it. It had only one code come back and it was P0330 a knock sensor 2 Circuit (bank 2) could there be any thing else? Also can you do the knock sensor by yourself?

salimshah

Do a search.

We have a complete DIY (legal) and experimental solution. Note disabling emission related sensors is illegal in some states/counties.

Salim