Lexmex

I tried to set up this poll a few times with no luck, so this is my latest attempt. I have grouped similar codes together without text.

Many thanks to Bob2200 for suggesting this.

Keep in mind to those visiting the forum for the first time, the fact that we are listing these codes by no means suggests the RX300 is a problematic vehicle (far from it), but the fact that in this forum we have been able to fix many of these codes on our own (rather than having to spend vast sums) is a true testament to the fine legacy of this vehicle. This is by no means meant to be a scientific poll.

Lexmex

Codes can be accessed via an OBD2 scanner. AutoZone and many car parts stores often will read the codes for you for free.

The location for the input of the scanner is here. There is a black plastic cover that easily comes off to reveal the OBD port.

Lexmex

OBD2 code scanners are relatively inexpensive and work across a variety of vehicles (generally 1996 model vehicles and newer). This is my trusty Actron CP9125 that I purchased for under $100 USD. They pay for themselves.

Amazon.com and better yet ebay are inexpensive places to find these scanners for much less than sold at auto parts stores. Many advanced scanners for under $100 USD can access information such as A/F sensor readings, coolant temperature, air intake temperature. In addition, if you have laptop there are many programs (with purchase of applicable hardware) that can connnect the laptop to your vehicle to enable the greatest amount of information to be displayed.

I recommend if you also have a 2005 or later model year vehicle (though there are some 2003-04 vehicles this will apply to) in addition to your RX300 to get a scanner that has the CAN protocol in order to work with those newer vehicles. An OBD2 scanner with or without CAN will still be able to scan your RX300. However, I highly recommend to pay the slight extra $$$ to get a CAN OBD2 scanner to increase its usefulness for all vehicles you may own. One other note, most vehicles before 1996, used OBDI, which is not compatible with an OBDII scanner.

All vehicles sold in the US effective the 2008 model year use CAN.

opelmanz

Most annoying code I ever had was VSC. I learned after some research that as long as any CEL code was active, VSC would refuse to operate (bastard). After spending a few months clearing dirty ABS wheel sensors and oxygen sensor codes, VSC still refused to go out. So I did the ZPC, zero-point calibration. I was a little skeptical that doing the few little steps, including shorting a few terminals would work, but low and behold, VSC LIGHT IS GONE!!

Other scary code situation was after I replaced ECU, having just been reflashed. I forgot to plug in one harness set and my car really did not like me, wouldn't shift right, A/C was blinking. Scared the crap out of me. After doing a little research, many people pointed to the ECU. Took only minutes to see I missed a harness. Thank heavens.

I currently am "borrowing" my dad's AutoTap which I use with my laptop to read and clear codes on the car. I heart OBD2.

LxsClgry

I decided to buy one of the Actron CP9125 ( ebay -25 bucks). Then wondering about CAN option. Can someone point a good one that I should buy to explore codes on my Lexus RX300 1999 - running great at 185K miles on it.

74Mako

Am having difficulty locking down Evap 0440 Codes. Have replaced all sensors, Canister, Computer, and smoke test several times to no joy. Even gone as far as replaced both the Gas Filler Tube and New Lexus Gas Cap. Car will run for 2 - 3 days and same Evap codes come back. Anyone else having that issue please let me know. Have over 140K mileage and the car still runs great. just cannot get rid of those codes.

Oldlexy

Im not sire of the codes but ive changed my knock sensors and harness and still have cell on.ive had coil pack codes and evap codes also

spongie

I am having the same issue with my car - did you ever figure out what it was?

KayBahd

I have codes p0441, p0440 and p0446 from my lexus rx300 2002. Anybody ever had a similar code and how did you solve it. My car is due for emission test soon, i fear the code will affect the test .

Kevvo1

2001 Rx300
Purchased an Innova 3150 scanner to diagnose SRS dashboard light (Scanner has SRS capability)
-Scanner identified code: "B0118 Short in Side Squib (LH) Circuit (to +B)" <--whatever that means
I cleared code and it is gone.

Also codes P1135, P1155, C1201 (Still don't know what this last code was)
-All three were fixed after replacing two Denso A/F sensors (B1S1 & B2S1)

KayBahd

Lucky you Kevvo1.

I once wiped my codes out with the scanner but it came back few days later.

Two weeks ago, change my belt and did a minor work on my alternator ( because my battery keeps going down) and ever since, the lights went off and my battery has been perfect.

Kevvo1

Hey Kaybahd the code you cleared, are you talking about the SRS B0118? I hope the SRS light doesn't ever come back for me. I cleared it just 4 days ago.
Again, when you changed your serpentine belt and worked on your alternator, was it the SRS light/code b0118 that turned off? Just want clarification cause you said "lights."

KayBahd

The VSC and Check engine light that came up on the dash board

dugoram

I just purchased a 01' RX300 with 140k miles. The second day I drove it the VSC light, the TRAC OFF light and CEL came on. Checked Torque OBDII code reader and got the: p0441, p0440 and p0446 codes. I cleared them and have not driven since (just yesterday)...I read something about hose or can near the spare in the back? I had just been checking the spare and looking around the back for the first time but bad weather kept me from looking into it further. Anybody have any insight?

KayBahd

The light will still come back after certain time after wiping it off ( say 4 to 7 days) depending on the number of times you crank the car.

The best way to completely fix this problem is by going to lexus because that is only place to get the part ( a valve somewhere along the gas line)