Notices
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

cel and codes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 12:18 PM
  #1  
stevesxm's Avatar
stevesxm
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: nh
Default cel and codes

hi, am well experienced retired mechanic. golfing buddy showed up today w/ 2000 rx350 with 4000 miles on it... really.... he seldom if ever drives it as he has prob six other cars. at anyrate, his check engine light is on. ive never gotten the codes out of one of these... is there a way to do it manually w/out a scanner and is there a list of codes on this site somewhere to refer to ?
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 12:25 PM
  #2  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Default

Welcome to the Club.

Unfortunately not, of course the OBDI system gave us that luxury. The only thing he can do is take it to an AutoZone or mechanic with an OBD2 scanner. If you let me know what the code is I can tell you what you are dealing with as in the RX300 subsection I have gone over plenty of codes that affect that vehicle.

The OBD2 port should be just above the parking brake near one's left knee when they are sitting in the driver's seat.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 12:29 PM
  #3  
stevesxm's Avatar
stevesxm
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: nh
Default

thanks but thats the problem... we are located on a carribean island and the nearest scanner is probably miami... but ill check around. there is a toyoata dealer here and they might have one... maybe...

thanks again and will advise... as an aside, is there anything in particular that the 2000's were known for that " they all did " sort of thing ?

car runs and drives perfect... personally im thinking o2 sensor as the fuel quality here is suspect all the time
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 12:37 PM
  #4  
vj3's Avatar
vj3
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Default

Use forum SEARCH engine may be you can find something. Also double
check your buddy(s) RX year & model.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 12:40 PM
  #5  
vj3's Avatar
vj3
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Default

Use forum SEARCH engine may be you can find something.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 12:42 PM
  #6  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Default

If this was a 2000, this probably is a RX300, not an RX350 as you mentioned.

What island are you on by chance?

What you can do is an old trick that I used to use until I picked up a scanner if you want to try to clear the code by yourself.

If you open up the hood an go to the fusebox on the righthand side you will find this fuse, known as an EFI fuse. Remove it for at least 10 seconds (key must be out the ignition) and then put it back in. The vehicle may start off slow, but this is just due to the way the adaptive nature of the ECU works.

The most common code is probably a P0171 which is a lean air and is often caused by a simple gas cap not being tightened right.

The Toyota dealer should definitely have one.
Attached Thumbnails cel and codes-efifuse.jpg  
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 03:15 PM
  #7  
stevesxm's Avatar
stevesxm
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: nh
Default

Originally Posted by Lexmex
If this was a 2000, this probably is a RX300, not an RX350 as you mentioned.

What island are you on by chance?

What you can do is an old trick that I used to use until I picked up a scanner if you want to try to clear the code by yourself.

If you open up the hood an go to the fusebox on the righthand side you will find this fuse, known as an EFI fuse. Remove it for at least 10 seconds (key must be out the ignition) and then put it back in. The vehicle may start off slow, but this is just due to the way the adaptive nature of the ECU works.

The most common code is probably a P0171 which is a lean air and is often caused by a simple gas cap not being tightened right.

The Toyota dealer should definitely have one.
make date is 10/00 and i was pretty sure it said rx350 on the back but maybe not...

so taking the efi fuse out resets the codes ? well thats worth doing and ill check the gas cap altho that would have to do w/ the vapor recovery system which i didn't think HAD a code but either way, its easy to do. ill see the car again sunday and take a whack at it.

am on sint maarten
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 05:41 PM
  #8  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Default

Originally Posted by stevesxm
make date is 10/00 and i was pretty sure it said rx350 on the back but maybe not...

so taking the efi fuse out resets the codes ? well thats worth doing and ill check the gas cap altho that would have to do w/ the vapor recovery system which i didn't think HAD a code but either way, its easy to do. ill see the car again sunday and take a whack at it.

am on sint maarten
Normally, I would move this post over to the RX300 subforum, but will keep it here for your convenicence. That should be an RX300. However, I am aware (and especially first hand after my trip last year to Jamaica) there is a 2.4 L version of the RX300 on some of the islands where right hand drive exists.

However, 10/00 is definitely the 1st generation RX300.

The efi fuse should reset it, but if it comes back on, you can also try disconnecting both of the battery cables for about a minute and then reconnecting them. That can also clear the code, but it resets things like radio stations, clock and seat controls.

If a code still comes back on, take it to Toyota and have them read the code and they will probably tell you what it is, but I can also and what is the possible remedy if you have the code number.

Hmmm, noticed Toyota in Saint Maarten's website and couldn't help but noticing an RX300 on the furthest vehicle to the right.

http://www.toyota-caribbean.com/countrytop/stmaarten/
Attached Thumbnails cel and codes-ct_stmaarten.jpg  
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 05:43 PM
  #9  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Default

If you have to read the code, I am 99.9% positive Toyota should know the location, but to connect the scanner, the port is right here.
Attached Thumbnails cel and codes-obdiiarea.jpg  
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 05:44 PM
  #10  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Default

And this is an example of an OBD2 scanner, the one I use.
Attached Thumbnails cel and codes-actronscanner.jpg  
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2008 | 07:16 PM
  #11  
mgregoryow's Avatar
mgregoryow
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default Need assistance

My 2004 RX330 was parked for two weeks in the garage during a short vacation. On returning, the car started with a very slight delay and shortly thereafter, the "Check engine", "VSC" and TRAC OFF" indicating lights came on and then the "Maint. Req.". Any help here?
Thanks in advance.
Greg
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2008 | 06:00 AM
  #12  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Default

Welcome to the Club.

There might be some accumulation somewhere along the fuel lines or in the combustion chamber that has hardened. I too have had the same problem, recently when I came back from DC for the holidays and last year when I went to Jamaica for a week.

Best thing is still to get the code read, as AutoZone does this for free and then bring me the code and I will let you know the possibilities.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2008 | 07:05 AM
  #13  
stevesxm's Avatar
stevesxm
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: nh
Default

feel free to move the thread, i can find it again im sure and am sure you are correct about the model... there are about a billion rx350s here and im sure i just presumed same. funny you post that scanner pic. just ordered one for this guy as figure this will not be the last time i see this car and at 45 $ is no big deal. will reset on sunday and see what happens. thanks again for quick help. hard ro believe this car 8 years old with 4 thousand miles... he is talking about getting a new one ( why ? ) and i figure to try to get it cheap. looks like no one has ever sat in it.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2008 | 09:16 AM
  #14  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Default

Ok, will move to the RX300 thread.

Let me know if you need any other assistance.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2008 | 01:53 PM
  #15  
stevesxm's Avatar
stevesxm
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: nh
Default

ok......... reset the light unscrewed and reset the gas cap and it came back on on the way home... so its something else.

oh well. ill see what the scanner says when it gets here.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
beachlover
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
8
Feb 28, 2020 09:55 PM
Lexmex
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
23
Nov 10, 2018 09:30 PM
430keeper
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
4
Dec 15, 2014 10:57 AM
dusouth
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
15
Dec 10, 2008 03:09 PM
bigdogg49
GS - 1st Gen (1993-1997)
3
Dec 2, 2008 02:12 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:56 AM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE