My 2000 Rx300 (171k miles) hasn't been shifting into OD and the CEL code 0330 returnred. So the knock sensors or harnesses need replacing.

BUT, the car also sometimes doesn't accelerate from a standing start--the rpm's won't go above 2000 and the MPH won't go much over 20mph. This has proven dangerous twice when I pulled out into traffic. The engine isn't racing when this happens as it would if the transmission were slipping.

Could this be due to the knock sensors as well?

 

Does the strange behavior happen while the CEL is on? Reason I ask is that you can reset the CEL for some duration before knock sensors bring the code back.

Once the CEL is on, the vehicle can get into fail-safe mode and behave abnormally.


Salim

 

So it is the fact that the CEL light is on that causes this, not necessarily the knock sensor? It only happens once in maybe 50 accelerations, but when it does it's dangerous. The failure of OD to engage occurs much more often.

 

If there is a fault with the knock sensors, and they are sending a faulty "knock" reading, etc. then the car goes into a limp mode of sorts to prevent damage... causing an acceleration issue.

Since you have a code for the kncok sensor, if you are going to replace one, I recommend doing both along with the harness under the manifold. No extra labor, just parts

 

Your statement is not clear to me.

Knock sensor produce the CEL and after a bit it will lock the OD out.

There are other reasons (other than knock sensor problem) that can lock out OD.

I was hoping you could figure out that OD lockout is really due to knock-sensors.


Salim