Lexuswhite

Hi all. I am posting for my father. 2000 Lexus rx300 awd. Car was running great until a few days ago when code p1354 (vvt system malfunction bank 2) came up. Rough idle and a "stuffer" twice when taking it right home. Oil just changed with full synthetic 1 week ago at local shop. Always synthetic oil used since purchased used.

I am a starter in mechanics but would like to save some money fixing the issue if possible.
What would be step 1 in tackling this issue?
Or would it be cheaper to take it to my
Mechanic ?

I have heard replacing the vvt sensor (camshaft sensor?) or the ocv sensor first (oil control valve).
If so do local auto stores carry these ... Prices?

Any and all help is appreciated. Hope it is not the "oil sludge" isssue as oil changes are always on time. Thank you.

salimshah

I would suggest that give 'search' a try. Look through the DIY too.

here is one which is very recent
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ement-diy.html



Salim

Lexuswhite

Thanks for the link. I did replace bank 2 ocv solenoid as well as cleaned the small filter. The car idles fine in park and drives fine (so far on short trips) but when stopped in hear will have a small shake and rough idle. The vvt system code is gone but code p1656 - OCV circuit malfunction bank 1 popped up.

Anyone have an idea on what step to take next? First time here on the forums and attempting to tackle the Lexus world. Thanks!

salimshah

CL search did not yield much but google search with "p1656 + rx300" found a repair PDF.

Please do write here what you find out.

Salim

Baetke

Lexuswhite
Any time you have a trouble code with the word "circuit" in it, you have an electrical problem. Do you have a scan tool that can pull freeze frame data? Do you have an oscilloscope and know how to use it? If not, consider going to a mechanic. Troubleshooting electrical problems is not hard if you have the right equipment and know how to use it but if not, you can do a lot of expensive damage. This looks like a VVT sensor, the wiring to the ECU, or the ECU itself.

Baetke

thomas1

I think it is not electrical....Could be a mechanical failure in the timing gear assembly. The Camshafts are fed oil thru the OCV valves and the cams are either advanced or retarded depending on engine speed and load. THese cam gears do fail. My neighbor had problems with his and we took it apart and tried to clean it, but he ended up having to replace the gear assembly....Good luck That is how the VVTI system works....

MichaelA6

Have you fixed the issue I'm having the same 1354code I've already replaced all sensors .... ..these threads are useless if you don't post how you fixed the issue

salimshah

which sensor(s) did you replace?

Salim

MichaelA6

The two oil valve controls and clean the 2 cam sensors. Vvt valves im still getting th p1365 code. If I reset the computer it runs normal for 5 min than revs up and down.

salimshah

After cleaning the oil valve controls, did you test them for functionality.

I aim not sure if cam sensor cleanup helps. Either they are good or they are bad [please confirm]

For IACV, please make sure the slug can move 90 degrees.

Unfortunately with 3 things involved the diagnosis has to have some reassurance that the other two are functioning properly.


Salim

MichaelA6

i replaced the two vvt valves, and cleaned the 2 cam sensors. but im still having the p1354 code.

how do i test the cam sensors?

salimshah

Other suggestion
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...lp-please.html

If 1354 the only code then the cam sensor can be left alone. [I dont know how to check the sensor .. some may have ohm check].

Salim

MichaelA6

NONE of these threads are describing what i have yes i KNOW p1354 is a code to just change out the oil control valve ive already replaced that and thats not fixing my issue.....

salimshah

Micheal:

There come a point where you have to take the vehicle to a professional. Help from enthusiasts has its limitations. We can arm you with information and after a point you are on your own. I don't mean to sound cruel, but am sharing our (mine) shortcoming.


Salim

JAB

Salim is right. If you have replaced the correct OCV, cleaned the screen, reconnected the wire harness, reset the code and it still comes back, then you have pretty much done everything that we can suggest. I have done this DIY repair twice and on both occasions the code went away. Let us know the outcome.