Hello all,

So a P0442 code came up on a 01 rx 300 we bought about a half a year ago. We replaced the gas cap and reset the code and it still came back on after about 3 days ( we have done this many times). So I got fed up and just took it into the mechanic shop, apparently the canister isn't bad but the VSV that is integral to the canister is not functioning (they said i had to replace the canister as it is essentially the same part). They quoted me 850 for the canister (which seems high), there labor isn't to bad i think its 150 or so but the part is so damn expensive. I've seen some canisters online for about 400 bucks or so, only catch is I am not sure if they come with that VSV attached to them which I definitely need to find out if it does before I purchasing. Question to the forum is, would it be tough to replace the canister myself? I think I am decently mechanically inclined although I am not nearly as familiar with emissions side of things. Any help is appreciated.

- Mike

 

The VSV in my 1999 RX canister failed several years ago. I discovered that for at least 1999 and perhaps 2000 but no later, the VSV was separately replaceable; I got the p/n and went to a Toyota dealer. Saved a lot of money because Lexus wanted to sell me the entire canister. If you find the canister at a decent price I don't think installation will be terribly difficult.

 

check this out for education

Salim

 

Charcoal canister replace is easy.
Definitely do that diagnostic shown in the video first. You can borrow the vacuum pump tool at AdvanceAuto.

I replaced mine last year, hardest part was figuring out the part number.

On my 1999 the original was 77740-48010
As per TSB EG001-99 from April 1999 it was replaced by 77740-48030
Some parts sites doing a VIN lookup said it was 77740-48011

I bought the latter on ebay in July 2015, it's been fine. I see the seller still has some, price is $397.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-LEXUS-RX300-CANISTER-ASSY-CHARC-77740-48011-/321562399105?hash=item4ade9cd181
Verify the part number is correct for your model year.

 

You may be able to find just the VSV solenoid check valve by itself and not have to replace the entire canister. I found one for my RX330 for $53 on partsgeek.com. it's the same part on the Tundra, Highlander, Camry, and Sienna o n similar year models. I don't see one for your rx300 but there are some for es300 and older camry for abut $30. Most likely the same part. Just search on charcoal canister lexus and toyota to see all the options

 

One thing you should consider is that the VSV may not have failed but simply be clogged. I vaguely recall reading about others experience with that, after I had already replaced mine.

 

I looked up my old posts on this subject and was reminded that a vacuum leak in the lines connected to the VSV will trigger the CEL that suggests evaporative device malfunction (or words to that effect.) In fact, I suspect that my problem was a bad hose and not the VSV itself. Inspect those hose connections carefully; you may find one or more are in bad shape. Fix them first, before buying a new VSV. You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

A smoke test or pressure test of the emission lines will show where the leak is coming from. I assume your mechanic isolated the leak was emanating from the canisters VSV valve.

 

Apparently the mechanic did a smoke test and verified that the VSV is problematic. I can't figure out if I could replace the VSV seperately of the canister on a 2001 RX 300. Apparently the canister that is sold on ebay doesn't have the VSV connected to it. Which somewhat makes me think that the VSV is seperately replaceable.

 

You can replace it separately. They just don't sell the VSV separately at any Lexus dealership parts dept so you're stuck buying the whole canister with the VSV valve. But Partsgeek.com sells them separately. Since I don't see a VSV for an 01 RX300, I would get the Dorman VSV for the 00-03 ES300 for $25.98 and the Dorman VSV for the 01-02 Toyota 4Runner for $36.23 since they both look slightly different. Have your mechanic match it to the existing VSV then return the unused one. That's what I would do

http://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?ssq=rx3...ter&make=Lexus

http://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?ssq=rx3...er&make=Toyota

 

Hello all,

So its been a while that i've replied to this thread. So I ended up finding the OEM part for the vacuum switch valve on the canister for my 2001 Lexus RX 300, which is what my mechanic identified as being bad. I am going to be replacing it this week when the part arrives and was curious if there is anything I should be aware of when removing the old vacuum switch valve to replace it with the new one? Seems like a pretty simple job when I got down and looked at the canister and the location of the VSV on it.

 

Please do a DIY on accessing canister and checking the valve. I have not come across one specific to RX300.

Salim

 

My wife's VSV is starting to go bad. Is this an easy fix?
Recall it being a pain in the *** for the GS400

 

Hi Salim et al,

I want to test the VSV (ie, the one the evap canister) per the video above. May I ask how does this hose connector come off? I've never removed one like that.



Thanks for your help : )
Regards . . .

 

It can be frustrating. If you study the connector, you will eventually realize how it comes apart. I used 2 flathead screwdrivers (one on each side).