Hi,
My check engine light went on, on my 2002 SC430 (12k miles). Went to my local mechanic and he hooked it up to a computer and was told it was an O2 Sensor. I wanted OEM parts so he quoted me around $225.
I called the the local stealership and they wanted $480.

So he does the job and the light goes off. Now, I have two additional lights on one is the VCF light and VCF off light are on. He cleared them and as soon as I put it in drive they pop back on. He fiddled with it some more and same thing. He told me to drive it around with the new O2 sensor in it and come back tomorrow and see if it clears it's self.

Sounds fishy to me and I would hate to pay double at the Dealer.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for the sage advice. I always get good answers here.

 

Questions: which o2 sensor failed? There are four...
There are all sorts of culprits that can be responsible for the VSC light headache. One could be your mechanic's delicate touch, if you get my meaning.
Please read through this thread VSC dash lights I believe around post # 10 in the thread there is a jumper solution. But of course that begs the question ....was the correct o2 sensor used and or replaced?????

Personally, and it's just my opinion, nothing more, but "fiddling" really? Mechanics who fiddle around with "stuff" like the emission control systems of complex machines, scare me .

 

If its going to go off the lights should reset in about 5 start stop cycles. If lights don;t reset at that point then you have another issue. Take it to Lexus so they can diagnose - their test equipment reads a lot more Lexus specific codes. You can get it fixed elsewhere but you really need a very accurate pinpoint diagnoses as the error codes can cascade cloaking some problems so an experienced Lexus tech is your best bet.

 

Dear VVTIBob,
it was Sensor #2. I went to the mechanic today with a print out of post #10 and the diagram. He shook his head on my new found knowledge and lo and behold, dash lights went off. Happy customer! Thanks for your insight. Surely saved me time and money going to the dealership.
I love this board....

 

Congrats... BTW regarding the o2 sensors. ... There are two banks, bank 1 and bank2 ...bank 1 driver's side, bank 2 passenger side.. Two senors in each bank ...sensor 1 and 2 . Sensor 1 is upstream or before the catalytic converted, sensor 2 is downstream or after the CC.. The sensors monitor temp of the exhaust gasses for emissions as well as timing, fuel air mixtures.