2000 Lexus ES300: check engine light

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Engine · 77,000 miles · NY

While driving on highway engine did shut off suddenly lost control , fortunately there was no traffic. Tried start engine again and it showed a check engine light and low oil light. Inspected engine oil with dip stick and showed good level. Towed it to mechanic and been told the sludge formation caused engine seize . Replacement of engine is the only option. Found a tsb on the federal safety agency technical service bulletin number: 628655 bulletin date: 20-jan-2002 about the oil sludge issue. I am requesting the federal safety agency to help me to fix this problem by manufacturer.

Filed Feb 16, 2016 · Engine · 175,000 miles · LA

I just paid $3,600 to have the knock sensors and connecting harness replaced, and a transmission re-build, in this car because the knock sensor problem caused the traction control system to automatically stop working ("trac off" light, no override) and the check engine light to stay on. It is also what caused my transmission to need re-building because when traction control is off, the transmission will not shift into overdrive, and this destroys the transmission. After replacing and repairing these, the problem recurred within 2 weeks. After to speaking to a number of people, and trying to find out why the problem recurred, I was told, and you can find all over the internet, that 1998-2002 lexus es300s and toyota camrys with the v-6 engine have this problem continuously and owners are paying thousands of dollars to try to solve it with no luck. One toyota mechanic told me, off the record of course, that the sensors in these years had sensitivity issues that were corrected starting in 2003. Of course, dealerships refuse to acknowledge the problem, and want to charge hundreds of dollars in diagnostic fees to tell you it will cost thousands to fix, and then the problem recurs. I think this needs to be investigated, and that toyota should have to replace these sensors with a new set that no longer has the problem. The problem can occur whether the car is moving or sitting at an idle. To me, the fact that the traction control system quits working is very dangerous, especially in a car that the driver is used to driving with that feature. Search "es300 knock sensors" on the web and you will see hundreds and hundreds of postings by frustrated owners.

Filed Feb 6, 2011 · Electrical · 37,209 miles · PA

Trac off and ck engine lights illuminate during driving. Vehicle will then operate in a rough manner and will not steadily idle, RPM's drastically drop and vehicle feels like it wants to stall out on the road during operation. On each of the following occasions the vehicle was serviced at lexus of wilmington in the state of delaware for this same issue: 8/25/04 - code 440 po and reset lights (warranty) no repairs; 11/03/2005 - codes p0046, p0441 & p0440 claimed loose gas cap & didn't make any repairs; 11/16/05 - canister switching valve shorted out, replaced & cleared lights, charge 45.00 for valve; 02/16/2006 now out of warranty; again the charcoal canister shorted out and was replaced $362.52; 08/30/2006 bank 1 sensor 1 oxygen sensor shorted out, replaced sensor $280.56; 10/29/09 diagnostics showed code p0420 catalyst system below threshold on bank 1, need to replace..$124.95 for diagnostics check; replace catalytic converter 1,831.19; 05/13/10 catalytic converter malfunction $434.25. Malfunction first occurred during the warranty period and dealer did not suggest replacement part during that time. Not until after warranty expired, did lexus express concern for replace of parts. Now the issue has arose again and I don't fell I should have to pay the dealer for any additional issues arising from the same malfunction. I have all service reports from the dealer to document all of these occasions and my service history from date of purchase. All of these issues are related to the trac off & ck engine lights illuminating. I purchased this vehicle brand new from lexus of wilmington and feel they should now take responsibility for the repairs that, most likely, should have commenced during the warranty period.

Filed Sep 21, 2010 · Fuel system · 89,000 miles · VA

Have a 2000 es300. Recently, the check engine/trac light illuminated and after a quick scan code po446 was discovered. I started by tightening the gas cap and disconnecting the battery; the engine light came back on after a week. I have taken a look at the vacuum lines at the charcoal canister and up underneath the engine cover. Everything looks ok. I do all my own work, and I hate being a 'parts replacer'. I'd rather source the exact problem and fix just that particular part. Having said this, my research on this site has indicated that the po446 code could be one of many things, including the charcoal canister itself, the vsv attached to the canister, or the vacuum valve up underneath the engine cover. First question: I was going to replace the charcoal canister at expensive way? Does anyone here know if the issue being recall and they can replace new oem charcoal canister includes the vsv valve? If it does, how can I get this done. Second question: do you think I am way off base with my intention to replace the charcoal canister next? If so, what would you do? Obviously, I am trying to avoid my dealer at all costs. Perhaps someone here could help in my quest to repair this problem.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Acceleration, Airbags · 92,000 miles · PA · crash

Car surged out of control-stopped by a fire hydrant and lawn bushes =car was totaled- bags did not open-problem with sensors replaced 2 and the\immediately before crash- run away check engine light plus another light came on.

Filed Mar 11, 2008 · Transmission · 146,000 miles · SC

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lexus es300. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate, but the engine did not shut off. The check engine and track lights illuminated as the vehicle began to slow down. When the vehicle gained normal speed, the warning lights no longer illuminated. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle. There is no warranty and the dealer stated that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced at the contact's expense. The failure occurred twice. The powertrain was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 146,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2000 · Electrical · CA

Vehicle fails to start. Engine warning lights go on and off. Dealer unsure of problem with car. Replaced sensors, but now wants to replace ecu. Vehicle fails to start intermittently.