chococat

New to this forum. I posted regarding this problem on another Lexus forum, but heard many crickets chirping. I posted this on Yahoo Answers and got an answer that, if someone had read the question, would realize their answer was already covered in my question. So here it goes and I hope if I keep asking someone, somewhere, will have a nugget of information that will end the headache in our house.

My husband did an engine flush and soon after the CEL/TO lights came on and thus started our journey. At that time, we were at 125,700 miles. The car went into 'limp mode' w/no OD. Codes read: (2) P0171 system too lean & P0330 KNOC sensor codes.

Husband changed tranny fluid, cleaned sensor behind CAT, front A/F sensor, & MAF, blew out air intake, checked air filter. Reset CEL codes & reread: (2) P0330 & (2) P1153.

He Put in bottle of CHEM 12 & 93 Octane reset CEL codes & reread: (1) P0330 Knock Sensor

He changed air filter & fuel filter, A/F fuse, codes reread, still (1) P0330.

So...we went step by step in the FSM and crossed wires both sensors, still P0330, so sensors are seemingly good. Had the sensor in Bank 2 been bad, by crossing the wires, it would then been considered a Bank 1 sensor and would have thrown a different code, but it didn't so the sensor on Bank 2 is, in theory, fine

We tested wires for continuity, and the wires to the ECM seem good. He undid/replugged connectors. (also suggested by the FSM) The 3 things the FSM said to check seem OK.

Today he replaced the spark plugs. (One had oil on it, just a bit) Reset the computer, lights went on after a few miles, haven't had them read because everything is closed, but I assume it is the same.

Of course taking it to the dealership seems smart in theory, but I have this scenerio going on in my head that they will see P0330 = the sensor, and they will replace it and the codes will still come on, because the sensor is fine, because as we tested it, it is. And so we will be out a bazillion dollars as they go through all the same tests that we already went step by step in doing.

Could it actually be the sensor even though we crossed the wires and didn't throw a different code? (he also had switched the sensors too at one point, as a second 'test' and same thing, same code).

Has anyone BTDT? Does anyone have an idea? We really need a different point of view this second. We are going on 3 weeks of this madness.

Thanks in advance.

sandygarf

Did you ever resolve this problem? I have code 330 also. Thanks.

chococat

My husband cracked open the engine (actually simple), and we replaced both the knock sensors in June 07 w/OEM Toyota #89615-12090 for $360 total including the 9% tax in Baton Rouge, LA. The car had 126,320 miles at that point.

Again, with the factory manual and some diagrams/pictures found online, it was an easy job. Only one was bad, but we decided since we were in there we would replace both. It would have been close to $1K for parts and labor at the dealer.

No more codes and no problems since. Love that car!

I hope that helps.

sandygarf

Thank you for your quick response. I was hoping for a $50 solution, but I guess I have to get real. Thanks again.

chococat

LOL. Well, $360 was totally better then $1000 in my book. And again, we have had the car for 3 years and that was about the WORST that has ever happened to it.

Best wishes to ya!