Lfesko

I have a 1997 ES-300. I get the EVAP Sensor/switch p0450 about once every two months. It seems to occur after I fill up on fuel. I see all the signs that say "DON"T TOP OFF" but I just can't resist. I always try to squeeeeeze that last squirt into the tank so I can go further down the road. I have been wondering if the TOPPING OFF causes a sensor problem since it only seems to occur after a fill-up. Any thoughts on this idea?

mdbrown

When you overfill the excess can end up in the canister. Will ruin the canister and cause the CEL you are getting. Don't top off... it gets expensive.

Lfesko

Thanks for the input MD. No more topping off. I really appreciate the advice!

Lfesko

After more reading and more backyard diagnostics I've come to a possible "Fuel Pressure Sensor" problem. I've ordered a few manuals but for now, can anyone tell me where the heck the "1997 Lexus ES300 Fuel Pressure Sensor" is located?" The p0450 code comes up once a week and yesterday the check engine light came on and the "TRAC OFF" came on with it... the trac on/off switch had no effect? I reset the code and both lights went off and the Trac on/off switch functioned normally.

bdracing

Newbie here....I am having the same issues...How do you Re-set? is there a trick I need to learn? BTW...my mechanic said the same thing about Topping Off....Does anybody have any pictures of these sensors?

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

The pressure sensor is located on the driver side firewall. Check vacuum lines of disconnected. Pressure sensor can be bad. Or your gas cap is loose

Lfesko

Reset with a code scanner such as TOPTAK OT-680CAN. There are tons of them on ebay...
[http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...anner&_sacat=0

I also would appreciate it if a picture of the pressure sensor was available or at least any clues to exact location / description on the drivers side firewall.
Thanks

bdracing

I know it is not the cap....I will check the sensor on the fire wall...I had a Ford Expedition that had a inside fan blower door issue, always went to a safety mode of Defrost and Floor...then a Ford Mechanic told me to check these TINY vac lines up at the fire wall...that was the problem....saved me $500+...thx.

I heard/Read you can get some software for your Laptop then buy a cable. Any recommendations? BTW...any Chips worth buying?


Thanks to those who responded....

Lfesko

Okay...P0405 came on again, and then shortly after that... about a mile down the road, the TRAC OFF light came on. A few miles later the car started missing and sputtering and the abs started coming on when I hit the brakes. I pulled over and shut it off. Tried to start it and not even a click. The lights and horn worked. I opened the hood and found the positive battery terminal cable loose. I cleaned it off with some sand paper and tightened it down. When I got in the car it started right up and the check engine light went out, the TRAC OFF functioned normally and no brake warning light. I wish I knew what was going on. I gave up and took it to the dealer. A WEEK later they called me and said they couldn't find anything except the battery cable and the gas cap. Wow... we will see. The gas cap and the cable were reasonable and they charged me for one hour of labor! I figured it an even exchange since we go to drive a New Hybrid for a week!

Could a bad battery cable cause erroneous error codes? Thanks to those who have responded!

bdracing

Intermittent power could make it do anything wacky....think about what your home computer would do if that happen to it...Yikes... My Mech is also a cigar friend of mine and when we sit and smoke a cigar we get a chance to chat about my car....one thing I did pick his brain about is these sensors..."They are great for making money at the Dealership but a pain in the *** in the real world" he said. As the car gets older so does the sensor and with that comes a sensor sensitivity issue....unless your car has been Garage kept more likely the sensor needs replaced....and they work in combination with each other...ingenious but it will drive you nuts. So...I am a LFD - DL700 cigar away from his advice....and that is what he said to me about a year ago when I bought the car and the engine lite came on for the first time.....

try714

Just changed the evap sensor swith, see if it work for me.