ErgoProxy

Hi! As you can see, this is my first post on Club Lexus. I've been stalking you guys for a while, also have learned quite a bit from all of y'all. So a little about myself, I'm from Nebraska and own a 2000 Lexus ES300 - Platinum Edition with almost 135k miles on it now. Bought it about 3 years ago and put about 12k miles on.

I recently made this account to ask a question about my 2000 Lexus ES300. We (parents and I) have had to replace some pricey stuff on this beauty. First went the transmission, the 2nd or 3rd cylindrical gear was going bad, so we had a rebuilt transmission done on it - a good $2500 Next came the catalytic converter, which was about $800. Somewhere between that the O2 sensors were replaced.

Now my dilemma is the knock sensor. I bought a OBD2 bluetooth dongle to use with Torque (app) on Android, and it reads to code P0330. Also, I work at a Ford... dealership, so I'm pretty good friends with the mechanics (I personally just take pictures, 20 year old college kid).

I've asked them what I should do and they say it's up to me. I know that I have to replace the knock sensor in bank 2, but should I also replace the sensor in bank 1 as well? Since I'm going to have to take the intake manifold off and replace the sensors along with a new intake gasket. My mechanics friends say it's not hard to do, but I'm not too mechanically incline, I mean I can search well enough and figure it out, but it'll take me a while to actually do it. My dad will be helping me if I end up doing it myself.

So should I replace both of the sensors? Or just one of them.

I'm also wary about the sensors... could it just be the sensors that's going bad, or the entire engine is gonna just crap on me? I mean the car has been running smoothly in my opinion... Ugh I don't know, I can't stand putting more money into her, but I don't want to trade her in because of all the money I've already put in!

Suggestions would be so grateful!

Thanks for the time Club Lexus!

PS: For the knock sensors (http://www.amazon.com/94-00-Lexus-Se.../dp/B003DSFIFS) I found these off Amazon and was wondering if it's a good go? It seems sketchy for being $64. Keep in mind I'm just a college student I can't drop so much... I wish I could though!

Damn! This post was longer then I thought :\

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I replaced one knock sensor and paid 500 bucks, i had the option of replacing the other, but i didn't. Knock on wood it'll be ok If you change both at the same time you save something lime 200 dollars in labor. I used OEM sensors so that drove the price up by a lot compared to aftermarket sensors. I'm a college kid to so i feel your pain. I just had to replace both oil control valves to haha, so far i have about 2 grand in this car in non preventive/ regular maintinence in this car, not bad for 180k miles and 11 years. I also replaced 2 o2 sensors and the charcoal canister

ErgoProxy

Thanks for the input my man! I went ahead and just ordered one of the knock sensor, intake gasket, knock sensor wiring harness, and bypass hose. Hopefully I'll be able to figure it out! Oh yea, also replaced the gear shift cable... ugh such a pricey car, but also a smooth ride haha, it's kind of a love hate relationship right now.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

^ I at first was pissed about having to replace things, but i realized after 11 years and 180k miles and this is all i've had to replace? then i was like alright i can deal. I had a 3 series shortly with much less miles and mechanically it was solid, but other things just kept going like window regulators, sensors, CEL's that i got rid of it after a month. Parts are expensive, but then again so is a new car.