Hello. This is my first post here.

I have a 1999 ES300 with 123,000 miles on it. Recently it stopped shifting into overdrive, then started experiencing multiple other issues - severe missing, rough idle, surges and losses of power while driving at freeway speeds, excessive knocking under acceleration. I have had a mechanic replace the coils, the knock sensor and the knock sensor wiring harness, as well as one of the VVT solenoids. I have cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor and cleaned the battery terminal. Most of my "multiple issues" have disappeared, however it will still not shift into overdrive, and the CHECK ENGINE and TRAC OFF lights are on again.
Any suggestions?

Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts.

 

Overdrive is automatically disabled if the CEL is on. Fix that and and your O/D will come back assuming the engine is getting up to normal operating temperature.

 

Thank you for your answer. Please forgive my ignorance, but what is "CEL" and how can I reset it?

 

CEL= check engine light you don't want to reset it instead read the codes. Some auto parts stores will do this for free.

 

Mt 1999 ES 300 will not shift into over drive. Does anyone have any ideas of what I can check or should look to replace? Thank you.

 

Need more info do you have a CEL? Does the engine get up to normal operating temperature? Any other issues with the car? Maintenance history? How many miles?

 

I posted this information previosly -

I have a 1999 ES300 with 123,000 miles on it. Recently it stopped shifting into overdrive, then started experiencing multiple other issues - severe missing, rough idle, surges and losses of power while driving at freeway speeds, excessive knocking under acceleration. I have had a mechanic replace the coils, the knock sensor and the knock sensor wiring harness, as well as one of the VVT solenoids. I have cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor and cleaned the battery terminal. Most of my "multiple issues" have disappeared, however it will still not shift into overdrive, and the CHECK ENGINE and TRAC OFF lights are on again.
Any suggestions?

Its not the CEL that concerns me so much as the inability of the car to shift into overdrive. The car runs OK, not great but OK. There is still some knocking on acceleration, but when up to freeway speeds its fine.. My mechanic has checked and checked the codes and all he can say is it could be the overdrive switch of the speed sensor. Im just looking for direction on what LEXUS owners have found to be their problems. I dont have the codes, but just need some actual owner direction from someone who has experienced this issue.

Thanks in advance for your answer.
Thanks in advance for you answer.

 

I will quote myself

 

Find a different mechanic. Ask the forum if they know of a reputable mechanic in your area. A well qualified mechanic will tell YOU what is wrong with the vehicle based on a thorough diagnosis. You as the customer, are not the one required to tell the mechanic what needs to be fixed on the vehicle and change part#### because Club Lexus said so. That will be a very costly exercise for yourself.

If the current arrangement is you do the research, derive a possible solution to the problem and tell someone who has tools to replace XYZ parts with the hopes of fixing the car, stop that too... Find a qualified mechanic. Read up on reviews in your area. Would a Toyota dealership in your area work on your Lexus?

The systems that run the vehicle will present trouble codes when said systems detects a function(s) not performing within specifications. These trouble codes will steer you in a direction but again, it takes a thorough, step by step diagnosis, to truly determine what needs to be fixed. Trouble codes do not tell you explicitly to change a part on the vehicle.