utexasrick

So I have a 2000 rx300 I've had this problem for a while even after taking it to the dealership. The check engine light is on and its giving out the code p0440 which is EVAP Emission Control System Malfunction. I replaced the gas cap but that wasn't the problem, I checked to see if any of the hoses running to the charcoal canister and in the engine bay were loose but they all seemed fine. How do you check to see if there is a vaccum leak? Another problem which is probably associated with this is that on every single start it is very hard to start. I have to hold they key about 2 or 3 seconds. I can't figure out what the problem is. and I know taking it to the dealer will end up costing a ***** load.

mikey00

Are you sure it's not the evap hose behind the air filter box and directly below the brake fluid container? It comes off the metal tube below when the air filter is checked and is difficult to see. This will cause a P0440.

utexasrick

I will recheck the hoses maybe hopefully it is, because I did remove so of the intake hoses when I was changing the spark plugs.

Lexmex

I have my service manual and it lists the following as troubles under P0440:

1) Check whether hose close to fuel tank has been modified, and check whether there are signs of any accident near the fuel tank or charcoal canister

2) Check that the fuel tank cap is Lexus genuine part

3) Check that fuel tank cap is correctly installed

4) Check fuel tank cap (see page EC-5) not much different from above

5) Check filler neck for damage (area under fuel tank cap)

6) Check vacuum hoses between vapor pressure sensor and VSV for vapor pressure sensor, and VSV for vapor pressure sensor and charcoal canister

7) Check hose and tube between fuel tank and charcoal canister

8) Check charcoal canister for cracks, hole and damage

9) Check voltage between terminals VC and E2 of ECM connector

10) Check voltage between terminals PTNK and E2 of ECM connectors

11) Check for open and short in harness and connector between vapor pressure sensor and ECM

12) Check fuel tank for cracks and damage

DDLexus

LexMex, you are the man. Good post buddy!

Lexmex

Anytime. Just let me know what the code is and I will list.

utexasrick

well, I found a hose that was loose so I connected it back and reset the ecu. the check engine light hasn't come on so I think that was the problem. but it is still hard to start, I don't know what the problem is. I have already changed the spark plugs, fuel filter, and o2 sensers. what could the problem be? thanks for your help.

Lexmex

Could be some buildup in your throttle body.

Fern

Hey "utexasrick"

check this my attachment, don't know if it is the root of your problem, but worth looking at anyway...


BTW I found this in the CL Library under Service bulletins (Vehicle Specific)

utexasrick

well the check engine light is fixed it was a hose that I overlooked, thanks fern but I have a 2000 so it already has the charcoal canister. Now I cant figure out why it is hard to start. I tried cleaning the throttle body and the IACV but that didn't fix it.

mikey00

I know you changed a lot here to solve multiple problems. Was the hard start the initial problem you were after or did you create this problem while troubleshooting? If it wasn't the initial problem, you need to go back over everything you touched. You did use the proper plugs, right?

utexasrick

the hard to start was the initial problem, I changed the sparkplugs and fuel filter, and then got the check engine light because I forgot to connect a vaccum hose. now it is just hard to start. yeah I used the right plugs, I was going to ue different ones but then decided to use stock ones. I think I'm going to have to take it to the dealer and pay up.

zombie

iTrader: (1)

I just got this code today (i dont have a hard start) and i think its because i have an aftermarket lockable gas cap, so i switched back my stock cap. incase the cap isnt the problem where are these:

6) Check vacuum hoses between vapor pressure sensor and VSV for vapor pressure sensor, and VSV for vapor pressure sensor and charcoal canister

7) Check hose and tube between fuel tank and charcoal canister

8) Check charcoal canister for cracks, hole and damage

Rx300Mat

I had the same check engine light code were replacing charcoal canister and EVAP VSV

Rx300Mat

Luckly my car was a certified preowned 3 years 100,000 extended warranty!