aldix2012

hello, everyone. I'm new to Club Lexus and car ownership in general. Last year my parents bought me a used 2000 RX 300 as a graduation gift. It's my first car and I've had few issues with it. Mileage is currently at about 250,2xx.....a while back I lost my gas cap (my friend pumped my gas for me, never put it back on). i didn't think it was a big deal (big mistake, i know) so i rode around without one for quite a while (again, big mistake, i know now). Recently, my car has been having trouble accelerating. i can lightly press the pedal and it will run fine, but if I press down too hard or too suddenly, the car will start jerking, like it's trying to inch it's way forward. It will also do this jerking motion right around 40-43 mph, and it wont accelerate past that point. The 'check engine light' is also flashing. I don't know too much of anything about cars (neither does my dad) but I went to autozone and let them read my codes. At that point I also got a gas cap. They said with the gas cap, some of the codes should go away, as well as the jerking. So I drove it 100 mi and still the same problem. I went back to get the suggested piece from the initial code reading today (a MAF sensor) and replaced it. I had my codes read again after replacing, the same codes as before pulled up. I drove it around for a bit and no change. I had my codes read at yet again a different autozone (3rd store) and still the same codes. I spent $92 on the MAF sensor and i just wanted to see if anyone had any idea what my issue might be before I spent anymore money. I'm only 22, and because I'm female I feel like some mechanics, especially around here (Baton Rouge, LA) will try to get over on me possibly. I just need a more informed opinion than my own. I have attached the codes that autozone read. Has anybody experienced anything similar?

salimshah

Welcome to Club Lexus.

Start by clearing all codes. Disconnect the battery for about 15 to 20 mins. You will loose all presets (radio, seat etc).

Being male of female does not really matter, the key is being informed and building a level of trust with a shop/mechanic. Dealerships will cost you 1.5 to 2x but one can trust them.

Please pay attention to the lights in the instrument cluster. I would suggest cover to cover reading of the owner's manual. Link tp PDF is available under sticky threads.

Salim

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

^^^^ What he said. Sometimes, a single problem can cause multiple codes to be issued, most of which have not bearing on the actual problem.. It appears you do have a misfire but clearing the codes and running the car for about 20-25 miles should produce a more informative reading.

Lexmus

aldix2012,

You should buy your own OBDII code reader. It is a necessity driving an older car (and a good idea for anyone) to help you understand what is wrong and also allows you to reset the codes. It also doesn't have to be expensive. A basic wired one from Amazon is $20, and there are bluetooth models that are more handy using available phone apps like Torque that are even less $$.

I have a couple of these:

carguy07

Agreed, buy a scanner or bluetooth version. Too cheap to screw around with driving to Autozone. The all important first code or two means by the time you get to Autozone, the results are pretty muddy. $12 I have even used mine to reset with the engine on and driving down the road (down stream O2 sensor tripping).

Kx200t

With that mileage that high i thing u need a tune up and a fuel pump replacement and the fuel filter which is all together in the fuel pump assembly I ran in to that mass airflow situation and learn the hard way if u changed it keep it but fuel is must likely your problem

carguy07

That's a lot of diagnosis over the internet,

Kx200t

I agree its more of my experience that i had so i know, but i can be wrong am not perfect. Thats why i I switch to perfect google it" FIRST KX200T" no more buying expensive 200 dollar a/f sensors no more mass airflow its like mcdonalds Am Loving it