trhs75

Last week, my college-age daughter's check engine light went on (steady, not blinking) in her '99 RX300 while she was driving in the middle of nowhere. She hooked up her handy code reader and decided an oil control valve was the problem. (I can't remember what she said the code was.) She found a YouTube video online, bought a socket set at a convenience store, and was able to get the front OCV out, clean it, and put it back in. She could wiggle the rear OCV around, but she couldn't get it out. The warning light stayed on. She drove to a Toyota dealer, who sure enough found the problem to be the rear OCV which she couldn't remove. They were kind enough to work her in, then get her fixed up and on her way. As I look at the repair order, they actually installed a front valve in the rear location. The two parts are different, although I'm sure they are similar. My local dealer is checking with Lexus to see how much of an issue this is. I verified with my dealer that the rear "right" OCV part # is 15330-0A010, and the front "left" one is 15340-0A010, which is the one which the Toyota dealer installed in the rear bank. I'll probably end up buying a rear OCV and swapping them, but I wondered if anyone on this board has dealt with this.

As you can imagine, I was quite proud of my daughter -- I doubt the dealer gets too many college girls coming in with the problem already diagnosed!

salimshah

Personally I think the difference if any would be the way the contacts come out. The dealer may have swiveled them to fit.

The thing I am not sure is the oil passage difference. Best thing would be to ask the parts department to see both the parts side by side.

Lastly it could be a clerical error in creating the invoice.

Girls and boys can achieve anything they set their minds to do. My wife has helped my in many diy projects.

Salim

trhs75

Thanks, Salim -- I knew you'd have a good perspective on this. I took a look at some of these on eBay, and it appears that the only difference may be the connector position.

RXy

I believe it is impossible to mix them up. I've had both out and they won't mount (the 10mm retaining bolt) unless they are in the proper position. Likely a clerical error. Be careful not to over tighten the bolt.

trhs75

Thank you!

JAB

I have replaced both valves over the years and I doubt the wrong one could be installed.

trhs75

Hopefully it's just a clerical error as RXy suggests. When I see the car, I'll compare the installed part to the parts diagrams. It looks like the two parts are mirror images of each other. Thanks!