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nigel

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  1. I have poor reception on one AM radio station. I can hear the station clearly when I am in other cars and on my in-home radio. The static and raspy audio is present only on this one station which is my favorite talk show channel. It doesn't matter if the engine is running or not. All other AM and FM channels sound great. I have tried replacing the antenna and the problem is the same. When I drive under a carport, awning or where there are overhead trees, the audio clears up. The problem seemed to start when the AM station announced they were increasing their broadcasting power. I am not sure why that would make a difference since I don't notice the problem on any other radio. Is there an off-the-shelf attenuating resistor or some in-line filter device that I can plug in between my antenna and the radio to reduce the interference on the problem channel? I really don't want to replace my stock radio, but as a test, I may disconnect it and attach a different radio to my antenna to see if the problem still exists. Any suggestions would be appreciated. --Nigel
  2. I had my front and rear struts replaced recently on my wife's 94 ES300 after 140,000 miles. I bought the standard (non-adjustable) KYB brand struts. They feel great. And, they were about half the price of Lexus OEM parts. I would also highly recommend replacing all four upper strut mounts and strut dust boots while you have everything disassembled. The front upper strut mounts have pivot bearings in them that can cause front end noises and play when worn. Other suspension items that wear out and make noises are the front lower control arm bushings. A good mechanic can easily show you if there is excessive play by using a pry bar to check for sloppy (rubber) bushings. While you are at it have the mechanic check all of the rear suspension bushings as well for slop. And when you are all done, I would recommend a four wheel alignment to assure the best performance of all related parts and to maximize tire life. My wife’s ES300 rides like new now with no bottoming out in the rear and no other suspension noises. Maintaining a Lexus is not cheap if you can not do all your own work, but for us it was well worth the extra cost to improve the ride and eliminate the suspension noises. Good luck, Nigel
  3. Subject: Updated Speed Sensor info for 94 ES300 Doetack, I tried to paste in the testing diagrams that I attached on the forum back in 2003 and also a picture of a speed sensor showing the plastic gear on the end. The current forum settings would not accept that. I tried again to attach them, but that didn't work either. So, I will e-mail the diagrams and additional test info directly to you. For the other forum members who want this additional info, I will try again to attach info when I have more time to review the attachment restrictions and procedures. You may want to first double check all electrical connections to the speed sensor, Combination Meter and ECM before you remove the speed sensor to make sure you don't have a loose wire or corroded connector. Some times a loose or dirty connection can cause an intermittent problem. Also, if the sensor got wet or is operated in a very high humidity environment that could affect any electronic part. Also, if your transmission has very high mileage, been driven aggressively, or has not been maintained with proper fluid level or fluid changes, you may have other internal tranny problems. I replaced my speed sensor around 100,000 miles and the tranny lasted another 50,000 miles before I had it rebuilt due to internal slippage. Other inoperative or intermittent components such a a knock sensor, ECM, or combination meter may cause similar symptoms, (but not all) and can make diagnosis of root cause difficult and confusing. Also, some of the symptoms,such as the speedometer and odometer not working and the OD indicator light flashing did not occur for several months after the tranny was having shift issues. These additional symptoms started occurring intermittently after about six months. A code did not appear until after these additional symptoms began. That is why it took me nine months to figure it out. For your info the speed sensor we are discussing is sometimes called a Vehicle speed sensor, a Speedometer speed sensor, or a Direct Clutch speed sensor. Make sure the replacement has the plastic gear on the end of the shaft (like the one shown in the attached diagram) and it is the sensor that mounts on the top of the tranny case. I checked today with my local Lexus dealer/parts department. Their computer description was "Speedometer speed sensor". I did learn that there are actually two different OEM part numbers. The OEM part number for this speed sensor is 8318112020 if your ES300 vehicle was manufactured from 7/93 through 8/93. The OEM part number for this speed sensor is 8318112040 if your ES300 vehicle was manufactured from 8/93 through 7/94. The parts guy I contacted couldn't see any difference between the two part numbers because there was not enough detail in the pictures on his computer screen to compare. You can probably check the sticker on your door jam to find your actual date of manufacturer which should be some where from 7/93 to 7/94. A new sensor from the dealer will set you back about $210.00. You may be able to buy a used sensor from a salvage yard for less. Keep in mind that most used part's sellers don't know how to test this part and they may not be able to confirm the part number or reveal if it came out of a car that was in a flood. I don't recall if the OEM part number is actually stamped on the speed sensor or not. Many electrical parts are not returnable to the seller? So, beware when buying used or new electrical parts. And, remember most of the used parts available for a 94 Lexus are 17 years old and probably high mileage (already beyond their life expectancy). LOCATING AND REMOVING OF THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR The Vehicle Speed Sensor is attached to the outside/top of the trans axle case with one 10 mm hex head bolt. To locate use a flash light and look down between the firewall and the throttle valve assembly. The Sensor is approx 9” out from the firewall and about 12” below the throttle assembly. Unplug the electrical connector, remove the hex bolt, and lift out the sensor. This is very easy. If it appears to be stuck, I would gently grab it with a pair of slip joint pliers, and pull upwards on it. You may have to wiggle it a bit as you pull, but it should come out without damage. Check the plastic gear on the end of the sensor shaft to see if the teeth on the plastic gear look worn or damaged. One thing I would recommend whether you decide to reuse your current sensor or a replacement sensor is to first buy a new O-ring to replace the old one on the outside of the sensor body. The OEM part number is 9671124018. The price quote I got was $4.68. Just wet the new O-ring with transmission fluid and slide it into place on the sensor body before you put the sensor back into the tranny. Insert the replacement sensor into the tranny case gently by hand. Do not force it. You may need to rotate it slightly for it to drop in place. Don't tighten the retainer bolt unless you are sure the sensor is fully seated. Good Luck. --Nigel
  4. I started my original thread about my vehicle speed sensor for my 94 ES300 back in Jan 13, 2004. Apparently the attached pictures with detailed inspection and test info that I attached to that post have been deleted after 73 downloads and five years from the original post date? Sorry, I have not been actively reviewing this post. I don’t get automatic e-mail prompts when someone has a question on a post that I have started or replied to. So, I only know about questions if I happen to be checking my old threads on the forum, which is rare. I tried to reattach the files, but the forum won't allow me to attach my diagrams anymore from my personal computer files, and I don't have these on a website to provide a link for you. If the documents are archived on the forum somewhere, I could not find it. If you still need location and testing diagrams with more info on inspection and testing of the speed sensor, please reply to this post and let me know. You will have to include your personal e-mail address so I can send it directly to you. Please can you send me a copy of the diagram to doetack [at] yahoo [dot] com. Thank you
  5. Hi Guys, I have a problem with AM reception on my stock radio. The static and garbled reception only occurs on one AM radio station, KFI 640 AM. All other AM a FM stations are clear as well as the CD player audio. I have experienced this problem for about a year. I changed the power antenna and the problem still exists. When I turn the radio on the reception is clear for a couple seconds. As soon as the the power antenna is fully extended the reception is poor. When I drive under any enclosure or canopy such as under a freeway or carport, or gas station or heavy overhead tree covering the station comes in clear. I would appreciate hearing from any one who has experienced this problem or has suggestions to correct it. Thanks, Nigel
  6. PanM

    Hi, Nigel.

    This is PanM in Panama. I have about the same problem with my old 94 Lexus ES300 and would like to be able to test the speed sensor, could you please send me the document you prepared? I tried to download from site, and says not available. Send to: mikedavis@cableonda.net. Thanks for an extremely great write-up. PanM

  7. Hi Nigel,

    Your posting on the ES300 1994 OD light, transmission shifting problem is very detail and comprehensive. I am having the same problem with my wife es300 1994 with 149K miles. However, whenever I push in the ECT Power button by the transmission shifter the OD light goes away and the car runs ok. Can you kindly email me the photos you had posted then to: buddylim@gmail.com t...

  8. I started my original thread about my vehicle speed sensor for my 94 ES300 back in Jan 13, 2004. Apparently the attached pictures with detailed inspection and test info that I attached to that post have been deleted after 73 downloads and five years from the original post date? Sorry, I have not been actively reviewing this post. I don’t get automatic e-mail prompts when someone has a question on a post that I have started or replied to. So, I only know about questions if I happen to be checking my old threads on the forum, which is rare. I tried to reattach the files, but the forum won't allow me to attach my diagrams anymore from my personal computer files, and I don't have these on a website to provide a link for you. If the documents are archived on the forum somewhere, I could not find it. If you still need location and testing diagrams with more info on inspection and testing of the speed sensor, please reply to this post and let me know. You will have to include your personal e-mail address so I can send it directly to you. LOCATING AND REMOVING OF THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR The Vehicle Speed Sensor is attached to the outside/top of the trans axle case with one 10 mm hex head bolt. To locate use a flash light and look down between the firewall and the throttle valve assembly. The Sensor is approx 9” from the firewall and about 12” below the throttle assembly. Unplug the electrical connector, remove the hex bolt, and lift out the sensor. This is very easy. Note: there are numerous sensors on this vehicle. Two of the Lexus dealer parts dept people I called, before I knew the OEM part #, could not determine the correct sensor. They finally guessed and gave me a price on the wrong part? The correct one will have a small gear on the lower end of the sensor. PURPOSE The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) reports road speed to the Engine Control Module (ECM) . This information is used for the speedometer, transmission shifting, to synchronize emission systems and to adjust for various engine demands. OPERATION The sensor is a reed switch that is controlled by a rotating magnet. As the magnet passes under the sensor the contacts close momentarily, resulting in a ground signal. The frequency of these ground signals sent to the ECM is relevant to vehicle speed. The Vehicle Speed Sensor outputs a 4-pulse signal for every revolution of the rotor shaft, which is rotated by the transmission output shaft via the driven gear. After this signal is converted into a more precise rectangular waveform by the waveform shaping circuit inside the combination meter, it is then transmitted to the Engine Control Module. The Engine Control Module determines the vehicle speed based on the frequency of these pulse signals. The DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE is P0500 (on the 94 ES300), which indicates there is no vehicle speed sensor signal getting to the Engine Control Module (when vehicle is being driven). If replacing the speed sensor does not correct the problem, you may have a related issue that involves the following: · Open or short in vehicle speed sensor circuit. · Combination meter. · Engine Control Module. INSPECTION AND TESTING OF VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR 1. Connect the positive (+) lead from the battery to terminal 1 and negative (-) lead to terminal 2. 2. Connect the positive (+) lead from a Digital Volt Ohmmeter to terminal 3 and the negative (-) lead to terminal 2. 3. Rotate the shaft. 4. Check that there is a voltage change from approximately 0.0 volts to 11.0 volts or more between terminals 2 and 3. The voltage should change 4 times per revolution of the Vehicle Speed Sensor shaft. 5. If operation is not as specified replace the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Electrical testing of other circuit components such as the Combination meter and ECM is also possible. However, if you need to go beyond the sensor test I have already included you’ll probably need more technical assistance. Most of us (Do It Yourself Mechanics) like myself, who have limited Auto computer or electronic control training and no special diagnostic equipment at home are at the mercy of the dealers and other specialty auto shops. When we need a code or more than a standard multi (volt) meter we are out of our area of expertise. At that point we either pay to have someone service our car or learn to live with the irritation of having an intermittent or permanent problem and put up with the nuisance as long as the car is still drivable. If our wife drives the car, paying someone may be the only option. The OEM Part Number for the Vehicle speed sensor (aka speedometer speed sensor) for my 94 ES300 is #8318112040. This part from the dealer will set you back about $210.00. You may be able to buy an off brand sensor at a discount auto parts store or from a salvage yard for less. Sorry, This original attached file info is no longer active on the forum. vehicle_speed_sensor_inspection___testing.doc ( 100K ) Number of downloads: 73 I hope the above info helps ………Nigel
  9. Why "MUST" they be hooked up in parallel? I just put a resistor in line(series), and it always worked fine. Alan (amf1932), I have the same situation with my 94 ES300. I bought used headlight assemblies on-line to replace the original ones that were fogging up do to water leaking into them. The original HL assemblies only used the 1157 lamp. The replacement assemblies both have two lamps, a 168 parking lamp and a 1156 turnsignal lamp. On the back of the replacement HL assemblies, the power plug, and both lamp sockets are inserted into a thin tape like printed circuit board. Please indicate exactly how and where you installed the resister. I am assuming that you must have cut one of the insulated stranded wires leading to the power plug on the assembly, and attached the resister there. If this is correct, please indicate which color wire we should attach to and what type and ohm rating of resister you recommend. Thanks, Nigel
  10. ibepuffin9, I agree with camlex, bad motor mounts can cause the noisy symptoms you described. I would recommend changing both motor mounts. The top dog bone motor mount is easy to find and replace by the do-it-your-selfer. The front motor mount is partially hidden and more difficult to change and is actually a gel-filled motor mount which is more expensive. Considering the age/mileage of your car and especially since the upper mount is broken which causes more wear on the front mount, it should also be replaced. Hopefully the faulty mounts have not already caused other damage and the replacements will solve your problem. Good luck..........Nigel
  11. Hi Mark, Check my posting on the tranny problem I originated on 12/14/03. My wife still drives our 94 ES300. We had basically the same problems you described that affected the automatic transmission. I had a non-dealer transmission shop change the speedometer speed sensor and the transmission, speedometer, flashing overdrive lights, etc all went away after the replacement. Everything has been running great now for over a year. Two separate dealers had recommended a new transmission for $3500 to $4000. Most Lexus dealers have not trained their mechanics to diagnose tranny related problems. Their standard reply is "there is a lot of internal problems, your only choice is to change the tranny" (even if the code is staring them in the face). This is usually B.S. Check my posting #6 and #10 with schematic attached there for exact location, testing and do it your self instructions. A new sensor is about $125 to $225 depending where you buy it. It is definitely a simple replacement (remove one bolt and unplug one power wire). I called 15 dealers in the USA after I pin pointed the problem myself. A few stated they replace up to 5 speed sensors per month. Most of the dealers I called had never replaced one of these sensors. Guess who paid for their incompetence? The dealer that I paid for mis-diagnosing my tranny problem apologized, but refused to refund my servce charges. I plan to pursue that response further now that we've had a year of trouble free performance. I hope this info helps and saves you some cash. Please post your reply on the forum .....Nigel
  12. Did the dealer give you an estamate on how much this would cost to fix? ←
  13. mat805 I have a 94 ES300. I would imagine that the The Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) is simarily located on your 98 ES300. On my engine the IACV is attached to the bottom of the throttle body assy and has a metal case about 2"x2"x1 1/2 " . It is located approx 5" below the hose clamp on the 3" dia x 9" long rubber air supply hose. As far as cleaning, I have not disassembled one. I forgot to ask the dealer that replaced mine to return the part to me. I have heard that you can disassemble the valve. I would try using an aerosol carburetor/choke cleaner to remove any carbon buildup. This IACV is a common problem on most lexus over 50,000 miles. It can cause various problems during engine operation, but usually more noticable at startup and idleing with car not moving. The dealers like to replace parts instead of trying to clean them because they can make more money, and they feel that there is a better chance that a new part will out last their 90 day service guarantee. A new IACV from the dealer will cost about $210, so it is worth attempting to clean it if you have the time and desire to try it. Nigel
  14. Hey guys, Here is some more info requested on the Speed Sensor I had replaced last month. Vehicle Speed Sensor DATA TROUBLE CODE: P0500 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION .... Please see picture 1 in the attached doc PURPOSE The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) reports road speed to the Engine Control Module (ECM) . This information is used for the speedometer, transmission shifting, to synchronize emission systems and to adjust for various engine demands. OPERATION The sensor is a reed switch that is controlled by a rotating magnet. As the magnet passes under the sensor the contacts close momentarily, resulting in a ground signal. The frequency of these ground signals sent to the ECM is relevant to vehicle speed. The Vehicle Speed Sensor outputs a 4-pulse signal for every revolution of the rotor shaft, which is rotated by the transmission output shaft via the driven gear. After this signal is converted into a more precise rectangular waveform by the waveform shaping circuit inside the combination meter, it is then transmitted to the Engine Control Module. The Engine Control Module determines the vehicle speed based on the frequency of these pulse signals. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0500 No vehicle speed sensor signal to Engine Control Module (when vehicle is being driven). TROUBLE AREA · Open or short in vehicle speed sensor circuit. · Vehicle Speed Sensor · Combination meter. · Engine Control Module. LOCATING AND REMOVING OF THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR The Vehicle Speed Sensor is attached to the outside/top of the trans axle case with one 10 mm hex head bolt. To locate use a flash light and look down between the firewall and the throttle valve assembly. The Sensor is approx 9" from the firewall and about 12" below the throttle assembly. Unplug the electrical connector, remove the hex bolt, and lift out the sensor. Note: there are numerous sensors on this vehicle. Two of the Lexus dealer parts dept people I called, before I knew the OEM part #, could not determine the correct sensor. They finally guessed and gave me a price on the wrong part? The correct one will have a small gear on the lower end of the sensor. INSPECTION AND TESTING OF VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR .... Please see picture 2 in the attached doc 1. Connect the positive (+) lead from the battery to terminal 1 and negative (-) lead to terminal 2. 2. Connect the positive (+) lead from a Digital Volt Ohmmeter to terminal 3 and the negative (-) lead to terminal 2. 3. Rotate the shaft. 4. Check that there is a voltage change from approximately 0.0 volts to 11.0 volts or more between terminals 2 and 3. The voltage should change 4 times per revolution of the Vehicle Speed Sensor shaft. 5. If operation is not as specified replace the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Electrical testing of other circuit components such as the Combination meter and ECM is also possible. However, if you need to go beyond the sensor test I have already included you’ll probably need more technical assistance. Most of us (Do It Yourself Mechanics) like myself, who have little or no Auto computer or electronic control training and no special diagnostic equipment at home are at the mercy of the dealers and other specialty auto shops. When we need a code or more than a standard multi (volt) meter we are out of our area of expertise. At that point we either pay to have someone service our car or learn to live with the irritation of having an intermittent or permanent problem and put up with the nuisance as long as the car is still drivable. If the car is driven by our wife, paying someone may be the only option. :D The OEM Part No. for the Vehicle speed sensor (aka speedometer speed sensor) is 8318112040. This part from the dealer will set you back about $210.00. You may be able to buy an off brand sensor at a discount auto parts store or from a salvage yard for less. My old man was an electronics design engineer. He was usually an optimist, but he used to say that the more electronic bells and whistles that were put on cars, the more that would eventually fail. He drove standard cars his entire life and was much happier than his friends that did not. I hope this info helps ………Nigel vehicle_speed_sensor_inspection___testing.doc
  15. id 1 My ES300 did exactly the same thing. It was the starter. I changed the starter myself. A rebuilt starter can be bought at an auto parts store for about $100. Before changing the starter: check your battery cable connections first and make sure they are clean and tight. You may also want to have your battery and alternator checked electrically. Call around and you can easilly find a battery store or shop that will check this for little or no cost. The Lexus dealer quoted me $520 to replace the starter. This is a simple replacement for anyone who has used a socket wrench or open end wrench. On the ES300 the starter was mounted on the upper right side facing the engine easily accessable working under the hood leaning over the engine. I had to remove the battery, battery tray and tie back a couple of other items. It took me less than an hour to complete the job. I could do it again in 1/2 that time. As a side note before installing the replacement starter, temporarily connect the wiring harness (female connection) to the male terminal connection on the starter to make sure that it connects (locks) properly. The first one I attempted to install looked identical, but it had a new terminal fitting on the starter that wouldn't mate with the OEM wiring on the car. Better to check that first than to discover it at the end of the job! Hope this posting helps someone. Nigel
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