Malfunction Indicator

[reniep]

1994 LEXUS ES300

odometer: 50,000 miles

Bought Used (Certified) from Lexus Dealership in 1996

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The malfunction indicator light on my 1994 Lexus ES300 has come on. What are possible causes for this? The dealership told me they would look at it for $100 + the cost of repair. This happened last year and the light went away on its own. The car is otherwise working fine as far as I can tell. I do get the oiil changed out every 3k miles and do maintenance every 30000 miles.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :D

[NeiLtYmE]

im guessing your talking about the check engine light ?

if so, then you dont need to go to the dealer and pay them 100 just to read.

Go to any mechanic that can read your codes. After reading your codes hell give you a better idea about what is wrong with your car, or what to start with...

Good luck

[steviej]

get the code read. There are many things that set off the CEL (check engine light).

Can be anything from a loose gas cap to a failing EGR valve to a faulty O2 sensor.

you won't know until the code is read.

go to Autozone, they will read the code for free. Keep in mind, they might not be able to connect to your port. But it is worth the trip.

If they can't, pm me, i have istructions on how to do it yourself.

steviej

[SKperformance]

a 94 is obd2 they should be able to read the codes fine

[reniep]

Thanks all for the pointers! I wasn't sure whether a 94 was OBDII or not. One more question before I head out to Auto Zone: any idea where the connector is on a 94 Lexus to read the code? Only asking because last time my friend went to have the code read on his Explorer, the guy at Auto Zone had no idea where to connect the darn reader!

[blake918]

The plug is in the fuse box right beneath the mirror controls-in a very convient spot(the 1 in my LS is in a horrible location near the brake). Speaking from experience(cel saga last summer), just tell AutoZone that the car is a 97 because that's when all cars were switched over to OBDII codes...it will just make your life easier because they think that only cars that are 96 and newer are OBDII compatable! ;)

[reniep]

You guys are awesome! :D Took the car into Auto Zone, the connector was right where you said, beneath the mirror controls! Furthermore, the guy didn't even give me a code, just told me the problem.

So, the problem is the O2 sensor for Sensor 1 Bank 1. Called dealership, they want $350 for parts/labor. Ouch! Is it really necessary to replace this? Does the sensor maybe just need to be cleanerd? Is it easily accessible? Could a lay person like me work with it or is the work better done by a mechanic? If by a mechanic, does it need to be a Lexus/Toyota specialist? I obviously have no idea what/where the thing is or what's involved in replacing or cleaning it, so once again I am asking assistance from the many experts on this forum!

Thanks in advance.....!

[steviej]

if you would like to maintain fuel economy and pass your next inspeciton, then you would want to get it replaced. Also, if you don't replace it, unburned fuel will enter the hot catalytic converter and severely damage the element over time thus setting you up for another more expensive repair in the future.

They are not hard to replace if you have an O2 sensor socket. There is a wire that comes out of the sensor that you don't want to damage. I have seen them for as low at $100 and as high as $300 from aftermarket Lexus parts wholesalers.

How far are you from Garland, TX. you might want to consider this LOC sponsor for your repair work.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=7198&

steviej

[reniep]

Thanks for the tip Steviej. I also talked to a Lexus service advisor this afternoon who also told me the same thing about the eventual problem with the catalytic converter if i don't get the o2 sensor replaced. The thing is, the CEL has now gone away ever since the code was read. I'm guessing maybe reading the code reset it? In any case, I'll probably wait to see if the CEL comes back on. The Lexus advisor told me it'd probably come back on in the next thousand miles or so, which as little as it is driven will probably take me at least into the Oct or Nov.

So, thanks again Steviej and to all who have helped me! You guys rock!