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Phil E

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Everything posted by Phil E

  1. There was quite a bit of discussion on this broad subject a while back when I last visited this forum and I elicited several suggestions regarding my check engine light and related trouble code, ranging from ordering new O2 sensors on the Internet to putting a fuel additive in my gas. I decided to just ignore the light since I was experiencing no discernible "symptoms," until it was time for my annual state mandated emissions test. I then discovered my state MVD would not even test the vehicle if a check engine light was activated, which mine was. After considering all the forum suggestions again, I decided to take my '99 300 to the local Lexus dealer/service center for their own diagnosis and was told a specific sensor needed to be replaced for almost $400 parts & labor. I recalled one forum suggestion had been to simply clean the sensor, so I asked the service manager to try that instead of replacing it. He only reluctantly agreed, telling me he could not warrant the procedure or certify a repair for purposes of MVD requirements. Well, the cleaning took only a few minutes and they charged me $88 for it. My car passed the emissions test and now, several months later, the light has still not returned so far. Thought it was worth passing this on.
  2. Thanks RX. I took your advice and contacted both a professional mechanic friend and a Lexus service manager today. Both advised me not to put in any fuel additives as possibly doing more harm than good. (Go figure.) My friend said it was highly unlikely my injectors were dirty and the Lexus guy concurred. Intrestingly, he said that in all his years at Lexus, he had never before seen a "system too rich" trouble code and advised me to bring it in and they'd check for a disconnected vacuum hose. Since they want $90 for that service, I'll first take a look myself over the weekend. I also asked if it could have anything to do with the O-2 sensors and he said he didn't think so. As I mentioned previously, the car seems to be running fine, although possibly going through more gas. Any other ideas out there?
  3. I've been following this topic for a while since my check engine light came on. Per the advice of some of the posts, I went to Auto Zone and their portable code checker displayed "P0172 system too rich." The salesman then recommended that I add "STP Jet Fuel" to my gas to clean the fuel injectors. I went ahead and bought a bottle of the stuff but haven't done anything with it yet since I seem to recall varying opinions about fuel additives. I have noticed I seem to be using more gas than normal. Has anyone had any experience with either this trouble code or this fuel additive? Thanks for sharing.
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