Check engine problems

Hello mechanics. So I've been having a few problems with my car recently and needed some advice. First, the car randomly started jerking a lot and the engine even died once just while I was driving around. Next morning I go out and see that a lot of radiator fluid has leaked. I replaced the lower radiator hose and fixed the leak. Then the check engine light came on and read “P0340 camshaft position sensor A circuit Bank 1 or single sensor". I thought it might have something to do with my air intake hose having a split down the side, so I just replaced the air intake hose. After I di
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. When the signal to and from the camshaft position sensor and the PCM is broken, the ignition spark and fuel injector timing will fail and the PCM will store the P0340 trouble code. This will trigger the illumination of the Check Engine Light. The code itself can be caused by multiple component failure, ranging from the sensor itself, to the electrical harness in most cases. I’ve actually never heard of a torn air intake causing this specific code. It’s likely that the root issue has still not yet been resolved. It’s probably a good idea to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a check engine light inspection, to determine what is causing this error code. Although your car might be running fine right now, this type of ignition system can eventually cause the vehicle to not start correctly.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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Lexus Check Engine Light Flashing

Other common reasons for a Check Engine Light are dirty mass airflow sensor, damaged oxygen sensor, faulty head gasket, faulty emissions control part, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, or defective spark plugs to name a few.

Common issues include cracked dash vents, broken window regulators, dead LCD displays and gauge-cluster lights, and worn lower control-arm bushings and lower ball joints. More serious problems include power-steering pump leaks that can damage the alternator and cracks in the coolant overflow reservoir.
You want your Lexus SC400 to last as long as possible. If you put in the effort to keep up with proper maintenance, your SC400 has a good chance of hitting 200,000 miles or more. So, you want to care for your car, but you`re not sure when to get certain services.
The most common reasons a Lexus SC400 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to go on. Check that your gas cap is screwed on securely and that it`s in good condition. If you have a tank of bad gas in the car, your check engine light may come on.
One of the most common reasons your check engine light may come on is that your oxygen sensor is failing. Your local auto repair shop in Western Washington can replace it for you quickly, which will restore your vehicle`s ability to measure unburned oxygen in its exhaust system.
This rather healthy power plant provides 260 hp at 5,300 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. With the V-8, 60 mph comes up in 6.8 seconds (versus 7.3 for the six), and top speed is 149.
The SC 400`s 4.0 L V8 1UZ-FE, the same engine as used in the LS 400, was reported to have cost over US$400,000,000 in research and development. The engine sits behind the front axles, which makes it a front mid engine rear wheel drive vehicle. The SC 400 was honored as the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1992.
Lexuses have a lifespan of 250,000–300,000 miles, with proper care. The typical car has an expected life of 200,000 miles, which means you can potentially drive a Lexus 50% longer than the average car on the road.
Cost Base: $37,500 As tested, $41,122(including power sunroof, spoiler, Nakamichi sound system, leather interior, anti-lock brakes, traction control, 12-disc CD player, etc.). Engine 4.0 liters, 32-valves, double overhead cam V8 developing 250 horsepower. Type Rear drive, 2+2, high-performance luxury coupe.
The most common reasons a Lexus IS350 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common reasons a Lexus ES350 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Can you drive a car with the engine light on? It`s okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you`re driving, don`t panic! Pay attention and see if the car is driving any differently than normal.
A steady check engine light indicates a non-emergency issue, such as a loose gas cap. Flashing check engine lights warn of severe situations requiring immediate attention. Standardized diagnostic codes help identify the trouble.
A check-engine light will shut itself off if the condition that caused it is remedied. So, if your converter is marginal, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, which creates high demand for the converter, that might have turned on the check-engine light.
These problems can range from faults within the electrical system, the engine, fluid levels or to problems within the car`s emissions system. The problem can even be as simple as forgetting to tighten your gas cap – in fact, this is the most common reason why check engine lights appear in the first place.
Check your gas cap first. Many vehicles have a loose gas cap indicator that will be triggered before your check engine light comes on. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.
As a rule of thumb, we do advise against the 2006, 2007, and 2008 model years of some Lexus cars for various reasons. The 2007 Lexus ES 350 is one such car. The biggest problem with this luxury sedan was its dashboard and interior which just melted over time, leading to an ugly mess.
Of that number, 33,000 were SC300, and 49,538 were SC400 models with a V8 engine.
This is the easiest, and least expensive way to manual swap your SC400. Using a KA24DE or SR20DET transmission is easy an afforadble.
The 1UZ was something of a game-changer in its time. In the Late 80s, Japanese auto manufacturers weren`t exactly renowned for their V8s, and no DOHC V8s had been reliable until then. However, when Toyota entered the 1UZ into the mix, it quickly became up there with some of the best engines ever produced.
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The million-mile Lexus LS owned by auto journalist Matt Farah has finally lived up to its name, with the 1996 LS 400 reaching 1,000,000 miles this past week. Farah purchased the LS used for $1,500 USD with 897,000 miles on the odometer in 2014, with the plan to break the million-mile mark.
Buy: 2010-2012 Lexus ES

The 2010-2012 Lexus ES model years have been the crowning achievement for Toyota`s luxury segment, as they`re some of the most reliable luxury sedans available in the used car market.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Car won’t start, check engine light is out but other lights are on, got new control and immobilizer but the problem remains.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. It is possible that your check engine light bulb could be out. I would recommend having a qualified professional remove your instrument cluster to determine if the bulb for the check engine light has failed. If the bulb has failed, I would recommend having it replaced and see if your results change. If the bulb is not faulty, it is possible that something was installed incorrectly during the most recent repair. I would recommend retracing your steps to determine if any steps were skipped over or done improperly. This will help to determine the cause of why the check engine light will not work. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect your electrical system for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

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2006 Ford Mustang has check engine light on
ANSWER : There are countless potential causes for your illuminated check engine light. The mechanic manually turned off the light, but it came back on because the problem has not been fixed. The first place to start is retrieval of the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes serve as a starting point for any further diagnostics a mechanic may perform. Codes will be stored anytime the check engine light is on. Since the first mechanic was unable to fix your concern, I recommend giving the professionals at YourMechanic a call. We offer expert check engine light diagnosis and repair.

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Reduce engine power / check engine light is on
ANSWER : Hi there. Most of the time, reduced engine power is caused by a restriction of fuel, or the throttle body’s inability to efficiently mix air and fuel. This could be caused by a failing mass air flow sensor, EGR valve or other fuel system components. Since the check engine light is on, you should have a professional mechanic complete an inspection at your location to determine what codes are stored and which components require repair. This should resolve your issue.

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Engine misfires and check engine light is always on
ANSWER : It’s always a good idea to pull over and turn off your vehicle when the check engine light is blinking. A blinking check engine light usually means there is a severe misfire in one or more of the cylinders. Most of the time, a misfire symptom is the result of a fouled spark plug. Honda now recommends changing spark plugs at 110,000 miles, however it is a known fact that spark plugs are considered a wear item and they do indeed wear out. There are a lot of factors that go into a spark plug wearing out or prematurely wearing out. One thing to consider is the type of gasoline being used in the vehicle. A top tier gas is recommended in most newer vehicles. This is because top tier gas contains additives which keep the engine free of deposits that may cause spark plugs to foul prematurely.

Honda is aware of this concern and has issued a technical service bulletin to help reduce and, in some cases, eliminate this concern. This technical service bulletin advises the technician to update the vehicle’s engine computer. This update improves fuel injector and variable camshaft timing during cold starts and eliminates excessive fuel from fouling out the spark plugs. I recommend you have a certified mechanic inspect your ignition system to determine the exact cause of this misfire so the proper repairs and preventative maintenance can be performed and get you back on the road again.

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Check Engine Light is on and engine is quaking and stalling – 2006 Mercedes Benz C55 AMG
ANSWER : Hello. If the Check Engine Light has come on, then that means the computer has detected some sort of issue. I would rescan the computer to see if the same code has returned, even after cleaning the sensor. If cleaning the MAF did not clear the code, then it is likely that the MAF sensor needs to be replaced. When changing out the MAF be sure to replace it with a high quality unit (an original equipment piece if possible), as a low quality,or low budget MAF can sometimes cause issues. Usually a MAF sensor replacement is quick, and aside from clearing the code, it can help keep the vehicle running at maximum efficiency.

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Engine replaced, check engine light on again
ANSWER : Hello. There are several reasons why the Check Engine Light is on, but the Check Engine Light is not always an indication that the motor will need to be replaced. A Check Engine Light that is steady may indicate a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. The best course of action here is to have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come out to and see what diagnostic trouble code has been stored in the car’s computer to turn on the Check Engine Light. After doing so, the certified technician will be able to diagnose the code and inspect the relevant systems thoroughly in order to recommend the necessary repair and resolve your issue.

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Check Engine Light comes on after starting pickup
ANSWER : Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1992 Isuzu Pickup. A professional will have the correct equipment to read OBD1 codes. Retrieving the diagnostic trouble code(s) is the first place to start when diagnosing your vehicle. Increasing RPMs changes engine load, which can in turn affect many different sensors and components, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate. The only way to narrow down the options and find the culprit is through in person diagnosis with an OEM compatible scan tool. A certified technician from YourMechanic can retrieve the OBD codes at your home or office.

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Problems accelerating, check engine light on, possibly bad catalytic converter? You
ANSWER : Hi there:

It’s very difficult to tell you for certain that a bad catalytic converter is causing this, since we’re not there to inspect the vehicle personally; however, it is a distinct possibility. The catalytic converter is a metal canister that is installed in the exhaust system. It is filled with a chemical catalyst, usually a platinum and palladium mixture, and helps to convert the vehicle’s emissions into non-harmful gasses. Usually a faulty catalytic converter will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver that service may be required, which you’ve listed above. The best thing to do is have a professional mobile mechanic start with completing a check engine light inspection so they can pinpoint the source of those error codes and determine if the catalytic converter needs to be replaced.

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