2000 ES300 Major problems

[DioGreer]

Just bought the car yesterday, drove it up to nashville from atlanta and now its really screwed.

For a while, the oil light, check engine light, and trac off light would all blink in unison but they are all on now. The car is also stalling out and having trouble recranking and making a terrible knocking noise. Took it to a goodyear service shop, they thought it was electrical and tested the alternator and found no problems. They recommend I return it. The problem is I got it as-is with no warranty.

So I'm hoping to figure out what is wrong. I'm thinking the knocking is happening maybe because I filled it up with 87 octane gas. I checked the manual and it said 87 was ok, but for improved performance, use 91. Should I use higher octane gas? Could this be the source of the knocking?

The knocking is my biggest concern as of now and the three lights are a second concern. What the hell would cause the three lights to all come on like that?

[DJPsystems]

Have you checked the oil?

[DioGreer]

Originally Posted by DJPsystems

Have you checked the oil?

oil is fine

right now im thinking its the oil pump or the screen and uptake tube not working properly therefore leaving the engine unlubricated. I think major damage has been done to one of the connecting rods or cylinders based on the sound, so im planning on taking it to an engine place soon. I didnt get a warranty with it (yes im very dumb) so I have no recourse to blame this on the dealer and get them to pay for it. Right now ive accepted the fact this could be a $2000+ repair

So tomorrow I'm towing it back to atlanta where I can decide what to do next



Its still a beautiful car and I still want to keep it and get it working right.

[DioGreer]

Ive just heard about the sludge problems in the range of toyotas/lexuses my car falls into. I think I might be a victim of sludge from their poorly designed engine. Anybody else familiar with the sludge problems/class action lawsuit/free engine repair-replacement?????

[KimMG]

You said the check engine light came on. Were there any codes?
Oil light usually comes on when the oil pressure is low.

[DioGreer]

Originally Posted by KimMG

You said the check engine light came on. Were there any codes?
Oil light usually comes on when the oil pressure is low.

no codes that I know of, but I have it at a dealer now, and theyre going to check it for sludge and replace the engine if it is sludged up

[DioGreer]

GOOD NEWS!!

Just got a call from the lexus dealer here in atlanta. Turns out there was sludge in the engine so theyre putting in a new engine for free. Only problem is that the engines are on backorder and wont be in until January 25 and I have to pay $350-400 for the timing belt/water pump etc. But I can wait a bit and pay $400.

And now we play the waiting game....

[DioGreer]

Got the car back yesterday. Installed my sirius radio with a custom audio switch to allow audio to go in through the cd changer connections and I couldnt be happier. Now I'm just worried about breaking in the new engine properly.