Expert: Sean Halliday - 6/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have recently spent over 7 weeks with my '00 lexus es300 at the shop. I took it to the toyota dealership, since its basically a pretty version of the 6 cyl camry. Originally I had a couple codes pop up since the car had rpms as high as 5k just on basic highway speed. They replaced the colonoid (sorry if mispelled) and that did not work. Car didn't start. So they replaced the entire transmission. Literally a day after I left the shop, and over 4 grand in 7 weeks, the check engine light and "trak off" indicator was back on. I let the shop know but they just said it was nothing major. So, here it is, a couple months later and the car is now having a hard time starting. I need to use acceleration when I start it and it sits at a very low idle when in park or stopped. Also, when accelerating, the car does not get up quickly at all and does not automatically shift as it normally would. I will drive at 45mph with over 3200rpms! I took it to get my regular oil changes and the tech told me the code for a vacuum leak came up. That could be a million things. So when I got home I used some starter fluid on the hoses to check for leaks. Nothing.all hoses are in good shape and good connection. I am dreading to take it to the shop again for them to take advantage of causing more issues with my car. Considering all the recent work done on it, would this vacuum leak code be in conjunction to the previous errors? Thank you.

ANSWER: I need to know what the codes are and all light symbols on the panel.The ones that are on.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I took it back to the shop and they now indicated that the knock sensor, wiring harness and valve covers need replacement.  Is there a way this can be fixed from home or will need special tools? They quoted me about $1200 to fix the car.  Also, are any of these issues affiliated with the prior work: transmission and solenoid?

Answer
If you are handy,yes its possible to do this work yourself without a lot of special tools.Most fixings on Lexus are 10,12,14,mm.You may need a torque wrench and some know how though.Good idea to buy a manual such as those in the parts store for your model.Lastly,the solenoid or transmission issues will not be connected to this.