I drive a 2003 Toyota highlander. My check engine light poped up and I went to do a scan .

It showed the problem below as seen in the below picture . The camshaft sensor have been changed on three occasions by the mechanic but the light keep coming up and the scan results keep being the same after just 10km ride.

They are now telling me that it may be my catalyst that is bad or the ECU/brain box that is faulty.

But the scan results show only the result seen in picture. This have been on for the last two weeks. I need an expert advice. Please help

Pitokwe:
I drive a 2003 Toyota highlander. My check engine light poped up and I went to do a scan .

It showed the problem below as seen in the below picture . The camshaft sensor have been changed on three occasions by the mechanic but the light keep coming up and the scan results keep being the same after just 10km ride.

They are now telling me that it may be my catalyst that is bad or the ECU/brain box that is faulty.

But the scan results show only the result seen in picture. This have been on for the last two weeks. I need an expert advice. Please help

Was this vehicle fixed through reliance on memory on by reliance on detailed manufacturer repair procedures?

Food for thought.

Garbage in, Garbage out.

What you get is what you pay for.

Find a modern/skilled automotive technician to handle your problem.

The current one lacks the 9 essential skills expected from today's automotive technician and your problem is as good as gone.

You are in Lagos right? Run a search on this forum. It shouldn't be hard to find one suitably skilled.

Want to know about those essential skills, look no further than here https://www.nairaland.com/4560475/american-automotive-technician-training-live

AutoElectNG:


Was this vehicle fixed through reliance on memory on by reliance on detailed manufacturer repair procedures?

Food for thought.

Garbage in, Garbage out.

What you get is what you pay for.

Find a modern/skilled automotive technician to handle your problem.

The current one lacks the 9 essential skills expected from today's automotive technician and your problem is as good as gone.

You are in Lagos right? Run a search on this forum. It shouldn't be hard to find one suitably skilled.

Want to know about those essential skills, look no further than here https://www.nairaland.com/4560475/american-automotive-technician-training-live

Thanks for your response.
I did not go too or used a road side mechanic o.

I went to one of the renowned auto workshop in ikeja .it won't be nice to mention name.they are popular and seem expensive .I paid huge amount for the sensor.

The issue is still on. I am not an auto specialist, I would not know which procedure they followed during the repairs. We do not go into the workshop area,That you know.

So when you say what you get is what you pay for,I do not understand.

Kindly recommend any specialist in Lagos and address if you know one.

Pitokwe:


Thanks for your response.
I did not go too or used a road side mechanic o.

I went to one of the renowned auto workshop in ikeja .it won't be nice to mention name.they are popular and seem expensive .I paid huge amount for the sensor.

The issue is still on. I am not an auto specialist,do I would not know which procedure they followed during the repair. We do not go into the workshop area,That you know.

So when you say what you get is what you pay for,I do not understand.

Kindly recommend any specialist in Lagos and address if you know one.

bros mentioning the coy name won't harm anyone. if they are quack they are quack!!

Pitokwe:


Thanks for your response.
I did not go too or used a road side mechanic o.

I went to one of the renowned auto workshop in ikeja .it won't be nice to mention name.they are popular and seem expensive .I paid huge amount to the sensor.

The issue is still on. I am not an auto specialist,do I would not know which procedure they followed during the repair. We do not go into the workshop area,That you know.

So when you say what you get is what you pay for,I do not understand.

Kindly recommend any specialist in Lagos and address if you know one.

Hmmmm....if they didn't do a good job, they deserve bad reviews.

Why protect them?

I am going to show a little more interest in your case.

In subsequent posts, I'll suggest the way forward.

Don't be offended at my earlier post, I expected that from a roadside mechanic.

If it offended you, I hereby tender my sincerest apologies.

obekediamondfuto:


bros mentioning the coy name won't harm anyone. if they are quack they are quack!!

I want to focus on help to resolve my issue. It's frustrating driving a vehicle with check engine light on.

AutoElectNG:


Hmmmm....if they didn't do a good job, they deserve bad reviews.

Why protect them?

I am going to show a little more interest in your case.

In subsequent posts, I'll suggest the way forward.

Don't be offended at my earlier post, I expected that from a roadside mechanic.

If it offended you, I hereby tender my sincerest apologies.

Many thanks

Since what you don't know can kill you, and to demonstrate the need to rely on manufacturer diagnostic trees in resolving car trouble as a result of a single symptom arising from multiple causes, please take time to digest the below.

Report your findings and we can take it up from there.

Read up here:

https://www.nairaland.com/1554520/p1349-code-2002-2azfe-toyota (BEST)


and here

https://www.nairaland.com/1488078/rattling-sound-camry-2azfe-engine (GOOD)

this as well


https://www.nairaland.com/1944623/2005-toyota-camry-rattling-noise (GOOD)

AutoElectNG:
Since what you don't know can kill you, and to demonstrate the need to rely on manufacturer diagnostic trees in resolving car trouble as a result of a single symptom arising from multiple causes, please take time to digest the below.

Report your findings and we can take it up from there.

Read up here:

https://www.nairaland.com/1554520/p1349-code-2002-2azfe-toyota (BEST)


and here

https://www.nairaland.com/1488078/rattling-sound-camry-2azfe-engine (GOOD)

this as well


https://www.nairaland.com/1944623/2005-toyota-camry-rattling-noise (GOOD)

Wow. Quite insightful.
Do you have a work shop here in Lagos ?

I will not mind to bring the vehicle for on spot assessment and repairs

Pitokwe:


Wow. Quite insightful.
Do you have a work shop here in Lagos ?

I will not mind to bring the vehicle for on spot assessment and repairs

Please get in touch with this guy //0809//972//5628//

I don't have a workshop in Lagos, but I have a working relationship with guy and I believe he will do you right by the manufacturer

AutoElectNG:


Please get in touch with this guy //0809//972//5628//

I don't have a workshop in Lagos, but I have a working relationship with guy and I believe he will do you right by the manufacturer

Many thanks

I have just spoken to him.his place is quite a distance from me he said.he referred me to another person

Pitokwe:


Many thanks

I have just spoken to him.his place is quite a distance from me he said.he referred me to another person

Let me know how it goes

AutoElectNG:

Let me know how it goes

The person he referred me to is called Gazzuzz.

I have spoken to him. He asked me the make of my car and I told him,it a 4 cylinder engine 2003 toyota highlander .

I mention the code the scanner gave.and it he said it may be the timing or excessive sludge .

Though he said I will need to do another diagnosis with him to get his full reports and recommendation.

Will give it a trial. Though he said the diagnosis will cost me 10k.

Hmmmm. I paid 15k for the first diagnosis with the first company.

I will do it anyways.no harm in trials

Is your ride installed with a V6 engine. If yes then it come with a 1MZ-FE engine.1MZ-FE engine notorious for sludge build up when you use the wrong oil. You might want to check up for sluge build up. Would advise on both banks if your engine comes with 6cylinders

mayor2013:
Is your ride installed with a V6 engine. If yes then it come with a 1MZ-FE engine.1MZ-FE engine notorious for sludge build up when you use the wrong oil. You might want to check up for sluge build up. Would advise on both banks if your engine comes with 6cylinders

It's four cylinder American spec

Pitokwe:


It's four cylinder American spec

Sludge build up should be checked for

Pitokwe:


I want to focus on help to resolve my issue. It's frustrating driving a vehicle with check engine light on.

well ur focus is germane.

three things actually cause that code in a 2azfe,
timing, sludge and an actuator.

the 2azfe has a variable valve timing meaning the computer determines the most effective timing of the dohc or double overhead cams.

now here's how it works, an actuator mounted in the rear left side of the engine which is controlled by the ecu, either retards or increases the timing depending on the current rpm of the engine. this actuator usually called an ocv or oil control valve. it is mounted close to the camshaft gear in the engine.

when you have sludge, this ocv gets little or no oil and cannot actuate since it uses oil to perform the desired angular camshaft modification. it also has a filter, which when clogged with sludge won't allow for free oil flow to the ocv.

if the ocv is bad and doesn't actuate when needed, the ecu will also throw that code.

finally if ur timing is wrong, it will throw that code alongside other codes. my bet is on sludge and/or clogged ocv filter.

if u r DIY I can show u how to test an ocv.

if it were the 1mz or 3mz I'd be differently opined, but the 2az, it's mostly sludge if u didn't do any recent work on the engine that will require the timing to be messed with.

OH sometimes, high mileage timing chains can also jump a tooth or two, esp when the tensioner is bad.

obekediamondfuto:


well ur focus is germane.

three things actually cause that code in a 2azfe,
timing, sludge and an actuator.

the 2azfe has a variable valve timing meaning the computer determines the most effective timing of the dohc or double overhead cams.

now here's how it works, an actuator mounted in the rear left side of the engine which is controlled by the ecu, either retards or increases the timing depending on the current rpm of the engine. this actuator usually called an ocv or oil control valve. it is mounted close to the camshaft gear in the engine.

when you have sludge, this ocv gets little or no oil and cannot actuate since it uses oil to perform the desired angular camshaft modification. it also has a filter, which when clogged with sludge won't allow for free oil flow to the ocv.

if the ocv is bad and doesn't actuate when needed, the ecu will also throw that code.

finally if ur timing is wrong, it will throw that code alongside other codes. my bet is on sludge and/or clogged ocv filter.

if u r DIY I can show u how to test an ocv.

if it were the 1mz or 3mz I'd be differently opined, but the 2az, it's mostly sludge if u didn't do any recent work on the engine that will require the timing to be messed with.

OH sometimes, high mileage timing chains can also jump a tooth or two, esp when the tensioner is bad.

Many thanks

Hmmmm.I now believed the saying that a problem shared is half solved.

Where are you located please?

Pitokwe:


Many thanks

Hmmmm.I now believed the saying that a problem shared is half solved.

Where are you located please?

unfortunately I'm very very far from Lagos, timifakay can attest to this claim. lolz

I'm in abakaliki

Pitokwe:

Many thanks
Hmmmm.I now believed the saying that a problem shared is half solved.
Where are you located please?

read this also. https://www.nairaland.com/1554520/p1349-code-2002-2azfe-toyota

obekediamondfuto:


unfortunately I'm very very far from Lagos, timifakay can attest to this claim. lolz

I'm in abakaliki

Thanks all same. You are good

Pitokwe:


The person he referred me to is called Gazzuzz.

I have spoken to him. He asked me the make of my car and I told him,it a 4 cylinder engine 2003 toyota highlander .

I mention the code the scanner gave.and it he said it may be the timing or excessive sludge .

Though he said I will need to do another diagnosis with him to get his full reports and recommendation.

Will give it a trial. Though he said the diagnosis will cost me 10k.

Hmmmm. I paid 15k for the first diagnosis with the first company.

I will do it anyways.no harm in trials

I agree with the submission.

Sludge or timing or electrical faults.

It is not about the name of the shop you are going to, it is the skill of the technician.

Name maybe a function of the power of advertising and the funds to throw around.

A name may also be a franchise.

If the technician is not solid, not even a name will save him.

What engine oil do you use?

I have written extensively on this sludge of a thing.

Will post the threads for you.

AutoElectNG:


You are safe with Ga. zzuzz

I have made lots of recommendations to him.

I agree with the submission.

Sludge or timing or electrical faults.

It is not about the name of the shop you are going to, it is the skill of the technician.

Name maybe a function of the power of advertising and the funds to throw around.

A name may also be a franchise.

If the technician is not solid, not even a name will save him.

What engine oil do you use?

I have written extensively on this sludge of a thing.

Will post the threads for you.

Many thanks once more
In fact you guys are too much.

Ignorance played a major role in my predicaments.

For the last service I just I did, not up too 200km now, I used a mobil oil.

Pitokwe:


Many thanks once more
In fact you guys are too much.

Ignorance played a major role in my predicaments.

For the last service I just I did, not up too 200km now, I used a mobil oil.

Not the brand that matters but the weight.
5w20? 5w30? 20w50?

Check the can again

AutoElectNG:


Not the brand that matters but the weight.
5w20? 5w30? 20w50?

Check the can again

5w50

The car specification is 5w30.

I made an observation to the mechanic,but he said there was no issue.

Pitokwe:


5w50

The car specification is 5w30.

I made an observation to the mechanic,but he said there was no issue.

Likely cause of your problem!

AutoElectNG:


Likely cause of your problem!

Hmmmm.

What is the solution?

My mileage is 178k now

Pitokwe:


Hmmmm.

What is the solution?

My mileage is 178k now

Meet with the recommended technician.

Then we will take it from there.

Some people don't recommend switching to the proper weight.

I always do.

That is one thing that must be done.

AutoElectNG:


Meet with the recommended technician.

Then we will take it from there.

Some people don't recommend switching to the proper weight.

I always do.

That is one thing that must be done.

You mean using the oil specification,despite the mileage or anything?

yeah, this has been a topic that has been debated for ages.

me, I maintain that if u have used 20w50 more than 3 service change intervals then stick with it. it'll burn oil and leak thru the seals if u switch to factory which translates to shorter service intervals.

that's me tho....some people have said switching had no effect whatsoever..... and I don't have any reason not to believe them.

but as for me, it's either u start as ajebo and maybe later become ajepako and not vice versa. cos u can

take a man out of the wild but u can never take the wild outta the man.

lol.

autoelect I hail u, I would love to visit and learn more from u.. most of my expertise comes from just the Toyota brand, a Lil hands-on experience with other brands wouldn't hurt.

@ op that's the cause, sludge has messed with ur engine cos of the prolonged use of wrong weighted oils. @ operating temp ur oil will behave like a sae 50 oil, that's like melted grease.

the almighty Gazuzz is on ur case so it won't be long before the sun shines on u again.

obekediamondfuto:
yeah, this has been a topic that has been debated for ages.

me, I maintain that if u have used 20w50 more than 3 service change intervals then stick with it. it'll burn oil and leak thru the seals if u switch to factory which translates to shorter service intervals.

that's me tho....some people have said switching had no effect whatsoever..... and I don't have any reason not to believe them.

but as for me, it's either u start as ajebo and maybe later become ajepako and not vice versa. cos u can

take a man out of the wild but u can never take the wild outta the man.

lol.

autoelect I hail u, I would love to visit and learn more from u.. most of my expertise comes from just the Toyota brand, a Lil hands-on experience with other brands wouldn't hurt.

@ op that's the cause, sludge has messed with ur engine cos of the prolonged use of wrong weighted oils. @ operating temp ur oil will behave like a sae 50 oil, that's like melted grease.

the almighty Gazuzz is on ur case so it won't be long before the sun shines on u again.

Your last line made me smile.

I hope so.

Should I then go back to the oil specification?

Pitokwe:


You mean using the oil specification,despite the mileage or anything?

A LITTLE ABOUT MY BACKGROUND
From the home, I was taught to question any position and be absolutely sure of the sanity of the position before adopting the same.

That was further extended to question an authority on a matter, make him or her defend why you should adopt his or position as yours, and never ever adopt a position on the basis that someone in authority or someone who is highly regarded holds that viewpoint.

So feel free to question even me, and I will defend my position, but have no qualms adopting superior wisdom from anyone else. I will not stop there, I will adopt it and I will tell you why I have left mine for yours.

When I sought higher education, the above position was reinforced, so I adopt the trust but verify mentality.

Even those who taught me automotive technology always said: NEVER FOLLOW AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS ADVISE WITHOUT EXPLANATION!

My teachers were foreigners not Nigerians.

It is your car after-all, you need to sure why a decision should go one way instead of the other.

SHOULD I SWITCH OR NOT?

There are two main reasons why 20W50 is advocated:

1. Engine is sick, usually of excessive oil consumption or is noisy, owner is unwilling to repair it, so 20W50 becomes a band-aid

2. Engine is sick, usually of excessive oil consumption or is noisy, owner is unwilling to replace it, so 20W50 becomes a band-aid

Come to think of it, if someone tells you, to treat your engine as condemned, would you just accept it that way without some proof that it is indeed done for?

Since you admit that ignorance is a problem, going forward the more enlightened you are about your vehicle and its operating parameters, the better for you.

My research leads me to a different conclusion from the most of the technicians on Nairaland: My position is that you should switch.

Some professionals will encourage you not to switch.

I will encourage you to switch.

The links below may be of immense help to you.

I delayed responding because of limited access to the internet and an appropriate computing device.


I am going to mix threads that agree with my position and those that don't...an unbiased mind needs to hear both sides of the story before forming his or her conclusions.

http://nairaland.com/4491728/best-20w50-engine-oil#67392165 Especially the comments by VolvoS60 and my responses to those

See the advice I gave on the issue here to someone who wanted to switch http://nairaland.com/3933479/advice-needed-regards-engine-oil

This argument has been going on here for long:
https://www.nairaland.com/1902262/why-should-use-5w-20-5w-30

https://www.nairaland.com/3033921/why-obsession-20w50-engine-oil


http://nairaland.com/3707005/urgently-stop-using-20w50-engine


http://nairaland.com/2368557/after-using-total-20w50-6

I have references outside of Nairaland if you want those as well