[IOM-Jordan]

Hi All,

I have a 2003 2.0 RAV4 that has some issues and I think it could be on its last legs but you never know, there could be a simple fix to it... the exhaust smoke is somewhat white and sweet smelling, however the coolant level is fine and it doesn't overheat. The oil however has always needed topping up every couple of months. The car is very down on power with no top end at all, it doesn't really like going past 50mph. Sometimes when it's a cold morning the car will give a sudden jolt as you're trying to accelerate but then recover and continue without issues, but then the other day it got a slight shudder while driving which stopped as randomly as it started, but it definitely isn't happy and the check engine light is now permanently illuminated. Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[Elle_Rav4]

Can you report what codes the computer is throwing (causing the check engine lamp to light)?

Is the oil or coolant discolored, like they are heading to the consistency of a chocolate milk shake?

When the engine is running, do you see bubbles being blown in the coolant reservoir?

Can you check the spark plugs for discoloration et cetera?

 

[IOM-Jordan]

Thanks for the response, sorry for the delay getting back I’ve had loads to do. The codes are as follows: P0161 o2 sensor heater circuit bank 2 sensor 2, P1155 manufacturer control, and P1346 manufacturer control

 

[IOM-Jordan]

Also, the coolant seems fine to me, and I’ll give the spark plugs a double check

 

[IOM-Jordan]

Thanks for the response, sorry for the delay getting back I’ve had loads to do. The codes are as follows: P0161 o2 sensor heater circuit bank 2 sensor 2, P1155 manufacturer control, and P1346 manufacturer control

A quick google search says it could be the fuel ratio for the P1155 code which would make sense as it does smell a bit rich and uses lots of fuel, and the P1346 could be the VVT sensor?

 

[Elle_Rav4]

The loss of oil is troubling. I would keep it in mind as you proceed.

The P1155 code points to one of the upstream air fuel ratio sensors. For now, I am betting clearing the p1155 code will clear the P0161 code. I would start by replacing the bank 2, sensor 1 air fuel ratio sensor. It is toyota part# 89467-42020 - Denso part# 234-9028 . I checked the latter at densoautoproducts.com . This looks like a great discussion of P1155 and P0161 being thrown simultaneously: P1155 & P0161 . A failed oxygen sensor absolutely can cause poor running and bad fuel economy.

If you have a Rav4 with the steering wheel on the left side, then the sensor for the P1155 code is on the passenger side of the engine bay. Here is a drawing to help:

I urge soaking the air fuel ratio sensor's threads in PB Blaster and then driving for a few days. Repeat. When you replace the sensor, do so right after running an errand, while the engine is still warm. This will greatly reduce the chances of the threads stripping. Also buy a proper oxygen sensor socket wrench and save yourself lot of annoyance.

The p1346 code is for what you indicated, a.k.a. the camshaft position sensor. These do fail from time to time. When they do fail, the failure typically causes serious running problems.

 

[IOM-Jordan]

The loss of oil is troubling. I would keep it in mind as you proceed.

The P1155 code points to one of the upstream air fuel ratio sensors. For now, I am betting clearing the p1155 code will clear the P0161 code. I would start by replacing the bank 2, sensor 1 air fuel ratio sensor. It is toyota part# 89467-42020 - Denso part# 234-9028 . I checked the latter at densoautoproducts.com . This looks like a great discussion of P1155 and P0161 being thrown simultaneously: P1155 & P0161 . A failed oxygen sensor absolutely can cause poor running and bad fuel economy. If you have a Rav4 with the steering wheel on the left side, then the sensor for the P1155 code is on the passenger side of the engine bay. Here is a drawing to help:

I urge soaking the air fuel ratio sensor's threads in PB Blaster and then driving for a few days. Repeat. When you replace the sensor, do so right after running an errand, while the engine is still warm. This will greatly reduce the chances of the threads stripping.

The p1346 code is for what you indicated, a.k.a. the camshaft position sensor. These do fail from time to time.

That’s brilliant, thank you very much. I’ll look into getting this sorted ASAP. The help is very much appreciated