CEL/VSC/trac lights on (but not your average problem!)

[2002tii]

Hi all-

Looking to purchase a GX 470 and recently came across one for sale. Price is right - it's an 05 with reasonable miles, full dealer service history, recent timing belt, etc. Cleanest one I've looked at (and it has KDSS!).

BUT! The CEL and trio of traction/VSC lights have come on and the dealer that has it says they plan to take it to auction rather than fix it. I'm thinking about lowballing them with a wholesale-type price.

Now, here's where it gets interesting...

The PO just spent $4,000 (in the last month) trying to address those lights before apparently giving up and buying another vehicle. Here's what they did:

Service 1:
P1445, P1442, P0307 came on. Their diagnosis: Secondary air pump drawing excess current and motor is extremely loud. Need to replace air pump and retest. Found #7 ignition coil is weak, moved to position #1 and shows misfire under load.

They replaced the following:
- secondary air pump
- intake manifold gasket
- direct ignition coil
- serviced battery

(spark plugs have recently been replaced)

A couple of weeks later, the lights came back on...

Service #2:
Code P1445
Switching valve #2 stuck closed. They say that the previously failed air pump contaminated the valve (broken fins).
- replaced both switching valves and an air injection hose

Now, about a month later, the lights are back on. I will be taking it to Auto Zone on Monday to get the codes read. It runs great - feels strong, idles smooth, no smoke, no noises, etc. I'm not a mechanic, but I am confident I can tell when something is going wrong with a vehicle.

From what I have read, possible scenarios given there are no obvious drivability signs of a problem include...
- MAF needs to be cleaned
- gas cap needs to be replaced
- O2 sensors (looks like there are four?)

Any suggestions? I want to try to diagnose this without getting the lights cleared since they are my bargaining point.

Thanks!!

 

[RCsGX]

I'm confused...do you own the GX yet? It sounds like you don't since you said you want to get it diagnosed without the lights cleared since it's your bargaining point. But then why would you have the GX a month later and be taking it to AutoZone if you don't own it yet? Did you buy it and they offered you some type of warranty on it?

As far as possibilities you pretty much nailed them all. To know exactly, you really need the "P" code.

 

[2002tii]

Sorry for the confusion. I do NOT currently own the GX; intending to diagnose the problem before buying it. The services I listed above were performed by the previous owner before they traded it.


If whatever is still wrong with it proves to be an easy fix, I will buy it - but I want to keep the lights on as a bargaining point.

I'll get the codes tomorrow from Auto Zone and will report back here with my findings.

 

[470reasons]

20 bucks on gascap to win please.

 

[GXO]

Yeah, the gas cap on mine caused that and solved for $20.

 

[Cfbrenton1]

Had this happen on my LX. Tried the cheaper stuff and then it was catalytic converter, $2,000 later.

 

[Cfbrenton1]

Mid range auction prices on these with 125k is about 15k. With the warning lights on, maybe a bit less. Just FYI.

 

[2002tii]

Had AutoZone test it... P1442 and C1201. Kind of odd that P1442 would come up just a month after they replaced the secondary air pump. C1201 - not much info out there on it. Sounds ECU-related.

I think I'm leaning against this one. Even though it has been well-maintained and has had a lot of recent service, a lot of issues are suddenly popping up on it. Makes me wonder if maybe it went for an accidental swim at some point.

Any suggestions? GX470s are not at all hard to find around here, although KDSS ones seem unusual.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Cfbrenton1]

Gx and LX are totally different leagues. Like major leagues an triple A

 

[2002tii]

Gx and LX are totally different leagues. Like major leagues an triple A

Yeah. I like the 100-series a lot - more than the 120, to be honest - but the GX fits my budget better. Under $20,000 nets you a solid, reasonable mileage 05-07 GX with full service history.

 

[RCsGX]

Had AutoZone test it... P1442 and C1201. Kind of odd that P1442 would come up just a month after they replaced the secondary air pump. C1201 - not much info out there on it. Sounds ECU-related.

Any suggestions?

If it's pulling up the secondary pump code again I'd pass on that GX. Who knows what problems are lurking w/ it. There are too many good GXs out there to pick from.