New Member Intro and a small problem...

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

KY Tundra

KY Tundra

10 Year
Joined
Feb 8, 2015
Threads
28
Messages
144
Location
Louisville
Hey guys. Been lurking on here since I started my search for a LC in the spring. Finally bought one from the MUD Classifieds several months ago. Its a 2005 with about 125K miles. Bought it for my wife but I drive it every chance I get. Its all stock. Only thing I have done to it is removed the running boards.

On a recent road trip the CEL and the two VSC lights popped on. I went to Autozone and it registered a P0051 code. I searched the forum and found a few threads about it but didn't know if anyone had any more insight into it. Are there easy things to check before I replace the O2 sensor?

Also, if anyone is in the Louisville, KY area, I'm looking for a mechanic familiar with the 100 Series. I have had it at the dealer for an oil change but would like to find an independent shop.

Thanks for your help with this and for all the help when I was trying to find "the" truck.
 
When I was test driving the LX I now own it too through the p0051 code. The owner did mentioned it prior to the CEL coming on.

Iirc the p0051 code is for the passenger side o2 sensor near the engine before it gets to the cat. I used Mud search and googled to find everything I needed to know to swap it out.

I ordered o2 sensor socket to remove the sensor (you may not need it) and a Denso o2 sensor from Amazon. I think it was about $30-$40, or less.

If you know what you are doing you may access the o2 senso from the engine bay. The connection may be a bit tricky to disconnect.

You may also access the o2 sensor from underneath the truck.

Mud search and Google are your friends. There are some good posts with great pics.

Btw. My CEL was on , but I did not have the VSC lights come on. Maybe someone else will chime in on this.

Good luck.
 
Last edited:
OG 91 LC said:
When I was test driving the LX I now own it too through the p0051 code. The owner did mentioned it prior to the CEL coming on.

Iirc the p0051 code is for the passenger side o2 sensor near the engine before it gets to the cat. I used Mud search and googled to find everything I needed to know to swap it out.

I ordered o2 sensor socket to remove the sensor (you may not needed) and a Denso o2 sensor from Amazon. I think it was about $30-$40, or less.

If you know what you are doing you may access the o2 senso from the engine bay. The connection may be a bit tricky to disconnect.

You may also access the o2 sensor from underneath the truck.

Mud search and Google are your friends. There are some good posts with great pics.

Btw. My CEL was on , but I did not have the VSC lights come on. Maybe someone else will chime in on this.

Good luck.
Click to expand...


When I replaced the DS oxygen sensor, the whole thing was really easy with the front wheel removed. The only "gotcha" was getting the wiring harness disconnected in such a cramped space. It turned out that the harness was actually held in place with a 10mm bolt (IIRC)... so once I found and removed that there was plenty of room to unlock the connector halves and swap the new sensor in place.


-G
 
I agree with OG about concerns about the VSC lights coming on as it to the best of my knowledge are wholly independent. O2 Sensor is a job well worth considering to do DIY. It is actually the only thing I have done on my own.

Good luck with everything and indeed please do report back about the findings.
 
KY Tundra said:
I'll check it out and report back. Thanks for the input.
Click to expand...
No shops that I've found in the ville specialize in LC's. Mostly jeeps and rovers. I've had a rear locker installed by V3 jeep shop and the mechanic that did the install is on mud, as he's a Toyota guy. @dougthethug, I think is his screen name. Anyhow he's hunting down a 100 also. Call that shop and speak with or go meet him....nice dude. He's a jeep mechanic but knowledgable about yotas. I've seen a 60 series and a 40 in their bays before.
Good luck - go CARDS!
 
I actually know Doug from my old Jeep days. Still have the Jeep, just don't have the time or money to take it out and break something every weekend. I'll stop in and see him. Thanks for the heads up.
 
Regarding the VSC lights . . .

On my '05 GX470, when you have an issue with the air pump, it throws a code but also lights up the VSC lights as well and disables them. In researching my issue, it seems as though they do this to encourage you to take it to the dealer. Pretty s***ty if you ask me, but nothing you can't clear yourself with a cheap code reader.

If the only code you're throwing is the P0051, I would venture the VSC lights are coming on just like they did on my GX - to try to get you to take it to the dealer. The VSC system is definitely unrelated to the O2 sensors. Replace the sensor, clear the code, avoid the dealer and be happy.
 
Thanks for the continued input. I still haven't found the time to dig into this.

Will the Harbor Freight code reader clear the codes? Is there any point in just clearing it first and seeing of it comes back on? Will they sometimes throw a code only under a certain circumstance and not necessarily do it again?

Doesn't sound like the O2 sensor is a tough job, just need to find the time.
 
HF has code readers that will clear it. I can't say if all of them can because there are some code readers that only read codes. But it seems nowadays, even the cheapest will also clear codes. Just check the package. You probably shouldn't have to pay more than $30 or so.

You can try to clear it and see if it comes back. I had some issues with my FZJ80 where it would throw a code that wouldn't come back for a month or two (inefficient cat). Some people chocked that up to older cars not being set for ethanol gas. But with an 2005, I don't think that would matter. Short term, I don't think it would hurt. But if it repeatedly comes back and you just clear it, I would worry that the bad O2 sensor would be messing up my mixture making it too rich (bad mileage) or worse, too lean. But I don't think there is any harm in clearing it once and seeing how long it takes to come back, if ever.
 
Same p0051 along with vsc lights, replaced 02 sensors with oem denso for way cheaper than toyota/lexus parts (did both heated while in there) and good to go so far. Personally was easiest to access heated sensor from underneath. O2 socket was useful just to break 'em loose.


Sent from my iPhone
 
Finally replaced the O2 sensor last night. Removed the pan, raised the front of the truck a little, and knocked it out in about 30 mins. A little tough to break free the original sensor. The sensor socket definitely made it easier. Worst part was the AC drain was dripping right where I needed to have my face to see the socket. Cleared the code. Drove about 60 miles today and looks like it took care of it. Thanks for the advice.
 
KY Tundra said:
Finally replaced the O2 sensor last night. Removed the pan, raised the front of the truck a little, and knocked it out in about 30 mins. A little tough to break free the original sensor. The sensor socket definitely made it easier. Worst part was the AC drain was dripping right where I needed to have my face to see the socket. Cleared the code. Drove about 60 miles today and looks like it took care of it. Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...

just noticed this thread. Good to see other LC/LX owners in Louisville! Im out in Oldham.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom