Help diagnosing check engine light/ Limp mode

[Boosted2.0]

There is a diagnostic connector back on top of the engine (by the ECU If memory serves). Any OBD2 complaint scan tool will read the codes. The nicer ones that work with a laptop can also read the datastream which will can help with a diagnosis. ANY failure in the Throttle control system will cause this condition, (throttle does not respond and goes to mechanical backup) be it a motor failure, clutch failure, APPS failure or TPS failure. Its a safety feature. Both the APPS and TPS use redundant (dual trace) sensors so there are actually 4 sensor values to be concerned with even though there are only 2 physical sensor parts.
Likewise loss of power to the Throttle control motor would do the same thing.

Odds are its a APPS or TPS failure though. The self contained DBW systems are prone to throttle shaft seal leakage, and the moisture and carbon gum up the grease in the sensors and cause them to fail. If you fix one and the sensor fails again a year later you will want to purchase the whole assembly.

Pull the codes and you will know more. They should parrallel the codes for a 1999 Lexus GS400.

[lostatsea]

sounds like you may need fuel pumps,,,is your mil light comming on when the motor turn's off,,,??if so do not turn off your battry,you will loose the code,I work on more one toyota boat,,one that is in cary,and is doing very well,,,he also needed fuel pumps

[PSullivan3]

wow lostatsea I thought I had the only toyota in Cary

[PSullivan3]

 was the boat running and did you test drive it  before buying it

[PSullivan3]

where did you get the mdc that was replace? did the previous owner tell the mechanic to change the impeller? The same impeller for seven years! I can go on but it sounds like something is amiss here. I have used this mechanic for a few years now he is reasonable in his prices and knowledgable of what he is doing. I would say the boat had problems when (before) you bought it. Blaming a mechanic for your boat problems does not sound constructive at this point

Hi gang,

I've owned an 99 EPIC 21 two seasons now, but have very limited time on the water so far. The Lexus mechanic replaced the MDC and I have a new battery, but all the gages are still dead. He gave up working on the boat. The lower half of the dash still works without the key, so I don't think the wiring is right, so I would appreciate some advice on the new wiring...exact gauge and length, fuses to buy, etc. I am going to do it myself. I can't trust the certified Lexus mechanic who worked on the boat for the previous owner. I found the paint on the impeller housing screws had never been touched since new, so was misinformed about the routine maintenance which I don't think was ever done. I replaced the burnt exhaust hoses and disintegrated impeller after the first time in the water. From my last two times in the water, I am also experiencing OK performance for about 30 minutes, then the limp mode thing. I replaced the fuel filter and will replace the fuel pump screens tomorrow. I have access to a boat mechanic who never worked on an EPIC before. He wants to bypass the MDC. I will try the easier stuff myself per all the great advice in the maintenance section.

Any advice to get the boat reliable would be appreciated. Feel free to email me direct at bmccalla@bellsouth.net. I am in Cary, NC.

[bmccalla]

I have worked as a mechanic in a previous life. The mechanic we are referring to I believe misrepresented the work he may have done for the previous owner. I admit he was fair in charges for the limited work he did for me, but again, I was more or less shocked I was the one to break the original paint on the impeller housing. To me, this should have been routinely examined or changed. Either the previous owner misrepresented the service done, or the mechanic who claimed to do all the work in reality did not. Water under the bridge now...I'm not worried about the past.

I'm glad to find another owner in Cary. I actually saw another EPIC within walking distance of my house in Cary and talked to the owner this summer...was that you? I hope we can cross paths. I've winterized my boat myself and will tow it to an indoor storage facility this weekend. I am going to do all the maintenance myself going forward, but probably won't have time until May 09 to do some wiring updates. Don't have much money, but I'm willing to swap two airline tickets anywhere in the U.S. for assistance to get my boat electronics and fuel system back to optimum performance.

Bill

[Capt Rick]

Does the light on dash stay on after you start engine? in today economy I would be interested in 2 tickets for what airlines. Capt RICK       BOATETRADE@AOL.COM


or call Jim Slavin number at Johnson Lexus he has scan tool.

[lostatsea]

bill if you still what the boat looked at i am more then willing to help,,you need to know a few things,,1,i never said I replaced the water pump.2,as you know when I got the boat (after you bought it) it was not running,3,I also told you about all the aftermarket wiring,,(i.e.amps and xm radios,)this boat can be repaired,if you want to do it thats ok,if you would like my help I will,I did not sell you this boat,capt rick knows me,and as you know I haved worked on alot of ones in the pasted. I tryed to call you after you picked up your boat,(no call back)so it's up to you?your call