reddragon7500@sbcglobal.net wrote in news:99cdb183-72fc-4188-bc1a-
f15307d173ea@n20g2000hsh.googlegroups.com:

On my wifes 2002,RX300 I had the same flashing lights.
Go to any auto parts store like autozone where they will read the
error codes. Mine was P1135 which required changeing the Air/Fuel
ratio sensor on the rear exhaust manifold. Lexus price $217.87 and
twenty minutes labor to remove and replace.
If you get a different error code go to
http://www.myscantool.com/dtc/specific/lexus.html
for list of OBD-II trouble codes.
Other choice would be go to Lexus and give them $500.00 and be done
with it.
Good luck,
Brad

When you took the car to a mechanic, did he hook up an OBD scan tool to pull
the trouble codes?  If so, what were the trouble codes?

There are a few faults that can give you a check engine light and flashing
traction light both at the same time.  The ones that come to mind are a
problem with a wheel speed sensor and related circuit; a problem with the
throttle linkage; an air leak in the system, a disconnected mass air flow
("MAF") sensor; or a contaminated MAF sensor from over-oiling the K&N air
filter.   Pulling the trouble codes will point you in the right direction.
You can borrow one at some auto parts stores like AutoZone if the mechanic
did not list the specific numerical trouble codes.  Once you have the
trouble codes, post them here and I'll try to narrow down the possible
causes for you.

As far a finding a leak in the intake system, spraying carburetor cleaner
around the hose can sometimes do the trick.  If the leak sucks in the
carburetor cleaner, engine RPM will increase slightly.  This is not the best
approach because the carb cleaner can dissolve rubber and plastic and is
very flammable.

While you're checking, make sure that you properly re-connected the MAF
sensor and that you did not disturb the throttle cable.

I am not a big fan of aftermarket "high performance" air filters, especially
the kind that use a permanent filter that uses oil to trap dirt.  In order
to increase air flow into the engine, most aftermarket air filters allow
very fine particulates to pass through into the engine because the fine
particulate dust tends to clog the filter, restricting air flow.  Of course,
the fine dust will contribute to increased engine wear and more rapid oil
contamination, so you need to change the engine oil at or before the
automaker's recommended oil change interval.  The other problem with the
filters that use an oiled element is that some of the components in the oil
will evaporate and contaminate the hot wire in the MAF sensor, and as the
hot wire becomes coated, it does not sense the air flow properly, making the
engine computer think that there is less air flow passing through and make
the air/fuel mixture too lean, reducing engine performance.