1999 ES300 Timing Belt Questions
08-30-12, 12:51 PM
#1
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1999 ES300 Timing Belt Questions
My timing belt was replaced by Lexus dealer on our 1999 ES300 14,000 miles ago (at 93,000 miles), four years ago. (We don't drive it much.) When I started to get a hard idle and the engine and TRAC dash lights came on, I took it to my Lexus dealer.
Diagnosis was that timing belt, tensioner, and two pulleys needed to be replaced. Skips one tooth now and will get worse. Will cause valve damage, if not repaired/replaced, and the belt pops.
Dealer claims the timing system was fine when the belt was replaced 14,000 miles ago and the dash lights did not turn on then. So dealer claims he's not responsible, given that it's four years later now.
Someone help me with all this. I thought timing system deteriorates with operation and mileage, not calendar time.
Diagnosis was that timing belt, tensioner, and two pulleys needed to be replaced. Skips one tooth now and will get worse. Will cause valve damage, if not repaired/replaced, and the belt pops.
Dealer claims the timing system was fine when the belt was replaced 14,000 miles ago and the dash lights did not turn on then. So dealer claims he's not responsible, given that it's four years later now.
Someone help me with all this. I thought timing system deteriorates with operation and mileage, not calendar time.
08-30-12, 01:24 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
It would really help to know what the CEL code(s) are. If the timing belt job was done correctly, it is highly unlikely the belt or associated components have failed in 14,000 miles. The only exception to that I can see is if one of the components was defective.
The two pulleys they claim need replacing, do they mean the camshaft gears aka pulleys?
The two pulleys they claim need replacing, do they mean the camshaft gears aka pulleys?
08-30-12, 01:35 PM
#3
It would really help to know what the CEL code(s) are. If the timing belt job was done correctly, it is highly unlikely the belt or associated components have failed in 14,000 miles. The only exception to that I can see is if one of the components was defective.
The two pulleys they claim need replacing, do they mean the camshaft gears aka pulleys?
The two pulleys they claim need replacing, do they mean the camshaft gears aka pulleys?
08-30-12, 02:31 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
There is only one idler pulley which is why I asked.
08-30-12, 03:09 PM
#5
My timing belt was replaced by Lexus dealer on our 1999 ES300 14,000 miles ago (at 93,000 miles), four years ago. (We don't drive it much.) When I started to get a hard idle and the engine and TRAC dash lights came on, I took it to my Lexus dealer.
Diagnosis was that timing belt, tensioner, and two pulleys needed to be replaced. Skips one tooth now and will get worse. Will cause valve damage, if not repaired/replaced, and the belt pops.
Dealer claims the timing system was fine when the belt was replaced 14,000 miles ago and the dash lights did not turn on then. So dealer claims he's not responsible, given that it's four years later now.
Someone help me with all this. I thought timing system deteriorates with operation and mileage, not calendar time.
Diagnosis was that timing belt, tensioner, and two pulleys needed to be replaced. Skips one tooth now and will get worse. Will cause valve damage, if not repaired/replaced, and the belt pops.
Dealer claims the timing system was fine when the belt was replaced 14,000 miles ago and the dash lights did not turn on then. So dealer claims he's not responsible, given that it's four years later now.
Someone help me with all this. I thought timing system deteriorates with operation and mileage, not calendar time.
08-30-12, 06:36 PM
#6
That is a strange one, Mitch. Like others have said, highly unlikely that the belt or pulleys are failing after only 14k miles. Still, I suppose it is possible. If the Lexus dealer you recently took it to for diagnosis is the same dealer that replaced the belt, I would definitely be in their face asking why I should trust them again. There should be a really good price break if they have to do it all over again.
First, seek another opinion from a trusted mechanic, even a good indy or Toyota mechanic.
First, seek another opinion from a trusted mechanic, even a good indy or Toyota mechanic.
08-30-12, 06:42 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
They may have only changed your timing belt, and not the tensioner, nor the pulley. In that case, if they only charged you for a timing belt service, than its not their fault.
Do you have the original invoice, if not than they should have a copy. Have a look at exactly what they charged you for, and take it from there.
Phil
Do you have the original invoice, if not than they should have a copy. Have a look at exactly what they charged you for, and take it from there.
Phil
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09-03-12, 08:49 AM
#8
Diagnosis was that timing belt, tensioner, and two pulleys needed to be replaced.
The timing belt does deteriorate with time. I believe it is seven or eight years.
09-03-12, 09:43 AM
#9
It sounds suspicious to me, dealers push timing belts no matter what the mileage because it's so lucrative, and they love to scare customers that their engine is going to grenade if it's not done quickly.
Let's just say, a timing belt is not a typical diagnosis for a rough idle. And it's very unlikely a $1,200 timing belt job from a Lexus dealer goes bad in only 14k miles. My guess? Your car needs something simple to fix the rough idle and their tacking on a timing belt job to pad the bill.
If the Lexus dealer says it needs a new timing belt job, I'd show them the receipt and tell them they screwed up and should it again for free. If they refuse, you know all you need to do about that stealership.
My advice is to ask around and find a good independent shop and get a diagnosis, these cars are basically Toyota Camrys, there's no reason to take your car to an overpriced dealer.
Let's just say, a timing belt is not a typical diagnosis for a rough idle. And it's very unlikely a $1,200 timing belt job from a Lexus dealer goes bad in only 14k miles. My guess? Your car needs something simple to fix the rough idle and their tacking on a timing belt job to pad the bill.
If the Lexus dealer says it needs a new timing belt job, I'd show them the receipt and tell them they screwed up and should it again for free. If they refuse, you know all you need to do about that stealership.
My advice is to ask around and find a good independent shop and get a diagnosis, these cars are basically Toyota Camrys, there's no reason to take your car to an overpriced dealer.
09-03-12, 11:58 AM
#11
My advice is to ask around and find a good independent shop and get a diagnosis, these cars are basically Toyota Camrys, there's no reason to take your car to an overpriced dealer.
09-03-12, 01:43 PM
#12
Lexus Champion
Diagnosis was that timing belt, tensioner, and two pulleys needed to be replaced
09-03-12, 03:07 PM
#14
Lexus Champion
You are of course correct don't know what I was thinking. 
