So, I recently purchased an '02 Lexus ES 300 from a used car dealership, and it was running fine. The next day, I was driving along the highway when I noticed the car decreasing in speed. When pushing down on the accelerator, it was not speeding up. I starting to pull the car over to the shoulder, and the power steering had gone out, so I really had to pull on the wheel to maneuver. When I finally got over to the shoulder and stopped, I turned off the car and attempted to turn it on--- no luck. The electronics of the car were working, Like radio and lights, but when turning the key it would only make a clicking sound, and the engine was not turning over.

I had the car towed to a shop, but they won't be open until tomorrow. Based on some online research I've done, I've seen "Fuel Pump" come up a lot. Could this be what's causing this issue? What does something like that cost to fix? Or has anyone else experienced this and possibly have insight?

Thanks.

 

sounds like your alternator gave up and quit charging.

Alternatively, your battery could have failed internally (broken plate/plates). This does happen, and happened to ours this past winter. JCI battery from Costco, one month out of warranty. Do not buy batteries at Costco, or JCI OE ones anywhere. They used to be good but have really lost it the last decade.

Another possibility is you lost the accessory belt, but you should have had warning lights well in advance if that...

 

My Sister had made the original post (she doesnt have her own account yet) and the shop got in contact. They say the timing belt broke and the timing belt and water pump will need to be replaced - $760 for parts and labor.

 

If the timing belt broke I am pretty sure the whole motor would be toast.

 

Now now - he MAY have gotten lucky!

 

Contrary to what some believe, these engines are NOT interference engines.

So the engine did not self destruct.

 

I've actually always wondered this. Any way to confirm? Call Lexus?

 

Yes....see if the OP's engine suffered any damage after the TB is done!

 

Nope. At least not "for sure."

Also a big "No."

These ARE interference engines. Toyota and the belt manufacturers say so for the VVT models (but not the non-VVT 1mz-fe - thus conflicting references if you look up "1mz-fe interference"). BUT ALSO - the valves do not enter an interference zone on the VVT models until high in the RPM range - I forgot the spec but it's high 3k's or even 4k or more. So unless the engine is running WOT, a belt failure is not going to result in valve train damage regardless of interference or not. Thus the lack of reported damage from known belt failures. So let's recap: It's an interference motor. Some of the time. Belt failure can result in valve train damage. Possibly, but not often.

But on another note, I can't reconcile the OP with a broken TB given this:

There's no reason I know of the starter would be blocked with a TB failure - at least not on other cars I know of - and prevent the motor from at least turning. Unless there's some sensor lockout on these cars not common on others of the vintage, I seriously wonder about the diagnosis. Seriously wonder...

 

First thing that came to my mind before reading into the thread was Uh Oh timing belt snapped.

Reason why I say this is, recently a coworker of mine experienced this on his 2002 Honda CRV. Said he was trying to drive up a small ramp and engine died, couldn't start it back up. Luckily he had it towed home and his broke-chanic neighbor said it was because of a snapped T-Belt, they replaced the Belt and car is now running fine, no Valve train damage.

I would definitely pull the upper timing cover and have a look inside to confirm the situation.

 

+1, these are interference engines.

 

Thank you. That is what I previously tonight.

 

According to a Toyota master tech on Toyotanation.com any Toyota V6 with a timing belt is non-interference. I can't find the post off hand I'll get the link if/when I find it.

edit -
source

 

Uh-oh, someone was wrong on the internet!

By that rule, Toyota has NEVER built a non-interference, chain-timed 4 cylinder? Really? And we know there ARE interference 6s other than the 1mz-fe.

At least the statment about V8s appears to be correct.

 

(OP/sister here) So after the mechanic looked into it further, he discovered that the CAM Shaft broke. This does in fact mean the motor is toast. Shop quoted me $1100 for a used motor, and $2200 for labor (they estimated it would take 18 hours worth). I brought the issue to the used car dealer who sold me the car and asked him what he could do for me since the car broke down the day after I purchased it. They also quoted $1000 for a used motor, but only $300 for labor. This will also include fixing the timing belt.

Seeing how the dealer is replacing the motor for so cheap (which may be because he sold me a car that broke down so quickly) what should I be on the watch for after the repairs in case there is a malfunction in the future?