JamesT71

A few days ago in my 2007 ES350, the Check Air Conditioner sign appeared in my Nav Display. Same day I called the Dealer and told him that I need 85k mile service and told them about my Air Conditioner issue. They said to bring it over and they will take a look at it during servicing. For the next 2 days I didnt drive car. On the 3rd day when I started the car to take it to the dealer, the VSC sign came on. I started driving it and after going 15 miles, the check engine light came on, the battery sign and rumbling noise started to come. The dashboard engine temp indicator needle was all the way towards C (Cold). Within a few min smoke started coming out of the car. I pulled over and had the car towed to the dealer. Dealer is saying that the car did not have any coolant and it has caused extensive damage to the vehicle ($6k-$15k). I have a 100k mile extended warranty and they are saying that my warranty is void since I drove the car after the Check Air Conditioner sign came on. They are saying its negligence on my part.

I told them that after I got the Air Conditioner sign I did not drive the car and the only time I was driving was to get to the dealer and it broke down then. But they are not listening.

What are my options? I really dont think that I am fault since there was no prior warning and not sufficient time for me to do anything. Its like one day the sign comes on and the next day the car goes in fumes. some of the sensors should have gone off a few weeks ago.

Thanks in advance for your advise.

John U

Butt heads. Lookup the regional office and complain.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/conf...epartment.html

JamesT71

Lexus did the investigation and damage assessment. It turns out that the Water Pump leaked which drained the coolant and the engine overheated. Lexus is saying is that its my fault that I drove an overheated car for 15 min and they declined to honor the warranty. I have disputed the decision saying that the temperature gauge was showing cold all the time and I didnt know that the vehicle was overheated until I saw smoke.

They will take a week to review it. Not sure what they are going to say. What are my options if they say no. I have already talked to Lexus Customer Satisfaction and they have noted my complaint. Do I have to get a lawyer?

The damage is worth $18,000 ($12,000 parts + $6,000 labor). The KBB value of the car is $20,500.

Please advise.

Macklin

Not trying to be a d*ck cause we have enough of them in this forum but how did you not notice a leaking water pump? They almost always will give you notice well before it becomes catastrophic such as your condition.

Sorry about your predicament. Keep us apprised.

JamesT71

I did not know about the Water Pump leak until Lexus Service Advisor performed the Damage Investigation. After the investigation, they conculded that the Water Pump had leaked which caused the drain out of the coolant and the vehicle overheated. The Temp Gauge Indicator was showing Cold all the time so I had no idea that the vehicle was overheating until I saw smoke.

I have disputed their denial of warranty. Let see what happens.