That's what happened this morning on my way to the Lexus dealer. I was taking my car (99 GS300) into the Lexus dealer to have them check it out since I am still having the problem with my VSC/VSC OFF light still on and the high idle. Well, on my way there, I noticed smoke in my rear view mirror, when I pulled over, the smoke billowed from the hood. I opened the hood and there was so much smoke I could not see my engine. after the smoke cleared I noticed the engine was on fire under the air intake chamber towards the firewall. So I ran inside Chick-Fil-A and grabbed a fire extinguisher and put out the fire.

When I finally got it to the Lexus dealer, the service tech said it was probably the starter that caught fire. He said it just happened to someone else just yesterday. But I will find out the damage around lunch time or a little after.

Sidney

 

damn maN glad you were able to save it

was there any permanent damage ??

 

damn, that mustve been scary!!!! Im suprised you were able to get it started up again...I probably wouldve been to scared and called a tow truck! I hope they're able to get the problem resolved for you....

 

Dam smart thinking to get the fire out. That's one of the reason why everyone should travel with a fire extinguisher . In case something like this comes up. Keep us up to date

 

I am praying you are under warranty

Jonny

 

damn that just sucks man. glad you put out the fire and youre safe

 

man that sucks. sorry to hear it. good thing it was not on a sunday.

 

JMJS23
I forgot to say, it was towed from there to the Lexus dealer.

T.L.W.
No word yet on damage.

Dx3
No warranty.

 

Conclusion:

Well, according to the Lexus tech, only the starter sustained significant damage. That was one piece of good news, the other good news was that they didn't charge me for checking it out.

So, looks like I will be replacing a starter tonight.

Sidney

 

wow damn, i thought you mean something when i read "fire" in the subject

sorry to hear that man, this is bad....

 

very bad!!! Hard to believe it is from a lexus!!!
Hope Lexus will fix it for free.

 

Well, they checked it out for free but I had to replace it out my own pocket. $150.00 and 1.5 hours labor. Up and running like new again!

I saved $320.00 doing it on my own!

Sidney

 

how can a starter catch fire?

 

A short in the wire. I'll take a picture of it before I take it back tomorrow.

Sidney

 

sorry to hear, glad it wasn't worse