I'm looking to buy an 09' IS 250 with 82k miles from a lexus dealer. This thread has got me nervous. Does this issue effect all cars in the effected years, or just some? What are the chances that the IS I'm looking at will have this issue? It only has a year left on the 9 year warranty, so is it worth buying?

 

Flip of the coin? I have an 09 with zero issues. That being said, I'm scheduled to have it walnut blasted just because I dont want it to start having issues

 

I think 2012 and after are ok. But like the previous replier stated its a toss of the coin.

 

Would a late 2011 fit the bill (9/2011)

 

I had asked my brother a while back to help me research the since he tends to know more than I do plus he never can refuse his little sister when she asks for help . This was back in 2015 and my memory may be a bit rusty...but i think I remember him saying it affected the 2006-2011 IS250's and that the 350's were ok. it possibly could've included the 2012's too but, again, I can't remember much. Yours may be included in pool of carbon buildup.

 

Just FYI:
A repair shop here told me if Lexus doesn't repair my vehicle. Go to the VW dealer and get their fuel additive.
Any opinions...

 

Fuel additive won't help this problem since we have direct injection, unless they're suggesting to feed it through the intake. The only way to get the carbon off the top of the intake valves is to have some product fed through any part of the intake (TB, PCV line, etc) or to take off the manifold, plenum, and clean the valves by hand by hot soaking or walnut blasting.

 

Took it to the dealer today and paid the $155 for Diagnostics and sure enough, the car misfired. They have now documented a misfire on cylinder 4 and 6, with the cause being carbon build up on intake valves, and the recommendation is intake valve scraping and change of spark plugs. I called corporate and got angry that I have to pay over$1,000 for something they acknowledged was wrong, and claimed to fix with the CSP back in 2012, and now have a case open for them to pay the fee quoted for me to get the intake valves cleaned and spark plugs replaced (little do they know the spark plugs were just changed, but hey... if they'll do it, why not?). I'll let you guys know if this works and if they end up paying for the service that way you don't end up paying for it!

 

I would really like to see someone try a water decarbonization procedure and feed about 2 gallons of water very slowly through the intake (fish tank tubing and a valve with a couple jugs of distilled water). I have read only good things about this procedure. I'm curious whether it would make a difference for IS250 owners?

 

I did almost a full gallon of water through the PCV Valve using a ghetto breather chamber (made out of an applesauce container and two metal straws) and it appeared to do nothing for my car. I think it works wonders when there is merely soot on the backs of the valves, but once it hardens into a charcoal like substance, I don't think it has much affect.

 

Thank you so much for the info! I have the battery draining issue now. Trying to find out what's going on.

 

MrFix....

 

Man that sucks...the 06 to 2010 models are not a keeper....good luck.

 

Question: Is their way the dealer can the date the first time your car misfire?

v/r

 

Getting my 250 walnut blasted on Friday. Will have them take pictures, as I was not having issues, nor have I ever (at 109K)

Maybe a viable option for those with these issues. Will only cost 3-400 bucks