Hello everyone,

While i'm new to this forum, i have a good amount of experience owning/maintaining high performance vehicles. Previously, i've owned an E60 BMW M5, while i currently own and daily drive my 2013 Lexus IS F. I purchased it certified pre-owned last year, and in the 9 months ive had it, its already had to have the radiator and thermostat replaced due to cooling issues and the water temp gauge creeping above normal. Today, i was parked at home after returning from running errands and the temp gauge crept up 1 notch above normal and stayed there at idle for over 2 minutes, also on the drive home the gauge crept 2 notches above normal but quickly returned back to normal temp. This all occurred under normal driving conditions and i just had the oil changed and the car is up to date on service and has been nothing but pampered inside and out since i bought it. Can anyone give some insight to my situation? I brought it back to Lexus Carlsbad the first time the gauge crept up and they told me its a normal part of the cars operating. I just dont feel comfortable and dont know if im being skeptical or have a legtimate concern. Thank you

Roman Here she is

 

You should take a photo of what you believe the normal temp should be.

My drifts one notch sometimes, but rarely does it drift 2 notches up..

 

Here is normal temp and 1 notch above normal operating temp

one notch above normal

 

Yeah - I just realized I was thinking of my oil temp moving slightly, the water temp is always spot on on mine.

I have not heard of any type of cooling issue plaguing our cars. The only cooling related issue that comes up often is a leaking water pump..and that is usually pre 2011 cars.

 

What weight oil is in the car?

 

I just had the oil changed last week at the Lexus Dealership, the paperwork i have says its running Mobil 5W30. Also, there are absolutely no modifications done to my car other than aesthetics(window tint, tinted tail lights etc.)

 

Thanks for the info, the last time that it crept up 2 notches above normal i brought it in to the dealership and they replaced the radiator and thermostat under warranty since i purchased it certified pre owned. I just haven't heard of this issue before on the IS F, I guess i'll have to bring it back in to get it checked out. ANY ONE HAVE ANY FEED BACK ON THE RC F AND/OR GS F? I might have to upgrade

 

Hmm.. Odd..

-Josh

 

Could the cooling system need to be burped? Air in the system will cause fluctuations like that..

 

First off, welcome to the board. My 2008 is the same color (Mercury Metallic), and I like it better each day I own it.

I wouldn't be concerned about either the water or oil temp. gauge reading one notch above normal.

I'd imagine the ambient temps. in SoCal where you're located were in excess of 90?

I've read that the RcF has issues with their fuel pump.

 

I feel that since the radiator and thermostat were both replaced and i brought it back in after it had been replaced that the dealership would have "burped" the cooling system or thought ruled it out as a reason for the issue. Its just unsettling because it never used to fluctuate this frequently.

 

Any pink foamy stuff under the engine cover?

 

The past few weeks have been warmer, about 80-90 degrees, but the issue occurs regardless if its mid day at the hottest or at the end of the night when i get off work and its cool outside. Again, my IS F never used to fluctuate this frequently, that's the main reason for my concern.

 

How are your coolant levels? Maybe valley plate leak?

 

The pump could be going bad and not pumping coolant correctly. There could be a leak. It could have not been filled correctly from when the radiator was replaced. I'm assuming you've checked your coolant level cool and hot? Maybe they refilled with the wrong stuff, what color is the coolant?