cooljazzma

Hi All,

2001 LS430 with about 190,000 miles on it....

Below 50% throttle it runs PERFECTLY. Just getting around town I didn't even know there was a problem. I noticed the other day when I popped out into the HOV lane on my local interstate and floored it and got NOTHING.

So with a little more experimenting I've nailed the symptoms down: Again, low throttle, no problem. As soon as you really begin to put your foot into it it begins to hesitate. At 75% throttle it doesn't seem to want to accelerate much AT ALL. At full throttle, it BARELY accelerates. The transmission seems to know what's going on since it prevents any shifting at full throttle. But the car just coughs and sputters it's way faster.

OK... any thoughts? CEL is off.

THANKS!
-jeff

Bocatrip

It could be any number of things. I had a Maxima that had similar symptoms and it turned out to be a Mass air sensor. Why don't you get the car hooked up to a diagnostic machine to see what error codes may come up?

cooljazzma

Should have clarified... CEL is off AND no codes are thrown, per my OBDII reader.

ultm8mind

iTrader: (3)

bad o2 sensor?

Bocatrip

I would consider biting the bullet and going to Lexus or Toyota and asking if they can assure you that a diagnostic will direct you to the problem area. Rather than throwing away money on parts, you need to know where to begin. Good luck. The good news is that our cars are usually always fixable compared to some European nightmares.

cooljazzma

SOLUTION!!!

I took it to my local (non dealer) shop today. Mass air sensor was the culprit. Best $85 I ever spent on anything. That would have taken HOURS for me to figure out. Sometimes a good mechanic is priceless.

ultm8mind

iTrader: (3)

MAF will do it too, on my old car my intake came off at the turbo and it cut fuel system off.

Jabberwock

Excellent post - glad you got it fixed and thanks for sharing the information.