i have a 2002 RX 300. Sometimes when i start the car...maybe about 2 seconds later the engine shuts off, all the lights and radio stays on. Anyone know what might be wrong? When this does happen, I'll start the car and pump on the gas at the sametime and it'll stay on but i shouldn't have to do that. Please help.

 

Your Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) needs cleaning. You can search on IACV for lots of discussion. Here is one cleaning procedure:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-write-up.html

 

That's right jenntab you have to clean the IACV.

 

thank you. i'm a girl and don't know jack about cars. same thing happened to my cousins car and he also said it was the IACV. he had to get it replaced though and spent $500-600.

 

Where are you in Ca. Jenn? It seldom needs to be replaced, just cleaned. I have one from my DIL's 99RX that I cleaned and it worked fine, but I ended up replacing it because the car was going to WA. state for an extended period because of a medical crisis and I didn't want my DIL to have problems that far from home and being alone. If you lived close I would do it for you gratis. Good Luck in whatever your decision is.

 

If you're interested doing it yourself let's know and we give you the directions. There's a thread with pictures on this forum if you search.
Its a simple process if you're interested.

 

She said "don't know jack about cars"

The procedure is simple and straight forward but there are some details which need due consideration.

One needs longer reach and the screws are a pain to undo the first time.

My conclusion is, this is not a job for novice.

Salim

 

ya my first guess was the O2 sensor...

 

I had this same problem at about 70,000 miles in my 99 RX300. First they replaced the MAF, then the IACV (for a total cost of nearly $1200). When that didn't fix it they said it was the throttle position sensor (which they put in for free when I asked for my $1200 back). That cured the problem and it's been fine since (as far as fuel system is concerned).

 

I Have a 2001 RX300 and I've been having the same problem and was so glad to see your message. I plan to take mine to the dealership armed with this information. I just hated to go in blind. Any idae of the cost to clean it or if folks at Jiffy Lube can do the job correctly? I'm a girl without tools

 

Welcome to the Club.

I wouldn't take it to Jiffy Lube to do the IACV, but if you don't want to DIY (and I can understand that as there are a few items I don't touch directly on my own RX300), printing out the IACV clean up thread, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-write-up.html and showing it to a mechanic should help. There are not parts involved, just the labor cost of the mechanic, but I don't think when I have done this it takes me any longer than about 15-20 minutes max (faster if I really want to) to do this if I have the right tools, but those screws on the IACV itself are a major pain to take off even for me the first time I did it.

 

There is a higher probability that the dealer would replace the item, instead of cleaning it. They certainly dont need the information. If they plan to replace or change the sensor, they should charge you 1/2 hr labor.

I still think, instead of jiffy lube, people should know a mechanic ,,,, just like people need doctors, the vehicle will need to be seen by a mechanic. For me it is DIY or the dealer.

Salim

 

Monttirw- I make the same offer that I made to Jenntab- if you lived close enough in So. Cal. I would do it for free for you. No, I'm not some devient guy- been married for 47 yrs. tomorrow. I just like to help people who can't help themselves. I would do the same for a guy. The decision is yours, that is if you live in So. Cal.

 

Code58, you are indeed a nice human being to offer help to others.

As you pointed out there are safety issues the other must consider, but let me remind you that your personal safety should not be overlooked. Just like others should think twice before asking some one to come over, so should you.

The next item is liability. Accidents happen and when they do, who gets to foot the repair bill, becomes an issue. Some of the markup at shops is to cover for such incidents.

Last of all, I feel bit ashamed in bringing to the surface, some of the bad scenarios. We certainly can not improve our society (or the world) with the "wont help, due to ..." attitude. I and my members of family have been helped by strangers and have done our share of helping people in need.

All I am saying, is be aware.

Salim

 

Does anyone know of a Lexus mechanic in Southern California, Inland Empire area? Corona or Rancho Cucamonga