Just dropped it off at a local trusted shop near work. Will find out tomorrow. I'll be happy with ABT (anything but transmission).

He did suggest sometimes the O2 sensors can cause behavior as I described and since I have some codes related to that, hopefully that is the fix.

Thanks

 

Had it at a local shop today and they determined it was a faulty air/fuel sensor (as everyone suggested) and it also had a crack in the manifold.

They first replaced it with an after market Denso sensor but it would not fix the problem so they had someone drive to a Lexus dealer to pick up an A/F sensor and that did make the difference. I know other posts here have said that the A/F sensor is very specific for the car. The shop also suggested that the 1st Denso sensor that they tried might have been faulty as well though.

They also welded the hole in the manifold and things seem to be going well.

About $230 for the part, $50 welding, $150 sensor install and charge for CEL reading and taxes brought it to $519.

I appreciate your help as I knew I didn't want to try the A/F sensor replacement myself but it did make me a more informed consumer.

Thanks

 

Just put in sensor myself. Front Denso sensor from Amazon $135. I bought a OBD2 code reader from Amazon $130, Its mine forever to be able to read them codes myself. Total Cost=$265.

Satisfaction of doing the job myself...PRICELESS! (I see that I have saved big $ on the part and installation fee....paid for the code reader+).


Jerry

 

Aprazur-

I definitely like to be a DIY'er but I read some posts about some difficulty reaching the sensor and removing it (rounding off the edges etc...) and the fact the car was behaving quite strangely now I had to get it done while I was at work.

You certainly did well fixing it yourself though.

Overall, I was satisfied with everything except the $60 charge for the CEL codes and clearing them that was on the bill. I have always gone to the local parts store and borrowed their reader to get codes and clear them for free. That charge did seem a bit ridiculous to me.

 

Phillyfan,

I know what you mean. I've been ripped off twice through the years for code reading for $150 total by the local garage. When you have a Auto Zone store do it for free, you see how easy it is to do.

That's why this last month, when I got a code flash on the dash, I bought my own OBD2 reader. I should have done it years ago. (Words to the wise). I decided enough is enough of being gouged by garages. I spent a day reading and printing all the DIY's on this site. Lexmex is "God Sent" for all us RX owners.

The OBD@ reader told me which sensor to change. Per Club Lexus DIY Instructions, I had a 15/16 box wrench and got the motor warm to heat swell the fiting...bingo, it came off with ease. Mucho $ saved !

The bad thing about these luxury vehicles is that when they get older you start to have problems with electrical things. And, Everything is electrical on then! If you don't learn how to self diagnose and repair them. The Lexus Stealer or independent garages are going to take you to the cleaners.

This Forum is Gold! Try to learn how to utilize it, your wallet will thank you.

Kind regards,

Jerry