DaigoRay

Several years ago, my vehicle displayed trac off/battery light warnings. The vehicle began acting as though it was going to stall (but didn't) and also jerking back and forth. Since then, the problem happens every one to two years. What is causing this...ignition coil misfire of either one or two coils. The "fix".....Replace coils. At one point I became so tired of the problem, that I replaced all six coils hoping to stop the recurrence. One year later (and ongoing) it happened again.

Just recently I replaced two coils and finally asked the question, "What is causing the coils to misfire". After ten minutes of a lot of double talk, the service guy finally said "Or it could be a design flaw for that particular year." Incidently, my neighbor has the same exact vehicle, right down to the colors. When he saw my car he came over, very frustrated, to ask me about this trac off/battery light warning and his vehicle jerking and acting like its going to stall. I couldn't believe it.

Anyone else out there having this recurring problem?

faithmkss

I know this is not related to your question, but you replaced 6 coils? I thought this year and model had 3 coils. each operate 2 spark plugs.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I think they had 6, they switched to 3 coils for 97-98, then went back to 6 in 99. Correct me if I'm wrong.

To answer's OP's question, I wouldn't call it a design flaw, but a common problem. You just haven't found the solution, and I don't think it's related to the coils.

DaigoRay

Trust me, there are definitely six coils. It cost me a small forturne. My mechanic (not Lexus) investigated possible reasons the coils keep misfiring and could come up with nothing. He suspects the wiring harness.

DaigoRay

My mechanic (not lexus) agrees with you, Mr. Booby, but he could not find the solution during his noninvasive search.

Update: Lexus got back to me stating that there is no problem, it is just normal wear and tear due to the age of the car. it should be expected because the vehicle is old, come in and buy a later model car. LOL. I said, "Oh really...I have friends who own GM vehicles older than my Lexus and have never had to replace a coil." He refused to discuss the problem further. Urged me to come in and purchase a newer model. I am very disappointed in Lexus for their position on this problem. I told him that is why I purchase Lexus and not GM.

In 2011, I purchased a brand new ES350 for my mother.....maybe I should have bought a cadillac.

Toofasgtp

I would rather trust my car lasting to 1,000,000 miles then to trust GMs electronics till 100k miles