Safety Recall BLD -Intelligent Power Module (IPM) Replacement
#76
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Just got the "interim" recall announcement from Lexus. They said they might be ready with the recall in January, 2012. In the event the inverter fails, they indicated they would repair it at no charge to the owner. I wonder who pays the towing when the car breaks down due to the inverter failing and you are 150 miles from a dealer? (think Alligator Alley in Florida) With over 100k miles on the RX400H, the inverter failure possibilities are my "sword of Damocles" ready to swing over my head.
Can anybody adivse what kind of coolant I can purchase to add ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
#77
According to the recall letter, they suggest to regularly confirm that the coolant level in the inverter coolant reservoir is between FULL ad LOW, and if the coolant level is below LOW line, add coolant up to the FULL line. In may case, the coolant level just happned to be below LOW.
Can anybody adivse what kind of coolant I can purchase to add ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Can anybody adivse what kind of coolant I can purchase to add ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
I wouldn't spend any money on it. Take it in and have Lexus fill it.
#78
According to the recall letter, they suggest to regularly confirm that the coolant level in the inverter coolant reservoir is between FULL ad LOW, and if the coolant level is below LOW line, add coolant up to the FULL line. In may case, the coolant level just happned to be below LOW.
Can anybody adivse what kind of coolant I can purchase to add ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Can anybody adivse what kind of coolant I can purchase to add ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
See this post of mine at
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...pic=60231&st=0
The first pictures I posted there were an inverter leak, however, pay particular attention to the pictures in post #22 (I suffered thorugh both leaks and required a new inverter first, and then months later, the second leak which required a new transaxle). That particular leak (the transaxle) can also lead to low inverter coolant and it's harder to spot than the leak in the first pictures (inverter leak) in that post. You can use a flashlight and aim look for the same spot as in the pictures in post #22.
If you are still within the powertrain warranty, it's covered. The hybrid warranty does not cover the transaxle if it's leaking, but will cover the inverter. If you have an extended warranty, you're covered (that's what I had and it saved me about $5500 for the new tranny.
#79
#80
According to the recall letter, they suggest to regularly confirm that the coolant level in the inverter coolant reservoir is between FULL ad LOW, and if the coolant level is below LOW line, add coolant up to the FULL line. In may case, the coolant level just happned to be below LOW.
Can anybody adivse what kind of coolant I can purchase to add ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Can anybody adivse what kind of coolant I can purchase to add ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
#81
#83
The recall concerns an internal circuit board, so if you are low on inverter coolant, there can only be one reason - a leak. They just mention keeping the level at full for proper cooling.
See this post of mine at
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...pic=60231&st=0
The first pictures I posted there were an inverter leak, however, pay particular attention to the pictures in post #22 (I suffered thorugh both leaks and required a new inverter first, and then months later, the second leak which required a new transaxle). That particular leak (the transaxle) can also lead to low inverter coolant and it's harder to spot than the leak in the first pictures (inverter leak) in that post. You can use a flashlight and aim look for the same spot as in the pictures in post #22.
If you are still within the powertrain warranty, it's covered. The hybrid warranty does not cover the transaxle if it's leaking, but will cover the inverter. If you have an extended warranty, you're covered (that's what I had and it saved me about $5500 for the new tranny.
See this post of mine at
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...pic=60231&st=0
The first pictures I posted there were an inverter leak, however, pay particular attention to the pictures in post #22 (I suffered thorugh both leaks and required a new inverter first, and then months later, the second leak which required a new transaxle). That particular leak (the transaxle) can also lead to low inverter coolant and it's harder to spot than the leak in the first pictures (inverter leak) in that post. You can use a flashlight and aim look for the same spot as in the pictures in post #22.
If you are still within the powertrain warranty, it's covered. The hybrid warranty does not cover the transaxle if it's leaking, but will cover the inverter. If you have an extended warranty, you're covered (that's what I had and it saved me about $5500 for the new tranny.
#84
It's such a hard area to see that most people wouldn't know if this was leaking or not. I bet if everyone had a look at that spot, there'd be a lot more discoveries of leaking transaxles.
#85
A question about the IPM replacement. Do they dissemble the inverter? Coolant flush? Will they repair or reseal the seam where some have noted the coolant leak from the inverter? Can anyone describe the repair? Thanks. Scott
#86
If you have a leak like the first pictures I posted in that same thread referred to above, then it is an inverter leak and should be replaced under hybrid warranty.
Not sure about what they do for the IPM recall - if it just involves replacing a circuit board, then there would be no need to replace the coolant or disassemble the inverter (I think the circuit board is right there when the inverter cover is removed. If they replace the whole inverter, then yes, you would get new coolant.
#87
The leak i have is unrelated to the IPM replacement. A seal inside the transmission is leaking coolant that goes to the electric motor. The fix is to replace the transaxle.
There are 2 types of rare leaks that RX400s can get. The first one is the inverter seal which leaks up top. The 2nd one is the is the transaxle seal which leaks lower in engine compartment.
#88
Looking under the engine this is very easy to find. It leaves about 12" of pink crust along the bottom of the transaxle. The first pic is from under the car. The second was taken from the top.
#90
To those of you that have a coolant leak after the recall, inspect the two ports on the reservoir undernearth. Its easy to damage the reservoir when its pulles to the side. Its held by two 10mm bolt, easy access