greenway

Like many 2007 RX 400h vehicle owners, I got my IPM replaced in November 2013 after the recall. Had not previously had any problems like this, but I was accelerating onto the highway after filling up my gas tank on Monday when both the "Check Hybrid System" and "Check VSC System" messages started flashing on the display. Check Engine light also came on. The car struggled to get up to about 50 MPH as I merged into traffic - I checked to confirm that I was in Drive (I was), shifted into Neutral and then back into Drive just to be sure - and pressing on the accelerator pedal was getting me no additional power at all. Pulled over into the breakdown lane and basically coasted with the emergency lights on... made it to the next off-ramp and into an office park (the terrain was all downhill, fortunately). Stopped, called AAA, and I noticed sort of a burnt rubber smell.

About an hour later, AAA arrived and they were able to drive the car up onto the flat bed (we didn't try to go any further, given all the warnings in the Owners Manual about driving the car once warnings like Check Hybrid System have come on). The dealer, Lexus of Sharon (Massachusetts), could find NOTHING in the car's diagnostic system the next day, nor were they able to recreate any of the same conditions in 25 miles or so of driving. So they shrugged and gave me back the car, which I drove home this afternoon... now she's running like nothing ever happened.

Here's my question: how worried should I be about this recurring? Anyone else experience a similar mystery or problem like this with their car? Thanks in advance for advice!

jooksing82

That is scary. I have a 08 with recall work done (Not sure if the actual IPM was replaced. because of the language on the service receipt...another issue). It was done last year at 95k miles and now it is at 103k without your issue..*knock on wood*. I would be worried since its takes Toyota/Lexus forever to admit to any issue before a recall, added to that the repairs on the hybrid IPM is not cheap.

Please keep us updated if you get any more issues. I would suggest investigate the location of the smell. Pop open your hood and use some scooby-doo work, sniff up close. I would even use a smart phone to video record the suspect area. (I used my phone to record sounds my car make to get second opinion of others before)

thomas1

If you had those flashing messages I would have thought there would be a code. However I wonder if the 12volt battery is going bad and causing your computers to shutdown. Mine had those lights on and it was the inverter cooling pump (little electric coolant pump on frame behind the left headlamp area near the bottom of the radiator.)

leadbelt

any Update?