Caydoc

2004 LS430, low miles, maintained by the book. Just experienced the second instance of engine sputtering out while normal driving. No warning, just quits. Extensive diagnostics were normal, including fuel pump pressure, throttle body, etc. Lexus service says could be fuel pump but cant say for sure if testing done when engine running normally. Lexus svc. manager is offering to replace fuel pump at normal price, but will credit this amount towards future service if problem recurs.
Any ideas??

Tom57

I assume there are no MIL codes thrown? It could be the fuel pump. When the engine sputters, is there anything noticeable that may provide a clue? Are dash lights flickering? Battery light on dash "on"?

Has the alternator output been checked? Check it with car running by holding "OPTION" button on dash (next to Nav screen) and turning parking lights "on" then "off" 3 times. A new screen appears. Push "Menu" then "Display Check" then "Vehicle Signal Check." A new alternator will show 14.0+ volts. Low 13.0's or below is not good. Since the problem is intermittent, you may need to watch the screen for fluctuations in voltage output. This is just one (easy) item to check. When my '01 alternator went bad, it was intermittent initially - the engine performance was telling me. A short in the alternator may kill the engine while running.

Edit: How many miles on vehicle?

Pamperme

You mentioned low miles. Perhaps your car never had the fuel pump recall performed. Check to see by calling Lexus hq. if it hasn't been done, u can get it replaced for free.

BradTank

I had a similar situation and it ended up being a fuel pump. It would randomly stall out, be unable to start and then a few hours later would start right up like it was nothing.

I tried some small fixes first and just couldn't figure it out why it was doing it, no codes whatsoever. I took it to a Lexus dealer and they also said they couldn't pinpoint it but felt it was likely an intermittent fuel pump and offered to eat the labor or something along those lines if ended up not being correct. (which I though was fair)

Their guess ended up being right. I want to say it was a bit over $700 out the door with the troubleshooting, labor and parts.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

If you are close to Atlanta, Lexus of South Atlanta is my favorite dealer.

Lextechs is another independent shop that are good guys. You will always save money getting the part yourself vs paying their markup.

I just replaced a fuel pump in a friends SUV, really not very hard to do with a little help.

Here you go incase this helps:

http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.co...modelYear=2004

Rockauto has a Delphi for $124 but I would go OEM on this part if you plan on keep it car for years to come.

KawiLex

Had the same issue on a 98 LS I was asked to work on. It was brought to 3 shops and none of them did anything to fix it, except charge the girl 200 for a new battery. I was asked to replace all the caps on the computer in the dash and that fixed like 3 other problems including a non working speedo but not the real issue... fuel pump.. replacement was cheap as it's accessed from the trunk on that car. I'd look into replacement instructions before paying a huge sum.