Courier CT update: second problem detected
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 250
From: TX
Courier CT update: second problem detected
Driving in traffic, cruising between 30 and 50 MPH, the high coolant temperature light starts flashing. Then goes solid. I left off the gas and slip into electric mode. The light goes back to flashing, then turns off. This happens a few more times as I try to pick up speed, so I eventually pull off the highway and park somewhere and turn the car off.
About 10 minutes later, I try to drive to see how much of a difference this made. It's 57 degrees and raining, so I'm hoping the engine cooled down enough. Not 3 or 4 minutes after I get on the highway (gentle cruising and acceleration), it happens again. At this point I know I can't keep driving, since it seems to overheat right around optimal engine temps. I pull off and park, call AAA, and get a tow back home to swap cars.
The car will be going to the shop tomorrow, and I will update the thread once I find out what's going on.
FYI: Both coolants were last changed at 300k. The car is currently at 360k. Before the 300k change, it was 200k. It's hard to tell whether the interval is the issue or something else. I'll find out tomorrow.
About 10 minutes later, I try to drive to see how much of a difference this made. It's 57 degrees and raining, so I'm hoping the engine cooled down enough. Not 3 or 4 minutes after I get on the highway (gentle cruising and acceleration), it happens again. At this point I know I can't keep driving, since it seems to overheat right around optimal engine temps. I pull off and park, call AAA, and get a tow back home to swap cars.
The car will be going to the shop tomorrow, and I will update the thread once I find out what's going on.
FYI: Both coolants were last changed at 300k. The car is currently at 360k. Before the 300k change, it was 200k. It's hard to tell whether the interval is the issue or something else. I'll find out tomorrow.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 35
From: Ca
Hopefully it's something as simple as just needing a new thermostat. If that happens, what you want to do is turn the temperature all the way up and put the fan on high to draw the heat away from the engine and open all the windows. This is not the fix, but just enough to limp the car somewhere in an emergency. Let us know what the issue is.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 250
From: TX
Quick update: Driving to the shop today, same thing happened. Stayed off the highway so I can drive slow and run electric often, which worked out well. I noticed the heater is blowing cold air only, which didn't happen Saturday when this issue first arose.
Car's at the shop and I am leaving it there for them to diagnose and do a few other things.
Car's at the shop and I am leaving it there for them to diagnose and do a few other things.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 250
From: TX
Update: turned out to be a coolant leak. Apparently a coolant hose that's reachable from the bottom of the car was damaged and leaked. I do recall having to drive over a large plastic thing not too long ago that spent a few seconds rattling around the bottom of the car before it made its way out. I knew I'd be going to the shop on Monday (12/18) so I knew they'd find anything that may have been damaged. I'm guessing that plastic thing caused it. New hose and a coolant refill later, all is well.
On a side note: I asked about the coolant flush interval. They told me they still recommend 100k per change because the coolant, at 60k miles, still looked bright red and almost new. I guess I don't put that much load on my car even though I drive a lot, plus it's more miles than time.
On a side note: I asked about the coolant flush interval. They told me they still recommend 100k per change because the coolant, at 60k miles, still looked bright red and almost new. I guess I don't put that much load on my car even though I drive a lot, plus it's more miles than time.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 250
From: TX
Lately I have been driving 65 MPH instead, and now I get around 47-48 MPG instead of 50-52 (warm and clear weather). I get close to 40 when I drive this way in the cold and rain, especially if I keep my speed up in the rain instead of driving far slower.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post