Hello! I've been on this forum but have never properly introduced myself. I purchased my 02 GS300 back in end of Aug. 08 and got a great deal on a blue onyx pearl with black leather (i love that rare combo) no nav, 1 car owner, no accidents, with only 58k miles on the clock! I've been constantly on CL, and everyone I have talked to via PM has been really great, I love this website, people have great knowledge about our cars, and are really have been helpful. It's basically stock, but I have added HIDs and interior LEDs. I'm doing a lot of DIY's thanks to you guys and the awesome info on this website

I've driven the car for 5 months and there hasn't been a single problem at all, very smooth, and awesome. Today, however, I got my first CEL code, the infamous P0430, which after talking to the Autozone guy, and confirming by search on CL, could be b/c of O2 sensor (rear probably) or even the cat itself. The car does not run rich, and I am getting 19-20mpg, no smell of rotten eggs from exhaust, etc...

Now, I NEVER go to the stealership...as I usually try to do it DIY, or I would just buy the OEM part, and have my private mechanic install something if I don't know how to. However, from what I have read, in this case, the cats are covered under 8yr/80k, and its been 6.5 yrs and im at now 63k miles...should I take it in the stealership? Generally, how much am i even expecting to pay for to get them to look at the car and fig. it out.

I've read everywhere here that it is probably the 02 sensor and one should just have that changed first. Is the 02 sensor covered by warannty?

Thanks guys for your much anticipated help, it's always appreciated

 

call the dealership and give them your vin to verify you're still under warranty. If you are, have them check it out and fix whatever's wrong. If it's a cat, you'll probably just have to cover labor. If it's an o2, it'll be parts and labor. They can give you a quote and then post that quote here and we can give you a better idea of how that is. I will say that you're almost always better to take it to an independent lexus specialist shop than the dealership.

 

+1 the dealership usually can give you the info whether your GS is under warranty or not. I believe the emission is cover under warranty for 100k, but I will have to find out to be exact..BTW welcome to the club..

 

Thanks a lot guys, I didn't get a chance to call until near closing time today...I was reading some fellow members posts where the dealer changed the cats and the CEL is still on, then they changed the 02 sensor and it went away. Just curious, anyone know where to get OEM 02 sensors at a good price?

 

WELCOME cpmd

 

Welcome to the club, I too think that the emissions system is covered until 100k, just give the dealership a call before you start replacing things.

 

Thanks guys for the welcome! So I was driving around today, and the CEL turns off by itself ...really weird, but im going to just take it to a garage to take a look underneath and visually check for leaks. I'll keep you guys updated in the situation, thanks for your help so far

 

Just an update as I have recently solved the problem with the CEL P0430. After finally having some time to actually take care of this CEL, I replaced the bank 2 O2 sensor with OEM Denso plug and play. Despite that, the CEL remained on. Note: The dealer will most probably make you change the bank2 O2 sensor first, and that is basically a $350-400 job from them. I did it myself thanks to the DIY on CL, for around $100. I had a few exhaust places check for any leaks that might throw off the code, but according to them, there seemed to be none.

Even though I live 15 mins from Metro Lexus, I grew tired of their attitude and condescending tone from parts and service departments. They even wanted to charge $40 more just for the inspection then what Classic Lexus charges! I then contacted Classic Lexus, located in Willoughby Hills, which is a good 40 mins drive. Every time I contacted them, they were really nice and helpful- and it was demonstrated again as I arrived at Classic Lexus. I would highly recommend Classic Lexus located in Willoughby Hills for anyone in the Cleveland area.

I called to confirm, prior to scheduling an appointment, that cat replacement is 8yrs/80k. Inspection was done, and my car fell into the 8yr/80k cat replacement. They had to order the parts, and I got a call from the service advisor 2 days later. They replaced the front exhaust, cat, and 3 gaskets. About a 2-2.5 hr job, but had a 09 IS250 loaner to roll around in. Car runs smooth, no CEL on and its been a few weeks now. I hope this helps someone with this particular CEL P0430.

 

Welcome to CL...

 

Front and back cats run about 1k plus at the dealership i had that same problem you having and i just purchased performance headers and y-pipe it deletes the cat

 

Glad to hear of your good experience at Classic Lexus. Giving them credit where its due is great info for those around there. The Lexus dealership I go to in Minnesota has been nothing but great. Wayzata Lexus in MN gets a thumbs up from me ! !

 

I go to Maplewood and it is amazing.