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The other night I went to turn on my headlights and accelerate from a red light. My car immediately started bogging down and felt like it was going to die, but then it picked up right away. I have some freeze frame data which shows a few codes relating to Mass Air Flow sensor and Coolant Temp sensor. I replaced the mass air flow, but the codes continue. Here are snap shots of freeze frame data from when it happened. I’m concerned the alternator is intermittently failing based on the 11v drop. I usually get 13v, sometimes dropping to 12.5v and as you can see 11v. I don’t see it as a coincidence that when as soon as I powered on my headlights, it felt like it was going to die. What are your thoughts?
How old is your battery? Is there any difference in light output of your headlights (or any other lights, especially incandescent lamps) between engine off vs.engine idling? I doubt you have a problem with the alternator...
All drive-by-wire vehicles at times exhibit a momentary bog where the ECU seems to get confused and the engine appears to almost die for a split second before recovering. This shouldn't happen but once in a great while, usually only when you give it a little throttle and then immediately let up, then give it throttle again.
The battery is 3 years old (Lexus battery), it wouldn’t hurt to test it. I’ve had no issue starting it after it sits for a few weeks since it’s primarily my summer vehicle (I live in MN). And it’s an electronically controlled throttle body, no drive by wire.
The battery is 3 years old (Lexus battery), it wouldn’t hurt to test it. I’ve had no issue starting it after it sits for a few weeks since it’s primarily my summer vehicle (I live in MN). And it’s an electronically controlled throttle body, no drive by wire.
Alternators can’t fail intermittently?
Yeah, you may want to have the battery load tested. It's a good idea to have it load tested once a year after the battery becomes two years old.
Drive-by-wire is electronically controlled throttle via an ECU. Drive-by-cable is mechanically controlled throttle.
When an alternator fails (or is failing) it's usually either a worn bushing that starts making noise (which you could call intermediate) or a diode that burns-out (which is not intermediate).
Thanks for letting me know. I looked it up online, and there is definitely a recall. I haven't gotten notified, and when I look up my VIN for recalls, it doesn't say anything. It says well be getting a letter in early May. Any idea if this effects all 2013-2014 GS350's?
Sound like it is related to the fuel pump safety recall. You may want to check with your Lexus dealer.
Originally Posted by SebastianD
Thanks for letting me know. I looked it up online, and there is definitely a recall. I haven't gotten notified, and when I look up my VIN for recalls, it doesn't say anything. It says well be getting a letter in early May. Any idea if this effects all 2013-2014 GS350's?
What you said in bold is confusing. You say 'when I look up my VIN for recalls, it doesn't say anything.' But then you go on to say 'it says well be getting a letter in early May.' I have no idea what that means! Why would it say that you will be getting a letter in early May if putting in your VIN doesn't say anything?
I seriously doubt the fuel pump is the problem of your engine bogging down or hesitating every once in a while. The fuel pump issue probably only happens when it is pumping fuel rapidly, which doesn't happen at low engine idle speeds. If you want to check your car for recalls use this site and enter your car's VIN HERE.
Maybe you should give your car's engine an Italian tuneup...
What you said in bold is confusing. You say 'when I look up my VIN for recalls, it doesn't say anything.' But then you go on to say 'it says well be getting a letter in early May.' I have no idea what that means! Why would it say that you will be getting a letter in early May if putting in your VIN doesn't say anything?
I seriously doubt the fuel pump is the problem of your engine bogging down or hesitating every once in a while. The fuel pump issue probably only happens when it is pumping fuel rapidly, which doesn't happen at low engine idle speeds. If you want to check your car for recalls use this site and enter your car's VIN HERE.
What I mean is I personally haven’t gotten a recall notice. According to the internet: the first wave of recalls didn’t effect my vehicle. The second wave of recalls will be going out in May, which MAY effect my vehicle. I’m just not sure how a P0116 Coolant Temperature Sensor code would have anything to do with a fuel pump.
The battery is 3 years old (Lexus battery), it wouldn’t hurt to test it. I’ve had no issue starting it after it sits for a few weeks since it’s primarily my summer vehicle (I live in MN). And it’s an electronically controlled throttle body, no drive by wire.
Alternators can’t fail intermittently?
I have had several alternators fail intermittently before they completely fail. At first I thought it was the battery but after getting stranded a few more times finally located the problem. So yeah it can happen. I actually just had this happen to my 2GS300 a few months ago at around 250K miles and just replaced it at home.
I have had several alternators fail intermittently before they completely fail. At first I thought it was the battery but after getting stranded a few more times finally located the problem. So yeah it can happen. I actually just had this happen to my 2GS300 a few months ago at around 250K miles and just replaced it at home.
Perfect, thank you so much, that’s what I thought. I might just wait until it completely fails as I have roadside assistance and access to a shop and all necessary tools. Throwing parts definitely can get expensive, especially on this car.
Car almost died.
