1st time posting here and could really use this group's expertise with an issue I’m having.
So out of the blue, after filing up on gas and restarting the car, I started getting a loud continuous beep from the dashboard and the ABS and BRAKE lights turned on. I also started getting a strange feedback/vibration on the brake pedal - all while the car was parked. Not wanting to risk any issues driving far with iffy brakes, I pulled the car over from the pump to a parking spot (brakes felt tighter than usual on that short drive of approx. 10 yards) and got the car towed to a Firestone near me. They checked the car and told me multiple error codes popped up: C0200, C1223, C1241, C1256, and C1340. They tested the Right Front wheel speed sensor (C0200) and found that it was working fine so the car was giving faulty error codes(?). They asked me to take it to the Lexus service center to diagnose/service it further bc Firestone is not able to dive deeper into the other ABS module errors.

Looking through other threads on these codes, I'm getting the sense that this could be a very expensive fix, especially if the issue is ABS control modulator or brake accumulator related. This is a 2004 GX470 with around 280k miles and it has been in 2 minor accidents over the last 4 years. I replaced the front right control arm in 2021 and did a couple steering alignments since … all to say this car seems to have an issue with the front passenger side and it has not been a cheap journey trying to get it back to it’s old self!

As much as i love my Gx, I’m not sure how much more money I want to put into this car hoping I get to drive it for another 150k miles. I would really appreciate any advice you guys can share on
- if you have come across this issue before and how you handled it
- if it’s worth spending a small fortune to fix up this old timer
- if you’d recommend taking the car into a Lexus service center or an independent mechanic first

 

First ask given your description of when it happened, a loose gas cap can set off all sorts of odd dashboard errors. Did you check that already?

 

Yes! Checked gas cap rt away but that didn’t fix it

 

Confirming was it loose when you checked? You often need to have codes reset after they pop even if you tighten the cap.

If it wasn't loose you can probably move on from that easy solution

 

No I meant it was on right - I checked it before I got the car towed and the systems check was after

 

You'll have to take to to Toyota/Lexus unless you can find a sophisticated indy shop with the equipment to properly diagnose as a starting point. If it is the ABS control modulator there's a guy selling rebuilt units on ebay that could save you a good chunk of $$.

 

Having the car towed to Lexus today. I’ll update once I get their diagnosis🤞

 

If they blame the brake booster unit, ask them if it's the pump/motor or the master cylinder. The motor is available separately.

Chip H.

 

Lexus service center ran their diagnostic test and told me they found errors C0200 and C1241. They checked the front right speed sensor(C0200), found that it’s not actually working correctly, and recommended replacing it. Cost is $630 (parts + labor.)
Also recommended clean up of battery and replacing positive terminal on battery bc of C1241. Cost is $250 (p&l.)

So far cost is below what I expected so I’m inclined to give them the green light to proceed. No other errors were reported but I’m concerned they might pop up once these two are fixed. Given the warranties on the work Lexus does, moving forward with Lexus might be my best option - curious to see if you guys think otherwise.

 

The part cost on the speed sensor is $300. Not sure where they're getting $330 in labor (two hours) because it's *right there*
Unless they're going to replace the tone ring, which is part of the hub assembly? That would be a 2 hour job.

 

I ended up having Lexus do the job and I’m glad I did bc the loud noise and the dashboard warnings came back less than a day after I took it home. Its back at the service center and now they’re getting errors C1223 and C1252. Their recommendation is to replace the hydroboost pump accumulator assembly - Lexus says parts are $2,260 and labor is $840. They’ll credit me for the speed sensor (around $800) but it’s still an expensive job. Any thoughts on the pricing? Is this in line with what you’ve seen before?

 

Pricing for new parts is going to be rough, I'd posted previously that rebuilt units are available on ebay if you're looking to save some money, but not sure how that would jive with the parts credit you've been offered.

Plus side, this isn't something you should ever have to do again on this vehicle...which is a weak silver lining here.

 

Agree - this part is a replace-once event.

However, ask them to see if they checked whether it was the master cylinder or the pump. Replacing both of them is a shotgun approach (but .. it might actually be necessary)

Chip H.