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Ok, fuel pump is ordered should be here on Saturday. Got a used unit from a trusted seller on eBay. I'm leaning towards it as being the issue. The last entry on LexusDrivers.com before we purchased the vehicle was this:
9/21/18
~ ~GUEST STATES THE VEHICLE SAT SEVERAL DAYS DURING THE STORM. THEY WENT TO START VEHICLE DID NOT MAKE A SOUND. RESTARTED RAN ROUGH. SUGGEST DECARBON ENGINE.~ ~CUSTOMER DECLINED SERVICE.
So I think they had signs of an upcoming issue but didn't know what it was. When I had the intake off the carbon build up didn't look that bad. I'll update again on Saturday. If it doesn't work I promised the family it's off to the dealer. But they are giving me one more shot
Thanks Mike for all your help.
I would order a new fuel filter also. I'm sure with that mileage it's probably due. I'm planning to change mine out at 100k. Since you're going to be in that area could you post some pics if the fuel pump module? I've seen two hoses from the module so I'm assuming it's a return system. My old GS 400 was a return-less system.
I had a similar issue and it was resolved after I changed the fuel pump. Do you hear the pump turning on? Is there a short humming sound by the rear seat on the driver side when you push the ignition to the on position?
In my case I think my pump was fine but there was something intermittently clogging the fuel filter. The pump I ordered came with the filter as well so I changed both. I haven't had any starting issues since.
Before I changed the pump I could usually get the car started by adding more fuel, shaking the car or knocking the tank to dislodge the clog. Worst case I had to use starter fluid 1 time when nothing else worked. I ordered the pump after that since I concluded it was a fuel delivery issue.
In your case if the starter fluid only keeps the vehicle running for a couple seconds your pump may not be working or its severely clogged. If you plan on changing the pump anyways I would not bother trying to add more fuel and trying that at this point. The more fuel there is in the tank the more messy changing the pump will be.
Changing the pump was a quick job just be careful with the small bolts to remove the pump from the tank. They were quite rusty on mine and I was afraid I'd snap one of them. I sprayed them with some PB Blaster beforehand as a precaution.
Thanks Phantom, I agree. I think the pump is the problem due to the fact that the starter fluid does work for a second, which points to it not getting fuel. I was able to loosen the bolts holding the pump with an 8mm socket and will take some pics when it's all done. I ordered the complete assembly from eBay so all I have to do is drop it in. Btw, I had the exact same symptoms when the fuel pump went in my GS400, right around 1/4 tank of gas, although it didn't quit right away I was able to drive it home.
Ok, got the fuel pump in tonight and started first try! I'll rebuild the old one and take some pics as I go along. Since this one was used from eBay not sure how long it will last. Anyway, the 20yr old was happy to have her car back. Thanks for all the help guys!!
That's good news. I meant to look into the fuel pump I removed and see where it failed from too but it's just been sitting on the shelf ever since I changed it. Would be interesting to see what exactly went wrong with yours.
My check vsc light came on and our traction control was stuck off. I put a higher grade gas in and now the check engine light is off, as is the check vsc, and traction control is back. I hooked my code reader up to it and it read a POA11. Actually cam up with 3 codes but only the POA11 is unsafe to drive. Hoping to fix myself but need input.
All I can say is don't guess at the problem. As you can see from this thread I replaced the wrong part at first! Also, look back at the last work that was done. Did that contribute to the problem? Finally, if all else fails head to the dealer to get it diagnosed. Remember they don't have to do the actual work. Yes, it's a $140 fee (here in NC anyway) but it can be worth it depending on the repair.
Just a note to those who stumble upon this;
The physical pump is widely used in hundreds of applications. I'm not saying buy from ebay but in a pinch it is a cheap test / fix. Denso is the primary supplier of these pumps and bodies. Most pumps are good for 70 to 90psi but have external pressure regulators that manage the actual fuel pressure.
Mind you Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Ducati as well as Toyota and Lexus use the same pump just different housings for different applications but all are Denso made.
That said sediment pumped through pump does over time wear the pump opening up its tolerances whereby it drops pressure and volume which can lead to bigger issues.
If you are having starting issues check your fuel pressure!!!!
The 250's have just the one low pressure injector atop the IM and if the pressure is low the finite moment that injector fires at reduced pressure, there is less fuel volume injected to start the engine.
It is why starting fluid brings engines to life.
If you find sediment or dirt on the pumps sock, chances are the tank needs cleaned too! So use a flash light and look for dirt or water in the sump.
When looking for parts go for Denso replacement pumps. These should be good... If you find an on board pressure regulator internal to the pumps housing, clean it and test it. Verify it holds the minimum pressure. You can pump water or use air pressure from you compressor to verify the valve meets spec.
The ECU/ECM is covered by the extended class action warranty by the way for 18 yrs/150,000 miles. Found that out through Toyota and the guys at Lexus told me it didn’t exist until I showed it to them.
So where did you find the information at? Do you have a link you can share?
Any help is appreciated
Thx
Terry
11-13-18, 12:49 PM
