Carbon buildup issue?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4
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From: Massachusetts
Carbon buildup issue?
I was getting on the highway today and my check engine light started flashing and the traction control light came on. Immediately after my car went into limp mode and had a rough idle. I pulled over and shut my car off for about 30 seconds and when I turned it back on the problem was gone and all the lights were off. I have a 2009 is250 with about 89k miles on it. I’ve done some digging around on the forums and it sounds like it could be the carbon build up. I have yet to read the codes but I will do so in the morning. I’ve seen a lot of mixed info about how Lexus handles the situation. I guess my question is how expensive will this issue be to fix. Thanks for any help in advance!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 36
Likes: 7
From: MA
This happened to me, starting intermittently about 3 weeks ago. I have an 07 is250 with 120k that had the carbon recall done at 85k.
First I changed the battery and it went away for a few miles then came back on during a rainy day. Then I actually went and got the codes checked out and they were two very common for a dirty/bad maf. The last one was for a bad cat reading or something .
Last week I white gloved that little clip on the intake tube and hit it with a bunch of maf cleaner. Been over 75 miles and a new tanabe axelback since then and hasn’t come back once. Keeping my fingers crossed.
But the important part is go get the codes checked. Then do some research and see if those are common.
First I changed the battery and it went away for a few miles then came back on during a rainy day. Then I actually went and got the codes checked out and they were two very common for a dirty/bad maf. The last one was for a bad cat reading or something .
Last week I white gloved that little clip on the intake tube and hit it with a bunch of maf cleaner. Been over 75 miles and a new tanabe axelback since then and hasn’t come back once. Keeping my fingers crossed.
But the important part is go get the codes checked. Then do some research and see if those are common.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 184
From: North Carolina
IIRC the carbon build up recall is 9yrs/unlimited miles...so maybe the dealer will cover yours? I would tell them you just got the car. It's worth a shot. Before purchasing our '08 IS250 (which was out of warranty btw) I noticed in the Lexus service history they recommended a "decarbon engine treatment" but the previous owner declined. I think this "treatment" is a few hundred dollars at the dealer? Not sure.
Anyway, I've also read some posts recommending a can of Seafoam and/or driving the car hard from time to time....not a problem since we've given the car to the 20yr old kid. As of now though the car runs fine but I'll keep an eye on it. Eventually I may go the route of the decarbon at the dealer but so far so good.
Anyway, I've also read some posts recommending a can of Seafoam and/or driving the car hard from time to time....not a problem since we've given the car to the 20yr old kid. As of now though the car runs fine but I'll keep an eye on it. Eventually I may go the route of the decarbon at the dealer but so far so good.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 129
From: ON, Canada
If you have a consistent rough idle at low rpms that would be a key indicator. I heard it's a long process getting Lexus to cover the carbon buildup cleaning since it's an extensive job. If you ever do get carbon buildup and can't get Lexus to cover it, try to find an automotive store that does VW/Audi/BMW walnut blasting, couple hundred bucks and it cleans up the carbon buildup on the valves
.....
Anyway, I've also read some posts recommending a can of Seafoam and/or driving the car hard from time to time....
not a problem >> since we've given the car to the 20yr old kid.<<
As of now though the car runs fine but I'll keep an eye on it. Eventually I may go the route of the decarbon at the dealer but so far so good.
Anyway, I've also read some posts recommending a can of Seafoam and/or driving the car hard from time to time....
not a problem >> since we've given the car to the 20yr old kid.<<
As of now though the car runs fine but I'll keep an eye on it. Eventually I may go the route of the decarbon at the dealer but so far so good.
See that alone could decarbon the engine in 5k miles or so! =,)
OP when is the last time the MAF was cleaned and the plugs inspected or changed?
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 229
Likes: 6
From: MS
Here's my prescription
I have an 07 IS250 with 160K. No CBU issues
Caveat: I have a manual, and I think its helpful in preventing CBU
1) Always use high octane gas that's Top Tier
2) Use motor oils that are low (not lower) in Noack scores (Google)
3) 1x per month use a gasoline additive that contains PEA---I use Gumout
4) Run the crap out of it. Minimize stop and go
5) Get it out on long interstate runs and open it up a few times per week
6) Change out plugs and plug wires
7) Check and clean MAF
8) Change out air filter
Caveat: I have a manual, and I think its helpful in preventing CBU
1) Always use high octane gas that's Top Tier
2) Use motor oils that are low (not lower) in Noack scores (Google)
3) 1x per month use a gasoline additive that contains PEA---I use Gumout
4) Run the crap out of it. Minimize stop and go
5) Get it out on long interstate runs and open it up a few times per week
6) Change out plugs and plug wires
7) Check and clean MAF
8) Change out air filter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 184
From: North Carolina
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
I’ve had the car for about 3k miles so I have yet to do it myself and there aren’t any service records of anything of that sort being done. My step father put some injection cleaner along with Mobil 93 and so far it’s as if it never happened. Occasionally I can smell oil burning but it’s so faint that I could never tell if it was me or cars passing by. Fingers crossed that this fixes the problem
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We'll have to agree to disagree.
More often than not it how they are used that settles their fate.
Short runs of 10min or less, being lugged like tractor engine, long OCI's, constantly idling like a pure city use car, those items lead to oil burners. Occasionally it is mechanical defects but more so how they are used.
More often than not it how they are used that settles their fate.
Short runs of 10min or less, being lugged like tractor engine, long OCI's, constantly idling like a pure city use car, those items lead to oil burners. Occasionally it is mechanical defects but more so how they are used.
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