3IS Battery Drain (merged threads)
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,260
Likes: 1,752
From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
So a little more info on this...the effected IS's must either have Blind Spot Monitor or Clearance Warning Sonar (or both) in order to be equipped with the Network Gateway ECU that causes this.
Dojoman is correct as there is an even newer ECU available. But if you have neither of these options, then the ECU is not causing your dead battery...which really isn't comforting either.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 489
Likes: 22
From: CA
I recently started my 2016 IS350 (with BSM) after 7 weeks of inactivity due to an extended trip abroad - the car fired up with no problem.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Originally Posted by Olasek
I can't believe a dealer could make such a stupid remark.
I recently started my 2016 IS350 (with BSM) after 7 weeks of inactivity due to an extended trip abroad - the car fired up with no problem.
I recently started my 2016 IS350 (with BSM) after 7 weeks of inactivity due to an extended trip abroad - the car fired up with no problem.
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Has anyone replaced their battery with a OPTIMA YELLOW TOP? If so, what is the part number for the one you have?
I have a few auxiliaries which has lead me to believe is the reason for my dead battery...
I have a few auxiliaries which has lead me to believe is the reason for my dead battery...
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
Driver
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 931
Likes: 82
From: Tennessee
My 2014 also has BSM - never had battery issues (still have original battery) - it seems to be totally random. It also seems that they did figure what the issue was and made adjustments for 2015+.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: California
I have BSM and have had the battery issue with my 2014 IS350 F Sport.
After reading about it, I decided to change out the battery for a more powerful Interstate AGM battery. I can leave the car parked for weeks now and it starts right up every time. The extra capacity may be hiding the problem with the ECU, but it's a non-issue as far as every day operation now.
After reading about it, I decided to change out the battery for a more powerful Interstate AGM battery. I can leave the car parked for weeks now and it starts right up every time. The extra capacity may be hiding the problem with the ECU, but it's a non-issue as far as every day operation now.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 931
Likes: 82
From: Tennessee
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 227
Likes: 18
From: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
For Canadians, the American TSB for the Gateway ECU didn't apply to us despite having a VIN within the listed range (which I think is dumb), but I learned there's a TSB recently released for certain Canadian models now. I'm going to see if mine is included in the next service.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,260
Likes: 1,752
From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
For Canadians, the American TSB for the Gateway ECU didn't apply to us despite having a VIN within the listed range (which I think is dumb), but I learned there's a TSB recently released for certain Canadian models now. I'm going to see if mine is included in the next service.
I.E. Miles is changed to Kilometers for the warranty period reference, the TSB number...and honestly that is usually the only changes.
The TSB calls for the vehicle to either have Sonar or BSM, or both, so that kinda leaves a lot of the Canadian vehicles out of the TSB because how many people bought the vehicle with either of those options.
Because the US has a wider variety of models available in the IS line-up, therefore there is a greater chance of running across a vehicle with either Sonar or BSM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: CA
My Experience with the Network Gateway
I just wanted to share my ongoing experience:
I took my 2014 IS250 F Sport with BSM into the Dealership in SoCal and they told me they narrowed down the battery drain to the Network Gateway ECU.
Since I have 65K miles, the dealer told me this part is not covered under my 50k Bumper to Bumper Warranty. They quoted me $8XX (Part + Labor).
With the help of this AWESOME forum, it seems like this issue is happening to other owners. Seems like this NG ECU is a defect and should be recalled. I contacted Lexus Customer Satisfaction and started a case with them and was told that a case manager will reach out to me within 2 business days. Updates will come as soon as I find out more information.
*OEM battery was replaced w/ a Lexus Battery 1-2 months ago directly from the dealership. Since the replacement, the car died four times.
I took my 2014 IS250 F Sport with BSM into the Dealership in SoCal and they told me they narrowed down the battery drain to the Network Gateway ECU.
Since I have 65K miles, the dealer told me this part is not covered under my 50k Bumper to Bumper Warranty. They quoted me $8XX (Part + Labor).
With the help of this AWESOME forum, it seems like this issue is happening to other owners. Seems like this NG ECU is a defect and should be recalled. I contacted Lexus Customer Satisfaction and started a case with them and was told that a case manager will reach out to me within 2 business days. Updates will come as soon as I find out more information.
*OEM battery was replaced w/ a Lexus Battery 1-2 months ago directly from the dealership. Since the replacement, the car died four times.