didnt lexus switch to hybrid port/direct injection (like the 200t engine) on this engine to prevent carbon buildup? or has it always been hybrid?

 

It depends on how long you've been driving with the bad injector. The first time, mine dumped too much fuel and killed the cat. The same side cat died 7 days after they replaced the injectors. Ask the dealer to also inspect the cat on the side with the failed injector! It'll save you a trip back to the dealer.

 

Yes, the 3.5 2GR-FSE has had the port and direct injection system since the 2006 model year.

 

Got another call today. Apparently the engineers looked at the failures and concluded it's a bad batch of fuel and they are saying I'm probably using no name brands gas like Costco. I immediately challenged the claim and asked why would the same set of 3 brand new set of fuel injectors on the same bank all failed in a period of 6 months and not random or the other side? No answer. Heck there is no Costco gas in the lower mainland. I have credit card printout to show the gas purchases from Shell, every Sunday! I also told them I gas at the same Shell using 91 for my other 2 cars, Acura RDX (turbo), and Acura MDX. Surely the turbo engine is way more sensitive to bad fuels than this rock solid 3.5 2GR-FSE. I also had a S2000 at one point using the same gas, not a single problem in the 6 years I had it.

The reason they gave for thinking it is bad fuel is because they have not seen a widespread failure across the country. Which I understand is an easy way to conclude it's bad fuel, but this is clearly a one of with something else frying the fuel injectors. They're going to go back and talk to the engineers again. More waiting.

 

That's garbage. It has to be something else.

If you used it, you could remind them that Costco gas is Top Tier...and I've been using it on my 2GR-FSEs for years without issue. Frankly I'd start considering talk of a buy-back. There's an issue with your car and they can't fix it.

 

I'm trying to be as patient as possible. I'm also going to start requesting email communication so that I have written records. The only legal avenue I have at this point is using http://www.camvap.ca/ as there is no lemon law in Canada.

 

Definitely fight for the buy back. If you do get a buy back, I'd go with the new S4

 

LOL! Would it be absolutely nut to say, I actually would consider another IS 350? Absolutely love the car. Nice mix of performance and pleasing interior.

 

As I am sure your aware they feeding you BS.

Id ask them how can bad fuel ruin an injector? If the injectors are burnt out that's electrical. If they are gummed up then yes okay contaminated fuel would do that but it would do it to ALL the injectors.

You can also also have them test your gas if they keep pointing the finger at your gas.

Take a sample of fuel each time you fill up, use something like an empty baby food jar, write the date and time on the jar and save your receipts.

Its far too easy for them just to assume the gas when they have done no testing on it and have no proof of how it could interact with the injectors and damage them.

 

I absolutely know they are feeding me BS. The reasoning is absolutely garbage. Just trying to be polite and go with the process and document it all down. I'm trying to be as reasonable as possible and hope they're going to be fair about it. I absolutely love the car when it works so it's not like I'm dying to get rid of it. However, the clock is ticking. I'm pretty sure it will fail again.

 

Got the car back after one fuel injectorr fixed and they check on the converter but after a week driving , something wrong when start the engine after 30 min rest , sound like metal clunck noise and little vibrate after for 2 second. Gotta bring to dealer again to check what wrong on it.

 

Damn! Keep us posted.

I also got a call back. The CS Manager told me the Engineers said they found excessive sulphur build up in the failed fuel injectors. Again pointing to bad fuel. They offered $400 to keep track of the gas. I asked what will happen next after I gas $400 worth? no answer so I asked for a written explanation and next step after they test the gas in my area. I honestly do not care for the $400, heck I'll do it for free. I really want to know what the next step after they've gathered enough test data. I made it clear that this test is useless if they're not going to inspect the car. The fuel injectors aren't going to fail after $400 worth of gas!

 

Got the call back from dealer , they say cannot find anything wrong it. What the fck?They also fckin stupid they cannot fix the problem. My guess my other fuel injector gonna failed but they cant detect it. Now it start pissing me off. Im still gonna complain and ask them what is the next step if the car fckn down in the middle of the street? I know they have lexus roadside but still , its a fckin annoying. Im also make a claim to lexus canada about this and they have to investigate and find the solution.

 

Here you go. Nothing is wrong with the car, repair was done as a "gesture of goodwill." Here's $400 to keep you safe, just in case you can't afford to buy Top Tier gas brands

 

If you have another injector go out, it's on you. I'd get out from underneath that car immediately.