My heater was blowing cold air at stop lights so checked my coolant and it was empty. Don't see coolant in my driveway. I called lexus they said it's probably the water pump which is $$$. My 4 year warranty just ran out in August. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

How many miles on your car?
I believe these typically make a pretty awful sound when the go bad.
Try opening the hood with the car running, shouldn't be hard to tell something doesn't sound right. Google a video 1st if you'd like to get an idea.

And DO NOT drive the car without any coolant. Not even down the street...not at all. You can put some coolant in there and let the car idle as you watch and see what/where it happens. But I wouldn't test driving it until the issue is resolved.

OEM replacement water pump with gasket is about $200. Probably $150 if picked up at a parts store.

From what I can tell, there are far worse cars to replace the water pump on, it shouldn't be too complicated if you have any experience. Thermostat done at the same time, and maybe the serpentine belt as it will need to be removed during the process.

 

Thanks. I have 50 000 miles on it.

 

If you're less than a year over the warranty and the mileage is reasonable, and you're a frequent customer of the dealer, then they should be willing to work with you on goodwilling the repair.
Actually they may even cover the entire repair.

 

Likely have a leak somewhere. Look for stains. If it's the water pump that implies it's leaking. Which means it could be the shaft bearing or the seal around the flange.

Looks like the third gen is reaching the point where common stuff needs to start being addressed.

As said, DIY it. Just make sure the system is bled properly after.

 

https://amzn.to/2Mcyz3L here's an Aisin unit which is an OEM company.

Damn that's one intricate water pump. the ones i'm used to replacing in BMWs are the size of your fist. lol

 

Just a suggestion...before jumping all over a DIY for the waterpump, maybe we should first confirm where the leak is.
Yes...It's likely it's the waterpump, but...

 

Yup. And should be pretty obvious if it's the water pump.

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Mouse got under my engine cover and chewed through the coolant line!

 

Wow...I've heard of mice chewing wire harnesses and air/cabin filters, but never a coolant line.
I guess he was after that sweet sweet ethylene glycol. Hope he took a big swig...lol

 

Years ago, this happened to my friend's 300ZX TT and he noticed the car was running hot, so he pulled over. I pulled over behind him to see what was up and we saw a rat come out from under the engine bay and scurry across the street. The rat was soaked in coolant and steam was coming off of it as it scurried away. Probably didn't make it too far.