2002 LS430 started overheating
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 627
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From: Wisconsin
Rich people didn't get to be that way by spending their money foolishly either. So what's not to like with RockAuto? You generally have your choice on whether you want to purchase a lower quality part or a higher quality part. Many people can't afford to put the best quality part back into a car that's usually marginal to begin with. I've purchased parts from them many times over the years and the one time I had a problem with a part they we easy to deal with as far as the return. The only drawback to using them is that you need to know in advance when to order something. If your car breaks down and you need it fixed right now you obviously can't use them...
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,021
Likes: 496
From: Knoxville, TN
I second the post who said it may be a cooling fan. My LS has never overheated but my old I35 did; symptoms were identical to what OP is describing. Driving is fine, but in traffic when the car got heat-soaked the temp would rise like clockwork.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 107
Likes: 13
From: CA
We purchased our LS430 last year as a 2nd vehicle. As I was driving home one day the temperature gauge began to rise as I was stopped in traffic. I immediately pulled over to keep the car from overheating. My husband came and said the coolant was a little low but said that shouldnt have caused the car to run hot. I tried driving it again the next day and it did the same thing. We took it to the shop and the guy seemed like he was a little unsure but thought the water pump needed to be replaced along with the timing. Anyone have this happen?
My wife on the other hand, calls me and says "my car is on fire!" and she is angry. I say, "pull over and shut it off". She said, "I'm already home". "What?" I said, followed by, "when did the light go on?" Reply, "on my way home from work" still mad. Some times you can only laugh else you cry!
Radiator failed at the overflow tube near the filler cap (see pics). Replaced it with the $66 Denso high capacity Tow Package version , from Rockauto.com and runs like a champ. As others noted, its an easy DIY. At this age of the car, there is NO reason to pay ~$400 for Lexus radiator from the dealer, plus labor.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/l...,radiator,2172
Good luck and keep us posted on what they find.
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Joined: Feb 2018
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From: AL
Thanks everyone. We were finally able to get it to a shop yesterday. From what I told them they dont think it is the water pump. Because I barely have enough miles from the previous owners paperwork when they had it replaced. They said it could be the radiator or fan. Will know more tomorrow when they can look at it. I had to replace the battery yesterday because it was dead and know the drivers side window wont go down. Sigh.....
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: AL
Just talked to the mechanic, the water pump is leaking real bad. Will get a quote on costs tomorrow. Anyone else replaced one and can give me a ball park figure on how much they paid?
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: AL
Well you certainly did the right thing pulling off the road to let her cool down.
My wife on the other hand, calls me and says "my car is on fire!" and she is angry. I say, "pull over and shut it off". She said, "I'm already home". "What?" I said, followed by, "when did the light go on?" Reply, "on my way home from work" still mad. Some times you can only laugh else you cry!
Radiator failed at the overflow tube near the filler cap (see pics). Replaced it with the $66 Denso high capacity Tow Package version , from Rockauto.com and runs like a champ. As others noted, its an easy DIY. At this age of the car, there is NO reason to pay ~$400 for Lexus radiator from the dealer, plus labor.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/l...,radiator,2172
Good luck and keep us posted on what they find.
My wife on the other hand, calls me and says "my car is on fire!" and she is angry. I say, "pull over and shut it off". She said, "I'm already home". "What?" I said, followed by, "when did the light go on?" Reply, "on my way home from work" still mad. Some times you can only laugh else you cry!
Radiator failed at the overflow tube near the filler cap (see pics). Replaced it with the $66 Denso high capacity Tow Package version , from Rockauto.com and runs like a champ. As others noted, its an easy DIY. At this age of the car, there is NO reason to pay ~$400 for Lexus radiator from the dealer, plus labor.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/l...,radiator,2172
Good luck and keep us posted on what they find.
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 826
From: 565 St Peter NOLA
Oddly enough we, most Lexus owners and especially ClubLexus members, are so used to replacing the water pump during a routine timing belt job it's fairly rare to hear of a water pump failing. The pump usually gets replaced early as it only makes sense to do so if you are in deep enough with a TB job . It's really hard to say without knowing the mileage of the car but it may be the original pump and original timing belt...? I don't want to set an expectation of price but don't be surprised if he quotes you around $1000 AND suggests replacing the TB as well.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 13
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From: AL
Oddly enough we, most Lexus owners and especially ClubLexus members, are so used to replacing the water pump during a routine timing belt job it's fairly rare to hear of a water pump failing. The pump usually gets replaced early as it only makes sense to do so if you are in deep enough with a TB job . It's really hard to say without knowing the mileage of the car but it may be the original pump and original timing belt...? I don't want to set an expectation of price but don't be surprised if he quotes you around $1000 AND suggests replacing the TB as well.
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From: AL
Rich people didn't get to be that way by spending their money foolishly either. So what's not to like with RockAuto? You generally have your choice on whether you want to purchase a lower quality part or a higher quality part. Many people can't afford to put the best quality part back into a car that's usually marginal to begin with. I've purchased parts from them many times over the years and the one time I had a problem with a part they we easy to deal with as far as the return. The only drawback to using them is that you need to know in advance when to order something. If your car breaks down and you need it fixed right now you obviously can't use them...
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From: Wisconsin
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From: AL
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