Engine malfunction at only 21k miles

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Jan 4, 2023 | 03:36 PM
  #1  
Crazy thing, my '15 LS worked fine yesterday. Went out to leave today and it was really rough, the check engine light came on. Grabbed a scanner, codes P0300, P0302, P0304, P0306, P0308, and P0019 showing. It's like half the engine is misfiring.

Anyway, having it towed to the dealer in the morning. Very disappointed.
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Jan 4, 2023 | 03:39 PM
  #2  
That’s a tough way to start 2023. Hoping it’s one inexpensive item that can be fixed in an hour.
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Jan 4, 2023 | 04:08 PM
  #3  
Considering misfires on multiple cylinders, I would guess there is something wrong with the VVT system.
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Jan 4, 2023 | 04:25 PM
  #4  
Well, the good news is I think the car is still under drivetrain warranty. Even though it's a 2015, the in-service date was in 2018 since it was a loaner.

Just seems odd that a car like this would have an engine problem after so few miles. Hope I don't have something crazy like rodent damage.
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Jan 4, 2023 | 04:46 PM
  #5  
Prius used soy based wire insulation for several years. Massive rodent issues. Hope it’s covered by warranty whatever the issue. It’s odd with such low miles. But sometimes it’s an age issue.
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Jan 5, 2023 | 02:18 AM
  #6  
Quote: Prius used soy based wire insulation for several years. Massive rodent issues. Hope it’s covered by warranty whatever the issue. It’s odd with such low miles. But sometimes it’s an age issue.
Big problem with a lot of brands in the past!
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Jan 5, 2023 | 02:19 AM
  #7  
Well, here’s to hoping it’s only bad fuel. Which is a definite possibility (I suppose).
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Jan 5, 2023 | 06:28 AM
  #8  
Bad fuel doesn’t affect half the engine, it would be the whole engine.
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Jan 5, 2023 | 10:53 AM
  #9  
Quote: Considering misfires on multiple cylinders, I would guess there is something wrong with the VVT system.
Looks like you called it--initial diagnosis is faulty Oil Control Valve, aka VVT solenoid.
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Jan 5, 2023 | 11:02 AM
  #10  
What will this cost at the dealer? Glad it was a quick diagnosis.
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Jan 5, 2023 | 01:26 PM
  #11  
Original quote was nearly $700, but since my powertrain had just expired last month Lexus/Toyota split the cost with me. Haven't paid for it, but should be in the $400 range. (Oh, and I get to drive a new Lexus for a few days since the part is not in stock).
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Jan 5, 2023 | 04:39 PM
  #12  
The oil control valve is a $100 fix. That's an insane up-charge, I would also be very concerned as to why that failed in the first place that such low miles.
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Jan 5, 2023 | 05:27 PM
  #13  
No dealer is going to change the oil control valve for $100. Thats only 30 min of labor and no parts...the OEM part online is $165:

https://parts.lexus.com/p/lexus__LS-...53300S010.html

Glad it was something relatively simple!
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Jan 5, 2023 | 05:40 PM
  #14  
Quote: No dealer is going to change the oil control valve for $100. Thats only 30 min of labor and no parts...the OEM part online is $165:

https://parts.lexus.com/p/lexus__LS-...53300S010.html

Glad it was something relatively simple!
It's about 10 minutes to fix it max and the part is a Denso/NTK depending on car, it really doesn't cost all that much and the dealer part is the exact same one for double the money for no benefit. Hopefully this was a freak error but it would concern me...
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Jan 5, 2023 | 05:55 PM
  #15  
$700 would have been steep. I know the dealer has to make a profit to stay in business, but the labor can be very high. Plus, I do like being able to have extended test drives of newer models--there's value in that.

Yeah, it is concerning. Like you (Striker223) said hopefully it was just a one-off defective part. I did have my oil changed at a new place last time though. If the other sides goes, then I'll know something is really wrong.
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