DarkStar12

Starting this thread, as I had a fuel sender failure a couple of weeks ago. 60k mi.

Basically: freeway driving, fuel gauge read 1/8 tank remaining, computer indicated "10 miles till empty" but the car ran out of gas. Fuel sender, in the fuel tank turned out to be the malfunction.

Towed to the dealer...they had never, ever seen this before and were very apologetic.

I get the car back next week, just want to bookmark this thread in case any members (God forbid) have this problem now or in the future.

I still have faith in my Lexus, but want to share as this failure was very unusual, and hopefully over time we can identify a trend and use this thread for information if need be.

DarkStar12

ggebhardt

What caused you to look at the "miles remaining" as I seldom do.

DarkStar12

I seldom use that function as well. I checked it while I was sitting on the side of the freeway waiting for the tow truck.

REDHORSE

I use it all the time. I find it very conservative.

beaunoz

The fuel sending unit crapped out on my 2009 LX570. Just got it back today. My first indication was the lack of a "Low Fuel" light which usually triggers around 240 miles on the trip odometer. The wife ran the fuel too low (twice) causing the inability to start in the parking garage. She mentions that low fuel light never came on. Eventually the LX stalled on her in heavy traffic and had to be towed to the Stealership. Keep in mind she had about 40% fuel remaining when it stalled.


Lexus diagnosed in stating the fuel sending unit died completely. Lexus ended up replacing both the fuel sending unit along the fuel pump (for preventative measure).

Parts/Labor Costs:
Fuel Sending Unit - PN 83320-60580 - 154.46
Gasket - PN 77169-02050 - 3.22
O-Ring - PN 90301-A0021 - 3.22
Fuel Pump - PN 23220-50271 - 348.01

Labor - 440.83

#### Total: About a grand (Got eeeem!!!)

//BeauNoz
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2009 LX570
2006 SC430
2003 RX300
*/

Chauffeur

From your post, it sounds like Lexus performed the needed repairs for free. Is that true?

I ran out of fuel today. The gas gauge at the time indicated that I had 1/8 of a tank left. A low fuel light was not present. Yep, she was empty. Swallowed 24 gallons once I got it to the pump.

Happened in the Costco parking lot. Do you have any idea what its like to push this 6000 lb beast up a slight slope to their gas pump? Fortunately, two nice folks helped out. No need to go to the gym today.

Symptoms were the same as DarkStar12, except my 09 has 112K on it. Might be part of a trend?

DarkStar12

Sounds like an identified weak spot. One of very few on this rock solid vehicle. Mine was taken care of under warranty.

tiguy99

After they fixed, Did the problem ever happen again?

DarkStar12

*sound of knocking on wood* so far, no more issues with the sender.

hankinid

I'd check mud to verify it is indeed "an identified weak spot"...I would not call 3 occurrences since this thread started in July, 2014 a trend.

I'd say if you need a yellow light to tell you gas is needed, maybe use the good ol' fuel gauge as a backup. It's similar to the TPMS where you have a backup with an air hose and pressure gauge.

If my wife ran out of gas twice because the only indicator she knows is a yellow light, we'd probably discuss that issue.

DarkStar12

Thats 3 occurrences of members who are on this board. I'd call it more than a fluke. Not sure why you are defensive?

Many if not most LX570 owners do not browse this forum.

In my case the fuel gauge showed 1/8 tank left, plenty for me to theoretically get from work to a gas station. The yellow light had nothing to do with what happened.

hankinid

I'm not defending anything. If you feel it's a trend, that's OK...I simply disagree.

I would call Toyota's recall of series 100 LX's for both trailer electrics and HID issues trends.

Steve

DarkStar12

Fair enough.

Also, exhaust headers on the 100 were a known issue.

hankinid

Definitely. As were / are my 2000 2-pinion front diffs and transmission issues.

beaunoz

No, they didn't repair for free. I had an extended warranty that covered the repairs.