I have to replace an ignition coil that is located in the rear of the motor. Question is: should I replace the other two coils (the are working fine) to save the labor cost if either of them go out in the future. The major cost of replacing the rear coils is removing the exhust manifold. I have a 2007 RX-350.

 

Well, first you dont have to remove the exhaust manifold.....But I would normally replace only the bad coil pack.... also if you are near 125k miles than it would be a great time to change the plugs....

 

The dealer says that since the plugs/coils are up against the firewall they have to remove the exhaust manifold. I thought about changing the plugs too but only have 65K miles on her. They say that three plugs/coils are hard to get to and you must remove the EM. I'm not sure.

 

Sure that is not the intake manifold? I have the 330 but for mine the intake has to be removed. Major PITA... I actually entertained replacing all three of mine when doing the plugs but after talking to my local Toyota parts guy, they do not replace many of these coils so I have decided to just go with just the plugs and pocket the extra three hundred dollars for the new coils until I need to replace them. Up to you but at 65K you should have alot of life left in those coils. Just got one bad one, does not mean all three are bad.

 

Why is it that when these friggin coil packs go bad,....ITS ALWAYS IN THE REAR BANK!!......rant over.

 

Murphy's law....

 

Hahahahaha!! You`v got that right my friend.

 

Having my 3rd ignition coil replaced at the dealer as we speak on my 2007 RX350. It's actually the fourth time in 18 months I've been there (one of them has been replaced twice). Only have 53,000 miles on the car. Super frusterating. The first two went out under warranty--we asked at the time if they could replace all 6 and were told it wasn't necessary as it was a pretty rare problem. Today's tech told me normally they suggest if one has a problem to replace all 6 as the others will most likely have issues as well. I would pay to have all the ones under the manifold replaced at the same time since they are the most expensive to fix. If you look under the general maintenance forums, tutorials, there are some pretty good descriptions of how to replace the others yourself. Good luck!

 

Am curious if anyone has thoughts on if we have any recourse via Lexus corp since we obviously have a condition that began prior to the warranty expiring (see above posting)?? I'm really sad about this problem since I love my car otherwise, but don't think I could purchase another if they don't handle the problem once and for all...

 

This is a tough one.

Technically the manufacturer only warranties their product to be defect free for certain milage and pays for the part and labor if the fail happens before the published duration/milage. Once you go beyond you are on your own. I have heard that Lexus is very cooperative if you go marginally over the set limit. Beyond that you have to depend upon the goodwill. There is no hard and fast rule regarding goodwill. Your dealership has to stand for you or even participate in sharing the goodwill cost to the manufacturer. At times all three parties [Lexus corp, dealer, vehicle owner] pay for it. Do keep in mind the Lexus Corp and the Dealer would try to recoup their cost, but padding their profit margin and get it out of the consumer (the vehicle owners .. so we all pay when some one gets goodwill repairs )

You will have to make a case that your ignition coils cam from a bad lot or the particular coil was being worked on by the shop before the warranty ended. If you have a good relationship with the service dept they will go bat for you. In a perfect world it should not matter.

Salim