Back in December my 2008 RX 350 had the check engine light on, VSC and the the traction control lights lit up on the dash and the engine was running rough and shaking like a dog dispensing peach seeds. Took it to the dealer and it was the #6 cylinder ignition coil that went south. $273 to repair. Flash forward to yesterday and the same thing happened again. Took it to the dealer and they have not called me back yet to let me know what has caused this second episode but my gut is that another or the same ignition coil has failed. Anybody else ever have this problem with their Lexus. This is my third Lexus and I have never had this problem before. If it turns out to be another cylinder that needs a new coil should I have the dealer just replace the rest of them or it is a fluke that 2 ignition coils have gone bad with only 25,500 miles on the clock ?

Cat

 

If it is one of the coils up front it is easy to replace if you choose to DIY. You can take your RX to an AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts to get the code read to see what the problem is.

As for bad coils, if you historically look back through the 2nd Generation site you will find numerous threads about coil failures on the RX350. Not so many with the RX330.

 

Update: Turned out that the number 4 cylinder injection wires were chewed up by a rodent (rat ?) and there were droppings on top of the engine. $260 later and motor is running smooth again. My RX is a yard dog as I have two other vehicles that occupy my 2 car garage. Bought some Tomcat Rat killer and placed the box underneath the engine compartment when I park. I would welcome any suggestions on how to keep rodents from getting up in the engine.


Cat

 

In the classic car world, guys swear by moth ***** placed around a classic car that may be stored for weeks/months a time. Perhpas some moth ***** placed on the top of the cosmetic cover?

Oth, changing out a coil pack is so simple that even I did it. I had a rough running engine and error warning. I took it to Advance Auto, hooked up their loner scanner and it showed a coil pack. Around $90 or so (Kind of foggy on the number, but I think it was closer to $75-80). 15 minutes of work and I had the new one installed. V E R Y easy.

 

Does Advance Auto carry the Lexus coil pack or did you have to go to the dealer to buy the part ?

Cat

 

Pull the bad coil and take it to Toyota. Tell them you need "one of these." The part number should be stamped on the part. If they ask, tell them you have a 2008 Highlander V6. Same coil.