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Intermittent power loss

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Old Jun 9, 2020 | 02:35 PM
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Unhappy Intermittent power loss

Hello to everyone...I have problem with my Lexus RX300 AWD, and my local garages and official dealers cant find solution.

1. I don't know is it linked problem, but sometimes car can't start up from first time and other days starts normally. Alternator charging is 13.4V on idle, but it keeps draining battery to 40%. What is correct alternator charging values for idle on this model?

2. The real problem is that car with 150kW sometimes acts like it has only 50kW. One day it drives like crazy and the other it lacks of power. Sometimes even in the same trip it lose power and gain it again during ride. No dashboard warning lights or codes.

I changed spark plugs, vacuum pipes, clean throttle body and MAF sensor. Charge battery to 100%. Engine, transmission, differential oil and filters changed. Here is some data on idle: Injector 2.5ms, IGN Advance 20.0 deg, CALC Load 14,90% , MAF 3.20 gm/sec, Engine SPD 700rpm, Coolant Temp 95 C, Intake Air 47 C, Throttle POS 15%, O2S B1 S2 0.740V, O2S B2 S2 0.720V, AFS B1 S1 3.28V, AFS B2 S1 3.29V, Short FT#1 2.31%, Long FT#1 -1.60%, TOTAL FT#1 1.028, Short FT#2 2.31% , Long FT#2 -0.82% , O2FT B1 S2 99.15%, AF FT B1 S1 1.00 , AF FT B2 S1 1.00 .

When it has no power, I noticed louder sound like engine struggles, lower fuel economy, harder or unable to reach 180kmh and next day it works just fine...lot quieter, faster, better fuel economy, easily reaching 180kmh and great throttle response. What should I replace or fix to enjoy ride again? Forwardly greatful

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Old Jun 9, 2020 | 03:01 PM
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13.4V while within spec, is low for any toyota alternator I've worked with. Mine are usually 13.8-14.2V depending on model measured at the battery with the car running. 12.6V for a cold battery.

I have a suspicion it's electrical related but I don't want you to throw parts at it. But alternator or battery or even both may be the fix.
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Old Jun 9, 2020 | 10:11 PM
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Thanks for quick reply. Battery is around 12.6V with engine off. I bought new brushes for the alternator but didnt change it yet, but I guess there are some diodes problem too. I will try that first. Any other suggestions are welcome too.
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Old Jun 10, 2020 | 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by icer
Hello to everyone...I have problem with my Lexus RX300 AWD, and my local garages and official dealers cant find solution.

1. I don't know is it linked problem, but sometimes car can't start up from first time and other days starts normally. Alternator charging is 13.4V on idle, but it keeps draining battery to 40%. What is correct alternator charging values for idle on this model?

2. The real problem is that car with 150kW sometimes acts like it has only 50kW. One day it drives like crazy and the other it lacks of power. Sometimes even in the same trip it lose power and gain it again during ride. No dashboard warning lights or codes.

I changed spark plugs, vacuum pipes, clean throttle body and MAF sensor. Charge battery to 100%. Engine, transmission, differential oil and filters changed. Here is some data on idle: Injector 2.5ms, IGN Advance 20.0 deg, CALC Load 14,90% , MAF 3.20 gm/sec, Engine SPD 700rpm, Coolant Temp 95 C, Intake Air 47 C, Throttle POS 15%, O2S B1 S2 0.740V, O2S B2 S2 0.720V, AFS B1 S1 3.28V, AFS B2 S1 3.29V, Short FT#1 2.31%, Long FT#1 -1.60%, TOTAL FT#1 1.028, Short FT#2 2.31% , Long FT#2 -0.82% , O2FT B1 S2 99.15%, AF FT B1 S1 1.00 , AF FT B2 S1 1.00 .

When it has no power, I noticed louder sound like engine struggles, lower fuel economy, harder or unable to reach 180kmh and next day it works just fine...lot quieter, faster, better fuel economy, easily reaching 180kmh and great throttle response. What should I replace or fix to enjoy ride again? Forwardly greatful
Your live data looks ok to me so I don't know.
Any codes?
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Old Jun 10, 2020 | 02:11 AM
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Clogged cats the substrate could be moving around, give them a bang with a hammer to see if there rattling, let us know cheers
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Old Jun 10, 2020 | 05:19 AM
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No, there are no codes. This problem is more than 6 months old so I think it would be some error codes but there is nothing on dashboard or on Techstream. I will try to check cats with hammer. I dont know what else to try. Thanks!
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Old Jun 10, 2020 | 11:24 AM
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The front bank 2 A/F sensor is very easy to take out, and you can see straight down into the cat honeycomb, or use a boroscope, bank 1 next to firewall requires getting under the car.
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Old Jun 10, 2020 | 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Mesquite77
The front bank 2 A/F sensor is very easy to take out, and you can see straight down into the cat honeycomb, or use a boroscope, bank 1 next to firewall requires getting under the car.
Thanks.It would be great way to check it for sure.Do you have any photo of A/F sensor location so I can be sure to remove the right thing. Forwardly greatful.
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Old Jun 10, 2020 | 04:08 PM
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This is for a US Spec 3.3L MZ family engine. Not sure what engine is in the RX300 you have but I assume it will be very similar.


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Old Jun 10, 2020 | 09:38 PM
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Thanks a lot for that picture. Now I know exact location, it can be seen as soon as I open the hood. engine: 1MZ-FE, transmission: U151F
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