RX - 4th Gen (2016-2022) Discussion topics related to the 2016 and up RX350 and RX450h models

RX sputters before starting

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Old 03-24-19, 09:24 PM
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agent
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Default RX sputters before starting

Have a 2016 rx350 with 34k miles. When I press the start button it sputters before starting. Its inconsistent and only started happening in the last few days.

Not sure if it’s the ignition or what. Thx in advance

Last edited by agent; 03-24-19 at 09:47 PM.
Old 03-25-19, 06:59 AM
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ravenuer
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Originally Posted by agent
Have a 2016 rx350 with 34k miles. When I press the start button it sputters before starting. Its inconsistent and only started happening in the last few days.

Not sure if it’s the ignition or what. Thx in advance
Next time you put gas in it, try a different station and maybe put a higher octane gas in it. Worth a shot.
Old 03-25-19, 07:10 AM
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agent
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Originally Posted by ravenuer
Next time you put gas in it, try a different station and maybe put a higher octane gas in it. Worth a shot.
That's helpful. I fill it up at Costco. Put in 93 Octane. I'll try another gas station like Mobil or Shell.
Old 03-25-19, 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by agent
Have a 2016 rx350 with 34k miles. When I press the start button it sputters before starting. Its inconsistent and only started happening in the last few days.

Not sure if it’s the ignition or what. Thx in advance
Could it be the battery that is getting weak?
Old 03-25-19, 12:57 PM
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agent
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Originally Posted by ut2sua
Could it be the battery that is getting weak?
Didn't think of that but it's possible. I drive it regularly and it does sit outside on the driveway but I warm it up every morning.

Dealer said not to use Costco Gas. Thoughts on that?
Old 03-25-19, 12:59 PM
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Default Costco Gas? Yah or Nay

Dealer suggested not to put 93 octane gas from Costco. He suggested it might be causing the sputtering before engine starts.

Thoughts on this.
Old 03-25-19, 01:04 PM
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larrytrk
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Originally Posted by agent
Dealer suggested not to put 93 octane gas from Costco. He suggested it might be causing the sputtering before engine starts.

Thoughts on this.
have always used Costco gas in all cars both grades are top tier.
don't know why a problem with 93 if car requires high test.
my RX350 runs on regular.
possibly winter vs Summer blend?
Old 03-25-19, 01:13 PM
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Default Costco gas

Originally Posted by agent
Didn't think of that but it's possible. I drive it regularly and it does sit outside on the driveway but I warm it up every morning.

Dealer said not to use Costco Gas. Thoughts on that?
Dealer is full of cr--. Costco gas meets Top-Tier standards for detergent content recommended by most car manufacturers. (see www.toptiergas.com) The gasoline itself (without the detergent additives) is the same as in all other stations in your area - if one station got bad gas, likely several did. All brands are serviced from the same pipelines/distribution system. The detergents are added to the tanker delivering the gas or into the tank as the delivery is made. Very few gasoline brands meet top-tier standards, as adding an effective amount of detergent costs $$$, and gasoline retailers know cheap American drivers will drive 10 miles to save a penny a gallon.
Old 03-25-19, 01:15 PM
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See my reply to your previous post.
Old 03-25-19, 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by agent
Didn't think of that but it's possible. I drive it regularly and it does sit outside on the driveway but I warm it up every morning.

Dealer said not to use Costco Gas. Thoughts on that?
Costco gas is all good for mine.
Old 03-25-19, 03:27 PM
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Used regular and premium for several years at Costco
Old 03-25-19, 03:49 PM
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Costco has top tiered gas so they should be good. I just wish there was one close to me LOL
Old 03-25-19, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by agent
Have a 2016 rx350 with 34k miles. When I press the start button it sputters before starting. Its inconsistent and only started happening in the last few days.
Not sure if it’s the ignition or what. Thx in advance
I think it could be the air-fuel mixture or one or more injectors acting up. Try using an injector cleaner of good quality, if this is no help then you'll have to move to the computerized air-fuel mixing
Old 03-26-19, 09:32 AM
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I have had a sputtering start once in 2 years. It was similar to what happened twice in 8 years with a Highlander I had before. In all cases it was around the same temperature just in the morning just above freezing temperatures but the overnight was colder. I suspect that a combination of sensor temperature not being aligned with the required air mixture for start could be the problem. But I see no way to try and get the dealer to reproduce the problem. Maybe a ODB2 logger would help.
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