kinremi:
Hello All,

Please I need serious help. My Lexus Rx350 2008 model SUV has the check engine and VSC lights flashing. Each time its flashing the power and performance of the engine reduces. I haad a scan run on it and I have P300 code - cylinder misfire. All that can be done has been done even to the extent of changing all the spark and ignition plugs but still the problem persists.

Please what can I do, spending a lot on the car. Could it be electrical problems?

GAZZUZZ:
but how do you explain the fact that when the car came in to naija it worked well for a couple of months/years?

sooperrescue:
Gazz, whenever any of these cars enter the country and as it is leaving the port and you buy fuel at any station, the check engine comes up. As per toyota and lexus, the traction light comes up any time the check engine comes on. And in most cases, aside from multiple misfire faults, the oxygen sensors are also faulty. There is nothing that can be done to remedy the situation except he boosts the fuel. Euro v cars dont work well with our fuel

boldx:
I tend to believe Sooperrescue has more theoretical knowledge of cars and Gazzuzz more practical knowledge. Click 'like' if you agree and 'share' if you disagree.

sooperrescue:
Make i nor shout too much, get an octane booster and it will resolve the problem. Lexus requires premium unleaded fuel only and that is not available locally

amodu28:
@Kinremi what type of spark plug did you replace with? Some of the spark plugs you see out dere are not original and how much did dey buy the plugs?

Also i would like to know after changing the spark plugs did they erase the check engine light? Your technician will have to check the braking system which has a link with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) that reduces the engine performance of the vehicle by intermittently locking the wheels.

You can contact me for more info 07032761155

kingreign:

in as much as i respect your experiences and practicality, i will have to disagree with you on this. A lexus gx, rx and es are one of the most tolerant premium cars around, yes, their manufacturer requires premium fuel, however, in the absence of the premium fuel, these vehicles can still perform well and still last as long as their toyota siblings with a slight loss in Horsepowers (well, who needs the 270bhp when you're not running US interstate highway 63 or autobahn?), that asides, these octane boosters and injector cleaners could cause more harm to a toyota/lexus than you feel.
This info is coming from someone whos been fixing lexus and also owns an RX for 2yrs 9 months

kinremi:
Thank you everyone that has contributed. please see below other things that happened.

1. The car was purchased as tokunbo since Feb 2015 and has been performing very fine till now that the check engine light came up and flashing.
2. I remember there was a time my mechanic said i need to change the the silencer pot but he advised that instead of changing it completely he talked something about "mofla" (I might not get the right spelling pls pardon me) and that was done, not long the check engine light came up but was not flashing.
3. After few months the engine light started flashing
4. few days weeks ago the car overheated because i forgot to lock the radiator cover and the gasket was changed (before this the check engine has been flashing)
5. Now the engine is not overheating, the coils and the spark plugs are changed, the codes were reset or cleaned.

6. But the check engine light is not off and after few minutes of driving it comes flashing and power reduce with a mild vibration.

before the silencer pot itch the engine light does not come on, the vsc light only comes on if i use a bend sharply but we go off by itsef.

I am suspecting the silencer pot I don't know if I should replace it completely.

Please what is ur suggestion.

GAZZUZZ:


Mehn your case Bad o!

kinremi:
Thank you everyone that has contributed. please see below other things that happened.

1. The car was purchased as tokunbo since Feb 2015 and has been performing very fine till now that the check engine light came up and flashing.
2. I remember there was a time my mechanic said i need to change the the silencer pot but he advised that instead of changing it completely he talked something about "mofla" (I might not get the right spelling pls pardon me) and that was done, not long the check engine light came up but was not flashing.
3. After few months the engine light started flashing
4. few days weeks ago the car overheated because i forgot to lock the radiator cover and the gasket was changed (before this the check engine has been flashing)
5. Now the engine is not overheating, the coils and the spark plugs are changed, the codes were reset or cleaned.

6. But the check engine light is not off and after few minutes of driving it comes flashing and power reduce with a mild vibration.

before the silencer pot itch the engine light does not come on, the vsc light only comes on if i use a bend sharply but we go off by itsef.

I am suspecting the silencer pot I don't know if I should replace it completely.

Please what is ur suggestion.

kinremi:
Thank you everyone that has contributed. please see below other things that happened.

1. The car was purchased as tokunbo since Feb 2015 and has been performing very fine till now that the check engine light came up and flashing.
2. I remember there was a time my mechanic said i need to change the the silencer pot but he advised that instead of changing it completely he talked something about "mofla" (I might not get the right spelling pls pardon me) and that was done, not long the check engine light came up but was not flashing.
3. After few months the engine light started flashing
4. few days weeks ago the car overheated because i forgot to lock the radiator cover and the gasket was changed (before this the check engine has been flashing)
5. Now the engine is not overheating, the coils and the spark plugs are changed, the codes were reset or cleaned.

6. But the check engine light is not off and after few minutes of driving it comes flashing and power reduce with a mild vibration.

before the silencer pot itch the engine light does not come on, the vsc light only comes on if i use a bend sharply but we go off by itsef.

I am suspecting the silencer pot I don't know if I should replace it completely.

Please what is ur suggestion.

kinremi:
@ GAZZUZZ - But I was told the cat is still good that is why they use the mofla stuff, chai I don enter am....

@ kingreign - I am based in Lagos, Ago palace...... I have changed the mechanic and the new mechanic too seem to be confused ...

What do i need to do .....


Should I change the silencer pot, how much can it cost?

kinremi:
Thank you everyone that has contributed. please see below other things that happened.

1. The car was purchased as tokunbo since Feb 2015 and has been performing very fine till now that the check engine light came up and flashing.
2. I remember there was a time my mechanic said i need to change the the silencer pot but he advised that instead of changing it completely he talked something about "mofla" (I might not get the right spelling pls pardon me) and that was done, not long the check engine light came up but was not flashing.
3. After few months the engine light started flashing
4. few days weeks ago the car overheated because i forgot to lock the radiator cover and the gasket was changed (before this the check engine has been flashing)
5. Now the engine is not overheating, the coils and the spark plugs are changed, the codes were reset or cleaned.

6. But the check engine light is not off and after few minutes of driving it comes flashing and power reduce with a mild vibration.

before the silencer pot itch the engine light does not come on, the vsc light only comes on if i use a bend sharply but we go off by itsef.

I am suspecting the silencer pot I don't know if I should replace it completely.

Please what is ur suggestion.

kingreign:
scan first and do compression test also.
contact Sooperrescue, hes based in Lagos close to your area, and has knowledge about how to fix these challenges in cars.

sooperrescue:

Kai, don't say that. Na theory I sabi, you and my Gazzuz be the practical experienced guys. I don't fix Lexus brand