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  • 7107 Canoga Ave Canoga Park, CA 91303
  • 818-710-8244

Month: January 2021

Lexus IS250 Dashboard

Is your Lexus at Risk for a Melted Dashboard?

Lexus has steadily ranked high in customer satisfaction, but there is one big issue that has plagued many Lexus owners: the dreaded melting dashboard. And to make it worse, it seems that Lexus does not want to help owners with this issue. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens and if your Lexus is at risk.

Do dashboards really melt?

A vehicle’s dashboard should not melt, so if you are experiencing this bizarre circumstance, there is obviously a defect in your model. You rarely hear about in vehicles with a melting dashboard, but for some Lexus owners, it is a problem that is highly frustrating.

Due to extreme heat and direct sunlight, the dashboard gets shiny and sticky, causing the dashboard to quickly degrade. This clearly will need to be replaced at the cost of the owner.

The melting issue happens more often in the southern areas of the United States due to the extreme heat and humidity.

The problem with melting dashboards was first reported in May 2014. Since then, many models have been affected. The following are susceptible to melting dashboards:

  • 2003 – 2008 Lexus GX 470
  • 2004 – 2006 Lexus RX 330
  • 2005 – 2008 Lexus RX 400h
  • 2006 – 2008 Lexus ES 350
  • 2006 – 2008 Lexus IS 250 and 350
  • 2007 Lexus LS 460
  • 2007 – 2009 Lexus RX 350

A melted dashboard may not sound like a serious safety issue. But when the dashboard melts, it gets shiny (and a noxious chemical smell is released into the vehicle’s cabin.) The shininess leads to a reflection in the window. It can be so bad that the driver may not be able to see out the window. This is unsafe and can lead to an accident.

There is no way to simply repair a dashboard that has already experienced this melting phenomenon. The only solution is to replace it.

Lexus knows about the issue but has tried to keep quiet about it. A lawsuit was filed but dropped. Lexus made promises to replace the dashboards, yet they fell short. They released a service bulletin on the issue but they never had a recall. Another lawsuit was filed, but drivers are still having problems getting their dashboards replaced.

Some vehicles are still covered under the warranty enhancement while many others are not. If you’ve found yourself in this position, it can’t hurt to call Lexus to see if they will cover part of the cost.

How to Prevent a Melting Dashboard

If you own a Lexus model that is prone to a melting dashboard, there are a couple of things that you can do to help prevent melting. One simple thing is to use a dashboard cover. The cover will keep sunlight from directly hitting the dashboard.

Another thing to do is treat the dashboard with vinyl and leather protectant. Make sure that you only use a protectant that does not have alcohol in it. Alcohol will dry out the dashboard, causing it to crack.

Lexus Melted Dashboard Risk

Euro Plus Automotive Will Replace Your Melting Dashboard

At Euro Plus Automotive, we can help you with your problem with a melting dashboard. We understand that Lexus Dashboard Replacement it is a smelly eyesore that needs to be replaced, so we will work with you and try to get the dashboard replaced as quickly and inexpensive as possible.

We are an independent service center that specializes in Lexus services and repairs. We have the latest tools and equipment required to get your car fixed right. Our technicians have the extensive knowledge and training needed to handle all your Lexus service needs.

At Euro Plus Automotive, our expert technicians can help with all your Lexus service needs. If you are experiencing dashboard melting, do not wait any longer to have it replaced. A shiny dashboard can make driving hazardous.

We strive to deliver the best service around. Our staff makes it their mission to make sure our customers are completely satisfied. You can reach us at 818-710-8244 or come see us at 7107 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park. We service the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County, CA areas. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.

* Lexus IS250 Dashboard image credit goes to: DarthArt.

Volkswagen Wiring Harness

Tips to Identify Wiring Harness Failure in Your Volkswagen

As a Volkswagen owner, you’ve grown accustomed to the reliability your car has given you over the years. Its durable and compact design has made it one of the most trusted European vehicles.

To maintain the cost-effective reliability you invested in, proper annual maintenance is needed. Without proper preventative care and routine inspections, components of your vehicle may begin to fail. Keeping track of your wiring harness is an important aspect of this upkeep. Let’s take a closer look.

The Function of the Wiring Harness

The wiring harness is responsible for protecting your car’s electrical wiring from exposure. Similar to the risk exposed wires pose in your home, your car’s wiring runs the same risks. Exposure impacts the effectiveness of information transfer throughout the car’s computer, potentially causing failing functions and electrical fires.

As cars have become more technologically advanced, the wiring harness has gained greater importance. Automatic cars transmit more electrical energy from the battery, to the various components of the car. This requires more wires and cables to be protected in the harness than previous models. When the information cannot be properly transmitted, the wiring harness most likely failed at protecting the information while in “transport.”

Warning Signs of Wiring Harness Failure

If your lights are flickering or dimming, your car may be indicating that the wiring harness in your Volkswagen is failing. Your vehicle’s lights are heavily dependent on the battery, and if there is a wiring issue, the lights will not operate correctly.

Failing lights can be unsafe for both yourself and others on the road, particularly at night or in visibility affecting weather. This will be most noticeable when the ignition is first turned on.

Of course, if your car won’t start, a dead battery may also be an indication that the wiring harness has malfunctioned. Sometimes the battery may not be completely dead and presenting a charge, but cannot maintain or hold its charge.

Faulty or malfunctioning wiring can cause the motor to suddenly rev, stall, or idle for seemingly no reason. These may be accompanied by stuttering, jerking, or lurching while the car is in motion.

One of the most important diagnostic tools, as well as the most alarming, is the check engine light. The check engine light may be illuminated for a multitude of reasons, but a short in the circuit or wiring malfunction can cause this sensor to turn on.

Causes of Wiring Harness Failure

A healthy wiring harness is softer and malleable. The bendability of the harness makes it withstand damage, but over time, the harness may wear and grow stiff. Pieces of the harness can crack and chip away, exposing the electrical wires. The stiffening can occur because of weather conditions, road imperfections, and high mileage. Cold, heat, rainwater, and rigorous vibrations pose a risk of stretching or cracking the harness.

It is very common for wiring harnesses to last the entire life of your motor vehicle. A harness may malfunction or fail as a result of a manufacturing procedural error. Possible errors may include incorrect wiring size or improper layout during the assembly process or an improper crimping process. Crimping is performed to terminate the ends of the wires, and prevent any malfunctioning circuits.

Volkswagen Wiring Harness Failure Identification

Euro Plus Automotive Will Repair Your Wiring Harness

Euro Plus Automotive is conveniently located to give proper care to Volkswagen and other imported car owners to those in Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, California.

Call us to speak Volkswagen Wiring Inspection with one of our professionally-trained mechanics to get your car scheduled for its routine maintenance or any needed repairs. Our certified staff is ready to assist with wheel and tires, engine and transmission issues, brake repairs, A/C repairs, or diagnosing that mystery sound you can’t diagnose yourself.

Calling us early on will keep your Volkswagen functioning at the performance you expect. Not only will you save money on future damages, but we offer additional specials available for viewing on our website to help save money for those unexpected car costs that may arise.

Your Volkswagen could suffer detrimental consequences if a wiring issue isn’t addressed early on. By maintaining routine service, our mechanics can keep an eye on the wiring harness and spot early signs of breaking or cracking. Contact us today.

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