The oxygen sensor is one of the most important components of a Lexus car. It helps to regulate the air-fuel mixture in the engine, ensuring that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust pipe, and it consists of a zirconia ceramic element that is surrounded by a platinum electrode. When the engine is running, the oxygen in the exhaust gas reacts with the zirconia ceramic, producing a voltage difference between the platinum electrodes. This voltage difference is then used to adjust the air-fuel mixture accordingly.
As a result, the oxygen sensor plays an essential role in ensuring that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, so when it isn’t functioning properly, it can cause a lot of problems.
The most common issue when an O2 sensor fails is that the engine will run lean. This means that there is not enough fuel being mixed with the air, which can lead to a loss of power and decreased fuel economy. In addition, a failing O2 sensor can cause your engine to run hot. This is because the oxygen sensor is used to help regulate the air-fuel mixture. If it is not working properly, too much air can enter the combustion chamber, causing the engine to run hotter than normal.
When an O2 sensor fails, the fuel efficiency of a Lexus will decrease. The reason for this is that the Lexus’s computer will not be able to properly adjust the air/fuel mixture. This will cause the engine to run richer, which will use more fuel.
Additionally, the engine may run less smoothly, which can also lead to reduced fuel efficiency. If you notice that your Lexus’s fuel efficiency has decreased, it is important to have the O2 sensor checked as soon as possible. Failing to do so could result in further damage to the engine and increased repair costs.
Malfunctioning oxygen sensors are one of the most common causes of increased emissions in modern cars. When an O2 sensor fails, it usually means that the engine is running too rich or too lean. This can cause a significant increase in emissions, as well as decreased fuel economy and engine performance. In some cases, a failed O2 sensor can also cause the check engine light to come on.
If you’re driving a Lexus and you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have the O2 sensor checked as soon as possible. With proper maintenance, a Lexus can continue to run smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.
One common reason why the check engine light may come on in a Lexus is if the O2 sensor fails. If the sensor detects a problem, it will send a signal to the engine control unit (ECU), which will then turn on the check engine light. In most cases, a failing O2 sensor will need to be replaced in order to fix the problem. However, if the check engine light is coming on and there are no other symptoms, it’s possible that the problem may be with the ECU itself. In either case, it’s best to have the car diagnosed by a professional to determine the cause of the problem.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to have your Lexus checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle.
Located in Canoga Park, we only hire mechanics with years of experience to ensure quality. Our expert team has the experience needed to diagnose any issues and to repair them as soon as possible with affordable costs to you.
If you’re looking for proper vehicle care in Canoga Park or nearby then call Euro Plus Automotive today. We’re here to assist you and your vehicle with any service or repair needs. We proudly help clients in and around Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA. Call us today to set up a convenient appointment or to speak with our mechanics about your questions regarding your O2 sensor.
Water damage to a car’s cabin can cause a number of problems from electrical to health hazards and even rust of mechanical parts. The cabin of your Lexus model is designed to be both comfortable and safe. It is spacious and well-lit, with plenty of room for passengers to stretch out. The seats are firm and supportive, and the controls are all within easy reach, provided they are working properly and not wet.
Your Lexus cabin is well-insulated from road noise, making it a serene and relaxed environment until mold and mildew ruin the scent of leather and new car smell. Safety is also a priority in the cabin design, which is equipped with an array of airbags, and the seatbelts are adjustable to ensure a snug fit. In the event of an accident, the cabin is designed to protect occupants from injury as long as the airbag electronics are functioning. All of the safety features in your Lexus can be ruined by water damage, not to mention navigation, radio, driver’s assist features, and more.
Water damage to a car’s cabin can cause a number of problems. If the water is allowed to sit, it can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can damage the car’s interior and make it difficult to breathe for passengers. In addition, water can damage electronics, such as the car’s stereo system or navigation system. If the water is allowed to enter the car’s cabin through an open window or door, it can also cause rusting and corrosion.
As a result, it is important to take measures to prevent water damage to a car’s cabin, such as keeping the car’s windows and doors closed in rainy or snowy weather.
When water enters a car’s cabin, it can cause damage to the seats and upholstery. The water can seep into the fabric, leading to stains and discoloration. In some cases, the water can also cause the fabric to swell, making the seats uncomfortable to sit on.
If the water damage is not carefully cleaned and dried, it can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can worsen the problem. To avoid water damage to your car’s interior, be sure to keep the cabin dry and free of standing water. If you must drive in inclement weather and flooded roads, be sure to wipe down the cabin afterwards to remove any moisture that may have entered.
Water damage to a car’s cabin or interior can cause serious problems with the electronics. Even a small amount of water can short out electrical components, and the resulting repairs can be expensive.
Water can enter the cabin through leaks in the roof or windows, or it can be introduced by passengers who spill drinks into the console. In addition, condensation from the air conditioning system can also cause water damage to the cabin electronics.
To avoid these problems, it is important to regularly check for leaks and to ensure that the cabin is properly ventilated. If water does enter the cabin, it is important to dry out the affected area as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Flood water can pose a serious threat to your Lexus, and it is important to take measures to avoid driving through flood water if possible. Water can damage your car’s engine, electrical system, and interior, and it can also cause you to lose control of your car.
If you must drive through flooded streets, try to gauge the depth of the water before driving through it. If the water is more than halfway up the tires, it may be too deep to safely drive in it. Make sure to drive slowly and carefully, and use a higher gear than usual to avoid stalling.
In addition, be sure to check your car for damage after driving through flood water, and have it serviced if necessary. By taking these precautions, you can help avoid costly repairs of electronics and upholstery and keep your car safe from damage.
If you need assistance with water damage in the cabin of your Lexus, Euro Plus Automotive is here for you. We have been providing affordable repairs for our clients in Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles, CA, for 30 years. Give us a call today, as we are here to assist you with your Lexus repairs and service.
* Lexus Car Interior image credit goes to: Mindaugas Dulinskas.
Engine oil is responsible for cooling your engine and lubrication of the working parts. Without oil, the temperatures rise to damaging levels, due to extreme friction. Lexus has installed the engine oil warning light to alert drivers that engine oil pressure has dropped below normal levels.
Continuing to operate your vehicle with low or no oil could result in catastrophic engine failure. If you notice this light illuminating on your dashboard, you should pull over as soon as safely possible and shut off your engine.
The engine oil light can indicate a potentially serious problem, with computer-automated engine shutdown built into some Lexus models as a failsafe. Euro Plus Automotive has both the advanced equipment and highly-trained auto specialists to inspect and diagnose the reason for oil pressure loss.
The oil engine light turns on if the oil engine pressure drops below safe levels or, in some cases, if you have a faulty oil pressure sensor. We understand ignoring certain dashboard lights, such as low washer fluid or a passenger airbag light when nobody else is in the car, but you should not drive your vehicle while the oil engine light is on.
Low oil pressure can occur if there’s an oil leak, a faulty oil pump, or if there are dangerously low oil levels within the engine. There are many hoses that allow oil to flow through the systems. If any of these have a crack, oil can seep through.
Likewise, if your oil pump becomes faulty, it cannot provide your engine and its parts with proper lubrication. Another common reason for issues is using the wrong type of oil for your engine. The viscosity is important, so ask your trusted Lexus mechanic for the proper oil type.
You may experience a faulty oil pressure sensor, which causes the oil engine light to illuminate. This is why it is important to seek professional service for your Lexus to determine the exact problem. Operating your vehicle while low on oil can cause oil starvation, loss of engine oil pressure, and lead to catastrophic engine failure. Our trusted technicians use the latest tools and equipment to reliably discover the cause of the problem and help you decide what’s next.
Our technicians will test your car’s oil pressure sensor and associated circuit and check for proper function. If the sensor is reporting as intended, the engine oil pan must then be removed for further inspection. Once the oil is drained and the pan removed, we can inspect the vehicle’s oil pump for faults or mechanical failures.
Whether your engine oil light was on due to a faulty sensor, low oil levels, or a faulty pump, our professional team of trained technicians will diagnose the cause. We have been working with German and Japanese vehicles for over 30 years and have the experience and training to help with what’s next.
Our technicians will diagnose the source of the sensor and recommend a solution, whether it’s simply replacing your engine’s oil pressure sensor or removing, examining, and installing a new oil pump.
We also use OEM repair parts and factory replacement materials to ensure you get quality service from the most trusted auto repair shop in Canoga Park.
If the engine oil light on your vehicle illuminates, we recommend that you do not drive until your Lexus has been inspected by a specialist. Continuing to drive your Lexus with low oil pressure can cause complete and total engine failure.
Diagnosing the cause of low engine pressure by yourself can be tricky due to having to check the oil lines, oil pump, oil sensor, and the oil pan reservoir. It is also not advised to add engine oil that doesn’t meet manufacturer’s recommendations. Different types, certifications, and grades of oil behave differently. Using only the best oil for your vehicle ensures a healthy engine, especially with the most modern vehicles.
Euro Plus Automotive is located in Canoga Park and also services the Woodland Hills and San Fernando Valley area. We specialize in working with import vehicles since 1984. Our technicians are trained to service and maintain your specific make and model. Trust us with your Lexus needs, and call us at 818-710-8244 or stop by to speak with our helpful technicians.
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.
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:
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.
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.
At Euro Plus Automotive, we can help you with your problem with a melting dashboard. We understand that 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.
Lexus has a reputation of quality and comfort. As an owner of one of its models, you want to maintain your vehicle so it performs as expected each time you take it for a drive. Engine issues may crop up with time and wear.
If you begin to experience engine problems with your Lexus, use this guide to help you diagnose issues and determine if your Lexus is in need of major inspections from a trained specialist to determine your engine issue.
If it’s your first time encountering engine issues in a Lexus, you may be wondering if it was user error or just inevitable wear and tear. Not to worry. All engines run into problems eventually. Just as your own body needs care and nourishment, so does your Lexus.
Routine maintenance and replacement of worn parts is natural. But before you bring your car to a shop and are forced to open up your wallet, you should have a general understanding of why your engine may be malfunctioning.
There are multiple signs and symptoms that could indicate problems originating from your engine. First and foremost, if your check engine light comes on, that would obviously point to a problem that needs attention.
Unfortunately, not all Lexus models have the more intelligent-engine monitoring, such as oil life monitoring systems. While that may be the case, there are still plenty of indicators that a look under the hood is needed:
One of the more visible signs of engine wear is the accumulation of oil beneath your car. If you are consistently seeing large wet spots underneath your car, your car will need service.
Knocking, grinding or rattling noises are good indicators that something is loose, damaged, or out of place. In addition, odd odors could also mean your engine needs help.
You may encounter dark grey or even blue smoke emitting from your exhaust pipe if your engine has not been maintained for some time. This could indicate a few problems, you may just need oil but there could be more severe damage.
If your engine makes a lot of noise each time you press on the accelerator yet fails to pick up the normal amount of speed, it’s likely your engine needs to be serviced as soon as possible. This could be dangerous for you and your passengers.
Smoke under the hood is another example of apparent engine problems. This particular symptom indicates immediate problems.You should pull over and call a tow truck to take your car to a repair shop. It is not safe to drive it at this point.
Identifying that there is a problem is an important first step, but diagnosing it may require a bit more knowledge. While most of us don’t have the time to learn all the ins and outs of Lexus engine maintenance, there are a few key things that are easy to notice:
Just as oil is a good first indicator of problems, it can also be a great test of engine integrity. Check your oil levels regularly, including pressure and cleanliness. Some problems can be remedied with surprising ease.
Another fluid that is a common cause of engine headaches when left unchecked is your radiator’s coolant. Coolant, often called antifreeze, is used to maintain your car engine’s prime operating temperature. Maintaining coolant levels is essential to your car’s health.
Keep an eye on all of your car’s various gauges, from tachometer all the way to odometer. These are there to specifically alert you to changes in the levels and warn you of any need for service or replacement of fluids.
Engines have a lot of parts, and each is as essential as the next. There are plenty of hoses and seals that have the potential to fail and cause major problems.
There are plenty of ways for you to investigate the engine problems for your specific model in its respective manual. If you’re having problems, flip though and it may end up saving you a buck.
At Euro Plus Automotive, we specialize in giving quality care to quality cars. We’ve been proudly servicing vehicles for the past thirty years, serving the communities of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles, CA.
If there’s an issue with your Lexus that you don’t have the time to deal with personally, bring it down to us and we’ll get you back on the road in better shape than you were before. Call us today.