Is220D Power Problems

robby g · April 15, 2011

Hello guys

I've been researching what appears to be a very common complaint on the Lexus is220d about the massive turbo lag and general lack of power. My car was boosting just under 2000rpm but as soon as you went in to second it was flat as anything, almsot to the point of being dangerous.

Last Saturday I decided that I was going to buy a tuning box for it to try and alleviate the lag and some add some much needed low down torque. I have since ordered this. In the meantime I asked my mechanic to remove and check the EGR. He did this on Monday and it was very very carboned up. He cleaned it and the manifold where it had a build up of carbon and sadly it had no effect. He suggested that the EGR could be faulty so I agreed to it being replaced which cost £320 just for the part. This was fitted on Wednesday and very disappointingly, it had no positive effect.

The car now isn't boosting properly (before the EGR was fitted), it starts to boost and then cuts off prematurely and just seems so flat.

I have now put the car in to a recommended technician who is a good 'fault finder' but wondered if any of you guys may have had experience with turbo boost problems? The first mechanic also cleaned the MAF sensor for me.

The car hasn't been seen by Lexus since 2008 so I am unaware if it has had any recalls, ECU updates etc

I'm so stressed out, I just want a car that can be driven. The chip box arrives on Monday but I feel that the underlying problem (the turbo boost) at least needs sorting first before fitting it.

Any advice, suggestion or contributions are most welcomed.

Thank you in advance.

Robby.

ULISSE · April 15, 2011

Hello. Connect boost problems to EGR is a big mistake, congratulation to that mechanic. The EGR circuit nothing has in common with air circuit and turbo,it's simply a local feedback circuit to recyrculate exaust gases around combustion chamber (another "intelligent" solution to contain pollutions).

When one turbo car in general has problems with turbo spool up the first thing is to control the Westgate valve, and check if it function and open properly or not.

Consider that big turbolag and dead response under 2000 rpm is typical of a stock is220d first generation (till 2007). To solve this problem i suggest u to mount a "Sprintbooster" (from "Boulekous Dynamic") i did on mine 2007 Lexus and the problem is SOLVED. If u run with this device off after 2 days that u are using it, the car seems simply broken ))

Other problems connected to problem in spool up of turbo could be air circuit intasated, airbox dirty, manifold dirty (very possible if your car has many Km all done with EGR working in stock conditions).

I suggest u to go to a "normal" good mechanic, exaplin him your problem, and ask him to check all turbo air cyrcuit, it will be not expensive, and u'll avoid to change for nothing other parts of the car at jewellery prices has it happen in a official carshop.

Good luck

robby g · April 16, 2011

Thanks for your reply. I have received an update today stating that they think the cause is the air flow meter (MAF). A new one has been ordered and will be fitted early next week. I shall keep you informed.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

ULISSE · April 17, 2011

mmmm...from the synthoms u described here:"The car now isn't boosting properly (before the EGR was fitted),it starts to boost and then cuts off prematurely and just seems so flat"....they are typical of a westgate that open too early and don't let turbo boost to increase enough; MAF usually give other problems....anyway...let's see.

knitware · April 17, 2011

Take it to Lexus, they will fault find. You may think it's expensive but it will be cheaper than getting advice from ill advised mechanics & replacing parts you don't need.

sunterra · April 22, 2011

Hello guys

I've been researching what appears to be a very common complaint on the Lexus is220d about the massive turbo lag and general lack of power. My car was boosting just under 2000rpm but as soon as you went in to second it was flat as anything, almsot to the point of being dangerous.

Last Saturday I decided that I was going to buy a tuning box for it to try and alleviate the lag and some add some much needed low down torque. I have since ordered this. In the meantime I asked my mechanic to remove and check the EGR. He did this on Monday and it was very very carboned up. He cleaned it and the manifold where it had a build up of carbon and sadly it had no effect. He suggested that the EGR could be faulty so I agreed to it being replaced which cost £320 just for the part. This was fitted on Wednesday and very disappointingly, it had no positive effect.

The car now isn't boosting properly (before the EGR was fitted), it starts to boost and then cuts off prematurely and just seems so flat.

I have now put the car in to a recommended technician who is a good 'fault finder' but wondered if any of you guys may have had experience with turbo boost problems? The first mechanic also cleaned the MAF sensor for me.

The car hasn't been seen by Lexus since 2008 so I am unaware if it has had any recalls, ECU updates etc

I'm so stressed out, I just want a car that can be driven. The chip box arrives on Monday but I feel that the underlying problem (the turbo boost) at least needs sorting first before fitting it.

Any advice, suggestion or contributions are most welcomed.

Thank you in advance.

Robby.

is your car before 08/2008

sunterra · April 22, 2011

Hello guys

I've been researching what appears to be a very common complaint on the Lexus is220d about the massive turbo lag and general lack of power. My car was boosting just under 2000rpm but as soon as you went in to second it was flat as anything, almsot to the point of being dangerous.

Last Saturday I decided that I was going to buy a tuning box for it to try and alleviate the lag and some add some much needed low down torque. I have since ordered this. In the meantime I asked my mechanic to remove and check the EGR. He did this on Monday and it was very very carboned up. He cleaned it and the manifold where it had a build up of carbon and sadly it had no effect. He suggested that the EGR could be faulty so I agreed to it being replaced which cost £320 just for the part. This was fitted on Wednesday and very disappointingly, it had no positive effect.

The car now isn't boosting properly (before the EGR was fitted), it starts to boost and then cuts off prematurely and just seems so flat.

I have now put the car in to a recommended technician who is a good 'fault finder' but wondered if any of you guys may have had experience with turbo boost problems? The first mechanic also cleaned the MAF sensor for me.

The car hasn't been seen by Lexus since 2008 so I am unaware if it has had any recalls, ECU updates etc

I'm so stressed out, I just want a car that can be driven. The chip box arrives on Monday but I feel that the underlying problem (the turbo boost) at least needs sorting first before fitting it.

Any advice, suggestion or contributions are most welcomed.

Thank you in advance.

Robby.

is your car before 08/2008

the only reccal ever made by lexus does not include is220d .information about official recalls you Fint in rapex

maybe lexus is trying to hide something

RAPEX is the EU rapid alert system for all dangerous consumer products, with the exception of food, pharmaceutical and medical devices. It allows for the rapid exchange of information between Member States via central contact points (the National Contact Points ) and the Commission of measures taken to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of products posing a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers. Both measures ordered by national authorities and measures taken voluntarily by producers and distributors are covered by RAPEX.

the reccal states the following

Category: Motor vehicles

Product: Passenger car - Lexus GS and LS

Brand: Lexus

Type/number of model: GS450h, LS460, LS600h e LS600hL. Year: 2006 to 2008.

Description: Light Passenger Vehicle. VINs are available in the attached document.

Country of origin: Japan

Injuries

The product poses a risk of injuries because in the valve operating system of the engine, which contains multiple valves in each engine cylinder, there is a possibility that the strength of the valve spring may degrade, causing the spring to break. If one of the springs in the engine breaks, an abnormal noise and rough engine performance will be noticed. In the worst case, the engine could fail and stop suddenly while the vehicle is in motion.

Voluntary corrective actions taken by the importer.

Poland

Bulgaria

Ireland

Hungary

Finland

Netherlands

Sweden

Lithuania

Greece

Malta

robby g · April 22, 2011

Ye it's an 06 car.

Update: After the MAF sensor was fitted it allegedly drove okay for around 5 minutes, boosting properly. Then it seemed to lose power again. There appears to be a fuel contamination problem. The tank and pump have been removed and contained like a green coloured goo. The fuel line has been cleared but it could be that the pump or injectors are not performing correctly.

To send these items away for testing would cost £50 per item which is normally deducted from any repair costs. However these injectors are non repairable I'm told.

I have therefore had the car transported to Lexus as it wont even drive now and I'll get the experts to diagnose.

The car still shows no fault codes, it's very strange???

I'll keep you updated on how I get on. It could be the high pressure fuel pump? God knows.

I've had a couple of is220d's before over the years and I think this will be my last :-(

sunterra · April 22, 2011

Dear Robby,

Hi again, as you have correctly stated your car IS220D suffers with lack of power and high build-up carbon within the EGR. Combustion byproduct or none combusted synthetics which accumulate within the manifold and the EGR. The question for all should be why such a high accumulation? In an attempt to explain and understand i will take you through the following process which is highly relevant to common sense as well. As you can see in rapex recall Lexus only consider danger if the spring valve after deterioration becomes broken. What rapex didn't realise in what Lexus has very cleverly stated does not allow consideration over danger for the years before and during deterioration period of before the spring eventually becomes broken. Here must be understood that the only way you can have high build-up of carbon in most common cases is either piston rings or valves and spring valves is the result of high oil consumption. The danger with high oil consumption in this case is not only the build-up of carbon in the parts outside the engine but also within the engine and before the exhaust. This will lead to loss of power, engine cutting out and stalling. This is also a dangerous matter that Lexus did not refer to. With respect to the is220d everybody is puzzling their heads thinking that the problem is within the EGR valve and not with something else that causes the matter of the high build-up. So my advice is check your oil consumption. If you have knowledge of high oil consumption then you should expect high build-up of carbon within everything after the exit valves. The EGR can not be responsible for it, but can only be one of the side effects of high oil consumption, which is more than likely relevant to faulty materials or parts within the engine and the functioning of it (piston rings or spring valve deterioration). Once you realise that anything you do does not resolve the problem then i will suggest you get the head casket removed and check the condition of the engine. Currently the is220d is under my personal investigation and any information we can gather together can be a great benefit.

Happy Easter :)

robby g · April 28, 2011

Hi Guys.

After getting a bill for £542 for replacing the EGR and MAF sensors the car got worse. It would tick over but wouldn't rev. I bit the bullet and took it to Lexus last Thursday. With the bank Holidays and stuff I gave them a call on Tuesday. They said that they thought that it was the high pressure fuel. Even they resorted to using the internet they told me.

The pump was £1300 and it was engine out to fit it. I said that After already spending almost a £1000 that they needed to be more certain that just 'thinking' that it's the pump! They agreed to cut the labour rate down to £65 per hour from their claimed £110.00 and also discounted the pump. I also asked them to do an ECU reflashes/updates.

I collected the car this morning after settling the bill for £1939.73 and not only did it run and rev properly, it felt like a different car. The turbo lag from 1st to second was so much better, you caould actually crawl on to a roundabout in second or even 3rd gear. You can put it in 4th at 40mph and it will immediately accelerate.

I've learned a lesson here. I wish I'd gone to Lexus in the first place. Their computer can shut off the injectors one at a time and get fuel pump readings etc The specialist did as much as he could before I took it to Lexus but the next step was to send the injectors off and the pumps for testing at £50 each. That would have been another £300 plus vat down the drain.

Lexus confirmed that my car did have the modded cat fitted and as stated they did the latest ECU update for the vehicle.

I'm poor but I'm happy to have the car back.

Thank you for those that offered advice and I hope that by my leaving the results of my experience that it may assist someone in the future.

Cheers

Robby

ULISSE · May 2, 2011

As i supposed the problem of Robby was not connected to MAF or EGR. 1300 Pounds for a high pressure pump? ))))

anyway i'm happy u solved your problem.

writeauthor · June 9, 2011

Hi Guys.

After getting a bill for £542 for replacing the EGR and MAF sensors the car got worse. It would tick over but wouldn't rev. I bit the bullet and took it to Lexus last Thursday. With the bank Holidays and stuff I gave them a call on Tuesday. They said that they thought that it was the high pressure fuel. Even they resorted to using the internet they told me.

The pump was £1300 and it was engine out to fit it. I said that After already spending almost a £1000 that they needed to be more certain that just 'thinking' that it's the pump! They agreed to cut the labour rate down to £65 per hour from their claimed £110.00 and also discounted the pump. I also asked them to do an ECU reflashes/updates.

I collected the car this morning after settling the bill for £1939.73 and not only did it run and rev properly, it felt like a different car. The turbo lag from 1st to second was so much better, you caould actually crawl on to a roundabout in second or even 3rd gear. You can put it in 4th at 40mph and it will immediately accelerate.

I've learned a lesson here. I wish I'd gone to Lexus in the first place. Their computer can shut off the injectors one at a time and get fuel pump readings etc The specialist did as much as he could before I took it to Lexus but the next step was to send the injectors off and the pumps for testing at £50 each. That would have been another £300 plus vat down the drain.

Lexus confirmed that my car did have the modded cat fitted and as stated they did the latest ECU update for the vehicle.

I'm poor but I'm happy to have the car back.

Thank you for those that offered advice and I hope that by my leaving the results of my experience that it may assist someone in the future.

Cheers

Robby

Hello Guys,

I am a newbie to this forum, and although my car is not a lexus - i do have the T180 engine in a corolla verso. I am also experiencing similar problems to Robbies original post, having serious turbolag issues that come and go as they please. I just wanted to add to this post after reading all about there being no diagnostic codes recorded in Robbies situation. If the high pressure fuel pump was becoming blocked/restricted, then i would have expected a diagnostic code to be flagged. The common fuel rail has a pressure/temperature sensor installed in it. Surely if the pump performance was decreasing, the pressure in the fuel rail was not being pressurised to the correct pressure (1600-1800 bar) all of the time - THIS WOULD BE REGISTERED AS A FAULT AND AN ERROR CODE STORED!? Maybe even to the extent that the MIL (engine) lamp would be illuminated.

I am still trying to get to the bottom of my problem - going to start with the MAF sensor and air intake and work from there.

Writeauthor

bpv · August 16, 2011

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, I've got a IS 220D 2007, its clocked just over 30000 miles,its been very dependable since i've had it.However since last weekend I've noticed a Turbolag,(apparently a common problem )symptoms exactly as described by Robby g.I took it to a very dependable mechanic, did a diagnostic-which suggested carbon built up, on having a look he could find no excess carbon built up, we went through all the possibilities,(short of changing any parts),including problems with the EGR and MAF .We then proceeded to search online and soon came across this forum and related discussions.At which point we decided, that probably taking it to Lexus (early next week- that's their the first available slot)would be a better option .

I must say I'm not really looking forward to their bill after reading Robby's experience. I just wanted to thank you guys for posting your comments /suggestions which helped me make up my mind.i.e going to Lexus directly instead of taking a longer route.

Will keep you all posted.

Ta

bpv

mozan · August 4, 2012

Hi everyone,

Need some help with my Lexus is220d, been having sleepless night over it. My turbo on the car kicks in about 1-2 rpm, but as soon as I put my foot down and it goes over 60-70 mph the car starts jumping like its going to stall. When it happens I let the pedals go and it goes back to normal.

It first happened in 5th gear just going over 70mph and the in 6th gear, today it happened in 3rd gear when I put my foot down and reaching 50mph.

Could it be the air flow, or is it something more serious, if someone could help me please. It's killing me just bought the car a week ago with 113000 miles on it.

Thanks, Mo

August 6, 2012

I would be interested in this too as bought one with 105000 and the verdict may come in useful

August 6, 2012

Bloody Iphone the answer was above lol

Jonesy1979 · December 12, 2015

Hi Guys

I'm a new Lexus owner with an is220d 2007 72k, i get boost about 1500rpm and is ok through the the gears, but I have found idle revs to be quite high 1200rpm, when I first start up gears can be very tight hard to get first, also it revs great through the gears but hit fith at 60-70mph then to sixth at this speed and it chugs as if too high a gear even up to 85mph, I've heard they are high reving but this doesn't seem right and I'm getting 31mpg at best, wondered if anyone can advise is this normal?? Or could there be a fault??

Thanks

Shahpor · December 13, 2015

Hello Leigh

Concerning the idle, as long as it drops to 800rpm when you turn the fan off, then it is normal.

The gearbox on these cars isn't the greatest and does take some getting used to. 1st and 2nd are the worst. However, as long as it doesn't pop out of gear, then it should be fine.

For some strange reason, Lexus decided to fit a very long 6th gear. You should be changing into 6th at around 75-80mph. Personally, I just stick to 5th and cruise at just under 70mph. Also, driving between 1800-2000rpm for extended period helps clean the DPF, which could save you some trouble.

If you are driving only in town, then 31mpg is about right. But if you are adding some motorway miles to it, then 31 is a bit low. See Matus's excellent guide here for tips on increasing mpg:

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/72447-increase-your-mileage-in-few-steps/

The only thing not mentioned in that post is you could try something called BG244, which is an injector cleaning additive. Might help a little.

Nam · May 9, 2016

I signed up to reply to this thread, I have a IS220d 2009. Since I've bought it, has never given me much over 28mpg locally and at best 33mpg motorway. It started giving me terrible turbo lag last few days and after reading a lot of threads I cleaned the EGR valve, which was badly coked up after only been cleaned out last year. Then I took off the rubber pipework going to the turbo. Got someone to rev the car over 2000rpm and just sprayed lot's of carb cleaner at one second intervals. Took 30 seconds to the take pipes off and I can say there is a huge difference. Car pickup is very good now, so I think the turbo get's clogged and at lower gears it is really noticeable.

Worth doing in my opinion.

Cezar · August 27, 2017

Hi, I have an issue with a IS220D as well and I was wondering if someone with more experience about this car could give me some advice.The car suddenly loses acceleration/power when driving it for a few minutes and then the engine switches itself off. The engine then struggles to start again but eventually starts and switches itself off after a few seconds. Before the car has broken down there was white smelly bluish smoke coming out from the exhaust when accelerating. A few months back the car used to go into limp mode because the DPF was blocked and had to be forced regenerated. No warning lights are showed on the dashboard and no error codes are generated when connecting the diagnostic tool. The EGR valve had to be cleaned as it was full of black carbon and the lambda sensor has been replaced as well. The 5th injector that helps with the DPF regeneration has been replaced as well. The high pressure diesel pump has been checked and is in good working order. The car is from 2007 and has 106000 on the clock.