Engine Labouring As Too High A Gear Selected

[steveledzep]

I disconnected the Battery for an hour or so this afternoon.

While the bonnet was up I removed the engine covers and gave everything a clean. I inspected the air filter and it was filthy, even the housing was very dusty. Good shout Normski, you are correct, I was very surprised ! Makes me wonder what they do at services ? New air filter on order.

Had to reset the seat memories and clock etc, but no problem. I took her out for a short spin and everything worked as it should, so I'll see if the car can accommodate my driving style and learn to respond accordingly.

I'll keep the ECT button up my sleeve for now, I don't want to be trying too many things at once.....I won't know which has been effective ?

Thank you for all your inputs, I'll report again in due course.

[normski2]

Pity I was right really.

Kind of hoped I might have been proved wrong. It's quite shocking...don't you think?

In a conventionally aspirated car the one thing it needs is a good supply of clean air.

Come on Lexus get your act together this is hopeless maintainence.

[steveledzep]

To be fair to Lexus in this instance, the vehicle was serviced at 62k by an independent Jaguar specialist and again at 65k when I bought it from an independent performance car dealer. So, both of them missed the air filter and both of them missed the spark plugs, I've sorted them myself !

A fully stamped service history is supposed to be reassurance to a new owner......I wonder ???

Mine has four Lexus stamps, two from the Indy Jag guy and the one from the supplying dealer.

I had to replace a front caliper too, but I got the supplying dealer to cough £200 towards it !

I don't expect this hassle within a few thousand miles of two "alleged" services !

I'll keep you informed of any change I experience due to the re-boot.

[toffee_pie]

everyone with a petrol should chuck out that useless OEM air filter and put in one of these.

simples

[steveledzep]

Thanks Eric. I have a Lexus extended warranty in place......so I'll keep it original for now. What are the benefits of the air filter you depict ?

[toffee_pie]

none of the aforementioned problems arising, a nice clean supply of air to the engine and an even nicer v6 gurgle after 4k rpm

[JamesG]

everyone with a petrol should chuck out that useless OEM air filter and put in one of these.

simples

I just got an F-Sport Cold Air Intake kit from the States, fitted it the other night before a drive up to Nottingham.

Wow it does make a notable difference. Not sure the power has changed much, but the uptake seems a bit smoother and it definitely has a lovely improved throaty growl over 4000 revs, which may be dangerous as I now like to rev it a bit to hear it more.

Also got some Sport pedals and an F-Sport Gear knob :D , I can't change the accelerator pedal tho, need a mounted vice grip to remove the pin

It all cost less than the same kit is here by half even from a Lexus dealer on fleabay.

J.

[toffee_pie]

I got the f sport pedals, the only issue was the foot rest was for LHD cars. I put it over my RHD one, not perfect but ..

[toffee_pie]

[JamesG]

I got the f sport pedals, the only issue was the foot rest was for LHD cars. I put it over my RHD one, not perfect but ..

Yes, I did as well knowing, it was most likely wrong, I did test it but foot brake was in the way, altho it was probably On, which hampered efforts. Does it actually fit? Seems slightly thinner than the old one. Altho the reminents of the last one are still there, the white plugs. I tried pulling them off, but no luck.

Thx,

J.

[toffee_pie]

all the other pedals are fine so its ok with me.

[steveledzep]

I don't think changing my pedals is going to make much difference !

It's only a couple of days since I allowed the ECU to reset. I've only been to work and back twice, yesterday and today, 20 miles total that's all !

BUT, I've not experienced any labouring and it has driven smoothly up the hill in my lane with just gentle accelerator pressure.

I consider it too early to be conclusive, but early signs are good. Maybe the previous owner drove with a particularly heavy right foot and the car has been struggling to accommodate my gentler driving style ?

I'll report again when I've done a few more miles. Thanks for all the input.

[steveledzep]

New air filter arrived this week and I fitted it today. Can only help matters.

Not done many miles since ECU re-set but seems to have made a positive difference.

Changing to a higher octane fuel was always going to be a last resort situation for me. I don't expect blistering performance from my IS, just smooth delivery of power across the range.

Think I have achieved that, thanks everyone for their input and help.