Worrisome Signs of Engine Failure in Your Lexus

Lexus vehicles are known for their high-quality and comfortable driving experience. Unfortunately, this does not make them exempt from experiencing engine failure issues. In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of your Lexus engine, the warning signs of engine failure in your Lexus, causes of engine failure, and how you can resolve your engine failure problems.

The Importance of Your Lexus Engine

Your car’s engine is made up of intricate components working together to create energy and power so you can drive. Some of the main parts of your engine are cylinders, valves, spark plugs, pistons, and sensors. Together, they provide the energy your car needs to move.

When there is a problem with any of the components that make up your car’s engine, it is best to have it resolved as soon as possible, as seemingly minor issues can escalate into more chronic issues in due time. As you probably know, replacing a car’s engine is not a cheap fix, but this is ultimately what ends up happening when the signs of engine failure go ignored.

Warning Signs of Engine Failure

The first sign of engine trouble usually comes in the form of the “check engine” light illuminating on the dashboard, but there are other warning signs. Should you see any of the below symptoms of engine failure, schedule a visit with your trusted Lexus service and repair center as soon as possible.

Unusual Noises

If you hear any unusual noises coming from your vehicle, such as grinding, knocking, hissing, thumping, squeaking, or anything else that sounds off, your vehicle likely has a problem. Noises are often the result of transmission issues, a seized engine, piston damage, or exhaust system problems.

Excessive Smoke

Excessive or otherwise unusual smoke, such as black smoke, emitting from the tailpipe signifies a problem. It could be a clogged air filter, cracked cylinder head or blown head gasket.

Leaking Oil

If you notice oil puddles accumulating beneath your car, it is likely leaking oil. Small oil leaks can turn into large oil leaks quickly and this will damage your engine. Your car should be seen immediately if you spot oil leaking from your engine.

Rough Start and Idling

If you feel your car jerking and shaking after starting it or while idling, it’s possible there is an engine malfunction. The problem could be as simple as a faulty spark plug needing changed or something more severe.

Bad Odor

If you smell anything unusual, such as burning rubber or metals, your engine may need to be seen. The smell of rotten eggs is a common scent experienced when there are engine troubles. Any of these scents may signal transmission problems, an overheated engine, catalytic converter issues, or a coolant leak.

Common Causes of Engine Failure

Spark plugs succumb to environmental wear-and-tear over time and need replacing, according to the recommendation in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Faulty spark plugs can trigger the check engine light and cause damage to your vehicle’s engine if ignored.

Ignition coils generate electricity for the spark plugs. While older Lexus vehicles have just one ignition pack, newer cars have one ignition coil per cylinder. If you have a diesel Lexus, it doesn’t have ignition coils so you can rule out the possibility of them being the culprit.

Most Lexus engines have variable intake manifolds, which are prone to intake leaks. This can result in a lean-running engine. A rough idle or hesitation to accelerate are common symptoms of intake leaks.

The VVT system can malfunction due to a defective oil control valve, dirty or low engine oil, or a problem with the valve timing or VVT controller assembly.

Over time, mass airflow sensors need to be cleaned or replaced altogether in order to give air quantity readings accurately. A dirty sensor can cause a rough idle, lack of power or hesitant acceleration.

Oxygen sensors experience wear-and-tear over time. A dirty oxygen sensor needs to be replaced so the role of this sensor can do its job efficiently.

If your car stalls or has a rough or intermittent idle, a faulty camshaft position sensor may be to blame.

Oil sludge is a serious problem that affects many Lexus vehicles made in the 2000’s. It is caused by a blocked crankcase ventilation valve, also known as the PCV valve. This can cause various problems such as rough idle, high oil consumption or even a complete engine failure. Symptoms of oil sludge are blue smoke and yellow gunk on the oil filler cap.

Bavarian Performance Specialist can Help

Bavarian Performance Specialist proudly serves Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA. We specialize in German-manufactured vehicles, such as the Lexus. We will have your engine firing on all cylinders and have you back on the road quickly and with confidence. Call us today at 805-495-3191 to schedule your appointment.