Lexus Owners (To share driving experience and advise)

[Bioinformatics]

@2wiremodem 

Remember to book your breakfast meal during car servixing. 

Haha

 

 

[Dlee2263]

Been a Lexus ES250 owner since 2016 and even thought of trading in to upgrade to a new Lexus.

However, after my latest horrifying experience with Lexus, I have reconsidered my plan.

On 02 Jan 2024, when my Lexus ES250 had difficulty starting, I requested the assistance of Lexus emergency road service which promptly arrived within 30mins. However this was where the issue arose. The mechanic indicated that the battery was below the required charge level and needed to be replaced which I agreed. I mentioned to the mechanic that the car needed to be first "connected to power" before the existing battery can be disconnected and replaced but he insisted that was NOT necessary and even risky. I even mentioned that this was the second time my car battery had been changed a few years ago and the previous mechanic did what I mentionerd.  I had thought that without any power source, all memory setting would be erased and the new battery could cause a power surge to the car's system too.  But he insisted his way and hence proceeded to change the existing battery to the newly full-charged battery.

Upon completion, all my car's configuration was "reset from the normal" and the interface display unit was totally blanked. The mechanic was surprised and didn't know what to do. Only to tell me to go Lexus Service Centre the next day to resolve. I came to Lexus Service Centre on 03 Jan 2024 @ 0800hrs to address this matter. My car had to be left for at the servicing centre for diagnosis.   Later that evening, I was told by the service representative that a component of the interface display unit has failed and needed to be ordered and replaced. This component is the "radio receiver unit"  and would cost $30000.   I was speechless and shocked !  

Lexus Service Centre wanted me to pay $30 000+ for a problem caused by their mechanic and I couldn't accept this.  I blasted the service representative and he referred me to their workshop manager, who despite my explanations, wanted to appease me by suggesting a discount of 50% of the repair bill.  Obviously I refused. 

Now that the interface display unit failed, all features are lost. No GPS,Bluetooth,Reverse camera, Radio, Media, climatic control..etc.   It is akin to driving with a "crippled" premium car.

How can a perfectly operating system be "destroyed" after a simple battery change ? 

Why did the mechanic allow my car systems to suffer a totally blackout when he removed the old battery without due process of providing power for car ? Wouldn't the car systems' memory be wiped out ? And after the new battery connected, isn't it possible a power surge can cause problem for other components/systems ?

After checking with numerous agencies, I found out that the standard procedure of changing battery was not adhered to.

Would it be fair for Lexus Service Centre be fully exonerated for such a "demeanour" and me the owner to suffer this injustice ?

 

I have even written to their higher authority and I guess they are playing the delay tactics or simply ignoring my predicament.  

This is one SCAM I will never forget LEXUS played on me.  SIGH !

[ccc888]

After hearing this, now i also scared to change batt sia.

How many Lexus drivers are aware of this batt SOP?

What if go outside workshop change batt and simi display unit kaput?

Is this a design flaw in the first place? Simi connect to power before replacement.

 

 

I always change batt every 2 years even before it went dead on me….does it actually help?

Or batt dead liao then must follow this SOP?

[t0y0ta]

On 1/9/2024 at 3:45 PM, Dlee2263 said:

Been a Lexus ES250 owner since 2016 and even thought of trading in to upgrade to a new Lexus.

However, after my latest horrifying experience with Lexus, I have reconsidered my plan.

On 02 Jan 2024, when my Lexus ES250 had difficulty starting, I requested the assistance of Lexus emergency road service which promptly arrived within 30mins. However this was where the issue arose. The mechanic indicated that the battery was below the required charge level and needed to be replaced which I agreed. I mentioned to the mechanic that the car needed to be first "connected to power" before the existing battery can be disconnected and replaced but he insisted that was NOT necessary and even risky. I even mentioned that this was the second time my car battery had been changed a few years ago and the previous mechanic did what I mentionerd.  I had thought that without any power source, all memory setting would be erased and the new battery could cause a power surge to the car's system too.  But he insisted his way and hence proceeded to change the existing battery to the newly full-charged battery.

Upon completion, all my car's configuration was "reset from the normal" and the interface display unit was totally blanked. The mechanic was surprised and didn't know what to do. Only to tell me to go Lexus Service Centre the next day to resolve. I came to Lexus Service Centre on 03 Jan 2024 @ 0800hrs to address this matter. My car had to be left for at the servicing centre for diagnosis.   Later that evening, I was told by the service representative that a component of the interface display unit has failed and needed to be ordered and replaced. This component is the "radio receiver unit"  and would cost $30000.   I was speechless and shocked !  

Lexus Service Centre wanted me to pay $30 000+ for a problem caused by their mechanic and I couldn't accept this.  I blasted the service representative and he referred me to their workshop manager, who despite my explanations, wanted to appease me by suggesting a discount of 50% of the repair bill.  Obviously I refused. 

Now that the interface display unit failed, all features are lost. No GPS,Bluetooth,Reverse camera, Radio, Media, climatic control..etc.   It is akin to driving with a "crippled" premium car.

How can a perfectly operating system be "destroyed" after a simple battery change ? 

Why did the mechanic allow my car systems to suffer a totally blackout when he removed the old battery without due process of providing power for car ? Wouldn't the car systems' memory be wiped out ? And after the new battery connected, isn't it possible a power surge can cause problem for other components/systems ?

After checking with numerous agencies, I found out that the standard procedure of changing battery was not adhered to.

Would it be fair for Lexus Service Centre be fully exonerated for such a "demeanour" and me the owner to suffer this injustice ?

 

I have even written to their higher authority and I guess they are playing the delay tactics or simply ignoring my predicament.  

This is one SCAM I will never forget LEXUS played on me.  SIGH !

Is it maybe something similar to this one?

https://parts.lexus.com/p/Lexus_2016_ES-350/RECEIVER-ASSEMBLY---RADIO/62962841/8680433870.html

RECEIVER ASSEMBLY, RADIO

Part Number: 8680433870
Supersession(s): 86804-33870

MSRP

$ 14,956.33

 

[Dlee2263]

@ccc888

Edited January 10, 2024 by Dlee2263

[Mkl22]

likely he shorted something. it should never damage the whole unit like this.

[Soya]

On 2/10/2023 at 5:04 PM, oleoleole said:

Disclaimer: I don't drive one. 

But when I test drove ES250 and ES300H back to back, 250's 2.5NA engine felt super sluggish. Interior tech nothing to shout about too. But seats are omg so comfy and plushy.

Would go for E-class or A6 at this depre. IMHO 

Same impressions test driving the ES250

Makes u wonder how does a big 2.5L engine produce so little power.....

 

[t0y0ta]

On 1/10/2024 at 9:05 AM, Mkl22 said:

likely he shorted something. it should never damage the whole unit like this.

Yah.... probably perfect storm. It is definitely very rare otherwise whole internet will be screaming since Lexus got millions of them on roads.

TS never reply but he can try:

- go to a few outside workshop to try their experience, see if can repair for much less

- check the difference in trade-in/sale value if his car is lemon now and versus a fully functional. If value difference is > cost of repair just do it lor.

[BanCoe]

On 1/9/2024 at 3:45 PM, Dlee2263 said:

Been a Lexus ES250 owner since 2016 and even thought of trading in to upgrade to a new Lexus.

However, after my latest horrifying experience with Lexus, I have reconsidered my plan.

On 02 Jan 2024, when my Lexus ES250 had difficulty starting, I requested the assistance of Lexus emergency road service which promptly arrived within 30mins. However this was where the issue arose. The mechanic indicated that the battery was below the required charge level and needed to be replaced which I agreed. I mentioned to the mechanic that the car needed to be first "connected to power" before the existing battery can be disconnected and replaced but he insisted that was NOT necessary and even risky. I even mentioned that this was the second time my car battery had been changed a few years ago and the previous mechanic did what I mentionerd.  I had thought that without any power source, all memory setting would be erased and the new battery could cause a power surge to the car's system too.  But he insisted his way and hence proceeded to change the existing battery to the newly full-charged battery.

Upon completion, all my car's configuration was "reset from the normal" and the interface display unit was totally blanked. The mechanic was surprised and didn't know what to do. Only to tell me to go Lexus Service Centre the next day to resolve. I came to Lexus Service Centre on 03 Jan 2024 @ 0800hrs to address this matter. My car had to be left for at the servicing centre for diagnosis.   Later that evening, I was told by the service representative that a component of the interface display unit has failed and needed to be ordered and replaced. This component is the "radio receiver unit"  and would cost $30000.   I was speechless and shocked !  

Lexus Service Centre wanted me to pay $30 000+ for a problem caused by their mechanic and I couldn't accept this.  I blasted the service representative and he referred me to their workshop manager, who despite my explanations, wanted to appease me by suggesting a discount of 50% of the repair bill.  Obviously I refused. 

Now that the interface display unit failed, all features are lost. No GPS,Bluetooth,Reverse camera, Radio, Media, climatic control..etc.   It is akin to driving with a "crippled" premium car.

How can a perfectly operating system be "destroyed" after a simple battery change ? 

Why did the mechanic allow my car systems to suffer a totally blackout when he removed the old battery without due process of providing power for car ? Wouldn't the car systems' memory be wiped out ? And after the new battery connected, isn't it possible a power surge can cause problem for other components/systems ?

After checking with numerous agencies, I found out that the standard procedure of changing battery was not adhered to.

Would it be fair for Lexus Service Centre be fully exonerated for such a "demeanour" and me the owner to suffer this injustice ?

 

I have even written to their higher authority and I guess they are playing the delay tactics or simply ignoring my predicament.  

This is one SCAM I will never forget LEXUS played on me.  SIGH !

Mine is ES250 since 2014 …… have changed the battery at some “ Ah Beng” WS whom does nothing but batteries and tyres ….. Yes he wires up with another battery  when in transition to new battery …… 

Car has Never given me any problems to date and after 3 year warranty….. I just send to an Ah Beng WS …… never changed any parts as at today other than the usual brake pads …. Etc …. Yes of late driver side window glass has got some “rubber muck “ and a little noisy …. I think it’s disintegrating as I open / close drivers window many times a day …: but can bear to live with it …. Got only a few more months to live with  “her “

[t0y0ta]

On 1/10/2024 at 9:27 AM, BanCoe said:

Mine is ES250 since 2014 …… have changed the battery at some “ Ah Beng” WS whom does nothing but batteries and tyres ….. Yes he wires up with another battery  when in transition to new battery …… 

Car has Never given me any problems to date and after 3 year warranty….. I just send to an Ah Beng WS …… never changed any parts as at today other than the usual brake pads …. Etc …. Yes of late driver side window glass has got some “rubber muck “ and a little noisy …. I think it’s disintegrating as I open / close drivers window many times a day …: but can bear to live with it …. Got only a few more months to live with  “her “

When I changed battery outside, I kena both types.

1st change - (Chen Jin), they put a small battery connected to my OBD, then do the battery change. All settings retained

2nd change - (Chen Jin also), they didn't plug battery. so I recall some settings or tripmeter reset... a bit irritated but no other damage.

So conclusion is that TS encountered very rare and strange issue

[Mkl22]

On 1/10/2024 at 9:27 AM, BanCoe said:

Mine is ES250 since 2014 …… have changed the battery at some “ Ah Beng” WS whom does nothing but batteries and tyres ….. Yes he wires up with another battery  when in transition to new battery …… 

Car has Never given me any problems to date and after 3 year warranty….. I just send to an Ah Beng WS …… never changed any parts as at today other than the usual brake pads …. Etc …. Yes of late driver side window glass has got some “rubber muck “ and a little noisy …. I think it’s disintegrating as I open / close drivers window many times a day …: but can bear to live with it …. Got only a few more months to live with  “her “

at least never tell you start the car and leave the engine running while they change the battery. Don't know how this hack came about. super dodgy.