Hi all..... I've been lurking here watching and learning for a few months since I picked up my new-to-me 1997 Lexus LX450. I've been in a Chevy family all my life and joined the Toyota fan club when I bought my 1993 xtra cab new. I picked up this gem from a lady whose husband died unexpectedly back in April and he was about 95+% finished with the project. However, when I picked it up it was not running and I had to complete the upper part of the motor (intake, throttle body, EGR, air cleaner, MAF, etc) before I finally got it to turn over and run (shoutout to @slow95z for a replacement ECU). I have been daily driving her while baselining and learning the Land Cruiser specifics. It was a bit challenging finishing a project that I could not ask the previous owner questions. His work was good and I like most of the upgrades he did (lift, tires/wheels, dual battery, front/rear bumpers, winch, rear tire carrier, upgraded radiator, etc).
My question is one of lagging low to midrange power. I have searched the forum (and other LC forums), Googled, YouTubed, scanned the FSM.
Here is what is happening -- truck idles fine, truck can go down level roads fine. When I put a load on (an incline or tow a trailer) between 1000 and 3000 RPM, it lacks power. However, as the RPMs increase, once I hit between 3000 and 3200 or 3400, it is like a turbo button is hit (kinda like in a video game) and I get extra power and she pulls/accelerates up to 5000 RPM. I get this in all gears - not much noticeable in first, but definitely felt in 2nd, 3rd, and overdrive.
Here is what I've done -- baselining (changed air filter, oil, oil filter, fuel filter, etc), cleaned MAF, replaced TPS, checked CATS which appeared clear (although a clogged CAT would not allow for the higher RPM power), sprayed all vacuum lines with starter fluid (with no increase in engine idle RPM), adjusted throttle and transmission cables. The truck ran great yesterday morning on the way to breakfast, but the issue appears later on that morning. I am also getting a P0401 (EGR error) code about 80% of the time when I drive her (which I am working on). She's not overheating, and exhibits this behavior with/without PWR ECT button.
I am loading up the parts cannon, but I really think the key is the additional power that kicks in around 3000/3300 RPM. I am hoping there is some super secret Land Cruiser handshake that I need to learn that will fix this issue so I can enjoy my rig like the rest of y'all.
Thanks for reading,
.....Dan
My question is one of lagging low to midrange power. I have searched the forum (and other LC forums), Googled, YouTubed, scanned the FSM.
Here is what is happening -- truck idles fine, truck can go down level roads fine. When I put a load on (an incline or tow a trailer) between 1000 and 3000 RPM, it lacks power. However, as the RPMs increase, once I hit between 3000 and 3200 or 3400, it is like a turbo button is hit (kinda like in a video game) and I get extra power and she pulls/accelerates up to 5000 RPM. I get this in all gears - not much noticeable in first, but definitely felt in 2nd, 3rd, and overdrive.
Here is what I've done -- baselining (changed air filter, oil, oil filter, fuel filter, etc), cleaned MAF, replaced TPS, checked CATS which appeared clear (although a clogged CAT would not allow for the higher RPM power), sprayed all vacuum lines with starter fluid (with no increase in engine idle RPM), adjusted throttle and transmission cables. The truck ran great yesterday morning on the way to breakfast, but the issue appears later on that morning. I am also getting a P0401 (EGR error) code about 80% of the time when I drive her (which I am working on). She's not overheating, and exhibits this behavior with/without PWR ECT button.
I am loading up the parts cannon, but I really think the key is the additional power that kicks in around 3000/3300 RPM. I am hoping there is some super secret Land Cruiser handshake that I need to learn that will fix this issue so I can enjoy my rig like the rest of y'all.
Thanks for reading,
.....Dan