My Baby Needs Your Help!!!

[HearMyLX]

hey guys. like to say hello to all as this is my first thread. I need some help! My car has a rough idle, if i revv up just a bit over a grand RPM and let off the gas, the car will die and shut off. The check engine light comes on soon as the car is started then flashes while im driving. I checked it with the diag comp and it came up with code 304 if im not mistaking. I guess that means Miss fire in the 4th cylinder? I went ahead and had a shop change all 8 plugs today and still the same symptoms. one of the mechaniks told me that i need a new ingition coil for the 4th cylinder. I asked are you sure and he said "im pretty sure the injector is working fine. so its the coil that i need to replace." Based on my judgment, i'd agreee, more likely that the coil is burnt cuz the injectors realy have problems. But i am a bit skeptic because i do not think that the mechanik really checked it in detail. So here's my real questions. Do you think it is the ignition coil? Also how hard, or would it be worth it to change the coil myself? (remember it should be the 4th cylinder, which ever that one is. i don't even no)

PLEASE HELP, I DID A SEARCH AND NOTHING CAME UP FOR IGNITION COIL LOCATION OR REPLACEMENT ON THE LX470.

 

[i4c4lo]

The mechanic sounds right. IF it is just indeed just the 4th cylinder that is acting up. It also seems like the truck is getting fuel in all the other cylinders so that also points out to just that one cylinder.

Can you swap the coils from another cylinder and see if it is indeed that particular coil? If you swap with number 1 cylinder then you should get a misfire on cylinder 1, then that would confirm that the coil is bad. Good luck.

 

[hoser]

It is easy to change the coil packs. Remove the plastic cover off the top of the engine and you'll clearly see what needs to be done. Coil packs retail for $89/ea. After you replace #4 coil pack, be sure to inspect the plug. Could be fouled again.

 

[HearMyLX]

wow. thanks! you guys are a lot of help
i didnt get much feedback on ClubLexus forum. I will just buy another coil on monday. (does it matter which kind i use? like brand wise?) I will also try to get it checked out again with the diag comp. But i am pretty positive the code read 304. A reputiable mechanik at the local 76 gas station checked it for me and said it was the 4th cylinder. The mechaniks at perrrfect auto who changed my plugs said the same. Refresh me again on how i can tell if new plugs got fouled? THANKS AGAIN GUYS. It hard to be a 22 year old lx470 owner..lol.. i love my car to death, but it shure does put a hole in my wallet when it throws a tantrum.

 

[HearMyLX]

forgot to ask....

should i buy dealer part ?
how do i locate cylinder #4 ?

ps. i stopped by a local pepboys to get a quote $99.97each and special order wait of about 5days.

 

[DMX84]

Call Dan at American Toyota 1-800-432-6668, he will get you a great price & it’s OEM.
DMX

 

[hoser]

Only use OEM coil packs.

 

[HearMyLX]

thanks for the visual HOSER!

How will I know that the coil pack i get is OEM?
Should i get it from the lexus or toyota dealer or maybe a local auto parts store?

i would love to order it online but i do not want to wait for shipping. I am restless at night knowing my car is in bad health, maybe there are some of you who knows what I mean.

 

[hoser]

If you buy the coil packs from either Toyota or Lexus, they will be Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Often times, the exact part purchased at Toyota will be cheaper than if purchased at Lexus. So, if you can buy it at Toyota, I would suggest you go there.

 

[DMX84]

Call or PM cruiserdan (on this site) he is the parts manager at American Toyota and will give you a great price. Pretty much everyone uses him for parts. You can have them sent overnight or next day.
DMX

 

[HearMyLX]

i removed the plastic cover and can't seem to find anything that resembles an ignition coil.Do the coils on this motor look different from other motors? does anyone know where i can get a visual of the coils? Sorry for all these questions. but I thank you guys for being patient with me.

 

[hoser]

There is one coil pack for every spark plug. The coil pack is connected directly to the spark plug (sits right on top).

I don't have a picture of them but I found this on the net. Looks most like these:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/pliers_disconnect.jpg

 

[HearMyLX]

There is one coil pack for every spark plug. The coil pack is connected directly to the spark plug (sits right on top).

I don't have a picture of them but I found this on the net. Looks most like these:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/pliers_disconnect.jpg

freaking awesome! So it was the small black thing on top of the plugs. I guessed that it was it but didnt know for sure. It looks different from other coils i've seen on cars with single ignition. Makes me a bit happier to know that all i have to do is remove part of the intake box and 1 bolt to change the 4th coil. I'll do so soon as i get the part. THanks !!!

 

[HearMyLX]

So i got the coil from toyota for a total of $106.56 (lexus next door was about $110) Took me about 10mins to change the coil and get my motor running again. Took the car for a test drive and it runs fine. Smooth..the way it used to be. But now the check engine light stays on. hmmm.... i'll stop by the local repair shop and see what his diagnostic comp has to say.


special thanks to HOSER and DMX84 for helping me thru this.

 

[Imola Red]

I'm not completely sure on this since I don't own one but I know that with some cars they need to reset it to clear the code and make the light go out.

 

[hoser]

Glad to hear you fixed the problem. The CEL light might just go turn off after a you drive it a bit. If you want to reset it yourself, take the key out of ignition,pull the EFI fuse (underhood), tap the brake pedal a couple times and then replace fuse. Or buy a OBD2 reader--which everyone who works on their car should have.

How about some pics of your stereo/entertainment set-up with a small write-up?

 

[DMX84]

The check engine light shouldn’t have come back on. The code, unless cleared would be stored. I would get the code re-check first before clearing. If only the code that was originally there then clear’em.

+1 on the stereo system! What subs are you using and how do you have them mounted?
DMX

 

[HearMyLX]

The check engine light shouldn’t have come back on. The code, unless cleared would be stored. I would get the code re-check first before clearing. If only the code that was originally there then clear’em.

+1 on the stereo system! What subs are you using and how do you have them mounted?
DMX

I got the code 304 cleared at the shop. We re-checked and no other codes came up. The check engine light was off for a bout 35mins. After turning the car off and on a few times, the light came back on while i was driving home. I ordered an ODBII reader today so untill i get it i'll have to continue going to the mechanics. I will get it checked again tomorrow. I am very low on AHC (suspension) oil. Could that trigger the light? I purchased a can from lexus but haven't had the chance to fill the tank.

As for my system. I will be involved in a lexus IS300 meeting this saterday so i'll be sure to snap a few shots for you guys to see.

I'm currently running two 12" EarthQuake Balls off a MTX 1501D amp. They are mounted in a custome made box. I originaly had the box made to the specs for two 12" MTX 9500. Hard to really describe. ITs better to see.

 

[DMX84]

That sounds good to me (no pun intended) It will probably will be Monday before I can get back on to see your pictures. because I have a trials competition this Sunday. I can’t wait to see your box.
The AHC oil could probably do but I don’t know for sure, perhaps someone else could chime in on that one.
What model code reader did you order?
DMX

 

[HearMyLX]

That sounds good to me (no pun intended) It will probably will be Monday before I can get back on to see your pictures. because I have a trials competition this Sunday. I can’t wait to see your box.
The AHC oil could probably do but I don’t know for sure, perhaps someone else could chime in on that one.
What model code reader did you order?
DMX

I filled the AHC oil and light stays staid for the half day i drove. Got the code reader on it and [code 155] comes up. Glad to see it was only one code. The mechanic checked the books and said code 155= up stream o2 sensor. The motor does have over 130k on it so i guess it doesn't surprise me that the o2 sensor needs a change. Altho i never had to change an o2 sensor. I made it a note 'cats go on your lap, not your car'. ITs stright piped to the muffler. From honda to mitsubishi VR-4.
Is it necessary or should i wait till smog check time? Any thoughts on changing the up-stream o2 sensor?

-in reply to your questions. I didnt complete the oder on the obd2 reader. There are a few on ebay but not sure which one is good. I kinda figured that all they do is read the codes so most of them will do the job. But then again i've never had a code reader of my own so I should ask around first.

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR TRIALS. RIPPP IT UP!!!