New Member Intro - 2013 LX570 - Also an AHC Alert!!! (1 Viewer)

[CHAOTIC]

I just wanted to drop in and introduce myself, as I recently purchased a 90k mile 2013 LX570 in Starfire Pearl White, and have been constantly browsing over the wealth of information that this forum has to offer for a few months now in preparation of that purchase. I'm new to this forum, but not new to the car world. I've owned everything from AWD DSM's and WS6's to a Gen 1 Honda Insight, and most recently the CT200H F-Sport I just sold that was my commuter. Always been a fan of the 200 Series and am happy to be an owner!

In regards to my LX570, the changes I have made this week include replacing the tires that came on it with a set of Michelin Defender LTX 285/50-20 tires. I use the vehicle primarily as a commuter and mainly find myself in Tennessee on highway/gravel/forestry type roads, so from my research and numerous reviews based on my needs, these seemed to be the best all-around option for that purpose. I do plan to purchase a separate set of 17/18in rims and mount a more aggressive A/T tire with larger sidewall later in the year. I have also and ordered the REDARC trailer brake setup to go along for my towing needs. I have other plans for drawers, dual batteries, etc., but I am still to new to the 200 Series platform to know the exact setup I would like.

Further on the maintenance side, upon purchase I replaced the front and rear differential oil with Amsoil 75w90 Severe Gear oil, and then replaced the transfer case oil with 75W WF Toyota OE oil. I also changed the engine oil over to Amsoil 5W30 synthetic, replaced cabin and engine filters, replaced the brake fluid, did a drain and fill on the transmission fluid (at some point I will do a full exchange), and replaced the engine coolant with the OE Toyota pink coolant. Is there anything else that would be recommended I am not thinking of - or perhaps a different fluid type on my next change?

I did run into one timing issue related to servicing the AHC system that everyone with an LX570 should be aware of though. When I stopped by Lexus to have them perform the AHC service (I'm at 90K with no AHC service history that I can see - still works great though), they couldn't do it. As of last week, at least in the southern United States, Lexus of North America sent out an email stating that Lexus service departments are NOT to use the current AHC fluid part number that is in the systems. A new part number is being sourced/created for a revised fluid. At first I didn't really believe this, but have now seen the email myself and have spoken with several service departments inside of Tennessee to confirm. I was told that after COVID lockdown ended, the new AHC fluid that was being made apparently did not meet Lexus specifications for the fluid and could potentially "down the AHC system". Obviously that would be a bad (read expensive$$$) scenario, so I would caution anyone looking to service your AHC system to research this before you go any further. The service director is going to call me once they have a solution from Lexus of North America. Unfortunately this is all I know for the time being based on what I read and was told, but someone on here may likely know more than I do.

That pretty much sums up where I am with everything. I look forward to spending more time on the forum, learning different things, and getting to know other individuals who truly love the 200 Series platform! Feel free to reach out and say hi or let me know if you have any questions.

 

[grinchy]

Interesting. There has been counterfeiting with some Toyota fluids but not usually in the dealer side supply chain.

 

[paulunm]

Uhh... I wonder if this "bad" batch of AHC fluid has contributed to the recent issues some forum members have had immediately post bleed...

Maybe it wasn't debris from an external source clogging the pump filters, it was debris in the new fluid?

Thinking out loud...

 

[TeCKis300]

Hi and welcome to the fold. Clean example you scored there!

Interesting news about AHC fluid and curious how it plays out.

There's tons of info to browse on this site, knock yourself out. If I may offer some suggestions based on your comments - don't bother trying to keep two sets of wheels. The great thing about the LX is it can do it all, all the time. Paired with big modern AT tires that also have a wide breadth of capability, and it'll deliver exceptional performance. Everywhere.

Traditional overlanding dual batt setups may no longer be the best setup with the availability of high power lithium solar generators and jump starters.

Lastly, watch the weight. It's easy to toss everything at it and wind up with a rig that's less performant, more singular in function, that loses the great balance of capability that it was born with.

Happy modding!

 

[Mbchance]

I just wanted to drop in and introduce myself, as I recently purchased a 90k mile 2013 LX570 in Starfire Pearl White, and have been constantly browsing over the wealth of information that this forum has to offer for a few months now in preparation of that purchase. I'm new to this forum, but not new to the car world. I've owned everything from AWD DSM's and WS6's to a Gen 1 Honda Insight, and most recently the CT200H F-Sport I just sold that was my commuter. Always been a fan of the 200 Series and am happy to be an owner!

In regards to my LX570, the changes I have made this week include replacing the tires that came on it with a set of Michelin Defender LTX 285/50-20 tires. I use the vehicle primarily as a commuter and mainly find myself in Tennessee on highway/gravel/forestry type roads, so from my research and numerous reviews based on my needs, these seemed to be the best all-around option for that purpose. I do plan to purchase a separate set of 17/18in rims and mount a more aggressive A/T tire with larger sidewall later in the year. I have also and ordered the REDARC trailer brake setup to go along for my towing needs. I have other plans for drawers, dual batteries, etc., but I am still to new to the 200 Series platform to know the exact setup I would like.

Further on the maintenance side, upon purchase I replaced the front and rear differential oil with Amsoil 75w90 Severe Gear oil, and then replaced the transfer case oil with 75W WF Toyota OE oil. I also changed the engine oil over to Amsoil 5W30 synthetic, replaced cabin and engine filters, replaced the brake fluid, did a drain and fill on the transmission fluid (at some point I will do a full exchange), and replaced the engine coolant with the OE Toyota pink coolant. Is there anything else that would be recommended I am not thinking of - or perhaps a different fluid type on my next change?

I did run into one timing issue related to servicing the AHC system that everyone with an LX570 should be aware of though. When I stopped by Lexus to have them perform the AHC service (I'm at 90K with no AHC service history that I can see - still works great though), they couldn't do it. As of last week, at least in the southern United States, Lexus of North America sent out an email stating that Lexus service departments are NOT to use the current AHC fluid part number that is in the systems. A new part number is being sourced/created for a revised fluid. At first I didn't really believe this, but have now seen the email myself and have spoken with several service departments inside of Tennessee to confirm. I was told that after COVID lockdown ended, the new AHC fluid that was being made apparently did not meet Lexus specifications for the fluid and could potentially "down the AHC system". Obviously that would be a bad (read expensive$$$) scenario, so I would caution anyone looking to service your AHC system to research this before you go any further. The service director is going to call me once they have a solution from Lexus of North America. Unfortunately this is all I know for the time being based on what I read and was told, but someone on here may likely know more than I do.

That pretty much sums up where I am with everything. I look forward to spending more time on the forum, learning different things, and getting to know other individuals who truly love the 200 Series platform! Feel free to reach out and say hi or let me know if you have any questions.

View attachment 2717490

Nice looking rig!
I myself just picked up a 2014 570 with 90k miles. Put on the same tire and have been very happy thus far! Still need to change out the differential fluid also.
Regarding the AHC, my Lexus dealer records show the 90k service was performed and during that service, they replaced the AHC fluid. I’m in Oklahoma and that service was performed 01/21. I wonder if they changed something between then and now?
Either way, congrats! I came from an ‘07 LX470 that I had for 2 years. I have to admit, the 570 is an awesome ride! Look forward to seeing what else you do with it!

 

[radman]

I wonder if this "bad" batch of AHC fluid has contributed to the recent issues some forum members have had immediately post bleed...

@ranma21 has a shipping container of the 2.5L metal cans! That stuff has a long shelf life and I didnt have any issues with it.

don't bother trying to keep two sets of wheels. The great thing about the LX is it can do it all, all the time.

This. In 2 years, i've put on my stockies one time to go into the dealer for some warranty work. She's my daily driver and I float around on 35" cushions!

 

[CHAOTIC]

@ranma21 has a shipping container of the 2.5L metal cans! That stuff has a long shelf life and I didnt have any issues with it.


This. In 2 years, i've put on my stockies one time to go into the dealer for some warranty work. She's my daily driver and I float around on 35" cushions!

In regards to the shelf life of AHC, my best guess is that older stock would still be safe, with the only cavate being I have no idea how "old" the stock needs to be to not be caught in what was described to me.

There's tons of info to browse on this site, knock yourself out. If I may offer some suggestions based on your comments - don't bother trying to keep two sets of wheels. The great thing about the LX is it can do it all, all the time. Paired with big modern AT tires that also have a wide breadth of capability, and it'll deliver exceptional performance. Everywhere.

Traditional overlanding dual batt setups may no longer be the best setup with the availability of high power lithium solar generators and jump starters.

Thanks! I really enjoy the platform and thus far I am quite happy with the one I purchased.

As for the second set of rims with A/T's, I haven't yet found a set of A/T tires that do well for interstate commutes, as I find all of them that I have been exposed to have large harmonic hum/growls associated with them when traveling at speeds in the 70-80mph range. I think for city or state highways below 55-60mph I could live with that, but since since I travel roughly 550-600 miles per week of highway, I'll likely stick with two sets that I feel can accomplish two distinct sets of goals without sacrificing at great deal at either end. When I retire it from daily duties in the next few years,
it will ride on A/T's permanently at that point, although I do feel very confident the Michelin Defenders when equipped on a 200 Series, are more than capable of handling light off-pavement trails and any inclement weather (short of a full on blizzard) I have seen in the East Tennessee area in my lifetime.

And I'm happy you brought up the lithium advancements. I have been researching a few of these components, but I'm still too new to the platform to really know what avenue I want to traverse down. I've been looking at custom inverter setups in the rear drawer compartments and was trying to see how best to set up fans and such for those for the moment.

Uhh... I wonder if this "bad" batch of AHC fluid has contributed to the recent issues some forum members have had immediately post bleed...

Maybe it wasn't debris from an external source clogging the pump filters, it was debris in the new fluid?

Thinking out loud...

I unfortunately don't know anything about the recent issues that forum members have had with their AHC systems, but could very well be plausible I suppose. I only wanted to do mine since their was no service history, but it functions fine and meets the time test requirements for transferring between the L/N/H modes that I found on here.

Nice looking rig!
I myself just picked up a 2014 570 with 90k miles. Put on the same tire and have been very happy thus far! Still need to change out the differential fluid also.
Regarding the AHC, my Lexus dealer records show the 90k service was performed and during that service, they replaced the AHC fluid. I’m in Oklahoma and that service was performed 01/21. I wonder if they changed something between then and now?
Either way, congrats! I came from an ‘07 LX470 that I had for 2 years. I have to admit, the 570 is an awesome ride! Look forward to seeing what else you do with it!

I appreciate it! I feel like these are so well built that 90K miles really isn't an issue. I was looking at getting a 2015 model, but it was going to be about another $7K bump in price, plus it was a very long drive away. It is surprisingly tough to find a one owner with no accident history in this platform. Seems like most that I looked at had some form of accident history, although most seemed minor from Carfax reports I read. I just knew that I wanted radar cruise, so I when I found this 2013 it was fully optioned, one owner, and no accident history, I ultimately went with it and saved some coin in the process. I'm feel fairly confident I can live without the 2015 model year Siri update for $7K more in my pocket going forward haha!

With the AHC, I'd say you're likely good if you haven't had any issues thus far. I honestly don't even know what the issue with the fluid is, and can only go off what I was told by two separate Lexus dealer service directors after receiving the news.

 

[32cls6speedmt]

@CHAOTIC is correct. I emailed online lexus/toyota parts department and part 08886-81221 has been discontinued. It is not available. i have five quarts that i purchased last year.

 

[lx200inAR]

I wonder if there is any sort of tracking so that we can verify if the AHC fluid we have on our shelves is from the "bad batch" assuming there is such a thing. I still have 3 quarts on my shelf from earlier this year. And 3 quarts in my truck from earlier this year, so it would be nice to know.

 

[CHAOTIC]

I wonder if there is any sort of tracking so that we can verify if the AHC fluid we have on our shelves is from the "bad batch" assuming there is such a thing. I still have 3 quarts on my shelf from earlier this year. And 3 quarts in my truck from earlier this year, so it would be nice to know.

It's a great question that I'm not sure Lexus actually has an answer to right now from what I was able to discern in my conversations with the service directors. They were basically eluding to months from now before a resolution could be potentially found, but did let me know they would contact me once Lexus has decided on a course of action. I don't think I've seen anything like this previously in my previous experiences with dealers, at least not with something like fluids.

A little backstory on how I found out is that I dropped my car off for service on the afternoon of June 23rd and they put me down for the AHC fluid exchange service. Early on the morning of June 24th, I received a text that said that Lexus had sent an email that emphatically informed dealers to not go forward with AHC servicing until further notified with a new part number for the fluid. If I had been half a day sooner in dropping my LX570 off, then it would have most definitely been serviced with the potentially "bad" AHC fluid. Just a timing issue is all that saved me.

 

[Mbchance]

Well, great. Makes me wonder if the fluid they put in on January of this year was bad?

Good news is, the previous owner had it done at the dealership and its documented that THEY did the exchange. I guess if my AHC components go bad, it's on them!

(Who knows if they'll own up to it though)

 

[lx200inAR]

Any chance this is all just a ploy to get dealers to stop breaking AHC pumps? Corporate tells the dealer there is no fluid available, so don't do a flush incorrectly and break a pump that they won't be able to replace.

 

[32cls6speedmt]

Any chance this is all just a ploy to get dealers to stop breaking AHC pumps? Corporate tells the dealer there is no fluid available, so don't do a flush incorrectly and break a pump that they won't be able to replace.

I am not sure if you are being sarcastic. If that was the case then it wouldn't be pulled off the inventory system and not available. perhaps @Onur can comment.

 

[lx200inAR]

Only half sarcastic. There has been a small rash of dealer AHC flushes recently that have resulted in AHC pump failures. This is referenced above in this thread. I'm only suggesting that possibly corporate is trying to stop the pump failures by forcing the dealers to not do any more fluid exchanges, by way of telling dealers that there is no fluid available to do the flush with. And to stop them from using any in stock fluid, telling them that there may be something wrong with the fluid they have. Obviously, this is all very out of left field conspiracy theory...but that's what the internet is for, right?

 

[CHAOTIC]

Only half sarcastic. There has been a small rash of dealer AHC flushes recently that have resulted in AHC pump failures. This is referenced above in this thread. I'm only suggesting that possibly corporate is trying to stop the pump failures by forcing the dealers to not do any more fluid exchanges, by way of telling dealers that there is no fluid available to do the flush with. And to stop them from using any in stock fluid, telling them that there may be something wrong with the fluid they have. Obviously, this is all very out of left field conspiracy theory...but that's what the internet is for, right?

If I had to guess, I would say that perhaps those recent AHC issues after dealer fluid exchanges some are describing is the very reason that this situation with the fluid changeover is happening now at Lexus. I would surmise that Lexus possibly, and perhaps suddenly, witnessed a concerning uptick in AHC issues related to dealer AHC fluid exchanges on otherwise well cared for vehicles. Short of a thorough QC review, which seems unlikely for a known and thoroughly tested fluid, how else would they know to start focusing in on the fluid itself otherwise?

Obviously, if Lexus has been selling AHC fluid that disables one of the most expense components of their flagship vehicle, all while having certified Lexus dealers perform the AHC service with that very fluid, Lexus likely knows they are potentially on the hook for some expensive repair bills if it can be proven it was the AHC fluid that was the piece of the puzzle that connected all of those recent AHC failures to one another. I could very well be wrong in those assumptions...just my two cents looking at it pragmatically....

 

[lx200inAR]

Well, the AHC fluid has been in service for Toyota since the 100 series (late 90s?). So if its bad fluid, I can't imagine it being anything other than a bad batch of fluid and not a poorly engineered formulation. I think most people here believe that the failures have been caused by dealers who do not know how to service the system properly. That is mostly just speculation though.

I think my argument is not that they think there is something wrong with the fluid, but they know the quickest way to get techs to stop working on AHC is to say there is no fluid available. You can't do much in servicing AHC without adding new fluid. For PR reasons it would make sense to blame a component of the system rather than faulty training as well. What would the email look like telling dealers that they can't work on AHC because they don't' trust them not to break it.

Either way, it's all just guessing.

 

[DaveChandler]

Hello and welcome aboard! May I ask what specific wheels and tires do you have on it? They look good.

 

[beer]

I just picked up every last bottle (7) of 0888681221 that my local Yota dealer had on 6/21, oops! Had been assembling parts needed to do a full flush, guess I should wait for a new part number now.

 

[CHAOTIC]

Hello and welcome aboard! May I ask what specific wheels and tires do you have on it? They look good.

Thanks - it's great to finally be a member of these forum and platform!

As for the wheels and tires, the rims are just the stock LX570 rims from the 2013-2015 model years. I have always thought they looked really great for a stock rim, but I think the color tends to pops a little more on them when equipped on certain color LX's. The F-Sport rims on my 2014 CT200H F-Sport where very similar in color, if not the exact same, and I thought they looked really good with the Ultra Sonic Mica Blue color option. Lexus list the color as Liquid Graphite in the purchase brochure for the 2013 model year, but that's about all I know about them. The tires are Michelin Defender LTX M/S's in the 285/50-20 sizing. They ride as well as any tire I have driven on, especially for a 50 series sidewall. Just a phenomenal tire in regards to ride quality from my experience thus far, especially for interstate driving and just general everyday roads.

Here is a link to them for the tires I purchased from Tire Rack if you're interested. You can get them a little cheaper through Discount Tire of America, but I just ordered them from Tire Rack and sent them to my local Lexus dealer and they installed them for me there: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...ireModel=Defender+LTX+M/S&partnum=85HR0DLTXXL

 

[CalEngineer]

I just picked up every last bottle (7) of 0888681221 that my local Yota dealer had on 6/21, oops! Had been assembling parts needed to do a full flush, guess I should wait for a new part number now.

In the same boat, I just got 5 quarts shipped in and was about to do the switch out. I guess I’m holding off for now until there’s a new remedy.

Welcome to the forum, CHAOTIC!