Over-Cranking but will not Start (1 Viewer)

[PK470]

I have a 2006 Lexus LX470 with 39k Miles. Today something really strange happened. I had been driving the truck for about a couple of hours. Turned it off. Attempted to start shortly after but It simply cranked and would not start. The truck has the automatic crank feature as it simply cranks itself until the Engine starts. I tried multiple times (5-7) then I decided to leave it alone.

Keep in mind that I had about ¾ Full Tank of Gas. New Battery installed 6 months ago.

Anyway, I came back after three hours. Cranked and the truck started just fine. Drove around the block. Turned it off, then on again (5-7 times) and it appears to be PERFECT now. No check engine light or pending codes (I have the OBD scanner). I did realize a strong smell of gasoline while it wasn’t starting though. It was really hot outside (105 degrees) but I’m not sure whether the outside heat had anything to do with it.

Any ideas what could have triggered this issue?

 

[Bismarck]

Bad injector possibly. Had the same issue with a V8 X5. Or vapor lock?

 

[SWUtah]

Probably heat related. It's hot here in Vegas 113 today and I notice the smell of gas when in a parking lot. Drove to north LV the other day and smelled strong gas smell when I got home. I would not worry unless it happens again. Might call the dealer and see if they have any idea?

 

[kklaus121]

There seems to be something unique about the 2006. There are at least 4 of us having this same problem with hard or no start in the heat. There are several theories on this topic. Search hard start or stalling when hot and you will read more about this issue and ideas. It would be great if one of us could solve the problem. And help other out. I have been working on this issue for about one year.

 

[1meancruiser]

I think the stalling when hot and this are two different issues.

I have never had this happen on my 2006 but the problem mirrors a problem I had on my MBz e55 and it was the crank sensor. I'm pretty sure your's is going to be the same.

As to the stalling when hot... I had that happen twice to me and I finally go a code for a bad cat. Dealership changed it out under warranty.

 

[PK470]

Thank you all for your feedback. Much appreciated

I think the stalling when hot and this are two different issues.

I have never had this happen on my 2006 but the problem mirrors a problem I had on my MBz e55 and it was the crank sensor. I'm pretty sure your's is going to be the same.

As to the stalling when hot... I had that happen twice to me and I finally go a code for a bad cat. Dealership changed it out under warranty.

I read your post regarding the clogged up left Bank catalytic converter being the possible culprit. Hopefully, you will provide us all with an effective update that the 2006 owners can follow up on to get the remedy.

There seems to be something unique about the 2006. There are at least 4 of us having this same problem with hard or no start in the heat. There are several theories on this topic. Search hard start or stalling when hot and you will read more about this issue and ideas. It would be great if one of us could solve the problem. And help other out. I have been working on this issue for about one year.

It has been getting really hot in the South Western States region lately and it appears that a few of us will have to deal with the issue until it is formally addressed.

In the meantime, I am thinking of filing a NHTSA complaint. Constant vehicle stalling in the middle of traffic accompanied by gasoline odor discharge only during hot temperatures should be evident enough that this is a fuel and/or emission related defect that Lexus needs to own up, investigate and issue a recall to correct the problem ASAP.

My past experience with NHTSA is that the agency will only address the problem and bring it to Manufacturers attention once they receive a good number of similar/ related complaints. If I can get enough members on here to back me up, I will proceed with the plan.

 

[SWUtah]

Thank you all for your feedback. Much appreciated



I read your post regarding the clogged up left Bank catalytic converter being the possible culprit. Hopefully, you will provide us all with an effective update that the 2006 owners can follow up on to get the remedy.



It has been getting really hot in the South Western States region lately and it appears that a few of us will have to deal with the issue until it is formally addressed.

In the meantime, I am thinking of filing a NHTSA complaint. Constant vehicle stalling in the middle of traffic accompanied by gasoline odor discharge only during hot temperatures should be evident enough that this is a fuel and/or emission related defect that Lexus needs to own up, investigate and issue a recall to correct the problem ASAP.

My past experience with NHTSA is that the agency will only address the problem and bring it to Manufacturers attention once they receive a good number of similar/ related complaints. If I can get enough members on here to back me up, I will proceed with the plan.

Guess all the 100's driving around Vegas will be sitting for the next 3 months with temps above 100 on avg. 117 today, drove mine to the gym and dinner. Here in Vegas with the temps this high w hen you walk through a parking lot the smell of gas is very strong. I think this because of the high temps that makes the gas in your tank evaporate? Good luck with the government. I would take your rig to the dealer first

 

[1meancruiser]

July of last year, I was driving through northern Nevada and experienced three ncidents of

 

[1meancruiser]

]July of last year, I was driving through northern Nevada and experienced three incidents of stalling in 100 plus heat and long distance driving. I thought I had bad gas. I experienced it again earlier this year on the way back from Vegas.

I just had the cat replaced two weeks ago And I've noticed a significant difference in both sound and the performance of the LC.

I will see if there are any further issues of stalling. My mechanic was sure it was my fuel pump but I will wait and see.

 

[kklaus121]

1meancruiser,
you are probably right that the stalling and hard/no start are two different problems. I have not had the stalling issue since the fuel pump was replaced.
can you elaborate more on the issue you had on your MBz e55? was it just that it would not start after a heat soak or long drive in hot temperatures? Did you eventually get a trouble code? My initial analysis pointed towards the cam sensor being the culprit of the no starting while hot, but several dealers told me this was not possible because I would get a code so I began looking elsewhere. I have my 90k service coming up soon and may just replace the cam sensor while that they are there for no additional labor. I will look into the crank sensor.

Glad to hear you have not had the stalling issue since replacing the cats.

I think I need to perform some test on my cats or somehow check them out.
Thanks!

 

[Travis351]

Does the red security light on the dash go off when you put your key in the ignition?

 

[1meancruiser]

1meancruiser,
you are probably right that the stalling and hard/no start are two different problems. I have not had the stalling issue since the fuel pump was replaced.
can you elaborate more on the issue you had on your MBz e55? was it just that it would not start after a heat soak or long drive in hot temperatures? Did you eventually get a trouble code? My initial analysis pointed towards the cam sensor being the culprit of the no starting while hot, but several dealers told me this was not possible because I would get a code so I began looking elsewhere. I have my 90k service coming up soon and may just replace the cam sensor while that they are there for no additional labor. I will look into the crank sensor.

Glad to hear you have not had the stalling issue since replacing the cats.

I think I need to perform some test on my cats or somehow check them out.
Thanks!

After driving my E55 for a long duration or short duration in hot weather, the car would not start, it would turn over but not start. it happened a few times. Never saw a code, it wouldn't really make sense for it to throw a code since it is just a matter of the engine not starting...i'm not sure what the dealer reps were talking about.

I called my service rep, his quick answer was it is the crank sensor, bring it in. I did and problem solved. I think/guess, the crank sensor and cam sensor do a similar job. My 2 cents is to have it replaced, but if I were you I would get a couple of opinions as there are a number of guys on this forum with more experience on LC's.

Also, when my LC stalled on the highway, I never saw a check engine light. I think the cat was so stuffed up, the fumes never got to the secondary O2 sensors to throw the code.

 

[2000UZJ]

After driving my E55 for a long duration or short duration in hot weather, the car would not start, it would turn over but not start. it happened a few times.

I've had the low battery warning come on several times after a short drive in the summer. I've never had a issue with it not starting.

Has the OP checked fuel filter? Check the fusible link for the fuel pump. We had an 80 shutoff on a very steep decent at GSMTR and was dead for 2 hours. Turned out the cable was loose.

 

[1meancruiser]

1meancruiser,
you are probably right that the stalling and hard/no start are two different problems. I have not had the stalling issue since the fuel pump was replaced.
can you elaborate more on the issue you had on your MBz e55? was it just that it would not start after a heat soak or long drive in hot temperatures? Did you eventually get a trouble code? My initial analysis pointed towards the cam sensor being the culprit of the no starting while hot, but several dealers told me this was not possible because I would get a code so I began looking elsewhere. I have my 90k service coming up soon and may just replace the cam sensor while that they are there for no additional labor. I will look into the crank sensor.

Glad to hear you have not had the stalling issue since replacing the cats.

I think I need to perform some test on my cats or somehow check them out.
Thanks!

let me know how you're planning to test out the cats. I wouldn't mind doing it on my right bank as the warranty is up soon.

 

[kklaus121]

So I believe the immobilizer is functioning correctly, but it is on my list to double check when I have this issue again.

regarding testing of the cats...trying to get my mechanic to call me back with a plan. I don't expect this will be something that is easy as it has to be done while HOT...very HOT.

 

[marshotel]

regarding testing of the cats...trying to get my mechanic to call me back with a plan. I don't expect this will be something that is easy as it has to be done while HOT...very HOT.

Regarding testing the catalytic converter; I think you can measure backpressure in front of the cats through the hole for the front oxygen sensors - more than 1.25 psi of backpressure at idle, or more than 3 psi at 2,000 rpm tells you there's a restriction.

http://www.amazon.com/home-improvement/dp/B0002SQW9S

I guess you could also measure vacuum at the intake manifold, but measuring backpressure at the exhaust manifold involves fewer confounding variables.

 

[1meancruiser]

Regarding testing the catalytic converter; I think you can measure backpressure in front of the cats through the hole for the front oxygen sensors - more than 1.25 psi of backpressure at idle, or more than 3 psi at 2,000 rpm tells you there's a restriction.

http://www.amazon.com/home-improvement/dp/B0002SQW9S

I guess you could also measure vacuum at the intake manifold, but measuring backpressure at the exhaust manifold involves fewer confounding variables.

Good info, thanks.