Lexus IS250 GS300 carbon build-up - What you need to know
The Lexus IS250 and GS300 sedans use small V6 engines with very high compression. Due to the nature of their design they are subject to a build-up of carbon inside the parts of the engine surrounding the combustion area. Valves and other components can become coated with this carbon and then the engine will run roughly at idle, or possibly even stall. If you have an IS250 or GS300 and these issues have come up you should take action, but hold off any panic. Lexus is trying hard to take care of customers with this problem.
Lexus IS250 GS300 Customer Support Program
The first thing to know is that Lexus issued a letter to all 2006-2010 IS250 and GS300 owners explaining the issue. The letter also offers help. Although not a recall, Lexus is offering to correct the problem and has added a 9-year, unlimited mileage warranty on affected cars. If somehow your vehicle falls outside the coverage a bit try speaking to your dealer. They are likely to help. If not, try keeping the discourse civil and contacting Lexus regional customer service for help. They may intervene and offer to pay for some or all of the work the dealer needs to do to correct the issue. Lexus created the coverage plan to capture all of the affected cars. Newer cars might still be under the car’s drivetrain warranty anyway, and there were not many cars affected older than 9 years when the program was started.
Carbon Buildup – The Fix
Lexus will remove parts of the engine and try to remove the carbon. Failing that, parts will be replaced. Some owners report “my engine was replaced.” Lexus is not fooling around. They are making the engines right.
Carbon Build-up – How to Prevent It
The most important thing to do is always to use name-brand premium fuel. This ensures that your engine is receiving the most detergent possible. Fans and owners also say that driving the car hard (redlining the engine occasionally) also helps. Others say it is not possible to prevent the issue, but redlining one's car is also good for the soul, so why not?
Have Your IS250 or GS300 Inspected
If your IS250 or GS300 is getting close to 9-years old, it might be wise to take it to a Lexus dealer for them to inspect the car for the issue. Even if you are charged, which is unlikely, you will either receive needed repairs, or you create a paper trail for future help if needed.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Nanyets, Lexus IS250 Owner and Facebook Lexus IS Owners Club Contributor