Lexus GX460 Mass Airflow Sensor and Throttle body cleaning

When your Engine Check light comes on along with the Trac Off light, it can be as simple as a loose/bad gas cap or a dirty Mass Airflow Sensor (P0101 fault code) or it's time to replace your EGR valve (P006A fault code).
I suggest you do the preventative maintenance of cleaning out your throttle body while you're at it. Enjoy!

[@gipstetz6720]

Love the Vid Bob. Great stuff. The Best GX460 channel on the Tube.

[@GXBOB]

Wow, thanks Gipstetz!

[@smssas1986]

New follower and already fan of you. Recently owned GX and your videos are great help.

[@GXBOB]

Welcome aboard! (=

[@trigganometry168]

Thanks for these videos. My truck is still new so I have no worry at the moment but 20 years from now I’ll be watching this video.

[@GXBOB]

I’ll be dead from liver failure by then

[@gregstephens1883]

Long time watcher, first time commenter. Been having intermittent high idle issues. Going to try this! I appreciate the insight and humor 😅

[@GXBOB]

There are quite a few items on your list of preventative maintenance that will affect your high idle. Do one thing at a time till you figure out whats causing it. Thanks.

[@11RICKSTER]

Oh Bob I just recovered from uncontrollable laughter, wow the toe thingy was awesome. As usual with your vids this was so helpful I am going out and getting two cans of CRC STUFF and A YELLOW DOORAG. thanks again Bob.

[@GXBOB]

True story-during automotive class, i dropped a large tool on my toe some twenty years ago and my split toenail has been growing in two different directions ever since.

[@devonhuynh5052]

Been following your channel for years! ❤ your jokes and sarcasm

[@GXBOB]

Dude…I’m really bad for relationships and your wallet. You should seriously reconsider.

[@devonhuynh5052]

@@GXBOB I have a question for you GXBob! By any chance is your last name VU? MR GXBOB VU? 😂😂😅I know, it’s old but still 🤣🤣

[@HCDeadbeat]

Gx bob back again with a banger!!

[@GXBOB]

banger.....haven't heard that one yet. Australian?

[@terdinthepants]

I bought a used 2014 gx40 and did the maintenance you recommended and it drives extremely smooth after the doing the maintenance! Appreciate your wisdom!

[@GXBOB]

Why don't you take it a step further and install the throttle response controller. Your truck is going to kick some Porsche 911 turbo azz at a green light.

[@terdinthepants]

@@GXBOB sounds like a plan!

[@billabong6472]

Gotta love Bob! Nice one again!

[@crxbb9506]

Thanks for another GX maintenance video !

[@GXBOB]

You bet! crx. I gotta drive the thing today and see what happens.

[@GXBOB]

CEL came back on. Ordering the EGR valve now.

[@crxbb9506]

@@GXBOB well ok - looking forward to the first GX EGR You Tube video

[@grn9209]

I am at around 85k miles and have not had issues on my 2014. I will keep an eye on these issues. Once again, thanks for the amazing GX content!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@GXBOB]

This is more preventative maintenance and super easy to do. I wouldn't want to be mid-way through a road trip somewhere and your truck becomes crippled. Less than an hour and a couple of cans of cleaner. Done.

[@jaycarl1562]

​@@GXBOBExactly, I clean my MAF sensor every 15k. Takes 10 minutes, why not clean it? Took off the Throttle body completely and cleaned that up like new. It was nasty at 78k with mostly hwy miles.

[@can-cruiser]

Great video and explanation Bob.. many thanks...

[@GXBOB]

You're welcome Cancruiser, thanks.

[@Salman-el6kt]

You made my day man. It is exactly what i am going through right now with my gx460 and i was worried to go to unexperienced garage to do the work who might rip me off

[@GXBOB]

Always good to take your car to the local auto parts store so they can scan it for free. Use those fault codes so you don’t waste your time with fixing issues that won’t solve your check engine light. Reason why i mention this is because my cel popped back on. My next quest is to replace the gas cap (cheaper fix) then I’m going to tackle the EGR valve.

[@RK777PL]

How many miles do you guys have on that car I got 50,000 I don't have this problem

[@GXBOB]

@@RK777PL 83k miles. Stop and go traffic is the culprit of major carbon build up. Also too much oil on your K&N air filter can also be bad for your MAF sensor.

[@Salman-el6kt]

@@RK777PL mine is 260000km

[@RK777PL]

@@Salman-el6kt that makes sense

[@kevin04cty]

Great video! Very educational.

[@GXBOB]

Glad you think so!

[@swimmer0049]

Thanks for the video. Cleaned my throttle body and maf sensor and your right… it started terribly hard and revved high for a while

[@GXBOB]

Not sure how many miles u have on the engine but i was going to tell you to just remove and replace your PCV valve since you're already have your engine components out.

[@swimmer0049]

I did indeed change the pcv valve too. Your videos are great and helped me figure out it would be better to do them at the same time. Have 97k miles on it

[@swimmer0049]

Do you know if the gx has a timing chain vs belt. My last car was a 4 runner with a belt that had to get changed around 100k. Anything like that need to be done on the gx?

[@chad6504]

@@swimmer0049it has a timing chain. They like good oil and keep it clean!

[@nathanc5789]

You had me at "hard work and lots of beer". Great content. Cheers.

[@GXBOB]

I dropped the beer cuz it was making me fat. I picked up Cabernet instead.

[@cokermaseryer]

Just got 2013 with 131k miles doing everything tomorrow. Thanks

[@GXBOB]

May the force be with you

[@Jcorysmith1]

This was awesome. I have a 2010 GX with 240,000+ miles on it (I wish I lived close the GXbox so he could work on my car for his videos!) and I am trying to get it to last a couple more years so that I can afford a new one. GX*Bob is a super big help. Thanks!

[@GXBOB]

I appreciate your positivity Jcorysmith! I'm guessing your happiness comes from being single.

[@Jcorysmith1]

@@GXBOB Just the opposite! A couple hundred dollars in repairs every couple of months beats an $800 a month car payment!....at least while my kids are in College! Right now, at least, my wife agrees! 🙂

[@GXMAN16]

For those that do this, the engine struggling to turn on is the cleaner fluid entering the intake. I've had the same issue just cleaning the throttle body with MAF cleaner, the store was out of TB cleaner. Just give it 2 or 3 tries to turn on, and it will turn over on 2 or 3 attempt, don't burn the starter motor by holding the start button. The cleaner will burn off instantly and there should be no issues later. GX Bob I just bought my 16 GX with 56k miles on and thanks to your informative videos, I did all the maintenance, brakes, fluids all replaced. It's extremely helpful you referencing part numbers and even torque specs sometimes. I think I say for all who watch this, thank you for your time and effort to teach other diy GX owners. At least until electrics take over by tesla soy boys.

[@GXBOB]

Daniel. As you post this, I’m staring at the PCV valve i just ordered from Lexus. Once i get enough guts, ill attack this next major prevent maintenance. What a waste of a beautiful weekend. Thanks for the kind words!

[@bubblegumturtle213]

You're awesome . Lol love the comments and the little guns

[@GXBOB]

Wait…You talking about my un- manicured toes?

[@bubblegumturtle213]

@GX*BOB them little baby muscles 💪. Lol j.k

[@IbrahimAli-xe9iz]

Ooo right, thx Bob))) Nice jokes and nice work. Can't wait for the next video...

[@GXBOB]

Thanks! 😃 and they weren't jokes. I will stab your cat if you ask dumb questions.

[@IbrahimAli-xe9iz]

@@GXBOB I don't have any cats Bob))) But I have 4 chickens in my backyard))) You can stab them after they stop giving eggs)))

[@GXBOB]

@@IbrahimAli-xe9iz what part of the world are u from if u don’t mind me asking?

[@IbrahimAli-xe9iz]

@@GXBOB New York, I live in Long Island 35 miles away from Manhattan.

[@user-rs7sz1mc3i]

thank u so much when u did this u told us to tell if it worked or not coz I wanna clean the airflow sensor only for Lexus ls 460 2016 but the spray that u use for the airflow sensor there is a note on it not used for Lexus vehicle

[@GXBOB]

Hi ! For my particular problem, it was the EGR valve. But cleaning the MAF and throttle body is normal maintenance for me. I clean it every so often because oil and carbon buildup is unavoidable.

[@crazyboy55789]

نفس الشي 🥲

[@chrisshuck5346]

Nice video Bob! As an old white guy, I was not offended at all. Your toes look better than mine. Damnit 😅

[@GXBOB]

I seriously doubt it.

[@goxayasone3168]

Awesome Video Bob! I’m Asian, keep up with the Jokes! They are funny AF🤣🤣

[@GXBOB]

They weren't jokes. My toes are really that bad.

[@curtisaccord]

I get p2111 after crawling around in the woods. Usually in 4lo going from reverse to drive. Or from 4lo into 4hi. Also seems to happen more with the AC on. I cleaned it previously when i did the valve cover gaskets but it did still feel sticky then. Going to try to clean it again before i shell out $300 for a new TB

[@hudsonlong1034]

This video was extremely helpful! Thank you! I have a 2013 Lexus GX 460 and need to change the spark plugs. Do you happen to have a video? Thanks in advance!

[@GXBOB]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKKyXmd_hLNnn5I

[@dinhnguyen8254]

❤

[@miltondejesus2076]

I might add that when you changed the spark plugs, that was the time to do this cleaning, especially since you had everything out anyway.

[@GXBOB]

You're also talking to one of the laziest person in the world. lol. Thanks.

[@miltondejesus2076]

I did the cleaning last night and then today on my FJ cruiser. One thing I learned was to spray and clean the intake manifold with the engine running. When I buttoned everything back up, it started up right away without hesitation and runs nice and smooth.

[@user-nj3nq8cw1i]

Hey Bob! Great video! Just had this same error so going to try this first to see if it works before replacing EGR valve. My GX is almost 97k miles so thought I'd go ahead and replace PCV valve while I'm in there, anything else you'd recommend doing while I'm in there?

[@GXBOB]

Not sure if you want to tackle the valley plate issue while you’re getting apart but it might be worth googling. And sparkplugs won’t hurt to replace at that point either

[@user-nj3nq8cw1i]

@@GXBOB Unfortunately I already had to deal with the valley plate issue... Decided to let the dealer handle that one!

[@BeyondWatcher]

GX BOB. Great channel and Info. What about the dreaded 4 Lo light?

[@GXBOB]

You’re talking about the failing secondary air injection issue?

[@BeyondWatcher]

@@GXBOB. I think so. I’ve had solenoids changed, gas cap changed, yet every so often it pops back up. My 2011, 166k GX460 sometimes won’t shift out of 4th. No one knows what to do other than get a new transmission. It’s horrible because I love my GX. Anyway thank you for taking the time GX BOB.

[@phlynch3]

Bob- i first commend you on your video presentation skills. You are as "smooth as ice". I am literally tallying up the cost savings from my 49300K checkin at Lexus as they throw in all these gratuitous extra services needs. Turned in the car as i had a definite wheel bearing that is under warranty that needed to get replaced. Ironically the service tech first said that was not covered until i showed him the Powertrain Warranty that also covers wheel bearings. He said he didnt know that...really?!?! Throttle body service was one of the items that i should address for $247. Cha ching. Will be doing this service from your video so thank you! $247..really?? how long did this even take right?. Question though. What code reader do you recommend for the 2020 GX460. i have code readers for my BMW and my older Lexus GX470 (250K miles and running strong!) but havent needed one yet for my 2020 as not any issues so far but would like to have it on hand as the mileage climbs. thanks

[@GXBOB]

First of all thank you for the kind words and watching my vids. To answer your question, i actually did do a video on that subject. Enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJmzooyefKtpj7M

[@Ray-ks1xp]

I recently had a check engine and track off come on while I was away from home. Had no idea what caused it, after a short panic of how to fix, we opted to go to nearest Lexus dealership. It was about two miles away, they took it in and said it would cost us 150 to have it tested. But if we let them fix what the problem was, the 150 would be included in the overall cost. The problem turned out to be a worn out gas cap. We ended up paying for a new gas cap and installation, just under 50 dollars.

[@GXBOB]

Quickest and easiest fix is always best. Thanks for sharing!

[@funes90]

Hello. Thank your videos dude! I got this issue with my brand new GX460 2023 with 750miles on it! Took it to Lexus and they told me it was like an electrical hickup. Do you think this is normal? Never touched any off road or wierd scenario to get the air filter stuck. thanks

[@GXBOB]

With only 750 miles I would leave it alone. Let it ride.

[@alanpehrson7454]

Hey Bob! why do you suppose my 2017 460 with 80k revs hard when i first start her? I live in CA. It's cool in the mornings, not cold. But she growls at 1500-2000 rpm for 30 seconds. Would a sticky throttle body cause that? Love what your videos. Thank you.

[@GXBOB]

There’s a shitload of things that may cause that but i would start with the simple stuff like cleaning your throttle and maf sensor then i would do a tune up with new spark plugs then finally I’ll take the EGR valve

[@alanpehrson7454]

@@GXBOB Thanks. Was planning on cleaning throttle body and MAF. I’ll throw spark plugs on the to-do list. I get a P1604 message from my Fix’d app. No check engine light.

[@smssas1986]

Could you please do video about improving fuel consumption/ mileage per litre?

[@GXBOB]

You threw out any prospects of saving fuel consumption the minute you chose to buy a GX. But kidding aside, not sure about shortcuts but the best thing you can do is to keep regular maintenance on your vehicle. Everything thing you do contributes to your car running lean. Spark plugs, air filter, keep your tires inflated, clean your throttle body or any component associated with reading air/fuel mixture and emissions. There's just too much to cover, but i'm sure you want to get all the easy stuff out of the way first. Just check my video library, there are some easy stuff to do without tearing your whole engine apart. Good luck, my friend.

[@ukasziwanowicz5774]

Hi What could be the cause of different engine speeds? I have about 550

[@binhnguuen6339]

I’m in Canada Bob

[@binhnguuen6339]

What do you mean by programming?

[@GXBOB]

Canada has some of the best looking vietnamese women on the planet! (=

[@kelvinbeat17]

I just found out my GX460 had that rubber tube disconnected since i got it, i was driving weird, i plugged it back on and now car has more power, still have some rough idles but... do you know if that can affect the function of any other component while it was unplugged?? Thanks Bob, Big fan of your content

[@kelvinbeat17]

tube at mark 7:30

[@GXBOB]

Hey Kevin. Looks like a tube connected to your resonator box which is part of your air cleaner assembly. I’m surprised the vacuum leak didn’t throw any codes. Usually that will just cause power loss and hesitation leading to a check engine light. You might want to snoop around for any other vacuum tubes disconnected. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where your rough idle is coming from but the best thing to do is just start performing certain maintenance you can do at home…EGR….PCV…. Spark plugs…. In which I have videos for in my library to guide u.

[@kelvinbeat17]

@@GXBOB well i did get the Treaded codes. CEL, Trac Off, 4LO blinks, low power overall stalling rpm, and weird chirping noise during a cold start. I plugged that tube back. Chirping sound is gone. Dash lights still on. Car has more power accelerating but still idles occasionally. The weird thing is the GAS light is on goes to E even after having 1/4-1/2 tank after a 20-min or so drive… i will order the parts and proceed with everything you did on your videos. Starting with Air pump w mod*. Spark plugs. EGR. Secondary air valve B2 and PCV valve. It’s going to be a mission but i want to take this car from 137K to at least 250K miles on my offroad project. I want to make sure it’s bulletproof. Thank you for all your videos and info . Will keep you posted.

[@alexanderakpan625]

My 2012 gx 460 is showing check engine light after cleaning the spark plugs with the nozzle which had given me random firing now it says bank 1 sensor high circuit I also have 4lo that keeps blinking any idea on these issues thanks.

[@GXBOB]

I feel like you cleaned your sparkplugs instead of replacing them with brand new ones because they were fairly new to begin with. With that assumption and the assumption that you already scanned your CEL, i'd disconnect all your sparkplug cables and reconnect them to ensure solid connectivity and none of them gone bad. Disconnect all your coil plugs and reconnect them. I say this because i typically point my fingers at the very last job i performed before the check engine light popped on. Also go back to all the hoses and connections you had to move out of the way to do your sparkplug cleaning. Many times i forgot to reconnect only one thing that will set off my CEL. Once all relative items that are sparkplug related are checked and your CEL is still popping on, i'd have to go with my next assumption that is just circumstantial and say that a 10 year old truck finally called quits on your O2 sensor or gas cap seal. That would be my next go-to.

[@queenmantis8859]

Was this the actual fix to your problem? I’m experiencing the same issue currently at 108k miles.

[@GXBOB]

Absolutely

[@bb5op585]

My 2018 GX 460 has 72k on it and i noticed that when i am at idle and ac kicks on the rpm jumps from 600-800rpm and then goes back down to 600rpm. If i turn off ac it idles steady at 600rpm. I am assuming throttle body and maf sensor?

[@GXBOB]

No not at all. That’s normal. Engine increases rpm when ac is initiated to prevent engine from stalling since ac requires a load at start before it levels out and the rest of your cars system catches up. Not sure if that makes sense but that’s perfectly normal. Has nothing to do with maf sensor or throttle body.

[@bb5op585]

@@GXBOB yep makes sense, thanks Bob! By the way I love your videos man, freaking funny! Also do you know if the GX can display current speed in the heads up display?

[@gilbertrios5283]

They don't come any sharper or whackier than California Bob! 🤣

[@GXBOB]

You’re wrong, my exwife is whackier.

[@alexeychekunoff3370]

I had same errors, but it was due to not proper closed fuel tank...

[@GXBOB]

yeah, thats the first thing i tried, i clicked the damn cap to death till it couldn't click anymore. Then i clicked it some more. Still....check engine light....

[@latech]

I just did the throttle valve clean and now getting P2111 Throttle Valve A stuck open. Any help?

[@GXBOB]

let it sit and dry. drive around for a bit. the code should go away. your truck is just sensing something new.

[@nesaratai40]

I have a 2012 gx460 lexus its starts but turn off back i dont know where is the problem

[@GXBOB]

That would be too hard to diagnose because it could be multiple factors. Somewhere your truck is robbed of fuel, air, or spark. But i've seen easy fixes such as replacing MAF sensor or a simple clean fix the issue to more bigger issues such as fuel pump going out. Do the easy one first by unplugging your MAF sensor and start up your truck. If it starts but idles rough, then all you really need was a good cleaning or simple replacement.

[@0555afa]

I don’t see secondary air filter UNI you replace it in previous video please advise

[@GXBOB]

Half the time, My videos are not done in order they are posted. But for this particular video, in order to diagnose any emission system related check engine lights, you have to eliminate any reasons to blame the aftermarket part as the culprit. Process of elimination. I have reinstalled the uni filter since.

[@crxbb9506]

@@GXBOB I haven’t had any issues since I did the air pump filter mod I saw on your previous video

[@GXBOB]

@@crxbb9506 yes, I’m just checking off all the boxes.

[@binhnguuen6339]

Hi Bob I want to ask you , how come my gx 460 I try set to 30 second lock and it’s not working, do you know what is wrong with it? If you know how could you show me please thank you.

[@GXBOB]

Binh oi Binh, give me your address. i'll come to your house and program the car for you. Then afterwards you owe me Pho Dac Biet and Cafe sua da and maybe a back massage.

[@binhnguuen6339]

Haha not a problem Bob 😂😂😂

[@makeaniiimpactYT]

This guy is hilarious...thanks for the awesome tips. I like the Asian jokes (I'm a banana) and not easily offended.

[@GXBOB]

You say that now but I’m sure by the time you watch 5 more vids, your thick skin goes out the window. 😜

[@pierrecao4758]

what's ft lb of torque again?

[@GXBOB]

You’re messing with me right?

[@oozlovervdxp]

Can you do a video on pcv valve replacement?

[@GXBOB]

I already did one due to popular demand. It Is currently being edited. It will be posted in a couple of weeks.

[@oozlovervdxp]

@@GXBOB thanks. I’ve been trying to replace mine but there are too many moving parts to get to

[@GXBOB]

@@oozlovervdxp almost done with the pcv install

[@oozlovervdxp]

@@GXBOB thanks!!

[@themish1]

How do you remove the cover Bob

[@GXBOB]

I am so happy you asked. I will get started on the video. I just have to wait for my camera crew to come back from vacation first.

[@themish1]

@@GXBOB lol

[@devanrogers3133]

I just had my car at the Dealership for an oil change and they talked me into doing "This"...... Well, This was just cleaning the throttle body and not the MAF. I expected both to be done. I hate the half ass shit they pull their for a quick buck. They said they cleaned the throttle body well but said they never clean the MAF?? Is there a reason why they would say this and not clean the MAF?? I just bought this cleaning kit so me and my buddy can knock this out next weekend and I'm going to make sure they cleaned the throttle body in the first place. If they didn't I will be getting my money back and never going back to the Dealership I use closest to where I live. I wish I lived in Chicago so I could just have the Care Care Nut do all my future maintenance.

[@GXBOB]

Dealerships don’t make money cleaning the MAF sensor when they can charge you $180 for the part and $80 to install it. Remember they are in the business to make money.

[@devanrogers3133]

@GXBOB Ohhhh, I know! They took apart my throttle body and cleaned it but didn't touch the MAF Sensor. It's just dumb.

[@portercurran328]

Bob in all seriousness, i noticed today when adding more wiper fluid that hose which you said would blow up the car with family on way to lake was hanging off not plugged in. I don’t know how long it had been like that. Were you making a joke, or could I have done significant damage to my vehicle?

[@GXBOB]

No man, you're good. You probably got poor gas mileage or engine performance but nothing serious.

[@kilauleung1233]

why it need to disconneted power for 24 hours

[@jerryfang1956]

Same question here

[@GXBOB]

The reason that we disconnect the battery overnight is to fully discharge any capacitors in the ECU. Some have done this in 10-minute increments to an hour and found that the ECU did not reset. There are a lot deciding factors and overnight is not mandatory but more of a failsafe. You're fine either way but its sort of like saying why do you have to drain your cellphone battery completely before charging your cellphone. Nobody discharges their cellphone battery completely all the time but its just better.

[@remembermorrison]

You really should just remove the TB. It is four bolts that you can clearly see. You don't want all that crap going back into the engine.

[@GXBOB]

Thanks for the input Aonarch. Will do on my next go-around.

[@danieltaylor9164]

Use the German torque setting: Good N Tite!

[@GXBOB]

haha, i got it.

[@artcardona8912]

Ugly toes…. just remembering my Philippine journey… shit street…. way too many mama-san wet journeys! “Those were the days my friends…” THANK GOD for penicillin…

[@GXBOB]

Remind me not to shake your hands if we ever meet.

[@tombyorn8278]

It's funny too because his lips are not in tune with what he is saying - just like the old Bruce Lee movies. Funny guy

[@GXBOB]

That's what makes it authentic.

[@onlyrice]

This one is awesome. But damn it Bobby! Stop calling it a car! Please be politically correct and refer it as a truck.

[@GXBOB]

hahahahahha, my mouth is on auto pilot most of the time. hence the divorce.

[@drcfa]

don't spray the cleaner into the throttle body man, spray to a paper towel and clean it

[@GXBOB]

If i could i would spray it in my mouth then spit it into the throttle body.