Stall, No-Start Case Study: Lexus GS300 V6

Hey it's the weekend, so it's time to put on the PHAD hat and make a Diagnostics call!
This 2006 Lexus GS300 AWD is intermittently losing power and stalling out. The owner is afraid to drive it, since it has left him stranded.
Let's see if we can figure out this Lexus! Cold temps and a drained battery add to the excitement...
Enjoy!
Ivan

[@Garcansdad]

I would have done the same thing. A lot of repair work is detective work. You noticed that the connector came off too easily. Most people would have just replaced the sensor without even noticing that. In addition they would not have done the continuity check on the wiring. Great work. Your confidence is encouraging.

[@chungaleta1234]

1. You are too damn good. 2. You are extremely honest. Kudos for that. 3. It looks awesome where you live. 4. Shame on snap-on

[@Hitomaru-shiki.sensha]

thanks Ivan for trying to make videos for us. even one a week.

[@GCraigmile]

You did the RIGHT thing! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I know a lot of Mechanics would have put the part on and charge for the labor BUT with out proof the sensor is bad you CANT. Great job Bro’ 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

I admire your honesty, you're a good man, Ivan. Spritz it with cleaner, pack it with terminal paste, snap it closed tight with a zip tie- and wait & see. We've got enough Slim Shady's out there already- I'm glad you're above that noise.

[@Diagnosedan]

You did the right thing, don't replace a part if you are not convinced it's bad. Nice Video, you've got a great view at your place and lots of space.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks, Dan! Yes, it is a good view that changes with the seasons :)

[@AP9311]

Ivan, that's exactly what I'd do if there's a problem down the road, waive the labor cost. But if it was me, I'd check the plug and make sure it's good and tight fit. Shows good faith. Keeps the customer coming back to you as you're not a part cannon guy. That's big trust there. Awesome video! Good to see you back on here from long absent :) starting to miss your videos lol!!

[@gixertipico]

Love to see an honest mechanic!! Also, your property looks awesome!

[@TheLifeOnHigh]

Wish we had more Auto technicians like you dude 👌🏽

[@cccdetective787]

Hi Ivan glad the new job suits you. Nice to see you will try to keep the channel active. Keep up with not being a parts cannon definitely the right way to go. Check don't guess and you did your homework. The owner will appreciate the honesty and quality service.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

You rocked it and even in the freezing cold. Good luck with your new job.

[@stevejones8665]

I have a £4 Chinese wifi OBD2 Dongle and it gives Fuel rail psi 😊It has payed for itself many times over fixing and resetting faults on friend's and family Cars....Well done Ivan great Job well done

[@fieldsofomagh]

Sending you a return ticket to Siberia to get used to the cold. Keith has already returned. Surprised that the Varis did'nt display fuel pressure.Feel the customer's dilemma. Great diagnosis and good advice to customer.Good news about the job.

[@NewLevelAuto]

Tom OConnor and those Siberian women 😊

[@johnaclark1]

Glad to see you keeping up on the channel, Ivan. You made my day by pulling out the DS708 for this. That's my only (full-featured) scan tool! I would have recommended the same thing. Well done!

[@fixersautomotive4514]

Good man Ivan, it’s not your call to spend the customer money. All you can do is explain the issue to the customer and let them decide which way you go, that’s great you will fix for free if the problems comes back. That just makes the customers trust you even more. As being a shop owner also I would have done the same. Good video!!!

[@curtgomes]

Ivan, you're a great mechanic. Your diagnosis are always spot on. I also own a 2006 Lexus GS300. I've had it for eight years and it has 110,000 miles. The car has never given me an ounce of trouble but, when it does, I'll hopefully have someone like you to go to. All the best.....

[@stephenlawrence4362]

Great to see you on camera. Glad you like the new position. Thanks for trying to get a video out per week. You made the right call on your diagnosis,sometimes it's a glitch fix. Keep well and enjoy your new "warm" job!

[@jeremyanthony9300]

good luck with the new job. i really do wish you the best

[@denzilritchie2806]

I agree, tell the customer to drive the car and see if it does it again, if so replace the sensor. If things does go well for the customer, I'm sure he'll be happy about saving the cash.

[@CubasAutomotive]

I agree 100% with the way you handled this. Great job, good find!

[@febbral]

Ivan, great video, right call with explaining to customer that what you found was the problem, and to give a warranty about waiving diagnostic charge in future if problem comes back.There are many honest techs as yourself. Keep up good work.

[@Dreccomel193]

From a consumer view it's fantastic that you did the right thing. In my experience it would have been recommended to replace the malfunctioning piece. Now, I would question the driver to see if he previously took the vehicle to another shop to get work done on the engine bay. Because connectors like that don't come off unless their broken. Thanks for taking time to make this video...

[@JeffBazell]

I agree with you. Do what urologists do when a man is diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer. Watchful waiting. You would have made a great physician. Excellent diagnostic skills and intelligence.

[@DOC827]

My hat goes off to you for your honestly, this will take you a LOOONG way. Great job sir

[@paulsmith7595]

Great diagnosis, glad theirs people like you out there. Good luck in your new job...

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks, Paul!

[@ozzstars_cars]

There you go again Ivan, using the unplug and plug back in magic! Great stuff, and nice find.

[@edwardmartinez199]

Good job Ivan glad your doing well with the new job.

[@jeremieparker5703]

Nice work man you just can't find good honest people to often thank for sharing your knowledge with us God bless you

[@pinklloyd]

I need this guy for my car. Awesome dude, wish more mechanics were like you.

[@chr11sf]

Glad you're enjoying the new job Ivan, and thank you for making the video's whenever you're able to....As for this video/job, you made exactly the right call on not throwing a new sensor at it but there's no way I'd offer to fit it for free it it was indeed shown to be faulty.....That's not your fault amigo and it's certainly not your fault that the customer is ignorant of the fact that systems sometimes malfunction for reasons other than outright part failures!....If, after explaining your thoughts and stating your confidence level, the customer wanted the part fitted then do as they request, simple. You have a family to feed. Stay warm!

[@garyward4104]

one of the last true HONEST men still out there in the world. Thanks for the video.

[@toamataafa4647]

You're a good mech and a better man Ivan..always be faithful in little things brotha..Blessings.

[@gregmonaghan]

Good on you Ivan! The customer should watch your channel, then he would know to trust you.

[@Aquariance01]

Youre the man!!! GREAT FIND/DIAGNOSIS!!'n

[@stevedave5673]

Good call on not replacing the sensor. I swear I saw “remove intake manifold” on the directions to r&r the pressure sensor when you had them on your laptop lol. Honesty always the best policy. Congrats on the new job!

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

I don't know how you guys do it in that cold. Hi from Miami, keep em coming :D

[@QueenCityHistory]

Beardless ivan? The second scanner you used seems easier to read and idk maybe more user friendly? I wouldn't replace it, if the customer wants it then yes. I'd say hey I believe it was just loose so replacing I don't think is necessary at this point. Unfortunately most shops would've gouged him on this and told him it needed replacing. Thanks Ivan for showing that there are mechanics out there that are still honest

[@willemstreutgers1154]

Ivan you are absolutely right !!!

[@John-rz6sp]

Hope you're having a good time at your new job, sounds like you're enjoying it. Best wishes.

[@ChicagoDoItYourself]

Good show..agree with you totally. .part of the problem...people are unaccustomed to this.... they expect replacement period. .. it's hard for them to imagine a shop trying to convince them to not spend money on a car with this mileage... Nice job Ivan...

[@themechanic6117]

I think you made the right call, great work. Earning the customers trust is main priority. 👍

[@wilson713]

Buckle up, I was a tech at a Lexus dealer for 3 years, and I know exactly what happened here. About 2-3 years ago, a recall came out on those fuel pressure sensors because mold would accumulate on the threads and cause fires. We removed the intake, sprayed Pando 39C on the threads of the sensor, etc. Now, we all know people aren't always great about getting recalls done in a timely fashion, so it's entirely possible the recall was only recently performed. Lexus is pretty draconian about their flat-rate times in warranty situations, so I imagine the tech was rushing through the job and failed to secure the connector. It was a super gravy job when I was there. I think it paid 3.2 and we were getting it done in an hour, so they probably cut the time severely by now. Funnily enough, I saw that sensor fail and cause a no start one time, but it didn't set any fault codes.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Fantastic info! I did see that recall, and you are probably right....connector was not properly secured!

[@wilson713]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics The hardest part was running enough punch time on the ticket so warranty didn't backflag us. Welcome to flat rate at the dealer

[@fredjohs]

Ivan - you're a man of integrity and values. So many others would just replace it to make the extra $. How about a service call to Minnesota where it is presently -15F!

[@vlstyles]

Hopefully the connector was a push to unlock, like Nissans have. Very fair (but brave) for you to waive the labor if it fails. Some customers might take advantage if he really wants the part changed

[@edwardmartinez199]

Varian Styles For that matter some would say they changed it and keep all the money Ivan is a good guy.

[@motube2389]

I appreciate your videos Ivan

[@najee1100]

Really good video enjoying the content glad you found time to continue making videos.

[@robinsonsmotorcycleandauto3929]

Awesome glad to see a video from you. Glad to hear the job is good. Keep in touch even if you can't do a video.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

I'd have done the same thing, Ivan. We all know connectors don't come apart that easily, so that's a glaring fault right there, coupled with the data PID jumping around like it was (intermittent connection more than likely). Certainly would be easy for any of us to pocket $200 ... but I know I wouldn't sleep very well at night doing business like that. You made the right call, IMO. If more people had your ethics, this world would be much better off, that's for sure!

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

I think you did the right thing Ivan. I can understand the customers point of view though and I'd be nervous too. I don't think I've ever brought a car to a mechanic and not needed a part lol if that happened, yeah I'd be shocked haha

[@djb4069]

Very clever, and very likeable Young Man, David from the UK

[@ManicMechanic007]

I don't thing you know the whole story. Could be someone was in there before you performing some other repair or maintenance. You made the right call. Glad to hear the new job is going well.

[@feeneysmechanical6215]

Great video Ivan.

[@salvobrothers5928]

thnx for documenting this. This was a huge help.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks for the comment!

[@jimm1028]

Hard too beat a bright ,sunny ,cold ,calm winter's day in the countryside (if you don't have to work on a vehicle ) . Good fix Honest Ivan.

[@zeke112964]

Hard to convince a customer that it was just a loose connection and no parts required....But definitely the right diagnosis....The way the fuel pressure was jumping around on the initial check proves that and afterwards it was fine...Good call

[@mattway3496]

I agree that you made the right call. I would probably double check how that connector felt and make sure it wouldn’t come free easily again, update customer and tell them if it does it again it needs the sensor installed. Good call

[@hightttech]

"Chech for a loose connection." Isn't that whay every troubleshooting tree ever written begins with? Well, you finally found it.

[@baxrok2.]

lol I had to laugh when you tried to start that thing. I had an 06 ES300 that the x-wife drove. I hated that car not only because of that starting sequence but because the car itself was a "fancy" numb mess. I think you did the right thing based on the evidence but also understand the customers part swap fix mentality. What I wonder about the most is how an automotive grade weather packed locking connector just happens to wiggle loose. Well done Ivan and thanks for taking us along!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

That is the one question I had as well, and might never know the full story. All I know is that after securely clipping it into place, I could not unplug it again haha

[@alb12345672]

I have a GS350, I read something on the Forum that they had some recall and they disturb the connector and it causes this problem. Great Diag.

[@markferraro5250]

great video Ivan thanks

[@charlese.malone2594]

I totally agree with you Ivan If it's not broke no need to fix it. I believe in the domino effect, you start messing around for no reason things break or even start to fail.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Exactly. Couldn't agree more!

[@Revsclipse]

Great job boss working in the cold is not it! But great job!!

[@mikes4408]

I'd be chewing someone's ear off at snap on. 10 grad and won't read fuel pressure really! Good job!

[@davidgoliath982]

nice work! way to early ivan to be predicting little snow for rest of winter. u still have at least 2 more months! makes sense that it did not need an electronic component being a lexus.

[@geoffreyrawlings9736]

It's a good that customer let you look at it. take it to a garage and they would definitely be cranking up the cash machine.great video

[@davidraezer5937]

Good job Ivan. I would have tried to instill confidence in the customer like you did but would leave the option up to them. People need something tangible sometimes. Not like the old days when cars were not as dependable as they are now. As far as Autel I use the Maxasys and while far from perfect it’s still the closest to jack of all. We used factory scan tools for the big 3 and Autel for everything else. The tool is made in China and I question how they got the code as GM and Ford looks just like the factory scan tool.

[@diymisfit_Mechanic_UDX404]

Ship it! I'd say somebody was in there playing. I wonder if he has his oil changed at some kind of lube center. There is one down here in York, Pa that unplugged a sensor that didn't set a code until the next day. (it was hard to unplug once I put it back on) There was no reason to unplug it either. It was not in way of anything they had to do. This was on my son's bosses car, he brings it to me if he needs any hard parts changed. He brought to me to change the part but didn't need it.

[@Ryandaman1216]

You made the right call for sure. I would have him drive it around for a few days, if it was still good, then ship it.

[@mikeburton1733]

Ivan and Keith. I just found out today that Autel has released for free all the newest updates for the DS708 as it is now completely discontinued. I just updated mine using the same SD card reader and log in method as before. It works. I can manually select vehicle including the 2017 year. Don't miss out. Autoconnect still works. I just wanted to see how new the coverage is.

[@stigonutube]

yeah good call Ivan, you would know if connector was loose.

[@scottniles42]

Yes I would replace the fuel pressure sensor if the customer already had the part

[@angelopatafio8347]

Hey Ivan good stuff being a Lexus Master Diag Specialist the sensor will have to be replace the car will not start again . Keep doing the videos

[@richardcranium5839]

thanx for the video. yeah you got little snow we got dumped on. pendot sucks real bad this year. its unfortunate that people find it hard to trust honest people nowadays. it puts you in a spot. if you dont change it and it acts up they'll never be back badmouth ya etc. if you do change it and even if it is something else they'll still blame ya. if ya dont change it and it runs fine will they praise you up or just go on with life. seen it both ways. sometimes the mentality of forking out money will solve any problem. you did right

[@BigDog50001]

I wouldn’t have put another sensor in either, but I don’t think I would have promised free install if it fails later. Good video Ivan.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I'm confident it will last past my 2-month warranty lol

[@hxc7273]

I have Snap-On scan tools too but this is why my Autel never leaves my side.

[@deepsquat600]

wait a second 11 thumbs up ...and only 8 minutes have passed since you posted...MAGIC :)

[@paquesepas6696]

I find when the code says the word circuit, I usually look at the wiring and connector really close and usually it will be wiring related.

[@charlesfiore7835]

Snapon!!! No regard to have data for the code set!!!! NO excuse whatsoever on a $10,000 tool!!! Luxury cars are NO luxury to work on!!! Glad You're enjoying the new job!

[@naushadali95]

very nice video

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

Your absolutely right about sometimes its hard to convince the customer. I told a guy one time what his problem was and he was convinced that the problem was with the alarm system so he had it towed to the dealer and they put a fuel pump in and charged him over a grand! I even told him that I would pay for the fuel pump up front and if it didn't fix the car he didn't have to pay one cent and he still wouldn't believe me! I just laughed in his face when he was bitching about how much they charged him

[@AussiePhillip]

well done

[@Zib187]

That Autel MaxiDAS DS708 is a nice scanner for the price. I was thinking about buying the new MaxiDAS DS808, which is supposed to be the updated version of the DS708 but then I seen another site claiming the MaxiSYS906 is supposed to be the updated version of the DS708.

[@michaeld_68]

Think it's the right call .Ya get lucky sometimes!!

[@karlbuttler]

Great Fix, I wonder how the connection became unlocked? some of those can be real Bears to unplug..... Hey Ivan Happy new year...

[@martymcfly7882]

Please keep the channel going.

[@ycmdill]

I've seen the same thing where connectors are loose from the MFG. Neighbor had an older mustang that had never been touched by a mechanic and had a loose ignition connector. Plugged in, clicked, problem fixed.

[@graymodeler]

ycmdill yes, a friend bought a new Jeep and it quit running. I asked her what it was and she said the ignition harness was not plugged in all the way. Ship it.

[@rrmech11]

I would of loved to see you unplugging that sensor and recreating the no start. I understand the theory of that causing the high pressure pump not to work. Great job and high 5 to the Autel

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I could not unplug the connector again after clipping it in the first time. Also didn't want to break the lock tab lol

[@rrmech11]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics comprehend

[@RobertHancock1]

It's quite possible it would have started with it actually unplugged. Those erratic readings might have prevented it from triggering the limp-home strategy for a sensor failure.

[@lonwillis783]

No you found the problem GOOD JOB!

[@prmayner]

Let the customer make the decision, as long as they know all the facts and give them a this is what would i do and that's it. good vid.

[@sweetwilliam49]

You are right in not installing the sensor though I would check the connector tabs on the sensor to make sure of a good connection. If the car has no history of a repair which would involve removing the wiring, it doesn’t seem feasible the car would have shown no issues before now if the factory was at fault. Stranger things have happened I guess

[@mikeb7887]

I agree. 11 year old car and the odometer showed over 163,000 miles i believe. At some point someone may have fiddled with that sensor plug and not reset it properly. Did he have his plugs changed? Maybe had to remove the intake to get to some of the plugs?

[@mmichaeldonavon]

I'd do the same Ivan - good call. Thanks.

[@josephwash109]

I recently had a similar connector issue on my mom's Buick Century. The EBCM would intermittently set code U1000 (Class 2 Serial Data Link Malfunction). I unplugged the connector, checked powers and grounds and checked the class 2 pin with the scope, which showed communication occurring. It's been weeks, and the code has not returned. Sometimes all it takes is to unplug and reinstall a connector to fix a problem.

[@josephsfields]

Good viid Ivan. Wish we got the visual on the sensor connection/disconnection event. You described how easy it was to pull the connector. Once you reconnected it (after inspecting both plug and sensor interfaces for issus) did it click into place where it couldn't auto-disconnect? As far as dealing with the client, I feel you handled it he right way. I can attest to how a vehicle breakdown and getting stranded turns a Lexus into a lemon. The faith returns very slowly after that. Your confidence will go along way to stymie his mistrust.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

After I securely clipped it in, I coudn't disconnect it again! It was in a very very tough spot too. Good thing I had skinny hands and long fingers lol

[@VedafoneYT]

Hi Ivan.... In my opinion... I will try to check for the actual fuel pressure by a dial on schradder valve to check either if the sensor or the circuit being bad.

[@jakhamdi1217]

Too cold man thank you

[@462ANIMAL]

The weather is up and down. Winter has February and March, I think we'll get more snow. North of Toronto there was nearly 3ft.. I did 3 hrs of shovelling Garage and rv, back when the temperature went up for a few days. I think people have a tough time once their car breaks , they don't trust it. My friend had his check engine light come on, he had a shop scan it.. And they told him .. You need all the o2's replaced and a tune-up. At the cost of 700$ I told him no way, I checked it to get p0171 and a 174 looked around to find a vacuum hose with a hole in it and collapsed.. And that day his alternator went bad.. Told him spend your money on what you actually need.

[@jdtractorman7445]

Nice repair, the customer always like the cheaper repairs. I would just double check, you probably have already, that the connector stays locked on. That surely explains the squirrely voltage reading on that sensor at the first part of the video. Pretty shocking the snap-on does not have a fuel pressure pid. Heck, I've got an Actron 9180 that has a fuel pid, although it is in kpa. I just have to convert it to psi. Don't know why they don't just do it the simple way with psi to begin with.

[@70kid8]

I agree with both points of view. As a trustworthy mechanic, you don't want to throw money and parts at vehicle if it doesn't need them. As a vehicle owner, your biggest concern is it's reliability. I had to sell a Taurus that I really liked otherwise because of an intermittent crank-no start issue that happened 3 or 4 times. The car would get towed to the shop and fire up and run perfectly the next day with no codes or issues, although I seriously doubt my mechanic puts nearly as much effort into diagnostics as Ivan.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Intermittent problems are the WORST! At least this one was acting up when I got to it!

[@grassroot011]

clean the connecting contacts and have the owner watch how it runs. Clean the contacts/connections.And add anti-corrosion grease.

[@Info-Tech-]

Very good jobs pine and hollow