Hybrid tin can man

As mentioned in some other posts, my 2006 GS450H has developed traction battery problems. Last night it threw out error code P3027: Battery Block 17 becomes weak. A week previous the error code was P0A80: Replace hybrid battry pack. The first week or so the car drove fine without the hybrid system engaging, just running on the petrol engine. Last night i noticed that the battery was charging and de-charging quite rapidly. Going from full green all the way to one bar and back up with in the space of 1-2 minutes. The coolant fan for the battery was also quite loud, indicating that either: A: The battery is indeed charging and de-charging very quickly, thus necessitating the high speed of the coolant fan or: B: The system just thinks that the battery is charging and de-charging quickly and switches the fan on because it deems it necessary. C: Neither of the above and it could be something else really simple. The vehicle is going into Lexus for some recall work relating to the fuel system that they are going to perform free of charge. Is the car safe to drive until then?

Error code 3027. Battery module 17 needs replaced. Fan for battery coolant system runs at high speeds. On display the battery is charging and de-charging within a few minutes even when the car is stationery.

Due to the car having a CVT , you will get more or less the same mpg at 70-90 mph as you would at 55mph. I tend to find that keeping it between 80-90mph I will get around 42mpg. Mine is a Hybrid though and I have never achieved 45mpg combined.

Ran a diagnostic check on the car yesterday. Came up with Hybrid battery failure. It was a Generic P0 code. Didn't write it down. I cleared the code and the car seems to be fine. Going to leave it for a few days and see if the code re-appears. Due to the code being generic, I am not entirely convinced that battery has failed. I will need to examine it further with a more detailed diagnostic tool.

I have ordered an Autel Autolink AL519 Do you know if it is any good?

I won't be driving the car until I have diagnosed the fault. Better safe than sorry. Bearings were ordered on Saturday so they should arrive this week sometime. I will get a local mechanic to fit the bearing. I am guessing it should take him 3-5 hours max. I would rather pay £200 to an independent garage than £3500 to Lexus. Saved a fortune by the looks of it. Also found some one who can recondition the batteries for £800 should the pack ever fail. Hybrid Battery Solutions

I disconnected the 12v battery for a few seconds hoping that it would reset the system. Lo and behold, it did!!! Hybrid system is working fine now. There is a ticking noise coming from the middle of the car. I am guessing it is the oil pump but will have to wait until code reader arrives so I can diagnose it. When I select reverse, a warning comes up on the sat nav screen saying "System Initializing". Have not driven the car since the reset. Whilst the Hybrid system was offline I drove the car for 120 miles. Horrendous fuel economy. 23-25 urban, normally it's 30-32. and combined came to 27, normally it is anywhere between 32 and 40. I will keep you all posted. Just waiting for my diagnostic machine to arrive. Bank holidays!

I have the same problem as you your self Hayne. Check Hybrid System came up on dash board along with the VSC light. The car works on combustion engine alone with no input from the Hybrid system. After driving for 40 miles, I switched the car off. When I restarted it the VSC light was off. Hybrid light is still on. The Aux battery has been checked. Voltage is 12.7v. I have ordered a code reader. If I get the same code as yourself then the fault will be narrowed down.

HI all, the back box on the driver's side of my 450H sheared off due to the failure of the holding bracket. There is about 5mm of pipe left on the back box and the rest of the exhaust seems fine. I was quoted 450 inc vat for the part plus an hours labour plus any gaskets ect that it might require. Is there a cheaper alternative?

Thanks Tincanman.I can only provide you with my understanding of my purchase from my Official Lexus Dealer. It was purchased with a full service history and had just been serviced and everything scrutinised (at my request) by the Dealership from which I made the purchase and came with a full 12 month warranty. In other words (and this was communicated to the Sales Specialist)I would have nothing to pay for 12 months unless I covered more than 10,000 miles in which case it would need a service for which it would be returned to the same Lexus Dealer. Any problems arising in the first 12 months would be covered by the Lexus Warranty / Dealership. I would not dream of taking the car to another (non-Lexus Official)dealer notwithstanding the fact that Lexus is part of the Toyota Corporate Organisation for fear of breaking the terms of the warranty. Daihatsu and Subaru are both (I believe) part of Corporate Toyota and I would not take one of those other than to an Official Daihatsu or Subaru Official Dealer whilst still in the Warranty period. If something occurs which necessitates returning the car to Lexus within the 12 months from the date of purchase then I would not expect to pay (nor would I pay) for anything including costs of diagnosing the problem. I hope that my explanation of the terms of my purchase is helpful toyou and I hope that your problem is resolved quickly to your entire satisfaction with minimum or nil cost to you. Good luck and regards John Toyota said they could authorise warranty repairs but I took it to Lexus none the less. The dealer will get paid by the waranty company for parts and labour. I still don't see why I was charged for diagnosis. I will wait until the work is done and then write to Lexus GB.

I was surprised when the Toyota dealer said he could service my Lexus. There was no difference in cost though. I would have went to Lexus but it is almost a two hour return journey. Would have took up most of my day.

Yes, offcial Lexus Dealer. Service is required every year or 10,000 miles, whichever is sooner. Toyota and Lexus are the same company. You can have your lexus serviced at any toyota garage.

Had the car diagnosed yesterday. Gasket needs changing. They charged me 85 pounds even though the warranty claim is valid. Car is booked in for next friday for repairs.

I average 38-42mpg on long motorway journeys at 80-90 speeds. Urban driving is 28-32. The recent cold snap saw it drop to 25 but then it is only a 6 mile commute so the engine doesn't really get a chance to warm up properly.

Will do. Car is booked in for the 3rd of December.