Gs450H P0017 Error Code & Valve Recall?!

[modo]

Hi all,

my first post following the purchase of a GS450h with a Hybrid fault as a gamble after reading Hayne's fantastically helpful post regarding the seized bearings in the auxiliary oil pump - the vehicle which had this fault and indeed his fix was the solution! So I am extremely grateful for that!

There is another issue with the car however with a P0017 code and a rough idle when cold, I have seen the VIN number ranges affected by the Valve Spring Recall and the vehicle does appear to be in the range of the affected vehicles - though as I received no service history with the vehicle (yes I got it reasonably cheap!) I have no idea if it was ever carried out. Obviously I will give Lexus a call tomorrow when they are open to see what they can advise.

The question is - does anyone think the P0017 code which is Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B (and the rough idle when cold) might be caused by a broken valve spring i.e. the subject of the recall?

And advice on this would be most appreciated.

[ColinBarber]

It is possible but there are other reasons for that error code too. How many miles has your vehicle done?

[modo]

It's done 99,000 and is an '07 reg.

From what i've read if it was something like timing chain stretch then other codes would have been triggered too.

Something else I read also suggested dirty oil could block the sensor in question, which was certainly the case with the car (i.e. the oil was very dirty), however this has now been changed but the code keeps returning every time after its cleared. Also I have a feeling that idea is more wishful thinking than a realistic cause of the error!

[ColinBarber]

You would normally expect other codes with a stretched chain or jumped tooth. Cannot really see how the valve issue is causing this, more likely is the valve work was done and the timing wasn't set correctly afterwards.

Poor oil could stop the VVTi controllers working correctly which the sensor would detect, rather than the sensor itself being directly affected.

[modo]

Thanks for that, so will try find out from Lexus if the recall work was done, though I understand that if the oil change doesn't help a repair is probably a bigger job than the car is worth.

Is there any risk of driving the car the way it is, for example might it increase the risk of the chain snapping?

[modo]

Ok, Lexus have said the recall work was carried out in August this year for the Valve Springs, so in all likely hood I suppose they not set the timing correctly or something along those lines...

The question is how to get a local dealer to correct this issue (recall work was done 200 miles away - though I guess I could return it there if absolutely necessary), and whats stopping them charging me for a diagnosis and then claiming the error code is caused by a fault with something else that is not connected?!

[ColinBarber]

You are in a tough position here as you weren't the owner when the work was carried out. All you can do is speak to the dealership who carried out the work and see what they say. Many dealers own multiple franchises, one of which may be closer to you - if that is the case then I'd ask if you can go to the local garage.

If you don't get any joy with the dealership then speak to Lexus customer relations however I think you may end up having to pay to get this corrected, or do it yourself.

A positive here is that it is quite likely that the fault was introduced as part of the valve work carried out, that means it should be a simple fix rather than an issue with the camshafts/VVTi controllers.

[modo]

Thanks for all you help Colin, much appreciated.

I guess I'll try my local mechanic (not Lexus) to see what he thinks about resetting the timing and if it would be too complex for them...

I do feel Lexus will find a way out of repairing this, unless drastic action was taken such as threatening legal action - which as you say might not even be possible as the recall work has now been 'done' and not under my ownership!

Will update the forum when I hopefully find the cause of this error code and hopefully help someone else in this situation.

[ColinBarber]

Whoever does the timing make sure they have the official procedure to hand. It is easy to get wrong, apparently as demonstrated by the dealer who worked on your vehicle.

[modo]

Just an update as promised...

Many thanks to Colin - you saved the day - your idea of contacting Lexus customer relations was spot on. I was able to track down which dealer had done the recall work and when - turned out to have been less than 1000 miles ago. So they agreed the MIL code was probably caused by incorrect timing being set on reassembly (though I never got this in writing - all I got was a call from the local dealer saying Lexus GB has asked them to sort the issue!).

Anyway after 13.5 hours of labour i'm told, the MIL is gone! And am pleased to say it seems Lexus were willing to stand behind their name and put things right.

So thanks for all your help and advice on this it's greatly appreciated.

[modo]

Just another update though not sure what benefit this will be to anyone at this stage...

The MIL light has returned with codes P0030 and another P0302 which both relate to misfires.

This would seem to be a direct result of the resetting of the engine timing being carried out - though now I suspect it will be harder to have it put right as the dealer will no doubt be left to do this at their own cost - without being able to invoice Lexus GB. So still waiting to hear from them what they plan to do about it...

[MUDGUTS]

From what I have read & understand of this issue it should still be down to Lexus to sort this out.

1) A Lexus technician carried out some recall work but did something incorrectly.

2) Lexus have put this right but in doing so, if you are correct, another fault has developed as a result of this work.

Although the customer service is good, Lexus still have a lot to learn, I believe.

Check out my tale of woe from years ago (below). To cut the whole story short Lexus MK did quite a bit of work and in the end could not diagnose the issue. (It was a clamp on the fuel line, affecting the fuel pressure) someone in the US LOC suggested this & in the end an independent found it after merely checking the pressure.

When I complained to Lexus GB I got the brush off. They were quite patronising in fact and as the car had little service history with them I didn't have much of a chance in challenging this.

The moral of the story is to give 100% clear instructions as to what they should do. If necessary include the phrase 'please check and carry out xxx in accordance with Manufacturers specifications and procedures'.

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/73960-1997-ls-400-wont-rev-beyond-4000/

[modo]

Wow that truly is a tale of woe - 10 pages of it and you were saved by a forum post rather than the main dealer - why am I not surprised!

Lets hope my local dealer see it as clear cut when they are going to have to pay for it themselves - but like you say I don't see how they could wriggle out anyway.

Thanks for the encouragement though, will update when I know what's what!

[tomostrio]

1 hour ago, ColinBarber said:

The P0017 could be a result of work being done on the engine incorrectly rather than a stretched chain. See here:

Ideally we would need to know the new fault codes to determine the battery issue, however this has affected several owners. If you search this forum you will find examples and one or two options to resolve the issue.

Thanks for the reply and the link for advice. Will look in to that, as it has been recalled for a fault as mentioned.👍