How To Change The Fuel Filter

[Mike from SA]

I have a problem with my '99 IS200 ( 207 000km ) where the vehicle will sometimes not start. ( Not getting fuel ). This seems like some kind of Air Lock in the fuel system. The only way to get it to start is to add fuel directly to the injector and then when the vehicle starts it runs fine. This occurs shortly after filling up with fuel and only then. The car will be fine until I fill it with fuel again.

I suspect the Fuel Filter or Fuel Pump or Fuel pressure sensor or that the tank cannot breathe. It seems like changing the fuel filter is a mission since it is in the tank. Does anybody know how to change this. i.e.

Do you have to remove the fuel tank ? Or can you access it if you remove the back seat etc.

[GWilso]

I also have a 99 IS and reading other topics you should be able to access the tank from the back seats although i've never tried it myself

I currenltey have a problem that the fuel gage is stuck on half probably the floater/sensor in the fuel tank has gone so if you find out how to drop the tank let me know

Good Luck

& Welcome to LOC

[Mike from SA]

I also have a 99 IS and reading other topics you should be able to access the tank from the back seats although i've never tried it myself

I currenltey have a problem that the fuel gage is stuck on half probably the floater/sensor in the fuel tank has gone so if you find out how to drop the tank let me know

Good Luck

& Welcome to LOC

Thanks I will let you know. Great Forum !!! We don't have anything like this is South Africa. Lexus is not too popular here as it is very expensive Vs BMW equivalents. Great car though had mine since '99 with few problems.

[Rob]

hi Mike,

( i am also from sa) the filter never normally needs to be touched but it is mounted on the fuel pump - u need to remove the rear bench and then u can easily access the fuel pump from there - have u looked at the fuel cap? it does have a breathing system in it maybe yours is defective

[Mike from SA]

hi Mike,

( i am also from sa) the filter never normally needs to be touched but it is mounted on the fuel pump - u need to remove the rear bench and then u can easily access the fuel pump from there - have u looked at the fuel cap? it does have a breathing system in it maybe yours is defective

Thanks ,

I tried running the vehicle with the fuel cap open but still get the problem. ( Eliminates the breathing option ) I only realised that the fuel filter never needs to be replaced after I had already bought it, so think I might as well try give it a go anyway. I am always in a hurry any only fill up when way past empty.

I hope it is not the fuel pump as this is really big bucks.

Regards

Mike