rej

My scenario was different to yours. I had a leak in my radiator which eventually emptied out this caused the engine to overheat. The gasket blew mixing the coolant and oil !!! All in all a disaster. Once the oil and coolant mix you dont have long literally minutes before the engine just stops. How long have you got till this point dont try and find out is my opinion. I had engine failure and called the AA as I didnt have a clue what had happened. The good thing with them is that 99% of the time they will get the exact cause of the problem and advise accordingly. You may want to give them a call and get a free check up !

I had my radiator and head gasket replaced a couple of months back. It cost me about £1100 so sounds as though the cost your getting is about right. Unfortunately the head gasket going is just expensive to sort out. I got it carried out by a private mechanic who did a decent job Lexus were asking for about £1600 !!

Feel like getting my hands dirty with my IS200 ! Im a complete novice with cars and felt that its time I learnt to do the basics. Would anyone recommend carrying out basic stuff like an oil change. I had the head gasket changed a few months back. The mechanic told me to come back for an oil change after 2000 miles. Thing is I really want to do it myself !! Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated Cheers

Any independent garages around the Uxbridge area capable of replacing radiator and cylinder head gasket please ?????

Thanks for that ! I need to find a local garage that I trust to carry out the work. Do you trust your motor with independent garages ? I've only ever taken it to Lexus before but feel as though I get robbed every time.

Hi all My IS200 Malfunction light came on earlier along with the TRC OFF light flashing - never seen either of these lights on before !!!. The car came to a complete stop just as I arrived home. Called the AA who informed me that there was a leak in the radiator that caused overheating which has led to a probable cylinder head gasket problem. He told me that this is an expensive repair !!!!! Gutted...... My questions are: 1) Whats the likely cost of sorting out the cylinder head gasket ? 2) Will also have to change the radiator, how much will this cost ? 3) Knowing that lexus (Twickenham) will charge me an arm & a couple of legs ! Can any one recommend a reliable independent to carry out this work ? All comments appreciated. Thanks R

They didnt change anything from what I am recollect The invoice states that they stripped the door down, cleared the excess water and sprayed using an electrical spray. It then goes on to say that it has been tested and works but 'problem could persist'. I remember the mechanic said something about the seals around the windows being faulty and thats what let the water in the first place. Not rocket science I guess ! I need to get the window sorted so am about to book it in to Lexus Twickenham and battle it out with them ! Need to investigate the stereo situation a bit further. Will let you know how I get on !

With regard to the stereo, have you checked the fuses? Does the window open and close under the half way point or is it just stuck there? What exactly did they do to fix it? It could just be that the regulator is faulty and you need a new one. Had a quick check of the fuses but couldnt see any that were blown. Looked under the bonnet and under the dash - is there any where else I need to look ? At the moment the window only goes down but not up and is stuck at 3/4 ! All lexus did was to clean it out and spray it with something and get the moisture out (after valet). This was back in Oct 2005.

Hi Any advice and general info on this would be appreciated. 1) Had a flat battery a while back and since then the stereo does not work !?? Dont listen to it alot so have not repaired, but am now getting bored in the car ! 2) My rear drivers side window is stuck on half open and will not shut. Had this problem before when car was valeted and water seeped into the window. Took it to lexus Twickenham who fixed it but put a disclaimer on the invoice to say that it was likely to occur again and they would not be held responsible !!! My question is that anyone know of any decent/honest car electricians in west london who can sort this out ? Will take it to Lexus as a last resort but find that I suffer open wallet surgery everytime I go there !!! Thanks Rej

Hi all I had a flat battery after which my stereo stopped working !!! Why has this happened and how do I sort it out ?? Does it need to be reset ?

Hi all My IS200 had a flat battery, since when my stereo wont work !! Is this something I can sort out myself or do I need to take it to a Lexus dealer ?

Tony gave my Lex a once over today also !! Decided to get 4 new tyres along with the geometry check and the overall the difference in drive quality is very noticable. I had a smooth drive back to west london from hemel hempstead and was really impressed with the difference. The best part is the fact that you get a free tune up 2000 miles later - talk about peace of mind !!! 4 new tyres and a geometry check for under £400....bargin or what ?!! Thanks Tony.

go and see Tony at stapletons in Watford he will sort it and save your tyres too so they wear evenly Matt Cheers guys - just spoke to Tony and hes given me a full run down of whats the problem and how to fix... Will book the car in next week - keep you posted. Thanks for the advice

Hi My steering wheer is off centre, when I relax my grip on the wheel the car veers to the left !!!! Wheres the best place to get this corrected and what is it called ? I've been told that it called GEOMETRY REALIGNMENT.