First up: Lexus IS200 SE, auto, 1999 model, 70000 miles (38000 when purchased)
I'm having a load of really weird problems that i'm guessing are to do with transmission/torque converter and i'm guessing are all related. anyone got any ideas what might be up?
1. The car idle is very lumpy and frequently the car stalls. Happens both when in D or N. It's more likely to happen after having been travellingg at speed and then slowing down to either a standstill or a slow crawl (e.g. coming off motorway onto slip road and then stopping at lights). Occasionally happens when driving around town. Doesn't seem to happen when car is cold. Occasionally car nearly stalls (orange engine light comes on briefly) but then kicks itself back to life.
2. After braking from speed (e.g. on motorway slowing down for traffic or exiting motorway onto slip road) there's a sickly smell that wafts into the cabin. Happens regardless of whether i brake with the car in D or N.
3. The car occasionaly refuses to start first time - starter motor goes but engine doesn't fire. Almost always works second time. Seems to happen more when the weather is hot (i.e. the car has been sitting in the sun all day).
4. Occasionally when pulling away from standstill there's a strange grumbling noise from somewhere under the car (can't tell whether it's front or back) that sounds like a bag of nuts and bolts in a washing machine, although it's not loud more a deep rumbly noise. Seems to disappear after 5 seconds or so.
5. Gear changes seem to be a little jerkier than i remember.
The engine was serviced about 13000 miles ago and had all the plugs, fluids etc. changed or topped up as necessary and seems to be OK.
it's been doing this for a while but getting a lot worse recently. anyone got any ideas what could be up....
i know it probably will involve dealership attention but i really can't be without the car for any period of time (hence why it hasn't gone in before now) and i thought that any pointers i can get of you folks would help reduce the amount of time the dealership would need to be diagnosing the problem...