Do we have any car smart folks out there who can help?

Could be a lot of things from a dead spark plug to a slipped timing belt.

Don't bother with a "tuneup", there's nothing to 'tune' on most cars since the mid 80's.
IMHO take it straight to a reputable shop and let them diagnose it. Otherwise you may be throwing needless money at it.
 
kj5kb said:
Could be a lot of things from a dead spark plug to a slipped timing belt.

Don't bother with a "tuneup", there's nothing to 'tune' on most cars since the mid 80's.
IMHO take it straight to a reputable shop and let them diagnose it. Otherwise you may be throwing needless money at it.
Click to expand...

Sure there is things to "tune up" on newer cars. It's just different stuff than with older cars.

Plugs and plug wire wires, fuel system maintenance, battery and alternator inspection, sensor inspection/replacement, coil inspection/replacement, air filter replacement....

Personally I have a newer car (2002 Blazer) with a relatively old style engine in it and just tuned it up with most of the traditional stuff. New spark plugs, new plug wires, new coil, air filter revamp (K&N)...

With this car I'd start with sensor inspection, coil inspection, fuel system maintenance and then move on from there. My guess would be that the "Service Engine Soon" light is on and hooking up an OBD II code reader should be able to quickly tell you where to start.
 
check:
batteries
alternator
spark plug
ignition

if the check engine light is on. go get it check out for free at like an autozone/kragen store.

if you go to an mechanic. do NOT go to a big chain store mechanic place. because they will overcharge you.

go to several small places that fix cars and ask for quote. then bargain it down with them. and act like you know whats wrong. do not act clueless.

i wish you the best.
 
Most of the recommendations given so far are useless guesses. You need to take it and have the diagnostics run and find the problem. There are sensors and relays 90% of the people don't know exists on the Lexus. You have them near the fuel tank, in the fuel system, in the intake system, in the pre-start and post-start circuits. In all the offered advice not one person suggested a fouled throttle body intake sensor (MAF/MAP) or O2 sensor.

You could go to a local parts store that will often run a code check for you. Some will. With the code check, you will be able to shop around for a mechanic that won't rip you off.

You need a professional, anything else will be throwing good money out the door.
 
excuzzzeme said:
Most of the recommendations given so far are useless guesses. You need to take it and have the diagnostics run and find the problem. There are sensors and relays 90% of the people don't know exists on the Lexus. You have them near the fuel tank, in the fuel system, in the intake system, in the pre-start and post-start circuits. In all the offered advice not one person suggested a fouled throttle body intake sensor (MAF/MAP) or O2 sensor.

You could go to a local parts store that will often run a code check for you. Some will. With the code check, you will be able to shop around for a mechanic that won't rip you off.

You need a professional, anything else will be throwing good money out the door.
Click to expand...

I agree.. this is the best course of action.
also keep in mind one other thing not mentioned(or I missed it)
Fuel filter

but with all the sensors on newer cars your best option and probably cheapest is to have it diagnosed properly.
 
Thanks everyone! I am having it towed to a Lexus mechanic tomorrow. I cant drive it to Waikiki, going down the street is a gamble now. It shakes so hard and the rpm hit 4 when I am doing 25mph! So hopefully I have some moneys left over after this!
 
Autozone, NAPA, O'reilly Auto, Checker or similar auto parts store. Ask them to help you with an OBD scan. DO NOT Take it to a dealer or mechanic to have it scanned. $$$
Even if there is no check engine light, there are probably stored trouble codes to be read.

The store employees will help you read the codes and diagnose the problems (so they can sell you parts) but it will be much cheaper than the stealership.

Sounds to me like a bad MAF, coilpack, O2 sensors...or combo of the above.

One way to check the MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor) is to start the car, and unplug the MAF sensor...if the engine smoothes out....you know the sensor is bad and needs replaced.

41148d1068851846-rx300-staggers-when-accelerated-maf_location.jpg


Here is a general diagram...the MAF should be located just above the airbox for the air filter...just unplug the connector to the sensor...run the car...will not harm the engine for this short test.
 
Location: Hawaii, Schofield Barracks.



Arent you near ANY gearheads (car junkies BTW)? maybe they could check it out, and then you could see if any mechanics,stores or dealerships say the same things? its hard for us without physically seeing hearing or feeling the car
 
unvmyplecos said:
Location: Hawaii, Schofield Barracks.



Arent you near ANY gearheads (car junkies BTW)? maybe they could check it out, and then you could see if any mechanics,stores or dealerships say the same things? its hard for us without physically seeing hearing or feeling the car
Click to expand...


Yea.. being a a girl around a barracks usually doesn't hurt either...

My Jeep was sliding down your slippery slope too. I also 2nd the AutoZone, Advanced Auto as they will help you diagnose issues that mechanics charge you for them to do..

---------------- Now playing: Jay-Z - Real As It Gets [Ft. Young Jeezy] via FoxyTunes
 
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