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

Just a thought, not trying to pry, but you say your Hubby is away - are any of his buddies around that could help? When my Dad was out to sea my Mom would call one his friends or a sympathetic neighbor to address any issues that she needed help with. Plates of big ol' cookies or brownies work wonders on a mans desire to help. Get your car accurately diagnosed by a pro, but don't let them do the repair. There are soooooo many things that can malfunction on a modern vehicle, then call on the neighbor / friend to do the muscle. Feed him and thank him. It could save a bundle. You could also look to a local school or votech that has an auto shop, sometimes they will do the work for free - you pay for parts. If they don't the shop teacher (my all time hero) might turn you on to a student that would like a little extra income. Post an ad on craigslist looking for a hired gun to do the muscle after you know the problem. There HAS to be some guy out there with a big heart and a desire to help. Hope everything works out.
 
If you are in the Barracks - check to see if there is a motor pool on base. Some dude there WILL help you out. My Dad took me there as a kid, showed me around and let me know that if anything happened while he was away that it was an option where Mom wasn't going to get screwed. Just another thought. Military looks out for each other.
 
I agree with trashman. Military always looks out for one another especially when a spouse is deployed. You can speak with your hubby's First Sgt/Family Support Center has programs to help pay $$$ that some officer & enlisted folks just don't have. Also the auto hobby shop on base should have someone that works on cars, usually a mechanic from the motorpool trying to make a few bucks on the side. Talk to folks in your hubbys squadron/unit (I know--I am using Air Force terms and they are Army--sorry.) for a word of mouth recommendation for repairs or ideas.
 
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.
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:iagree: i changed the plugs, one of the coils, and the air filter before i left. one of our neighbors did a couple of the belts after i left cuz i had no time. my check engine light came on not long before i left due to the fuel running too lean in bank 1. my dad (a very good mechanic who works for toyota) told me that it was probably because of bad gas. i cant say what the problem is but i am pretty sure it is stemming from that. or maybe the guy that did the belts didnt exactly know what he was doing.

all i know is that brandy, yes you, NEED to call my dad after the shop tells you what is wrong with it. i dont feel much like getting ripped off cuz you are too scared to talk to him. he wont mind. in fact, he will probably appreciate it. i cant do it from iraq.
i love you and the kids. miss you all very much. september isnt that far away.
 
Bubbles2112 said:
I agree with trashman. Military always looks out for one another especially when a spouse is deployed. You can speak with your hubby's First Sgt/Family Support Center has programs to help pay $$$ that some officer & enlisted folks just don't have. Also the auto hobby shop on base should have someone that works on cars, usually a mechanic from the motorpool trying to make a few bucks on the side. Talk to folks in your hubbys squadron/unit (I know--I am using Air Force terms and they are Army--sorry.) for a word of mouth recommendation for repairs or ideas.
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i would be okay with that if there were any competent mechanics in my motorpool. i work on helicopters and i know more about cars than they do. its sad. also i tend to be picky about who works on my car considering what i have seen some people do to cars that they "fix". she is gonna have it towed to a lexus shop tomorrow so hopefully they will take care of it without doing all of the unnecessary things that some shops try to get away with.
 
ch-47 soldier said:
:iagree: i changed the plugs, one of the coils, and the air filter before i left. one of our neighbors did a couple of the belts after i left cuz i had no time. my check engine light came on not long before i left due to the fuel running too lean in bank 1. my dad (a very good mechanic who works for toyota) told me that it was probably because of bad gas. i cant say what the problem is but i am pretty sure it is stemming from that. or maybe the guy that did the belts didnt exactly know what he was doing.

all i know is that brandy, yes you, NEED to call my dad after the shop tells you what is wrong with it. i dont feel much like getting ripped off cuz you are too scared to talk to him. he wont mind. in fact, he will probably appreciate it. i cant do it from iraq.
i love you and the kids. miss you all very much. september isnt that far away.
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No idea what the story is..but now is the not the time for any past differences stop you from talking your father-in-law. Might hurt at first, but simply saying "I need your help" can change things.. Trust your family.
 
If the engine was running lean it is almost likely an O2 sensor. A lean condition will cause a mis-fire. Bad fuel is one culprit and so is water in the fuel. Either way this screams for professional diagnosis. Lexus had a problem with the mass flow sensor and the throttle body sensor so unless they have been replaced you will nedd diagnostic code interpretation.
 
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...
You didn't read my post:)
I'll put money on it not being the O2 sensor. They are emission control devices that don't really do **** until the car is holding a steady RPM. MAP sensor is post throttle body too btw.

I totally agree with the diagnostic checks though.
 
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