Lexus Common OBD-II Codes: RX, IS, ES, NX

Lexus is Toyota’s premium division. Most Lexus engines are uprated Toyota units — 2GR-FE in RX 350, 4GR-FSE in IS 250/300, and 2AR-FXE in ES 300h. Generally very reliable, but with their own characteristic failure patterns.

2GR-FE (Lexus RX 350, GS 350): Reliable V6 with Nuances

The 2GR-FE is a 3.5-litre V6 with dual VVT-i. Fitted to RX 350 XU30/XU50, GS 350, IS 350.

P0012 / P0014 / P0022 / P0024 — VVT-i Out of Range

The 2GR-FE has 4 VVT-i phasers (one per camshaft). Codes:

• P0012: Bank 1, intake cam: retarded
• P0014: Bank 1, intake cam: advanced
• P0022: Bank 2, intake cam: retarded
• P0024: Bank 2, intake cam: advanced

Causes:

• Clogged OCV (Oil Control Valve) — there are 4 of them on this engine
• Old oil — Toyota/Lexus specifies 5W-20 (0W-20 in newer RX)
• Stretched timing chain on RX 350 XU30 with 200,000+ km

Live Data:

• VVT Angle B1 Intake and VVT Angle B2 Intake at 2,500 RPM: normal 20–35°

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P3190 / P3191 — Hybrid System: Engine Won’t Start/Inefficient (ES 300h, CT 200h)

Specific codes for Lexus hybrids (RX 450h, ES 300h, CT 200h, HS 250h).

P3190: Engine does not start in HV mode
P3191: Engine stalled in HV mode

Causes:

• HV battery degradation — individual cells with low capacity
• Failed electric water pump (EWP) on ES 300h
• Battery module contact issues

Hybrid Live Data:

• SOC (State of Charge): if < 30% constantly → battery degradation
• HV Battery Voltage Individual Cells: all cells should be equal (±0.1V); if one is 0.5V below others → cell damage
• Engine Coolant Temp (ICE) and Engine Coolant Temp (EWP): should be similar after warm-up

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Aisin A760E / A960E Transmission: Codes (RX 350, GS, IS)

Lexus uses Aisin A760E (6-speed) and A960E automatic transmissions.

Typical codes:

• P0741 — TCC Torque Converter Clutch: slip
• P0751 / P0756 — Shift solenoids S1/S2
• P0761 / P0776 — Pressure solenoids SLT/SLU

Transmission Live Data:

• ATF Temperature during extended driving: < 110°C normal; > 120°C → overheating
• TCC Status at 60 mph: Locked (engaged)
• Turbine Speed vs Engine Speed with TCC locked: difference < 50 RPM

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P0430 — Catalyst Bank 2: Below Threshold (2GR-FE)

The 2GR-FE V6 has two catalysts. P0430 indicates Bank 2 (right cylinder bank) efficiency.

Lexus specifics:

• RX 350 first gen (XU30): catalyst lasts 100,000–130,000 miles
• RX 350 second gen (XU50, 2016+): SULEV tuning; catalyst more sensitive to fuel quality

Check:

• Live Data → O2 Sensor B2S2 at steady 50 mph
• Healthy: stable ~0.65–0.75V
• Failing: oscillates in sync with O2 Sensor B2S1

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TPMS: Calibration and Codes

Lexus uses direct TPMS (individual sensor in each wheel).

Codes:

• C2157 — TPMS: sensor not responding (battery dead or sensor failed)
• C2158 — TPMS: incorrect sensor ID

After tyre/wheel change:

• TPMS Initialization required
• Live Data → TPMS Sensor ID FL/FR/RL/RR — verify IDs match installed sensors

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Pre-Collision System (PCS): Active Safety Codes

Lexus RX and NX have Pre-Collision System — automatic emergency braking.

Codes:

• B2271: PCS: radar sensor blocked or dirty
• B2272: PCS: camera: incorrect signal

Important: If PCS sensor shows a fault → Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning also disable. Cause: dirty windscreen (camera) or snow/mud on radar (front bumper).

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Summary Table

Model	Engine	Top Codes
RX 350 XU30/50	2GR-FE V6	P0012/P0022 VVT, P0430
IS 250/300	4GR-FSE V6	P0014 VVT, P0300 carbon
ES 300h	2AR-FXE + HV	P3190 hybrid, P0012
NX 200t	8AR-FTS	P0016 VVT, P0299 turbo
RX 450h	2GR-FXE V6 HV	P0A80 HV battery

Lexus is generally more reliable than most competitors in its segment. Key to longevity: 0W-20 oil, change every 5,000–7,000 miles, and use quality fuel. Hybrid models additionally benefit from motorway driving to balance battery cell charge.

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