Q: My “Maintenance Required” light came on. How soon do I have to come in?
A: What are you doing looking up this question? Come in immediately!!! ….Only kidding! When you’re approaching your 5,000 mile service mark (or a subsequent interval), this light will blink several times when you start up the engine as a reminder to schedule an appointment. Once the light remains on, you can drive safely for approximately 500 miles, but should come in as soon as you have time.
Q:I have an “engine and trac light off” light on my dash, what does this mean?
A: A sensor in your vehicle has detected that there is something out of balance. You will need to bring in your vehicle to be inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Q: My tire light is on, what do I do?
A: Our Service Consultant, Sammy Ayala, walks you through what to do in the event your tire light comes on:
Q: Why does my tire light come on even though I already checked my tire pressure?
A: Always be sure to check your spare tire, as it too has a sensor.
TIRES
Q: Why do my tires wear out so quickly on my Lexus?
A: Lexus chooses tires that will be suit your vehicle in terms of quietness and comfort. If you do not rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, or do not keep them properly inflated, this can cause premature wear.Additionally, the IS 250 and IS 350 are equipped with staggered tires, which cannot rotated, so your tires do not wear evenly.
Q: How often should I balance and align my tires?
A: This service only needs to be performed if, while driving, you experience a vibration in the steering wheel at certain speeds or if you’re fighting the steering to keep the vehicle straight (provided that the road is straight J)
SERVICE INTERVALS
Q: Though my owner’s manual says my Lexus needs an oil change every 10,000 miles, you recommend I take my car in for service every 5,000. Why is that?
A: While your oil will last for an average of 10,000 miles, the higher the mileage on your Lexus, the more worn each of its components. Our 5k maintenance service is a “check-up” for your vehicle, designed to catch any minor issues before they become major ones. We know our customers have busy lives, and the last thing we want is for them to get stranded somewhere on the way to work or vacation.
The service includes a thorough multi-point inspection and a tire rotation --- to ensure your tires are properly inflated and wearing evenly, prolonging their life, your safety on the road, and your car’s fuel economy.
Q: When are my major services performed and what do each involve?
A: Major services are performed every 30,000 miles, and involve:
Oil and oil fiter change
Brake fluid change
Engine air filter replacement
A/C cabin filter replacement
Tire rotation
Multi-point inspection
Additionally, at 60,000 intervals, spark plugs will also need to be replaced on certain models (including the LS, IS, and GS).
RECALLS
Q: Do I have to pay for recall work performed on my vehicle?
A: Absolutely not. If you vehicle has a current recall – no matter the year of your vehicle –Lexus will perform the work at no charge to you.
CONNECTIVITY
BLUETOOTH
Q: Why does my mobile phone no longer make calls via Bluetooth in my Lexus?
A: There is a possibility your phone needs to be reset: deleting the phone from the navigation system and the Bluetooth connection from your phone, removing your phone’s battery and re-pairing the two.
DCH Lexus of Oxnard Service Consultant Phuong Pham demonstrates how to pair your cell phone and Lexus navigation system via Bluetooth in this step-by-step video:
Q: How do I connect the garage door opener to my Lexus?
A: Follow these steps: 1) This is best done right outside your garage, with your key in the ignition and turned to the accessory II position. Your door will be opening and closing, so ensure that no people or pets are in the vicinity. Depending on your Lexus model, you will find three numbered buttons on either your dome light or on the rearview mirror. If you already have other devices programmed , skip to step 3.
2) Once you locate these, hold #1 and #3 at the same time and wait for red light indicator to flash rapidly (about 20 seconds), then release buttons.
3) Then push the number you want programmed, simultaneously pushing and holding your garage door opener remote button and until the light flashes rapidly.Your door should then open when pressing your preset number. You can repeat this process with up to two other remotely controlled devices, beginning with this step.
If this does not work, or only lasts for a short period of time, it is likely that your garage door opener uses what is called a rolling-code, and you will need to call Lexus HomeLink at 1800-355-3515 to walk you through the setup process.
SMELLS
Q: Why is there a strange odor emanating from my vents?
A: It is likely that your A/C filter is dirty, or that you are not using your Lexus’ fresh-air mode enough.
A more detailed explanation: over time, the dirt and debris that your filter prevents from entering your vehicle builds up and in combination with condensation can breed bacteria and mold---commonly known as mildew. In a similar vein, if you are constantly recirculating the air in your car, it may become stale, resulting in the smell.
Q: What if the smell persists after changing my air filter?
A: You can try running the heater on high for a few minutes to kill any bacteria that may be lingering in the areas around the new filter. If this does not resolve your issue, the dirt and/or debris may be deep-seated, requiring a deeper cleaning. You may want to consider having a deodorization of your car’s ducts and A/C box to eliminate bad odors.
KEY BATTERY
Q: How do I start my Lexus if the battery in my remote is dead?
A: There is a trick! Service Consultant Cynthia Martinez teaches you here :
1)Slide the metal key out from your key fob.
2)Remove cap from drive’s door to expose key cylinder.
3)Insert key into cylinder and unlock door.
4)Step on brake and hold through the end of step 6.
5)Place the back side of the key fob near the engine start/stop button.
6)Indicator light turns green, push start/stop button to ignite engine.
7)Replace your battery asap (DCH Lexus of Oxnard Parts department has batteries, and will be happy to install them for you. If you want to replace the battery yourself, please see the video below).
Q: Why is there a message on my speedometer that says “key not detected”?
A: The battery in your Key Fob needs to be replaced. Our service consultant, Spencer Joseph, shows you how to replace your Lexus key remote battery in this in this handy video:
NAVIGATION
Q: Why do the navigation buttons on my navigation screen “gray out” at times?
A: For safety, Lexus has designed certain navigation and Bluetooth options to automatically disable while you are driving. If you pull-over and park, they will become re-enabled.
