Hi
I recently got an error code for the oxygen sensor on bank 1 on a 2008 Lexus LS 600 LH. The guys at the dealership told me that their official manual instructs them to remove the transmission while changing it which might be an extra ~800$ (these are Eastern Europe prices).
However their mechanic told me that they might be able to change it without removing the transmission if it's not rusted or stuck badly but i should be prepared for that operation in case it is.
Is this procedure normal ? removing the transmission just to change a sensor? I'm guessing it's more than a day's work just to get it out and back on.
Well certainly not normal they should have tools to be able to deal with out taking it off they're just trying to pull a fast one on you I've never had to pull a transmission off doing one of those I have correct tools and know how to get things apart push comes the stuff you heat it up a little with a torch
understood, my question my question was somewhat more Ls600 specific because i did see the underside of the car i personally know the mechanics at the dealer, ripping me off wouldn't be the case... did the Japanese actually make different, specific instructions for europeans and amercican? :)) they did show me the manual for japanese dealers as well and that didn't involve taking of the transmission, guess we have hands bigger than they do...?
I really can't imagine the need for dropping the transmission to replace an 02 sensor. That would be a terrible engineering design.
True, but on the other hand, lexus is somewhat more premium or at least it's trying to be, here's a quick example I found out on my own some a while ago, for Apilia Aatlantic 125cc in order to replace a broken rear headlight, you had to take off the variator and transmission belt in order to get to the headlight ... (I know because i did that on my own and it was the only way ... and awful …).
The guys at the dealer did actually tell me, if there's a better wat they will try to do it, and on the other hand I seriously doubt Toyota would overcomplicate themselves with such a design .... my mind is confused :)) I don't think they're ripping me off but I don't really think they're either incompetent or they're somewhat obliged to do stuff by toyota's book ... I know earning and keeping a dealership status for a shop a nasty crusade all the time ...
This is something only expecience can tell, @scottykilmer we need you 😀