2023 Lexus RC350 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2023 Lexus RC350: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2023 Lexus RC350 has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2023 Lexus RC350 has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2023 Lexus RC350?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2023 Lexus RC350, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify the issue effectively. Start by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning light. Next, examine your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings that might indicate other underlying problems. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; it allows you to retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, providing specific insights into the issue at hand. Additionally, perform a visual inspection of components under the hood, such as spark plugs, wires, and hoses, looking for any signs of wear or damage. Don't forget to consult your owner's manual for tailored guidance related to your vehicle. If these steps do not lead to a resolution, or if the problem appears complex, seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or dealership is advisable to ensure proper diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and potentially save on repair costs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2023 Lexus RC350?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2023 Lexus RC350, it can be a source of concern for any driver. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; if it’s loose or damaged, it can disrupt the vehicle's evaporative emissions system, leading to the light's illumination. Another common culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency and increase emissions, often detected by the onboard diagnostics system. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can also trigger the check engine light, as this component plays a vital role in reducing harmful emissions. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can further complicate matters by disrupting the air-fuel mixture, affecting engine performance. Lastly, worn or faulty spark plugs can cause engine misfires, resulting in the light turning on. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the vehicle's performance and preventing further damage, so if the check engine light is illuminated, it’s wise to conduct a thorough inspection or consult a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2023 Lexus RC350?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2023 Lexus RC350, it signals a potential issue that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to a cascade of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and performance degradation, which may ultimately result in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can pinpoint the issue. This initial diagnosis can help you determine whether the problem is something manageable, like a loose gas cap, or more serious, such as engine misfires or emissions system failures. While some issues may seem minor, neglecting them can exacerbate the situation, leading to significant engine damage or safety risks. Therefore, it is crucial to act swiftly; even if you plan to tackle the repairs yourself, understanding the urgency of the check engine light can guide your next steps and ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition.

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