Body - Water Leak From A-Pillar/MIL ON/A-F Sensor DTC's
L-SB-0012-10January 27, 2010
Water Intrusion from A-Pillar Seam Sealer
Service Category
Vehicle Exterior
Section
Body Structure
Market
USA
Applicability
Introduction
Some North American produced 2010 model year RX 350 vehicles may exhibit water intrusion from the A-Pillar area that may be accompanied by a MIL "ON" and one or more Air Fuel Sensor related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Please use the following repair procedure to address this condition.
Production Change Information
This TSIB applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown.
Warranty Information
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
^ This repair is covered under the Lexus Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
^ Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.
Parts Information
Required Tools & Equipment
Repair Procedure
1. Confirm the water leak.
Run water over the exterior of the vehicle (near top of windshield) and check interior for water intrusion.
2. Confirm the water leak location.
A. Remove the A-pillar garnish.
2010 RX 350 vehicles with a production date of 07/2009 and earlier [steps 1 - 3]:
(1) Pull the upper part of the garnish toward the inside of the cabin and disengage the 2 clips.
(2) Cut off clip A.
(3) Disengage the 2 guides and remove the front pillar garnish.
2010 RX 350 vehicles with a production date of 08/2009 and later [steps 4 - 6]:
(4) Pull the upper part of the garnish toward the inside of the cabin and disengage the garnish from the base of the 2 clips.
(5) Turn the end of the front pillar garnish clip A 90° with needle-nosed pliers and remove it from the front pillar garnish.
HINT
Tape the tips of the needle-nosed pliers before use.
(6) Disengage the 2 guides and remove the front pillar garnish.
^ Front pillar garnish clips are reusable if they are NOT removed from the vehicle and have NO damage.
^ Replace the front pillar garnish clips with new ones if they are removed from the vehicle.
B. Run water over the roof drip molding area and inspect the interior A-pillar area for water intrusion.
3. If water is present in the interior use a plastic pry tool to disengage the front clip and remove the roof drip side finish molding on the affected side.
If water is NOT present in the interior continue diagnostics using the repair manual.
4. Clean the affected area using 3M(TM) General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner and apply body seam sealer (3M(TM) Flexiclear or equivalent) to the concern area.
5. Confirm the repair by running water over the effected area.
6. Reinstall the roof drip side molding making sure to engage the front clip.
7. Reinstall the A-Pillar garnish.
2010 RX 350 vehicles with a production date of 07/2009 and earlier [step A]:
A. Using the NEW front pillar garnish engage the 2 guides and 2 clips and then install the front pillar garnish LH.
2010 RX 350 vehicles with a production date of 08/2009 and later [steps B - E]:
B. Confirm that the front pillar garnish clip is NOT damaged.
NOTICE
^ If there is any damage, replace the garnish clip with a new one.
^ When a garnish clip is being replaced, make sure to install it in the direction shown in the illustration.
C. Engage the 2 guides.
D. Turn the end of the front pillar garnish clip 90 with needle-nosed pliers and install it to the front pillar garnish.
E. Engage the 2 clips to install the front pillar garnish.
8. Inspect the AF2 connector for corrosion and clean/repair as needed.
9. Clear all DTCs and test drive to verify the repairs.
10. If the MIL "ON" condition continues to occur after this procedure, refer to the Repair Manual for further diagnostic procedures and specifications.