'19 Lexus LC Hybrid Experiencing Power Loss, Black Smoke and Unusual Noises: Potential Charge Air Temperature Sensor Issue?

Hey! I totally feel your struggle here. Something similar happened to my '16 Lexus LS just a few months back, also sitting at about 20K KM on the dashboard. Could hardly keep the power up on the highways and, same as you, my MPG was dropping like a stone. Not to mention that creepy whistle coming from the engine. Turns out, it was my engine control unit (ECU) acting all funny. I know, sounds complicated, right? I thought I was done for, that my whole engine had packed up on me. But this actually just means some part of the software controlling your car's functions is on the blink. It controls everything from your engine's efficiency to how it handles emissions. Take it to a garage with a good reputation for diagnostics. They'll probably need to hook your car up to a software to read the mechanic's jargon coming out from your ECU - my last garage did the same. And yes, like you suspected, there could be an issue with your charge air temperature sensor too, it’s pretty common when the ECU is on the fritz. Just remember to stand your ground. Use this info when you deal with the new mechanic. And don't let 'em take you for a ride, alright? Good luck!

Whoa, thanks for jumping in I'm really grateful for the tip. You've just described my worst nightmare with your '16 Lexus LS scenario - I can totally relate! It's like déjà vu with the underpowered drives and plummeting MPG. As for the engine control unit (ECU), yeah it’s sorta giving me the jitters. But hey, that’s why we're here sharing, right? I'm seriously considering finding a decent service garage for diagnosis, like you suggested. Sounds like an ECU issue can hide behind a broken charge air temperature sensor, that's a major learning here. Speaking of diagnostics, do you by any chance remember your service bill, you know, how much you had to cough up for getting the ECU fixed? And has anything else cropped up with the car since you got this done? Any other surprises I should be bracing myself for? Thanks again appreciate it!

Heya glad my rambling could be of some use! About that daunting ECU issue, turns out the repair didn't drill a hole as deep as I feared it might in my pocket. Sure enough, it wasn't exactly dirt cheap either - had to shell out about a grand, €1000.00 to be precise, to get the darned thing fixed. As for other surprises, thankfully, the repair chaps did a rather decent job and aside from the usual maintenance and tune-ups, nothing drastic has come up. Importantly, the Charge air temperature sensor malfunction I was fretting over seems to have been sorted too after seeing the mechanic. So fingers crossed, nothing disastrous on the horizon yet! When you take yours in, make sure you convey all the symptoms as detailed as you can. That'd help them testing the right bits. Hope it all goes well for you! And remember, keep a keen eye out for any dodgy recommendations, don't let them pull a fast one on ya!

You, my are a true lifesaver! Can't tell you how reassuring it is to have a ballpark figure, like that €1000.00 you mentioned for the ECU fix. Eases the suspense a bit, knowing what I might be up against cost-wise. Sounds like you've really navigated those mechanic waters skillfully, not having any more unpleasant surprises sneak up on you post the ECU and charge air temperature sensor fix. Fingers crossed for me too, hope my journey follows a similar path. Your tips are gem! Rest assured, I'll be as detailed as I can with the symptoms, won't let them overlook any corners. And definitely, no dodgy games! Thanks for backing me up, appreciate the support big time – and the camaraderie, even more. Stay awesome and safe travels!