2006 Lexus GS Hybrid Exhibiting Black Smoke, Engine Issues, and Power Loss: Seeking Advice

Hey! I feel you. I have a '12 Lexus ES Hybrid and faced something similar-ish a while back. It wasn't the air mass sensor, though, but the cable harness that had taken a beating. Even though there were some similarities, my baby was also throwing black smoke and that check engine light was as stubborn as a mule, but the idling and stalling was the main pain. It was a decent size job, not gonna lie. The garage had to remove and replace the damaged harness, along with some cleaning and repairing work. It was a solid mess, but after a few days, the car was running like a charm again. So, maybe it's the same issue for your Lexus too? I’d recommend taking it back to the garage but tell them to check the cable harness. Make sure they're not just tinkering around. But remember every car behaves differently. What worked on my '09 ES may not be the same for your '06 GS. Best of luck, dude. Hope it turns out less of a headache for you.

Hey! Really appreciate you taking the time to share! Your experience got me wondering if it's the same case for my GS. Yeah, it's not exactly the same symptoms, but the cable harness issue does sound possible, considering the mess my ride's been lately! Just out of curiosity, do you recall how much it set you back to sort this out at the garage? And since the repair, has any other issue popped up or was that the end of your car givin' you gyp? Fingers crossed it all goes smooth for me too. Cheers for the advice!

Hey! Good to hear back from you. Yeah, fixing up the cable harness did cost a bit, but it wasn't gonna fix itself, right? I parted with 95€ to get it all smooth and running again. And you know what, it sorted out more than just one problem. Since the mechanic had a good look at the car, he found the defect in the air mass sensor that we fixed. So, your hunch might not be too far off! Since then, she's been driving like a dream, no new problems have cropped up. Rooting for you, dude! Hope your GS Hybrid gives you no more fuss. Always here if you have more questions. Chill!

Thanks, dude! Really helped to get your perspective on it. That rough 95€ is definitely a number to kick around, but if it goes toward fixing this mess, I'll just deal. And hey, bonus points for not having any new issues since then with your Lexus. I'm hoping to have the same luck. I think I'm leaning toward taking it to the mechanic and bringing up this cable harness thing specifically. Also, won't forget to mention the air mass sensor hunch. You've kinda given me a better idea of what to ask and expect. Seriously, big thanks for your help! Fingers crossed it all works out well. Take it easy.