2012 Lexus IS 250 Technical Service Bulletins

216 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Lexus IS 250. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10132127Oct 25, 2013Equipment. This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-13.
• 10132125Oct 25, 2013Equipment. Lexus models equipped with Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation require a Special Service Tool and follow a unique process for updating map, points of interest, and system software. Instead of individual DVDs installed into the vehicle, all Map Data is uploaded directly to the HDD system. Map Data will be released annually through the direct shipment of two Map Data DVDs to each dealership service manager. The annual…
• 10205128Oct 24, 2013Equipment. Navigation System Firmware Improvement (Generation 6)
• 10132145Oct 24, 2013Equipment. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone or they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
• 10132144Oct 24, 2013Electrical system, Equipment. MY 2013 Gen 7 navigation systems use a USB SST to update the firmware and map. MY 2014 IS and GX models incorporate a Gen 8 navigation system that uses a USB stick to update the firmware ONLY. Refer to the chart below for a comprehensive list of all current and previously issued USB SSTs and their applicability.
• 10132124Oct 24, 2013Equipment, Electrical system. Navigation firmware has been updated to allow updating map to version 10.1 or later. Updated navigation system software has also been developed to remedy these conditions. Use the following procedure to address these conditions.
• 10132119Oct 4, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2006 ? 2012 model year IS 250 and 2010 ? 2012 model year IS 250C vehicles equipped with manual transmission may exhibit a squeak or grinding noise from the transmission when releasing the clutch in gear. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10132117Oct 4, 2013Equipment. This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0072-14
• 10132142Oct 3, 2013Engine. Starting with the 2010 Model Year, Lexus began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil
• 10132146Oct 2, 2013Equipment, Engine cooling. If a customer states there is an unpleasant odor in the vehicle from the HVAC system, there are various factors that may be involved.
• 10132108Oct 1, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
• 10205381Sep 27, 2013Equipment. Intermittent Audio from Podcasts on iPhones Running iOS 7.0
• 10132193Sep 27, 2013Electrical system. Some customers may report the following conditions with the Podcast application on iPhones running iOS 7.0 and later: While playing a podcast the system will jump to the next podcast Podcast will intermittently restart at the beginning of the current podcast
• 10205380Sep 26, 2013Equipment. How to play itunes radio using the vehicle's Audio System
• 10205379Sep 26, 2013Equipment. Characteristics of Facetime Audio Calls using - All 2012-2014 My Models
• 10132192Sep 26, 2013Electrical system, Equipment. iTunes Radio is a new feature for iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S, and 5C running iOS 7 or later. This feature does work with the in-vehicle audio system either via Bluetooth or by USB cable. Details on how to access this feature are described below.
• 10132191Sep 26, 2013Equipment. Customers using iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S, or 5C running iOS 7.0 or later now have the ability to make Facetime Audio calls (no video). When a customer is paired by Bluetooth Hands Free and they make a Facetime Audio call the vehicle radio will treat it as a typical Bluetooth phone call. Because Facetime works differently than a typical phone call, the in-vehicle experience may not meet the customer?s expectations.
• 10132152Sep 24, 2013Exterior lighting. Some 2011 ? 2013 model year IS 250/350/250C/350C and IS F vehicles equipped with HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights may exhibit a paint bubbling/wrinkling condition on top of the LED strip within one or both of the headlight housings. Newly designed headlight units have been developed to address this condition. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to install the updated headlight units.
• 10205378Sep 13, 2013Equipment. When an iPhone is linked to the vehicle through Bluetooth, activation of the microphone on the iPhone will result in the vehicle display showing that an outgoing call is being made.
• 10205307Sep 13, 2013Equipment. XM Re-Registration with Radio Unit Swap 2010-2014 Models with Satellite Radio
• 10132190Sep 13, 2013Equipment. To receive satellite radio functions after the initial trial period has expired, the customer must enter into a contract with XM Satellite Radio Inc. After entering into a contract, registration of an 8-digit XM Radio ID is required. This 8-digit XM Radio ID is found by turning to channel ?0? of the satellite radio.
• 10205340Sep 12, 2013Equipment, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). HVAC Odor Maintenance
• 10132176Sep 12, 2013Equipment. Some 2006 ? 2014 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit odors naturally occurring from the HVAC system and/or related environmental factors. Although there is no way to eliminate these odors, follow the General Procedure in this bulletin to minimize the odors experienced.
• 10205377Aug 27, 2013Equipment. XM Re-Registration with Radio Unit Swap 2010-2014 Models with Satellite Radio
• 10205371Aug 22, 2013Equipment. Navigation and Audio System Update/ Upgrade USB Directory.
• 10205359Aug 6, 2013Engine. Oil Viscosity Applicability and Cfhange Interval Guide
• 10205376Jul 31, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Window and Windshield kProduct Report Tips - Multiple Vehicles
• 10132278Jul 31, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Tips for writing a DPR (Dealer Product Report) on manufacturing issues for windows and windshields.
• 10132276Jul 25, 2013Equipment. Certain service publications, Technical Service Bulletins, Service Campaign Technical Instructions and Service & Parts Operation Communication Bulletins may reference specifically required adhesives and sealants
• 10132273Jul 2, 2013Tires, Equipment. Prior to tire rotation use the quick reference chart below to verify the size of the lug nut and the lug nut torque specifications. The quick reference chart is applicable to current generation vehicles only.
• 10132310Apr 23, 2013Equipment. Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to keep vehicles factory fresh and ready for delivery. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part degradation due to extended vehicle storage conditions. Long-term storage can affect a vehicle?s systems and components. Any problems that are found should be corrected immediately.
• 10205358Apr 10, 2013Engine. Oil Viscosity Applicability and Cfhange Interval Guide
• 10132323Apr 10, 2013Engine. Starting with the 2010 Model Year, Lexus began a gradual transition to the use of synthetic 0w-20 viscosity engine oil. There are multiple benefits of this oil
• 10132326Apr 9, 2013Air bags. A recent review of our records indicated that your Safety Connect system is not active and needs to be activated in order for services to work.
• 10132307Apr 9, 2013Equipment. Lexus models equipped with Hard Disk Drive Navigation may have their map data, Compact Disc Database, and navigation head unit software updated using the Navigation Update Tool and the HDD Navigation Programs Installer.
• 10132305Apr 5, 2013Equipment. Navigation firmware has been updated to allow updating map to version 10.1 or later. Updated navigation system software has also been developed to remedy these conditions. Use the following procedure to address these conditions.
• 10132304Apr 5, 2013Equipment. Lexus models equipped with the Premium HDD Navigation (AVN/AW-EMV) System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB drive to update the map, points of interest, Gracenote, and system software. The SST is used with all the vehicles to deliver the update, however a unique Activation Number is required for each vehicle.
• 10132322Apr 3, 2013Equipment. Since MY 2012 several different update or upgrade USB SSTs have been issued for Lexus audio and navigation systems. Refer to the chart below for a comprehensive list of all current and previously issued USB SSTs and their applicability.
• 10132302Apr 2, 2013Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Back-over prevention (rear camera). If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top or bottom of the windshield, the source of the noise may be the two windshield stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield or the windshield retainers bonded to the lower edge of the windshield. This bulletin provides the recommended repair procedure to eliminate these types of noises from the windshield area.
• 10133805Mar 20, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2010 ? 2012 model year IS 250 and IS 250C vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions may exhibit a MIL ?ON? condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P014C, P014D, P014E, or P014F present. The Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified to reduce the possibility of this condition occurring. Use the following procedure to reprogram the ECM (PCM).
• 10061684Mar 20, 2013Transmission and drivetrain. Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10133866Feb 27, 2013Electrical system. Navigation/ Multi Info Display Day Mode Operation
• 10205365Feb 25, 2013Electrical system. Vehicle no start, Start Stop Run Button LED - Lexus Models with Smart Key with LED
• 10133865Feb 25, 2013Steering. The vehicle will not start or ready-on and the steering wheel lock is engaged so that the steering wheel may only be turned very little from side-to-side.
• 10205319Feb 21, 2013Brakes. Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
• 10133849Feb 21, 2013Equipment, Brakes. A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
• 10205312Feb 19, 2013Electrical system. Theft Deterrent/Keyless Entry.
• 10133846Feb 19, 2013Equipment. Some customers may inquire about the frequency and power output of the Smart Key/Smart Entry systems used on various models. The Smart Key/Smart Entry systems conform to all applicable FCC rules. This bulletin details the applicable specifications for these systems.
• 10133873Feb 13, 2013Body and structure. As previously communicated in December 2012, Lexus discovered that the trunk release lever handle in some model vehicles can break if not pulled in the direction specified on the handle. The part has been changed in production and parts have been prepared to support a product update for existing customer vehicles.
• 10133872Feb 13, 2013Body and structure. As previously communicated in December 2012, Lexus discovered that the trunk release lever handle in some model vehicles can break if not pulled in the direction specified on the handle. The part has been changed in production and parts have been prepared to support a product update for existing customer vehicles.

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