Lexus LS 400/LS 430

allan441

nskod

Message number 4769 tells you how to install the updated DVD.

pat

to the message with the updated DVD installation instructions:

flint350, "Lexus LS" #4769, 8 Oct 2003 10:50 pm

feverhart

What ever happened to flint350? I miss your input and your helpful info. It's been a year and a half since the last communication. Hurry back.

ljflx

Same for me. I miss Flint as well.

rennybosch

In those days, there was also nofeer -- haven't heard from him (or her?) either.

ljflx

also Nealm1 - who was a great poster.

ljflx

Finally some bluetooth phones besides the V710, including a new Motorola E version and an LG that looks real good. If anyone has any experience with the LG or new Moto (with or w/o Verizon wireless), please post.

sidgriggs

I have the Motorola Razr (Cingular) and it works really well with my 04 LS. What I really like is that now the signal strength meter on the nav screen works-- it didn't with my Nokia 6310i. Of course, I didn't have to load the phonebook into the car, so I am not sure how that functions with the Razr. Still have several friends with verizon who can't get their V710 to work properly!

ckelly14

I searched this forum and couldn't find the exact answer to these questions, so here goes:

1. The brochure says that perforated leather was required for cooled/heated seats. However, the premium package includes climate-controlled seats but no perforated leather. My understanding was that you needed custom or ultra lux for perforated seats. Can you have climate-controlled seats with modern lux only, and standard leather?

2. I understand the nav was upgraded in 2004, including both software and hardware. Is it the same system as in the GS? The nav doesn't seem to have the resolution of the GS.

ljflx

Not sure but I think Lexus may be using oerforated seats on all LS models. But the ultra always had a better grade of leather and the custom lux has that leather as an option.

The GS is a 2006 and maybe it already has the nav that the LS will get in 2006..

niceputt

I'd like to post my thanks for this lawyer jarring me back into reality and forgetting about initiating an expensive and time consuming law suit. I bought a new 2004 LS430. NAV would not work properly. Bad routing. Takes me 40-70 miles out of the way on trips of 300-400 miles, and actually routes me in a completely opposite direction for up to three miles (so far) in urban areas. Happened in LA area once and went on for three miles until I ran into a dead end, then it directed a U-turn and back the way I had come). This is not difficult to catch when in your local area but when in a strange city it makes for awful times. There are also several other bugs. I reported to the local dealer several times with no action for about ten months. At that time they said it was out of their hands...they could do nothing without Lexus Consumer Division authorizing it. So I wrote Lexus a lengthy letter detailing the problem. After approximately a month I received a call from a Lexus rep. He said he had been working diligently on my problem but had a few questions to ask. "Sure, go ahead". His question was..."Have you attempted to work this out with your local dealer first?" I was dumbfounded...a full page of my letter described how I had attempted to resolve this with the dealer. I asked the rep.."Have you read the letter?" He said "Uhh..well...actually, no." He said he would work on the matter and get back to me. Nothing more was heard from Lexus until several months later when I got a voice mail saying a new revised DVD had been issued and I should have the dealer install it. Free. I did, and the problem continued. A dealer customer service lady called me after the installation to ask if I was pleased with the service. I said I was not, that the DVD revision had not solved my NAV problem. She was shocked.."Oh my, well, I'm really sorry, I'll let someone know." That was the last I've heard of from dealer or Lexus and that was about 7 months ago. I am really fried over this. As you know, the package with NAV is thousands of dollars and Lexus did not deliver. I've already discussed this with an attorney and was about ready to file when I read the earlier post here by the attorney. Good advice. I'm just going to put it behind me and although this is my fourth Lexus and it is otherwise a fine car, I am likely done with them. I'll be looking closely at BMW and MB next year.

anthonyp

I can not understand how this could happen....I gather you live here in the United States and if you were on the west coast ,they have some of the larger dealerships...I wonder if you were to actually call them on the telephone---headquarters--if thing were not to go along more quickly and positively..I have been a long time Lexus owner and any of my problems have been dealt with very quickly.....I must admit the navigation leaves a little to be desired, but nothing like you describe..You are very patient to have lived with this for such a long time...Tony

rgsw

I assume that you have the setup done correctly on the perameters of your nav system. I noted that my 05 would not route me via the Turner Turnpike, but routed me down the parallel two lane highway. I got to checking my nav system set up and found that it came from the factory with Toll Roads excepted. Once I selected to allow toll roads, it worked fine. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and hope that you have checked your settings. I also believe I read that the nav system does not take the place of common sense and awareness of your map situation. I have noted that changes to the interstate on ramps have changed and the nav system is still using the old on ramp. Good Luck.

tomzpri

fyi...Toyota and Honda just got caught inflating horsepower numbers and are being forced to come clean and report the true HP numbers.

LS just got downgraded to 278 HP.

Toyota, Honda inflated claims of engine muscle; new tests force automakers to come clean with buyers.

garyh1

If my post helped you put your issues in a better perspective, that's great. Certainly law suits are not the answer to every problem.

On the other hand, I am not advocating living with a problem if there is ANY practical way to improve it. I agree with rgsw, and I also have had some very frustrating experiences on the highway from unintentionally getting some weird parameters entered into the NAV settings (like "Avoid All Highways", so it tried to get me to exit at every exit ramp that I passed!). But I have also experienced some bizarre directions similar to what you described from time to time. For example, it always wants to take me around the whole block when starting out from my own office.

I know from a post back in December that rgsw got a free upgrade to NAV version 4.2. Is that - or a later one - the version you were given as the update?

michael_mattox

Tomspri:

That is interesting...I would note that the Now 278 HP LS does 0-60 in 5.9 Sec...Yet the 335 HP S class does 0-60 in 6.1 SEC....

I guess this problem must be across the board....

anthonyp

I still do not understand why your dealer ==service department, or advisor==does not take an interest in the problem? It is my undestanding that they have a computer that does the diagnostic stuff and if it senses something wrong they put a new one in and send the old one back so they can figure out what went wrong with the old one...In fact I would hope any dealer would look out for their customer..Tony

oac

Sounds to me that USA Today writer forgets what the difference is between the new SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) rating scheme, and the old *estimated* HP ratings. Does it matter whether you downsize the HP if the speed itself is unaffected ??? Like Michael mentioned, the LS430 still do a sub-6s going from 0-60 be it 278HP or 290HP. The torque will still be at or above 300Ib ft. which is super important to passing on freeways. HP ain't the be-all....

tomzpri

I believe the relevant issue is, a reputable company should deliver what they advertise, IMO.

Remember what happened to Hyundai/Kia when their Horsepower was off by 4%, they gave cash back or extended warranties to their owners.

"Horsepower was misstated and I think we're obligated to come forward and correct the record," Hyundai of America Chief Executive Officer Finbarr O'Neill told reporters. "It has no impact on the safety or reliability of the vehicles."

Too bad Lexus does not follow Hyundai and Kia, and do whats right for the consumer, especially for the Lexus ES and RX owners who are getting more than 10% fewer HP than was advertised.

gee35coupe

It clearly statea that the horsepower was correct according to the procedures in place at that time. Not a very hard concept to grasp. Last years cars were advertising the correct horsepower according to last years measurements.

This year they changed the way they measure the horsepower so they changed the numbers. What should be more suspect are the cars that are choosing NOT to remeasure the output. In fact honda and Toyota are being MORE straight up with the numbers by restating the true hp using the new methods.

In Hyundai's case they couldn't get the numbers using the methods in place at THAT time so they had to own up to it. I'm sure if you dynod your 2005 Lexus using the methods in place for 2005, you'll get the advertised number. What's the problem?

flkey

gee35, right on. They
changed the 'rating parameters', not the engine's performance, eh.?
COCOON

niceputt

Hi, I'm answering questions for details on the lack of response by Lexus re my NAV. I bought the car new and reside in San Jose, California. I am very familiar with operation of he Lexus NAV, this is my fourth Lexus. I have been as loyal a Lexus customer as one could reasonably ask for (probably responsible for a dozen referral purchases) but as I said earlier, I think I may be done with them for my next car. Lexus personnel have always been stellar when it comes to cookies in the waiting room, a smile and handshake, and quick/competent service on all my relatively minor requests. This is the first time during my ownership of 4 Lexus' (LS400, RX300, LX470, LS430) that I have attempted a major correction. It is with these significant issues that shows how much depth a company's customer service has. And, as I wrote earlier, the dealer states they are unable to do anything "without approval by Lexus" and Lexus has not responded beyond their initial courteous 'follow-up' contacts.

stomp32

When I contacted Lexus customer service with my issue, they replied that unfortunately, my problem did not have anything to do directly with the car. They assured me that if it had, they would have moved promptly to fix it. Your story tells me otherwise. Yes, these are two isolated? incidents, but I truly believe they are indicative of the direction Lexus is heading. Staying at the top is sometimes harder than getting there.

Like you, I think that my 05 LS will be my last Lexus.

bigrobnh

with all due respect niceputt and stomp32 but if you are not satisifed with Lexus quality and service I'd like to know where you plan on turning. I think putt mentioned going to BMW or MB. As an owner of E320 I can only predict that you'd have hung yourself by now. On top of the additional x% cost (and associated elevated expectations) you'd have experienced way more issues...probably of real mechanical or electrical nature that actually disable your vehicle. Then, when your dealer lets you down, you'll STILL hear the "each dealership is independantly owned and operated line" when you contact corporate.

Car owners are in a real no win situation. They are mechanical things and there will be problems. The key is the quality of the car to help limit the possiblities of issues THEN the support you receive from the dealership. If you think you're going to have FEWER problems with a BMW or a MB (or an Audi or Cadillac or what have you) I honestly don't know what to say.

Regards,
BigRob.

edspider1

My 2001 LS experience was perfect so I bought 2004 LS. I only kept it for about 18 months and then traded it for the new M from Infinity. Mostly I was bored, but I also felt a drop in the ownership experience. I was a little nervous as I was skeptical about Infiniti build and service, but I took the risk because my Lexus loyalty was watered down.

The M is smaller and sportier than the LS. It's really more like the GS. It is not as quiet or silky as the LS. But boy is it fun to drive. I don't miss the LS at all. The fit and finish are fine. I had the Ultra option on my LS and by getting the premium option, all I lost were folding mirrors and self closing door and trunk. But I gained push button start, rear room DVD player. The Infinity NAV is so much nicer than the LS and more accurate, too. Everything just works on the M.

I wouldn't get near any other Infinity model, but the M really rocks. Check it out.

anthonyp

I trying to buy a new car I have been exposed to several new dealer experiences in the last month or so.. First I needed to get a new battery in the three and ten month old ls...They fixed the breaks(there had been a bulletin) and also replaced the battery, washed the car as usual and there was no charge, and I didn`t ask for any help...Secondly I got a run around at bmw after spending three days trying to buy a new car.....You have never heard so many shenaging and stories and excuses about what happened when I went to pick up the new car(check in hand) needless to say a dissapointing series of events----and further to rub salt in the wound ---they would not honor what had been agreed to....Next to another( Audi)dealership, and as things stand right now, the experience has been pleasant and I further have met the service advisor who seemed to be a nice person, although I haven`t purchased a car.....The reason I am getting a different brand is that Lexus won`t have one for a little more than a year....I figure I`l keep the new car about three years......Tony

stomp32

I believe that Lexus feels exactly as you do, and that is the problem. Having achieved this level of success, they might not be as inclined to go the extra mile or simply to do the right thing.

Most people here have had a positive experience with Lexus, and I recognize that. But for the few that have not, shouldn't we let Lexus know our displeasure the best way we can? We go somewhere else. If we don't, then there really is no incentive for them to improve.

bigrobnh

stomp. Every word you say is true.

However.

You are in a tough position. You want to teach them a lesson due to your experience with the quality of their vehicle and service. You plan on doing that by taking your business to entities that by all reasonable accounts do a WORSE job of building quality vehicles and providing quality service. You are really taking one for the team here. Sort of like putting a bullet in your head to avoid your taxes.

I frankly hope it works (cross shopping, not capping yourself). I'm outta the benz and into the LS460AWD as soon as it can be had for less than sticker.

Have a good weekend.
BigRob.

famwald

This isn't really a problem, so I'm posting this here.

On our '05 LS430, when the windshield wipers are in the automatic (sensor) intermittent mode, the wipers will perform a cycle of five "swipes" that are not intermittent.

For example, the intermittent feature will be operating as it should, then every few swipes, here goes the five swipes in a row. This happens on a regular basis.

I've never had sensor wipers before, but I've never had this happen on any car with intermittent wipers feature. Our '03 BMW 5 series has sensor wipers but does not do this either.

Does anyone else's LS do this?

Any ideas why?

anthonyp

On the 2002 the wiper would just give a swipe when the temp got really hot..They have a fix for that....You may have a faulty board in there somewhere and this is the warning it is getting ready to go....Tony ps wwest would know for sure

rgsw

I checked the windshield wiper control stalk on my 2005 LS430 and it has the positions of "Off, Auto, Lo, & Hi". I don't see any "intermitent" position. If the selector is placed in the "Auto" mode, the sensor will tell the ww wiper when to clear the windshield. Sometimes it appears to be in an intermittent mode and at other times the sensor steps up the pace and the wiper continues in the "constant on" mode for a while. I don't understand your comment regards "intermitent". In the "Auto" position the sensor does the work. If the windshield is not wet (raining) then maybe your sensor needs checking.

famwald

I don't understand your comment regards "intermittent". In the "Auto" position the sensor does the work. If the windshield is not wet (raining) then maybe your sensor needs checking.

I was not sure what terminology to use, but when the wipers are in the "Auto" position we have the option of settings from + to - for the intermittent wiping when rain is sensed on the windshield. Basically it's an intermittent that works only when the sensor tells it there is rain instead of us having to manually turn the switch on. Lots of rain will tell it to run as if on "Lo." Sorry I did not use the correct terminology.

BTW, the wipers don't run when the weather is dry. No problem there---only when it is raining lightly and the sensor feature is engaged.

With the wipers on "Auto" and light rain/drizzle, it is does it's occasional cleaning of the window, but every minute or so it will run as if on regular "Lo" for five swipes (swipe being my term for a complete "back & forth"), then go back to the occasional swipe (the +/-) as it should when in "Auto."

So, sorry about the confusion I caused by not describing the situation correctly. I hope everyone understands now, although it is more lengthy.

Does this happen to anyone else? One post suggests I may have a malfunction.

rgsw

OK, I understand your thoughts better now. I forgot to consider the "plus" and "minus" rotating sleve to increase or reduce sensitivity. I have adjusted that feature when I felt the WW was not operating enough or operating too much. Hope yours is OK; however, it does sound unusual as you describe it.

ljflx

The wipers adjust their speed automatically based on water on your windshield. I also always use the auto setting with the intermittent speed set to slow and most often it works that way in ordinary rain. But if you drive thru a heavier downpour or if there is too much water accumulated on your windshield the slow setting is automatically bypassed. Once the excess water is cleared it will return to the auto slow speed (or whatever speed you set it at). Hope this helps.

wwest

My Porsche wiper rain sensor system can be put in intermittent wherein the + - works are in rain sensor position where it only responds to droplets on the sensor area and there is not indication which mode it is in.

stomp32

I hear ya loud and clear. Frankly, it's going to be really hard not to take a good look at the 460 when it comes out. Well, maybe just a quick peek.

One thing I must say about my 05 LS430 is that it is the best car I have had the pleasure to drive. Everything works just as it should and the quality is phenomenal. If I didn't pay for the car myself, I'd think it cost a whole lot more than it actually does. Anyone who dismisses this car out of hand because of the 'boring" stigma attached to it is missing out on a wonderful automobile. In fact I chose this car over the MB S500 and cost played very little part in the decision.

stomp32

I didn't even know the car had rain sensing wipers. Note to self: read the manual.

Even my wife's SC430 doesn't have this feature. Next time I wash the car, I'm gonna test this feature on my LS.

famwald

if you drive thru a heavier downpour or if there is too much water accumulated on your windshield the slow setting is automatically bypassed.

You're right --- that's the beauty of the "auto" part with the sensors. However, these wipers will do this when there is no change in the amount of rain. I've paid close attention for that reason.

Evidently this is a problem, since none of you have noticed this quirk. I'll have to mention it the next time I take the car in for service. May be a warranty issue.
Thanks for your help.

texasags

I know someone has already responded to this, but I want to reiterate.

The companies have NOT inflated or misstated horsepower numbers. The SAE has changed the method by which horsepower is measured. If you look, the torque figures have not changed, just horsepower.

feverhart

Actually under the HP & torque SAE configuration, both have come down. Torque is down 8 FP from 320 to 312. But as suggested, this is only on paper; the performance and engine have remained the same.

flatlander

At the end of this month I am making a 3,000 mile round trip of which at least 2,000 will be on major highways/interstates. With the latest rise in the cost of gas I am thinking of tanking up my 2002 LS430 with regular octane fuel for the high constant speed drive from here to there and back. I would stay with 93 octane for the local, hill drives in Tennessee and N. Carolina. Previous discussions on this topic date back to the pre $2 a gallon era and seem to assume that one would always use regular regardless of the drive. So am I right in thinking that if I do use regular gas then I should only use it for the open highway and cruise controlled speeds. I am aware of the pinking issue and assume that this is least likely to happen if I keep my lead foot in the trunk and stay in the 65-70mph speed range.

wwest

by the factory rep in Germany that while traveling throughout Europe that using regular gas in my 300HP Porsche 911/996 C4 would be fine, the ignition timing would be adjusted according to octane.

catchdog

My Lexus LS400 has 423k miles on it and runs perfect. I bought it with 187k miles on it about 3 years ago. Since then I have mainly done minor work to it.

This car is possibly the best car ever built.

msabba

I have a 2005 LS430 with NAV, Bluetooth, etc. Does anyone know of a software upgrade so that you can enter a destination while driving or dial a phone number from the phone book (not the "one touch" screen). The systems work great when the car is stopped, but it loses so much of its functionality when you start driving. Thanks

rgsw

I feel your pain. However: I feel that Lexus does not want to be a part of the law suit because of inattentive driving blamed on playing with the nav/bluetooth system.

dadcat

A set of button pushes can override the lockout on most 2005 Lexus NAVs until the next time the vehicle is restarted by pushing the buttons in the following order: menu > volume > top left of screen, bottom left, top left, bottom left > override ((hold for several seconds until override is highlighted and beep occurs) > back. Destinations can then be entered while moving.
No one has yet found a way to dial the phone while moving.

msabba

Thanks for the info, however, after I press "volume" there doesn't appear to be anywhere on the screen at the "top left" or "bottom left" where I can push a button. I am missing something?

navguy1

After entering your numerical address, street name, city and pressing ENTER the display will show a SCREEN PREFERENCES to the right. Before pressing ENTER again touch CHANGE to set up your your driving preferences. In your cased Allow Freeway has been disabled. Others may find that the Allow Toll Road has been turned off. Simply select your desired choices and touch OK so that the unit remembers your selections.

dadcat

No, you are not missing something. There is no "button" to push on the touchscreen, for the top/bottom left corners, just an unmarked area. There should be a speaker symbol at the top left corner, but no actual button. Just press the areas as mentioned in sequence and the Service screen will come up with an Override button to press and hold until the beep/highlighting occurs. Press the Back button, then Dest(ination) and you are set for NAV entering while driving.
Someone has successfully tried this in a 2005 LS430.

msabba

Thanks dadcat, it worked just as you said and I'm able to enter destinations while driving.