Lexus LS: Problems & Solutions

jo49 · July 2003

97 LS400 w/ 90k...whenever I go over a sharp bump/turn into driveway, car feels/sounds like its "bottoming out." Also, at times, sounds like a "creaking noise" from front end. NTW told me it does not need new shocks. Have taken it to dealer w/ vague description of above to no avail. Re-reading "blkmgk" #1069, am wondering if issues are related. Any ideas/suggestions? Help!

rockland · July 2003

I have a 1999 Lexus LS 400 and in the past few months, occasionally at first but more frequently recently, on attempting to start the car, turning the key results in the car just clicking and the dash fading to black. On repeated tries, the car "catches" and the engine roars to life. The battery is a year old. It seems to occur when the car has sat for at least a few hours, however, days can go by with longer intervals between use and no problems. Suggestions, PLEASE. Thanks.

wwest · July 2003

both battery terminals, clean and burnish them and the battery posts thoroughly, reinstall, tighten, drive happily.

sv7887 · July 2003

Hi All,

Your creaking problems sound similiar to mine. My 92 LS just went through it's 90K check (@84K incidentally) and has been experiencing the same problem. The dealer says it's definitely the ball joints. I'm also told, this problem is very common on this car. They wanted $500 to do both.

As to whom should service these cars, I'd reccommend the dealer. You'd be surprised how willing they are to negoiate on price. I've been doing this for over 8 yrs. Simply call the local Lexus dealers (if possible) and get your favored
one to match.

This is my first post on this board. I'm interested to hear 1990-1994 LS owners experience with their cars in terms of long term reliability. Do you all feel that cars this old are worth keeping?

Thanks!
SV

q45man · July 2003

As a 2 shop large independent we service around 1,000 Lexus 400 I have never seen [even the worst ones] require more than $2,800 per year prorated service, maintenance and repairs. We have a few customers with over 270,000 miles.
Even if you have to replace a poorly maintained engine the cost approximates only $5,500 [used wreck take out]. The trannies almost never fail if maintained same with diff and drive shaft, the AC is good for 200,000 miles if maintained.

They are the least expensive of all the big V8 lux cars to maintain and HOLD for almost forever.
But you must spend at least 11 cents per mile from brand new.........Hondas cost around 7-8 cents for wear items [tires, brakes, shocks, belts], maintenance and repairs based on 200,000 miles of use.

sv7887 · July 2003

g45man,
Thank you for your informative post. My '92 LS w/ 84K just went through the 90K service. Surprisingly, the power steering pump had to be replaced adding an additional $700 to the bill.

My dealer informed me to expect these frequent costly repairs as the car gets older and basically told me to get rid of it. To date, this is the only thing that has gone wrong with the car in the 8.5 yrs I've owned it. I'm interested to hear from the Forum about their opinions on owning a LS for the long term.

My personal preference is to keep the car. But if I have to budget $2,000 yearly for a car worth about $7500 then reality sets in.

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated,

Cheers,
SV

wwest · July 2003

$2000.00 annually for maintenance is not nearly as costly as the payments on a new LS430.

Isn't that your real choice?

I take it from your statement that replacing the power steering pump came as news, a surprise, to you. Other than income, $$$, what was it that led the dealer to think your power steering pump needed replacing?

Sounds to me that if you could avoid being scammed by the dealer then the $2000 annual maintenance fee might be lower, a LOT lower.

sv7887 · July 2003

Thanks for your post wwest,

Actually I have a new LS430. I bought it b/c I craved all the new electronic toys that my older LS's didn't have. I traded in my 98 LS400 for the new one. But I've always kept the '92 as it really has a timeless design. The car still looks great and has the flair that the new cars lack.

The power steering pump had developed a leak and was leaking right over the alternator. They showed it to me and it was blantantly obvious that I needed to replace it. The surprise came, as the car has been flawless for the 8 1/2 yrs I've had it.

I suppose keeping the '92 has always been an emotional decision. I still love it, but $2K a year seems to be excessive. Nothing is meant to last forever, but if it behaves, I'm inclined to keep it.

SV

jeffmust2 · July 2003

I have a '98 LS400 as well (only 39k) and I've been thinking about moving up to a LS430 like you did.

I'd like to know your evaluation of the differences between the two. In advance, thanks!

Jeff

wwest · July 2003

My 92 LS is still in the family too.

sv7887 · July 2003

It's a substantial improvement..The LS430 is wider and has one monster of a V-8. (but you already know that since you've got a '98) The ride is about the same unless you get the Sports Suspension. Then there is a noticeable improvement in handling during high speeds..

If you're looking for the latest and greatest offering of features the 430 has the edge. The touchscreen and Voice activated NAV system is a tech junkie's dream. I love fiddling with the Heated/Air cooled seats. The Mark Levinson stereo system is amazing. If you want a toy, this is it!

The car is immensely luxurious. The leather, wood trim, and other refinments ooze with luxury. Essentially the 430 is a substantial upgrade in those terms. Ride and feel are essentially the same. The only thing that displeases me is the exterior of the car. It's destined to look "old" within a few years. As I've constantly lamented, it lacks the flair of my '92 LS. But if you don't care, then I'd highly recommend getting one.

Reliablity is good, but I've had issues with the steering wheel motor (Auto retract) and assorted annoying things like the Auto wipers coming on during 90 degree days. All were fixed under warranty.

The car is set for a minor refresing of styling next year '04 and a major one in '06. If money isn't a factor, then go for it. But waiting for the '06 might be worth waiting for.

Hope this helps,
SV

jeffmust2 · July 2003

Good analysis. I'll probably pick up a CPO or private party '01 or '02 off lease within a year. Good tip on the sports suspension - is there an easy way to tell its installed on a used LS430- like larger rims or perhaps the "summer" tires? Of course those could be gone by the sales date.

Thanks again - and I agree on your styling analysis!

q45man · July 2003

So the PS pump lasted only 8.5 years because you didn't change the fluid......that's your fault!

$2,000 per year is cheap obviously you are not maintaining the car to as new standards: tires, brakes , shocks, suspension rubber bushings, total fluid changes etc, alignments.

Of course I am assuming 15,000 miles per year usage.......something like 13 cents per mile.

I see you only drove 84k in 11-12 years,you have yet to reach the 150,000-200,000-250,000 mile marks when my numbers apply.

sv7887 · July 2003

Q45Man,
Actually I Have been keeping up with the maintenance. I've followed the factory schedule religiously. The PS pump issues were not known to me, so that probably is my fault. Why isn't it in the factory schedule? Just put on new Michelin MXV4's 10K miles ago, but the tires are swapped off in the winters anyway. Brakes are updated when needed, and I've replaced the rear shocks. All the fluids are changed when need be. The car is garaged and polish/waxed every 2 months and washed/cleaned once a week. Believe me, I have not shortchanged on maintenance in any way.

The A/C is rarely used, and I only drive 5-7K per year. I use the LS430 for most everything else. Within the next year, I'll probably get a little Toyota as a winter runner so I can keep this one in the garage during the harsh New England winters.

My point about $2K a year is simply this: It doesn't make sense to spend that sort of money on car worth $7.5K at the most. But I think 2K might be a high estimate considering the conditions this specific car is operated under. I certainly appreciate your post Q45man and I feel that you feel the same enthusiasm for these cars as I do!

Jeff,
The sports suspension features 17 inch wheels and Dunolop tires (I don't remember the specific ones, I'll go look at the car and check) Also there are little decals on the side that says "Sports Suspension" on the front fenders near the drivers and passenger doors. I'd get a '02 if possible. They have the voice activated controls that the '01 doesn't. Plus whatever issues with the initial production were probably resolved in the '02.

Happy Motoring!
SV

q45man · July 2003

We repair a lot of them every day [we have 3,140 Lexus customer between two shops- 73% are second owners].
Remember the factory fluid replacement schedule is created to get the car thru the warranty period!
The early models were pretty bullet proof, the later ones are subject to more stress as the suspension has been tightened up.

It's a shame they didn't create a schedule to make sure the car lasts 300,000 miles with no/few hard part replacements......but since most only keep the car 60k that would help few new buyers.

The 2nd and 3rd owners would bless you however.

wwest · July 2003

When I look at my 92 LS I don't think of what I could get if I sold it, I think of what it's worth to ME!

blkmgk · July 2003

Since no one seems to have performed this operation of replacing a ball joint, I would appreciate it if q45 man would answer this question. Is this something I can do myself or does it HAVE to go to shop?
Lower right side ball joint.
Thanks for your response.
rc

wwest · July 2003

I have all four shocks/struts, protective boots, and two lower front ball joints, all ready to install as soon as I find the time. Used 92 LS, 150k, I purchase in PHX in May.

The shop manual calls for a "special" tool to extract the ball joint from the steering arm and the lower wheel mount. I plan to rent that and the spring compressor.

Oh, 959 isn't so HOT, desireable, with the C4S now available.

q45man · July 2003

There is nothing on an LS 400 that you can't change if you have the correct tools and a lift. {I hate the thought of jacks and jack stands but few people die each year from improper use....maybe an arm or a leg.}
The upper/lower control arms [bushings] and tension rods wear on all high mileage units.
Same with rear suspension.

To me a high mileage unit has at least 200,000 miles......that's when things really start need replacing.

rockland · July 2003

Thanks to wwest for the tip of cleaning the battery terminals since my 1999 LS would not turn over despite a newer battery (the car sporadically would only click when the key is turned in the ignition, but with repeated tries, eventually "catch" and roar to life - see posting 1071). Sadly, the problem persists despite the now very clean and lightly greased posts on my battery. Any other suggestions please.

wijoco · July 2003

Pull the starter and have it bench tested. It sounds like it's drawing too much current. Starters can work intermittently when they're going out.

wwest · July 2003

I have had an instance when the battery post/terminal was broken down inside the battery so sometimes it wouldn't start until I "jiggled" the post.

And be sure and check the other end of the battery cable connections.

sv7887 · July 2003

Hi all,

Just took the 1992 Ls back on the highway post 90K service. It drove just like the day I bought it!! I'm surprised how a 11 yr old car can make so little noise at 80 MPH. The Lexus dealer did an outstanding job on the car as there was a dramatic improvement in performance.

The outstanding quality of the ride alleviated some of my concerns about getting hit with nasty repair bills in the future. Hopefully the car behaves so I can justify keeping it without the Mrs. locking me in the garage. :P I suppose at 84K the car isn't too old, so I'll just hold my breath for now.

In other news, the LS430 has developed this habit of making a shrill tone at me intermittently. They had to replace the rain sensor b/c the wipers would come on for no reason during warm weather.

I also had to get the steering wheel inner assembly replaced b/c it made a racket when I first bought it..It really seems like the LS430 wasn't built as well as the original LS400's. All of this was done under the warranty, but I never had these issues with the '92..Weird..

Cheers,
SV

pcolaman · July 2003

My 98 LS400 is approaching 60,000 miles. Can anyone provide me with a detailed list of things I need to have done to keep this fine car running forever? Please inform me what fluids need to be replaced at this time (tranny, A/C, brakes, etc). If I take my Lexus to the dealership for the 60K service, will everything that should be done be taken care of? Are there any additional items that should be serviced?

Thank you for any ifo you may be able to provide.

abfisch · August 2003

Has anyone replaced the Lexus 400 struts (non Sports Suspension) with aftermarket struts??? Is there a demonstrable difference in the quality of ride and handling???

A.Fisch

98ls400 · August 2003

1998 LS-400 w/o Air Suspension with 43,500 miles.
Recent alignment values and shifts. Problem is that the tires are wearing on the outside edge. Are the Toe changes typical (both after four months of normal driving) ? If not, what could be the reason ?

Dec. '02
LF Actual RF
0.1 Camber 0.2
6.8 Caster 6.8
0.14 Toe 0.17

LR Actual RR
-0.7 Camber -1.0
0.08 Toe 0.10

Apr. '03 (4 months after aligned)
LF Before RF --> LF After RF
0.1 Camber 0.1 --> 0.2 Camber 0.1
7.0 Caster 6.7 --> 7.0 Caster 6.7
0.23 Toe 0.21 --> 0.16 Toe 0.16

LR Before RR --> LR After RR
-0.8 Camber -0.9 --> -0.8 Camber -0.9
0.06 Toe 0.06 --> 0.11 Toe 0.09

Currently Aug. '03 (4 months after aligned)
LF Actual RF
0.7 Camber -0.1
6.9 Caster 6.6
0.25 Toe 0.00

LR Actual RR
-0.6 Camber -0.8
0.35 Toe 0.30

All tires have significant wear on the outside edge. The front left tire is starting to show the second ply. Now am getting ready to install Michelin MXV4+. Very concerned that the expensive Michelin's might get ruined on the outside edge too. Dealer is telling me the car need to be aligned every 6 to 12 months. Help ! I am very frustrated with this problem ! ! !

ltseng · August 2003

hyperopt,
If you're still reading this topic, please tell me what brand it is the aftermarket cd changer and model number you memtioned on message 537 to replace your 92 LS400 OEM CD changer? Thanks.

pchend · September 2003

My 99 LS 400 is close to 60K and I'd appreciate feedback from members on
(1) whether to get it done at DEALER or LOCAL SHOP
(2) How much a DEALER [ in NJ ] typicaly charges
(3) What are some of the items the Dealer adds-on
that are not REALLY necessary for 60 K service

jeffmust2 · October 2003

Anyone with experience replacing a dead rear door speaker in a '98 or similar LS400?

Hope it's the speaker and not the head unit or amp. Dealer wants $300 to replace the Pioneer speaker "assembly" and that's too high.

In advance thanks for any advice.

pwgpaul · October 2003

I recently bought a 94 ls400 with a driver door dead speaker, it is a 4 and 1/4 inch,very hard to find a new or used one except dealer,but it cost to much.So I bought a pair of Polk Audio 4 inch and changed on both front doors. The pair I bought sound even better than the original. The original was Nakimichi. The Polk Audio was coaixl
speaker. So if you know how to remove the door panel you can up grade and change both doors and save you money. The pair I bought was top of line and cause me $80 some only cause $20 a pair.By the way I have one Nakimichi door speaker for sale if any one interest.

ragabnh · October 2003

My two rear speakers on 1990 LS400 do not work, also the subwoofer is shot.
What are the size of the rear speakers and the sub? Any idea where I can buy it from?
My original Stereo is Nakamichi
Thanks

pwgpaul · October 2003

I belive rear door speaker are the same as front door,was 4 1/4 inches, very hard to find except dealer but cost to much for a old car. The other place was try ebay, or just buy 4 inches from any car audio store and save you money with better sound if you buy good quality two way speaker. The suwoofer was 8 inches.

tonig1 · October 2003

Could someone tell me if there is an easy fix for an interior trunk release that won't work? We have a 98 LS400.

Both the remote release and the key will open the trunk.

I'd take it to the dealer - but they usually find three other things to fix.

paul29 · October 2003

Usually the LS has a "valet" interior trunk release "disconnect" so the trunk cannot be opened when the vehicle is parked by an attendent . The early LS's interior trunk release was activated or disengaged with the ignition key at the trunk release location. Not sure how it is done on a 98 , but that particular function should be available.

cacman · October 2003

I just purchased ( great deal on e-bay ) a 1998 LS with 67k miles. I am going to give my son my 1994 Q45 with 114k miles on it. The Q has a intermittent problem that I hope you can help with. The TCS and slip diff will light up after driving 1/2 mile upon start-up, signalling that the traction control system is not working. This does not happen every time. I really think it is a loose sensor, but I am by no means a mechanic. We live in the north, therefore, it is important that he has this system working on the car. Can you offer any suggestions that won't cost $ 1,000 to $ 1,500. Thanks.

wwest · October 2003

On the LS the "TCS" uses the hydraulic pressure generated by the ABS pumpmotor and stored in the nitrogen pressurized accumulator. If the stored pressure should leak-down for some reason the LS ECU will restart the ABS pumpmotor up to ten times and then turn on the ABS/Trac fault light.

The ecu only checks the stored pressure each time you apply the brakes so very reliably the eleventh brake application will result in a fault indication.

Have the entire brake system bled by an Infiniti shop. Other shops might not be aware of the extra bleed valves in an ABS/Trac system. The 92 LS has one at each wheel, one at the ABS pumpmotor, and one at the accumulator.

tonig1 · October 2003

Thank you for saving me an always expensive trip to the dealer. I put my key in the slot next to the trunk release and turned it. MAGIC. The trunk release now works.

I've never used that lock - but someone who was driving my car must have.

cacman · October 2003

wwest - thanks for your suggestion - if anyone else has any other suggestions before I take it in to get checked, I would appreciate it.

paul29 · October 2003

By the tcs light coming on , it appears your car has a code stored or is showing a code when the tcs light comes on . Have the codes read to indicate the problem or problem area. This is your first step to a minor or expensive repair , depends on what you find. Good luck

sv7887 · October 2003

Hi All,
After getting my 92 LS400 back from body shop I keep having this recurrent "Buzzing" noise coming from the dash/engine compartment when the car is in Drive. I took it to the Lexus dealer, who adjusted the idle. The car idles at a lower RPM now, but the buzzing noise remains..

The car was hit at 30 MPH on the left front side. The whole left suspension and quarter panel were completely replaced. I've had a previous Toyota that had this problem, and the dealer found a Loose Ground Wire.

I'm guessing that this might be the same issue in my LS..My patience is wearing thin, I'm to the point of selling the car. I've had 3 return trips to the dealer and bodyshop since they gave me the car back. It'll be hard to part company with the car after 11 yrs, but I've had enough..Any suggestions?

Thanks,
SV

silcos · November 2003

Pull the two plastic tabs straight out. I covered tabs with cardboard and used locking pliers to pull.

wwest · November 2003

aren't really plastic. They're metal tabs covered with plastic "dip". And lift up on the front of the seat above the tab as you pull the tab straight toward the front of the car.

silcos · November 2003

I purchased wires and plugs from dealer, $240.00 total. Wires cost $156 and came with harness. You could buy cheaper substitute, but I think it will be a special order. I was in a rush, 2 wires were broken. Car ran fine most of the time, but after a damp, moist day engine would run rough until it warmed up. I guess the spark was jumping the break. I use oem plugs, about $10 - $11 each. Dealer and auto parts store have about the same price.

Easy, but time consuming removing all the different covers on engine.

silcos · November 2003

silcos · November 2003

would light and stay on right after pressing brake pedal first time after engine start. All brake lights looked fine. Problem - false signals from old bulbs about ready to burn out. I just wait till bulb burns out to replace, rather than figure out which is causing bad signal.

wwest · November 2003

all good??

paul29 · November 2003

It is usually the high mounted stop light bulbs which fail with frequency , and yes they can still function ( usually quite dark in appearance though ) and set a fail indication . Rather than constantly checking , I would check the high bulbs first as wwest suggests and get rid of the dash fail indicator .

dono1024 · November 2003

I learned today that my 96 LS400 with 187K may be in need of an expensive repair ($2600!). Looking under the car at a dealer, the mechanic pointed out some dampness on the dust cover of the rack and diagnosed my problem as needing a new rack and likely a high pressure hose. Reading the message boards, I may benefit from a power steering flush/filter change.Any help would be gratefull. dos
PS: I love the car and the ride.

swschrad · November 2003

grey area maybe, but if I was a little thin in the wallet at this point, I would just replace the hose and change out the PS fluid on general principles and see if it helped. if not, I'd get the pump pressure checked, and replace that if needed. then I'd worry about the rack.

just looking at a leak, and strongly suspecting a hose, is not enough to convince me I would need a PS rack.

ask 'em for a couple more tests... PS fluid state and pump pressure... and then examine the completed estimate.

Mr_Shiftright · November 2003

WEll your mileage certainly suggests that the rack could be worn out, but of course I would do the simple things first.

Your system may also have a filter in the power steering pump.

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