Lexus LS: Problems & Solutions

legendman · May 2005

" As you said, no car is perfect. Even the best manufacturer will occasionally have a lemon. Perhaps you've got one in your RX. (do you have Lemon Laws in your state?)"

Yes, California does, and they are getting even stronger this month. I do think my new car is a lemon, but I also feel that the entire 2005 RX series could make lots of lemonade, based on the comments read on Edmunds in other Lexus forums.

I do think that quality has slipped, and, that Lexus is taking money OUT of the cars, in order to increase profits. A couple of small examples: The new RX 330 has only one hood shock support, not two. The sound insulation in the car is nowhere as good as the prior RX 300, IMO. The question is, is Lexus doing the same thing in the LS line?

"My next door neighbor loves her RX 300 and swears by it."

My folks own two and love them. I have driven them and liked them immensely. Unfortunately, as I have since been told by the Lexus dealership mechanics, that the RX330 is a completely different car. Completely different. "All new" as the Lexus commercials used to say. Drive by wire, and electronically controlled engine and transmissions are just two examples. In hindsight I would have been better off buying a used RX300 than a new RX330. No question about it in my mind.

gnarly · May 2005

Just purchased a Motorola V551 cell phone, equipped for use with Bluetooth. Can anyone give me directions on how to use it with my 2005 LS430?

Visit this web site:

http://lexus.letstalk.com/bluetooth/bt_userguides.htm

... and download the PDF document specifically for your Motorola V551. The directions are fairly simple, but you do need to follow them exactly and in the proper order listed.

Once set up, every time you crank the engine with the phone in your possession, the navigation system will report a successful Bluetooth connection after a pause of a few seconds (if you do not have the phone in your possession when driving the vehicle, it will report an unsuccessful connection - it will always look for it and try to connect unless you disable Bluetooth in the nav system). Also, be aware that some dialing functions via the nav screen are grayed out (unavailable) when moving. Just like entering an address in the nav system, the vehicle must be stopped before data entry is possible (for"safety reasons). However, you can override some functions, for example, by dialing directly from the handset. The audio quality is pretty good, but you do have to get used to talking "simplex" vs. "duplex," that is, no simultaneous conversation from both ends - only one person can talk at a time, like with a walkie-talkie (common to all speakphones). Good luck with your installation!

rgsw · May 2005

"some of which required the car to be taken apart and put back together -- the transmission and the HVAC system."

The transmission and fuel pumps were swap outs for new items. Lexus decided not to mess around with repairing the tranny or fuel pump, they swaped them out with new ones and I'm told the old ones went into the trash/hazardous disposal. This was the first year for the six speed transmission and I guess the supplier goofed, first year blues. When I traded it in, I reminded the sales person that it had a new transmission and fuel pump. He indicated that he would not be quick to inform the prospective customer to that effect, that would only open up questions on why did they swap out the parts??? Enjoyed reading you post. Sorry to hear of your experience with the RX330. Wonder what will come up with the 400h?

frankie33 · May 2005

Thanks Gnarly, followed your instructions & was able to successfully install. Now I have a new problem! I can hear the party I'm calling, but they can't hear me. Any suggestions?

frankie33 · May 2005

Found second problem, mute button was on. Thanks again Gnarly, "How sweet it is!"

frankie33 · May 2005

Sorry! Should have read, "Solved" second problem!

gnarly · May 2005

I'm glad you were able to resolve your Bluetooth phone problems. I would like to recommend an accessory: Motorola PhoneTools software and a USB data cable. This enables you to connect your cell phone to your computer and then more easily add to and edit your internal phone book (it beats the heck out of trying to enter names via the phone's keypad). Afterwards, you can upload frequently dialed numbers to your Lexus nav system (they must be transferred individually - you can't send the entire directory from the phone) for speed dialing. The software and cable is very inexpensive when purchased via eBay - there are hundreds of listings for "Motorola V551 USB data cable." Some dealers also include numerous ringtones, games, screen wallpapers, etc., with the software.

stephymay · May 2005

HI to everyone,
im a student in automotive technology and we were brought a 1993 lexus LS 400,4L,v8
by reading other posts on this site we think we might have solved one problem, but another still is not answered. we need any information regarding the difficulty or changing or repairing the power assisted steering rack(and pinion). So if anyone could give us a hand it would be appreciated.
thanks

nhanxsolo · May 2005

Hi, I just bought a Lexus LS400 yr: 1990 ml:88,000 yesterday for $5000, is that a good price or did i overpay? Also I was backing into my garage and came up on a ramp, the old owners placed very low wheels on the car, so I hit the bottom of my car into the curb, and the steering wheel fluid started leaking, after hours of reading this forum, I have been fed alot of opinions and answers, I would just like to get one straight answer. Can I get a steering wheel pump reseal kit? If so, where? If not, where can I get a steering wheel fluid pump replacement part, and how much would it cost me? Thank you guys so much, you are really helpful.

ps: are Lexus' really bullet proof?

xo
nhan.

macola · May 2005

I just paired my v710 with my '04 LS430 and I was wondering if anyone knew how to make any incoming or outgoing calls private so that at some point during a conversation if there are other people in the car and I dont want them to listen I can just continue the conversation over the phone. Thanks

paul29 · May 2005

Is the pump leaking along with damage to another part of the power steering system due to the curb impact ? A pump rebuild kit is available for about $30 .

nhanxsolo · May 2005

Paul thank you for your reply, to my knowledge it is just the pump itself that is leaking, do you know where I can get a rebuild kit? thank you.

nvbanker · May 2005

"ps: are Lexus' really bullet proof?

"

Obviously, they are not. But - they are very very good machines. You will find, however, they are machines, and they age. You will need to repair them.

stephymay · May 2005

hello again

we are still having difficult finding information as to the difficulty changing or reparing the power assisted steering rack and i was wondering if anyone could at least tell me where i can find this information..
Is there any difference between lexus's? ex is the power assisted steering rack difference in different years/makes?
Thanks very much

famwald · May 2005

These forums are primarily a group of people who own the Lexus LS and are not necessarily mechanics. That is probably why you've not received a reply to your post. You probably would have an answer by now if there was a mechanic in the group.

I can appreciate your sense of frustration. I might suggest you talk with a Lexus dealer's service technician, or a local mechanic who works on Toyota/Lexus cars. Good luck with your project.

vcheng · May 2005

.. the Technical Service Manual. Either get hold of the several volume hardcopy set, or buy yourself a day or a week (or however long you need) of online access at about $10 per day at techinfo.lexus.com

newlexi · May 2005

The left-side mirror on my 2001 LS430 may not extend about 50% of the times when I put the key in the ignition. I need to push the corresponding 3 position button to extend it. It always retract when I remove the key (with the button in the AUTO position). On my recent service the Lexus mechanic suggested to replace the whole mirror motor assembly. I thought it did not make any sense, since the mirror always extends when I push the button. I would appreciate an advice from anyone who experienced a similar problem.

michael_mattox · May 2005

IF it is a fix under warrenty......what is holding you back....I would want everything to work correctly.

gee35coupe · May 2005

My 95 GS had a bad motor in the steering column. They wanted $1800 for the whole thing. I had a Lexus specialist charge $350 for the motor replacement. They are crazy.

dolf420 · May 2005

I live in tropical minnesota and before i buy one this spring I would like to hear from other owners if they have had problems driving these cars in winter and specifically in snowy, wet conditions?

thanks

dolf

aggie76 · May 2005

I am just South of you in IL and have an '04. Have done the one thing that is a must in my opinion and that is adding snow tires to the LS and then, it does very well in wet, heavy snow. Been through snowfalls of 7" or more this past winter in IL and MI and never had a single issue with traction on my LS. I used Dunlop Winter Sport M3's with great luck.

paul29 · May 2005

Try Sewell Lexus at www.lexus-parts.com , I recently purchased a kit there , you may find a better price or a closer place but they are competitive .

gwendolyn · May 2005

Hello guys...I'm back. How can you tell if you need front end struts. When I hit a bump or a pot hole...it hits pretty hard...kinda loud...

My next question...if I need struts, what brand do you recommend...I priced kyb struts @ 145.00 per side and monroe @ 143.00 per side.

Also, what does "electric pneumatic suspension" and "automatic leveling system" mean?

Thanks for your help,

Gwen

wwest · May 2005

The LS series is available with air suspension as an option, otherwise you have the conventional struts.

With air suspension you have a switch to disable it in the trunk.

But if you have never noticed the car "hissing" at you just after you park it you have struts.

maxhonda99 · May 2005

Not to mention air suspension LS400's have a switch for the air suspension settings next to the transmission shift lever on the center console.

nhanxsolo · May 2005

Does anyone know where I can get small cosmetic parts such as the knob for reclining the seats?

wwest · May 2005

Some there right now...

nhanxsolo · May 2005

im a big eBay person, but i cant seem to find that knob on eBay, i was looking for places where they always have it in stock.

garyh1 · May 2005

Does anyone know where I can get small cosmetic parts such as the knob for reclining the seats?

Why wouldn't you just get them through the Parts Dept. of your local Lexus dealer? What am I missing?

You could also try www.Lexus-parts.com

deadair · May 2005

I recently had some water pump issues on my 1995 400 LS. The previous owner had the water pump replaced during the timing belt replacement. All were done at the Lexus dealer in Wisconsin. That was at 122K. I noticed leakage after a trip to Cleveland. The dealer told me that the water pump was out and had leaked on the timing belt. I suspected that the first job was not done correctly. And after no luck with the shop that did the work, I called the 800 number. My argument was that the timing belt replacement was a preventative maintenance issue not a something is broken and fix it issue. Also, why had their been no problem during the previous 122K miles and now 10k later the pump goes bad. After a spirited debate, Lexus paid half the $850. This car has been dealer maintained since day one. The previous owners even had oil changes (I am sure to the tune of $60) done at the dealer. My argument was how much more prudent can an owner be as having everything done at Lexus. He would not work with me on the A/C compressor issue though ($1,300). I told the customer service rep that if I had paid $50K I would have been a lot more forceful. Now I realize why I have bought Japanese cars since 1984. Can you imagine Ford or Chevy, or even Cady or Lincoln giving ground on this issue.

nvbanker · May 2005

Lexus is good, but actually, I've had even better stories to tell about Lincoln. But I won't bore you with them on this thread.

danj · May 2005

The a/c on my 1994 LS 400 has a musty and mold odor. The Lexus dealer suggested spraying Lysol into the intake air vents located in engine compartment next to the windshield. I tried this, but, it doesn't last more than an hour or so. Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated. Thanks!!

wwest · May 2005

on Edmunds:

A/C & odor

or on google:

Denso demist odor

And read:

http://www.airsept.com/eed.html

danj · May 2005

Thanks very much for getting back so fast, regarding the a/c odor problem I am having.

The two sites you recommended are very imformative, and I shall take that advice and then let you and others know the results.

It's great to have someone like you on these boards, it gives one a chance to try a fix without paying the Dealer an arm and leg..lol

danj

cove148 · May 2005

Had my LS430 for 5 months now and find that I am putting the smart key in the ignition on start up. It's to large and uncomfortable to add to my key set. I am over riding an option that I paid a grand for. Any recommendations?

aggie76 · May 2005

I keep mine separate from my keys 99% of the time and just leave it in my pocket (pants or jackets depending on dress). I only carry two keys with me and I set them and their ring in the cubby hole on the center stack that opens up just above the seat controls.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've had the key in the ignition in the 13 months of ownership.

nhanxsolo · May 2005

I recently bought a 1990 Lexus LS400, the A/C works fine, its ice cold, but i cant seem to get the heat to turn on, this may be a stupid question but how do you turn on the heat exactly? I tried raising the temperature to the maximum, but its still cold air, are there any other buttons I left out? thanks.

wwest · May 2005

the hot water control valve. It's located at the top center of the firewall inside the engine compartment. As you move the temperature control from max hot to max cool the cable that comes throught the firewall (other end attached to the servomotor that drives the airflow mixing vane) should move the valve from fully open to fully closed.

In the summertime to improve the A/C efficiency (and increase MPG) I remove the cable and tie the valve closed.

cacman · June 2005

I have a 1998 LS 400 with 83,000 miles - In the morning when it is cold, the steering is very "rough" - It sounds like the belt is struggling to turn, and the engine makes a humming noise. I know a little more than nothing about cars. My guess is that the power steering belt is going bad, or if there is a power steering pump, then it may be going bad. The problem seems to get better as the car warms up. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

famwald · June 2005

You might want to get the power steering pump as well as related parts looked at. Our son now owns our '98 Avalon (which I always called the Lexus wannabe). At 95k mi he's been complaining lately about having to refill the power steering fluid and a noise. Oddly enough, with the warm weather, it's not been leaking lately.

Over on the Avalon forums here at Edmunds, it is quite normal for the power steering pump to go bad on the '98 Avalons.. You might want to check those forums out, or do a search in this forum for 'power steering'. I would think both cars share a lot of the same parts and engineering.

nhanxsolo · June 2005

there might be a leak in the "power steering pressure hose" I had the same problem, replaced the hose, if you order it from a Lexus dealer it'll be about 300 not including labor to put it in, i bought my hose on eBay for 125 and with the labor it costs me 200 total, i think theres a hos eon eBay right now, search "lexus steering hose"

loekur · June 2005

i recently purchased a 91 lexus LS 250 got a good price for something to tinker with.. but am stumped.. put it in drive , runs fine down the road.. put it in park or and won't rev past 2200 rpm.. put in reverse.. it starts to engage. but tires lock up and won't go backwards.. (won't rev up over 2200 rpm either.. put in drive and it runs fine.. like normal..) don't know if last person worked on transmission in it and didn't get something back right or.. if the linkage is screwed up and it is trying to shift in park and reverse at same time either way i am stumped. any suggestions are appreciated..

popdaddy30 · June 2005

hello, how u doing? i'm looking 4 a conversion kit 4 my '92 ls 400. is there any way u can help me? thanks

popdaddy30 · June 2005

hello, i have a '92 ls400. my problem is the car has the air suspension, i need rear bags. dont know if its best to do the rear or just get all 4 done without the air/ride. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

tntitan · June 2005

I believe this car was 15" OEM. If so, does anyone know if there would be a problem changing to 16" or 17" wheels? I am considering buying a '91 with a little over 100K and plan to change out the wheels, replace the timing belt and water pump, and upgrade the OEM (not a Nac) stereo.

I am trying to find out before I buy it if the power steering pump and the alternator have been replaced. This car was serviced at the same dealer the last 11 years and was brought in 4 or 5 times a year but I don't have the service records....yet. Anything else I should be looking for in particular?

brianh696 · June 2005

My SC400 is doing the exact same thing, only I'm in South LA and its a real problem.

They're telling me that its the clutch making the noise and want to charge me an outrageuos amount. What did you ever find out?

.....

dadcat6 · June 2005

A conversion kit to a regular strut/spring suspension is available from,

http://www.strutmasters.com/

ui743530 · June 2005

hello there ,
I have LS400,1992 and i am having problem with my AC. I am not able to figure out the problem because the compressor turns on and off just fine. but there is no cold air.

Is it a common problem with LS and what should i do to fix it cheaply .

Thanks
Umair

ui743530 · June 2005

hello there ,
I have LS400,1992 and i am having problem with my AC. I am not able to figure out the problem because the compressor turns on and off just fine. but there is no cold air.

Is it a common problem with LS and what should i do to fix it cheaply .

Thanks
Umair

famwald · June 2005

the compressor turns on and off just fine. but there is no cold air.

Could it be out of Freon? (do car A/Cs back in '92 even use freon?)

Another thing might be a hose. I had an AC problem with a Volvo back in '90 that was simila --- only blew hot air --- and after the 2nd or 3rd trip back to the dealer they finally (duh) figured out it was a hose.

Lexus LS: Problems & Solutions

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