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Lexus LS: Problems & Solutions

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  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    It's possiblethat your lockup clutch in the torque converter has failed or is in the process. When the ECU commands lockup it monitors the torque converter input/output ratio and if it is not 1:1 the O/D diagnostic is enabled.

    Clutch slippage also accounts for the "coming slowly up to speed".

    Shouldn't happen below ~150,000 miles unless you have a habit of towing a heavy load while cruising, in O/D. O/D clutch is NOT designed for heavy torque loads.

    It is also possible that the hydraulic pressure control solenoid within the transmission has failed and is not providing enough hydraulic pressure under heavy, non-cruising, torque loads. Since that is much easier and a lot less expensive to change out I would do that first.

    When you are accelerating, even slightly, the lockup clutch is "open" and the control solenoid should be commanded to provide a high pressure level in accordance with the level of engine torque being produced.

    Sounds, overall, like low hydraulic pressure is really your problem.
  • garcongarcon Member Posts: 5
    I have the same problem with my 90 ls 400..but I have fluid leaking everywhere. It is at my mechanics this a.m. I told him to check the screen out..thanks for your advice. the car is still solid... 15 yrs old.. 230,000 miles on it..still get 23 mpg on the highway.

    Gary
  • garcongarcon Member Posts: 5
    Hello to all. I own a 1990 LS 400 with 230,000 miles on it. Earlier this summer my a/c ran out of coolant. switched over to r134 (from r12) and the coolant always leaked out after a day or two. my mechanic couldn't find the leak. I saw someone recommend a product called Super Seal Pro. I found it online and picked up two cans for about 50 bucks total. After having my mechanic install the sealant the a/c now works great!!! Nice fix and saved me tons of $$ thanks again to all.

    Gary
  • ewagnerewagner Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone experienced an engine stall after high-speed highway driving for some time? When exiting an Interstate or Turnpike, sometimes I can watch my RPMs slowly fall until the engine stalls. Any suggestions or fixes? :confuse:
  • ewagnerewagner Member Posts: 2
    What does it mean when a soft "beepiing" begins? There's no indicator on the dash, no malfunction that I can tell. I turn the ignition off and on again and it stops. I have a 96 Lexus LS400 :surprise:
  • stran66stran66 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the tips, I will check it out. One more question, before the car shift into high speed I noticed that the O/D on the dash display is flashing and if I just let it finished flashing the car will drive normal again. Have you heard of that problem? Please help. Seems like it reset itself and it will repeat once a day.
  • excelsiorexcelsior Member Posts: 2
    I took my 1990 Ls400 to the alarm shop to get the horn hooked up the the alarm system, however, after completion I was about to leave the alarm shop, but the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. It was very easy and free to turn before the horn was hooked up to the alarm system. Could they have blown the ECU. I later took it to the Lexus dealer, they told me that the ECU has malfunction. Where do I locate the ECU, and what does it have to do with the steering ?. Thank you
  • excelsiorexcelsior Member Posts: 2
  • paulrlpaulrl Member Posts: 11
    My 05 Ls430 has 5000 miles, anybody know how
    to turn off the red maintenance light
    I know the dealer will do it for me.I am too busy to go to dealer
    Thank You
    Paul
  • rgswrgsw Member Posts: 333
    Lexus Reset 5K Warning: (1) Turn Key On with odometer reading ON (not trip), (2) Turn Key OFF, (3) Press and Hold ODO Reset for six seconds and turn key ON [while still depressing the ODO Reset]., (4)Let finger off reset after six seconds, (5) Turn key Off........... good luck, worked for me.
  • mcescher1mcescher1 Member Posts: 37
    I am in the process of buying a new 2005 LS 430, which comes with 18 inch wheels. I prefer comfort. Would 17 inch wheels be more comfortable? Is there any reason why the dealer should not provide 17 rather than 18 inch wheels at my request; for instance, does the wheel size interact with any other aspect of the car? Thanks for your replies and help.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    I have an '05 LS430 with 18 inch wheels; I traded in an '01 with 17 inch wheels. I was concerned about the ride quality with the 18s, but I find that the ride quality is more than acceptable. Tire noise is more than acceptable, too, with all-season tires.
  • lexus_admirerlexus_admirer Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for you advise Billw94ls400
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    is for BIG wheels and low profile tires I would think you would make the dealer VERY happy if you asked to "downgrade" to 17's. And there should be no question that the 17's with the appropreate, higher, profile tire will ride more softly and more comfortably than the 18's.
  • rgswrgsw Member Posts: 333
    I've heard stories that 17" wheels are more comfortable. A salesman told me he traded up to 18" wheels for a customer and soon after that the customer returned and requesed his 17" back. The 18" wheels add $800 to the price, so the 17" should be $800 less? I think almost all the LS430s are shipping with 18" wheels (with or without the sport suspension) and the 17" might be difficult to find.??? I would like to drive an LS 430 with 17s and then try one with 18s. I doubt if I could tell the difference on a blindfold test, interesting??
  • moratymoraty Member Posts: 2
    My Lexus dealer is telling me to install a new fuel pump it takes 5 hours. He wants to charge $350 for the part and 5 hours at $98 an hour. Total will run approx $900.
    Does Lexus have a set number of hrs per part installation ? This sounds like a two hour job ......I think I'm being hosed.
  • sv7887sv7887 Member Posts: 351
    Hi moraty,
    Why would a newer LS430 need a fuel pump to begin with? Sure sounds strange to me. You can go to alldata.com and subscribe to an Alldata DIY report which should give you the number of part hours per installation.

    Hope this helps,
    SV
  • rgswrgsw Member Posts: 333
    Early 2004 LS 430s had a recall on the fuel pump because it was not compatible with Ethanol mixture gas. I believe it was the first six months of production in 2004. You probably don't fit this description.
  • moratymoraty Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your advise. My Lexus is a 2001 with only 39K miles. It appears that they had a fuel pump recall on some 2004 LS430 cars. I will keep you posted. Regards, Moraty
  • sv7887sv7887 Member Posts: 351
    Wow,
    A Lexus Fuel pump going bad at 39K miles is real surprising. I assume it's no longer under warranty? You ought to try calling Lexus Customer Service and pulling their chain abit. They may be willing to defray the cost since the car is so young.
    I had a great experience with my '05 at Lexus of Norwood yesterday. The A/C system on the '05 is apparently is a new clutchless design. The car makes a really slight whistling sound from the vent next to the driver's door when the A/C is engaged. At first they didn't hear it, but invited me into the service bay to demonstrate the problem to the tech. The tech heard it, and then decided to go find a brand new 2005 LS to see if he could duplicate the situation. I was impressed with the extent he was willing to go to solve my minor issue. They took me in a brand new 2005 which was identical to mine. It made the same exact noise..

    Can't fault them for that. They certaintly did everything they could do. I was impressed with their efforts considering it was 5 PM yesterday! Too bad Lexus of Watertown needed to be threatened with legal action before they would make a similar effort on my 1992 LS...As it turns out it was simple Rubber Suspension links that needed to be replaced...No Strut Rod Bushings, Mounts or Upper Control Arms...So they basically charged me $2500 for nothing.

    SV
  • michael_mattoxmichael_mattox Member Posts: 813
    SV.

    IF I remember correctly...They were going to charge you more if the cost ran over $5000....shouldn't they Now Give you money back...Especially under the circumstances.
  • sv7887sv7887 Member Posts: 351
    Hi Michael,
    Yeah they ought to refund all of my money at this point. They haven't confirmed that they've fixed it. The parts will arrive tomorrow and then they will test it. I'd be really surprised if it was something else. I'll push them hard to give me all the suspension related repairs back.

    I had them replace the Rack and Pinion b/c it was groaning. But can you believe they didn't replace the High Pressure Line? (I even TOLD them to do it!!!) I've spent over $1500 between the Rack and Pinion and the P/S Pump, so why save pennies on a hose? After 13 yrs I'm sure it will go one of these days. I'll bet they'd be more than happy to replace the hose at my charge!!

    I had them redye the leather since it will be in the shop for at least a week.I'm hoping they don't find a way to mess that one up. They are charging me their cost for that job.

    This fuel pump failure does surprise me though. I think another dealer should have a look at it. What symptoms are you experiencing that led you to this diagnosis?

    SV
  • veeekingveeeking Member Posts: 2
    I have the same problem with my 95. I have asked a few places and nobody has any idea. Spoke with head of service at local dealer, he did not know, then spoke to head tech. After 1 1/2 days researching came back and told me that problem was per technical service bulletin, EG003-96. Said they enhanced the 96 cars (so maybe something else for you) so no longer an issue but for me and my 95 a $2,000+ fix. I spoke with Lexus customer service and basically said only a small batch of the cars were impacted so they were not required to do a recall, and suggested the fix the Lexus Tech recommended. I used analogy with Lexus customer service of if have 1,000 babies and 2 will have heart defect, she said that was kinda right. I said have a problem as if a defect in car, Lexus should stand behind that and take care of it. They are considering my request.
  • newlexinewlexi Member Posts: 9
    A while ago I posted a problem with my 2001 LS430 where upon turning the car on, the mirrors would not extend consistently while in the "auto" (middle) position, but will always extend when I pushed the button to the permanently extend (left) position. The dealer recommended that I replace the whole mechanism, which I was reluctant to do since it did not make sense (the mechanism was working, but the signalling was screwing up). Anyway, the problem was solved unexpectedly. The car battery was in the process of dying and somehow it affected the mirrors operation (maybe due to a lower voltage). After replacing the battery, everything now works well. Just FYI.
  • famwaldfamwald Member Posts: 114
    A while ago I posted a problem with my 2001 LS430 where upon turning the car on, the mirrors would not extend consistently while in the "auto" (middle) position, but will always extend when I pushed the button to the permanently extend (left) position

    Interesting . . . because on my '05 LS the mirrors won'move at all --- fold in or out --- unless that switch is to the far left or far right. Owners Manual told me that. Mine won't move if the button is in dead center.
  • bostongardenbostongarden Member Posts: 25
    I have run into an interesting problem with getting through the anti-theft protection
    on my radio for my 1993 LS400. I had to disconnect the battery, which, after it is reconnected, one must go through certain procedures to enter your anti-theft code and get the radio to work. I've done it successfully before, but I have run into a problem in the procedure that I have never encountered!

    Step 1 is to turn the key to the ACC slot in the ignition (no problem there, smile).

    Step 2 is to make sure the radio is off. This is my problem. "SEC" immediately appears in the window AND when I push to shut off the radio, it does not shut off!

    Step 3 is where one pushes several buttons simultaneously (assuming radio is off -- which is a state I cannot achieve) to get "SEC" to appear.

    Step 4 is where, after getting "SEC" onto the screen, one pushes 1 and SEEK simultaneously to get to the point where one can enter the "code."

    Although, I could not complete Step 2, I thought maybe I was, in essence, immediately at Step 3 as SEC appeared on the screen. However, I cannot complete Step 4 successfully as much as I try.

    Again, I am familiar with the "normal" process for doing this, but something weird is happening here in that the radio immediately says "SEC" and will not shut off. In addition, the little light with the jagged key next to it, is lit; not sure if this means anything.

    I would appreciate any help here.

    Thanks!
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Just got a ride back from an autobody repair shop in a new LS430.

    Shortly after pulling out of the parking lot and onto the main road the windshield started fogging over. The driver/owner immediately put the system in defrost/defog/demist mode and then started fumbling with the buttons, al the while cussing a blue streak, until he had the blower and the temperature setpoint up to max.

    Fifteen years after shipping the very first Lexus LS400 with this very same problem and yet no solution.
  • lexus96lexus96 Member Posts: 1
    Today I had another unusual problem with my 96 LS 400. When I started the car in a Sam's parking lot, no dash lights, radio, AC, window switches, etc. worked. But the headlights did work. When I figured out how to override the transmission lock, I could drive the car home. After 20 minutes on the road, everything came back on. Anyone heard of such a thing?

    I am kind of afraid what might happen next.
  • bostongardenbostongarden Member Posts: 25
    In the winter, I've had the situation where the dash, radio and heater controls do not light up (but still function fine) until the car warms up a bit -- I have a 1993 LS400. For my situation, I've been told I needed a particular sensor (or something similar). I haven't bothered because, well, I owe this car nothing and I'm close to buying another car that will run well for another 12+ years, smile. Your situation sounds a bit more extensive as you indicated that the AC and windows were not even working. I'm not a mechanic, but, I would check the fuses as well as the battery connection (see if the part connected to the post has corrosive build up)...I would also seriously consider a visit to a trusted mechanic (if you have one). Good luck.
  • rjbusenitzrjbusenitz Member Posts: 13
    I have a 90 LS400 with just over 170k miles on it and the power steering just started giving me problems..it is almost impossible to steer the car. I took a look at the rack and it is not leaking, the pump is not leaking, it has plenty of fluid, the belt and pulley are still turning, no noises or anything like that...i'm not sure what the problem is. Any ideas? Please help me out? :confuse:
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    shock...??
  • rjbusenitzrjbusenitz Member Posts: 13
    shock??? What do you mean shock??
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    has a stearing damper, shock absorber, mounted from the frame to the stearing rack, if it has failed......
  • rjbusenitzrjbusenitz Member Posts: 13
    To test it...should I just take it off and see how it does without it? Then if that is the problem, get another? The interesting thing is that today while driving, the steering got easier and then went back to being difficult several times. Almost like it was something electrical/a loose connection. However, I thought that the power steering was something that was driven solely by the p/s pump. Nothing electric.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I bought mine back in 91 I upgraded to 225 wide tires and removed the shock to "even" things out. It still out in the garage somewhere.

    Yes, remove it, even for just testing.
  • cacmancacman Member Posts: 40
    Put the A/C / Defrosters on Fresh Air, not recirculating - Should clear up in 30 seconds - I always keep my A/C on fresh air unless there is a smoker in front of me.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    cacman:

    You're a member of the choir preaching to the preacher.
  • gwendolyngwendolyn Member Posts: 46
    How do you know when your brakes are going...has 110k miles...im the 3rd owner...what's actually involved in front and rean brakes repair...the dealer says I have to replace the rotors on the rear...you cannot turn those...is this true...?

    Also, How do I know which radio system I have...it says lexus premium sound...what does that mean?

    Thanks,

    Gwen
  • gwendolyngwendolyn Member Posts: 46
    Ok guys...I'm back!! My car sat in the garage for a week, w/o being started...I started the car on Saturday...and I heard everything in the engine...sounded like a diesel engine...I thought the engine was gone...as the oil circulated, the engine smooth itself out...is this normall...?? or is this a sign of what's to come later?

    Also, I have vibrations only @ 60 mph...The tires (michelin harmony) have plenty of tread...seem be wearing evenly. What could this be.??

    One more thing...If my brakes are going bad ...what are the symptons...will the light come on as it says in the manual? They feel kinda mushy...

    Pls advise...

    Thanks,

    Gwen
  • ls90rhdls90rhd Member Posts: 4
    You seem to be having problems. You problably have the Pioneer sound system. Others have the Nakamichi system. Vibrations probably point to out of balance tyres, you might have lost a weight. There is a good brake report with pics on the www.lexls.com site. I had the same smokey result when starting once which also cleared, it hasn't happened again. I seem to recall reading that this has happened to other people and has something to do with oil getting in one of the vacuum tubes. I would normally find the problem but since it is not ongoing i left it.
  • gwendolyngwendolyn Member Posts: 46
    Thanks for the reply ... The car wasn't smoking, just sound really bad...I hear every valve underneath the hood...sounded like a diesel engine...How can you tell it's a pioneer system?
  • sv7887sv7887 Member Posts: 351
    Hi Gwen,
    The factory standard is Pioneer. Sometimes you'll see the symbol on the Casette player flap. My 92 has the same exact thing. They all say "Lexus Premium Sound." I had a 98 with the Premium too. I'm pretty sure it is a Pioneer unit.

    As for your tires have the Balance checked on them. Any competent Sears or Tire shop can do this. It's is the easiest thing to have checked first. Also check your tire pressure. All tires should have the same exact pressure. The Tire Shop can also do this for you.

    Rotors do not always have to be done with brakes. They can be measured to check whether they are in need of replacement. A pad replacement is an easy job that any competent mechanic can do..Lexus usually puts a Fit kit on their front brakes to keep them from making any noise..I had Midas do mine, and it made a great deal of noise until Lexus corrected the problem. You might want to take it to a Toyota dealer who will use genuine parts at a fraction of what a Lexus dealer will charge.

    I must warn you Lexus dealers are no better than most repair shops: They will prey on an unsuspecting consumer and pad the bill. I nearly sued my local Lexus dealer a few weeks ago for padding the bill. As far as I know you do not replace or resurface the rotor unless you experience vibration while braking. Also if you allow the pads to wear too much, you'll scratch into the Rotor's surface.

    Your engine issue maybe something as simple as Carbon Deposit buildup. I spoke with the head mechanic at my Lexus dealer last week and he said it is quite common for Lexus cars to do that if left sitting for a few days...Get yourself a bottle of Chevron Techron (Available at any Autozone) and put it at your next gas fillup. Keep in mind the tank on this car is very large, so you may need to get a bigger bottle of the Techron. I had this same problem many years ago with my 92 LS400.

    Hope this helps,
    SV
  • gwendolyngwendolyn Member Posts: 46
    Thanks SV,

    I appreciate your feedback... I found a Japanese repair shop. Will the brake symbol light come on when the brakes need repair per manual? Does this actually happen..

    Thanks again ....

    Gwen
  • sv7887sv7887 Member Posts: 351
    Gwen,
    The car does have sensors on it that should light up once the brake pads wear down completely. You will also hear squeaking too. If you have any doubt about your brakes, any competent mechanic can inspect them by taking off the wheel. In fact my Lexus dealer gives me the measurements everytime the car is in for an Oil change. It's a relatively inexpensive part to replace. I paid $80 for genuine Toyota pads and $50 for the labor to put them in. Check irontoad.com to get good prices on parts for your car.

    When was the last time the brakes were done? I normally have to do my Fronts every 35K and rears every 45K.

    Hope this helps,
    SV
  • hprjrhprjr Member Posts: 24
    I'm approaching the 90000 mile service. My dealer wants to change timing belt, plugs, adjust valves, change all fluids, etc. Is the adjustment of the valves necessary? Seems some dealers do an audible check, and for the most part leave them alone.There is a wide range of estimated charges-1000 to 1600$. Thanks for any guidance. p.s. I've had all services performed by the book.
  • ls90rhdls90rhd Member Posts: 4
    General rules with brakes: If the brake light comes on it normally means there is something serious wrong and could be dangerous. Simply changing the pads probably won't alter the situation. It could have something to do with the master cylinder, ABS or other. If you don't understand your brake system get someone who does!! Also with pad wear, if the pad is worn to the thickness of the metal backing its time to change. Reason is the pads absorb some of the heat generated and the thinner the pad you run you increase risk of distroying your rotors. Don't make the mistake and go down to metal on metal. (my other half has a Previa with 260,000 kms which has only ever had the pads changed 3 or 4 times in its entire life, same rotors, not even a machine and the brakes are perfect.) On this i only use soft pads which are fine for every day use which don't dig into the rotors. I am applying the same to my LS. Pads with metal or proformance pads are only useful if you are a race driver and consistantly heat the rotors with constant braking.
  • ls90rhdls90rhd Member Posts: 4
    Save your $1000 on the valves if the car is out of warranty. It is a huge job for very little benefit. Unless you have noticed a change in your engine. Get the rest done.
  • rjbusenitzrjbusenitz Member Posts: 13
    I am wanting to put a seatbelt in the middle of my backseat for my 90 LS400 so that it will ride 5 people. Any advice on how to get the backseat out and where a good spot to bolt the seatbelt would be?
  • atunsilatunsil Member Posts: 3
    GLO44, I also have a 91 LS 400, my stereo did the same thing. It actually started with sound going out on one speaker then in a very short period of maybe a couple weeks all speakers. I could still hear sound if I turned the volume up very high but it would be sound over static. It turns out that all the speakers went out and needed to be replaced. I was told that its not uncommon for multiple speakers to go out at the same time. I replaced the speakers and it worked perfect. You can test this by replacing 1 speaker, if you have full sound in that new speaker, just replace the other 3 and you will be back in business. :)
  • atunsilatunsil Member Posts: 3
    I had this same problem on my 91 LS 400, I had the transmission serviced and no problem was found. At the same time there were other electrical mysteries going on with the car. I took it to an auto electric shop, they found the bundle of wires that run back to the trunk had some severed wires. They replaced that bundle of wires and not only did the transmission start shifting properly but other problems with the brake lights, and shift lights, were also corrected.
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