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Lexus LS: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • fatboy12fatboy12 Member Posts: 1
    As a new member of Town Hall, I would like to thank everyone for their posts and professionalism (check out the discussions about Lexus vs. The World in Town Hall to see the kids at play!).

    Anyhow, I am looking to purchase my first Lexus (most likely a 90-94 LS or 93-96 GS). I would like to hear what the pros have to say by way of what to look for in a used Lexus. What systems or specific areas should I focus on? How many miles is too many? Any advice for my purchase would be helpful.

    I am a DIY car owner by nature, but wonder if the LS is going to be over my head.

    Thanks for your help in advance.
  • poliwhirlguypoliwhirlguy Member Posts: 21
    I purchased a used 95 LS400 last August and had previously owned a 93 ES300. I am sure that the issues I had, or lack of issues, would apply universally to all used Lexus models. The most obvious thing to look out for with Lexus vehicles is the dash. I am a nitpicky owner and do not like those small annoying things to go wrong. I noticed that on my 93 ES the needles were burning out (one needle would flicker at the tip). And of course the whole unit must be replaced. But again, the car was already 7 years old when in bought it in 2000. I put 35k on it in a single year. The only major maintenance it required was a cracked oil pan or something like that which cost $1000 to fix but...it could have been fixed earlier had I wanted it to. The part was very cheap (like $50) but the labor to replace was enormous. It was an excellent car purchase.

    The LS I just purchased has also been remarkable. The only thing I am not too thrilled about is the suspension. This vehicle has the optional air suspension which can be extremely costly to replace and as I approach 85k, is showing its signs of wear including the sharp, hard impacts, front end wobble, and wandering on the highway. I'm hoping it will last another 10k or so (about 6 months) so that I can save for it. The cheapest quote I got was from irontoad for a little over $700 a piece. The remote gas door sometimes does not open but that is very unimportant. The interior is still immaculate and the paint is still shining. Even though it's black, a simple wash/wax makes it look like a new one.

    As for advice, make sure that any car you purchase has had the 60k service done at a dealer. It's just a safe way to know that at least it has been to an "expert" once. They can give you one of their famous printouts too if you give them the VIN #. The 60k service extends the life of the car by a lot. If the owner chose the 90k service interval, make sure it covered the 60k components (timing belt, water pump, etc). And if you do opt for the 90-94 LS, make sure that the power steering pump is looked at !!! lol. you've seen the horrors they have caused. I haven't had any experience with the GS models...so someone else can pick up where i left off.. Happy shopping. There are very few Lexus lemons. They all give extremely nice rides with high reliability. Just like I tell all my friends, I am a "Lexus4Life" owner.
  • paul29paul29 Member Posts: 178
    Could you tell me what your 95 maintenance manual says about timing belt replacement, my 91 LS400 maintenance and also factory service manual says it only is required to be changed. when vehicle is used in very specific types of severe service. Normal and typical severe service changing is not reqd., only the types of severe sevice noted in the subnote. I doubt if anyone on this board uses their 91 LS in the noted types of service.
  • poliwhirlguypoliwhirlguy Member Posts: 21
    The manual probably is similar for all LS models with their service intervals. there are two schedules in the manual...one for heavy highway miles and another for the more "casual stop and go" driver. 90k is for highway mileage and 60k is for more everyday driving like city/taxi/etc. Be careful though that you are only considering the timing belt replacement during this interval.

    The timing belt is of course one of the major components to be replaced. But the 60k or 90k whichever you choose to use has a host of other procedures which are essential to the long life of your car. it (re)lubricates many of the parts on the underside of your car as well as inspects for damage the majority of major parts. When changing the timing belt, "all is revealed" and anything requiring the greater access allowed with the engine out can be fixed such as the water pump. The oil pan or whatever was fixed on my 93ES i mentioned could have been done when the timing belt was being performed but I said no. SO, it cost me an arm and a leg in labor to remove it again for a $50 part!

    THe reason I said get the 60k service done is only as a safeguard. UNless you get a printout from your dealer, you have no way of knowing whether or not the car has ever seen real maintenance. For both cars I purchased, I had the dealer run a safety check for about $100 that had them inspect the major components for issues. I saved a lot of money just by getting the 60k mile service done since it included replacement of most of the fluids which were left dirty by th eprevious pwner and since the engine was out, allowed them to replace another part which I can't recall at the moment.

    Rememner, that any Lex you purchase will only behave like the machine it is. Parts do on occasion fail and you want to minimize their cost. Parts for this car are extremely expensive so why spend extra $$$ for labor. I do not follow my schedule faithfully but I do take it in every 30k for a "checkup". I want this car to live up to its reputation of a longer than usual life, hopefully 200k if possible. Timing belts are very rare to fail in these cars so i'm told but any component will fail if neglected or not maintained properly. Hope this helps paul :)
  • paul29paul29 Member Posts: 178
    From what I understand the timing belt is a HSN type of belt,which in the LS is not reqd to be changed except in service which involves hours and hours of idling on a daily basis . The belt is subjected to the heaviest shock loads at idle as the cams are turning over slowly . The LS engine is a noninterference type unit ie: no internal engine damage if belt did say goodbye. Has anyone here had a timing belt on a LS 400 fail , if so what year of car and at what mileage ? I personally follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule on all my vehicles without exception , the dealers from time to time have a tendency to add unnecessary additional work at added expense. Although this won't hurt anything but your wallet or purse. Polywhirlguy, the engine is not taken out to change a timing belt on a LS. Changing the belt involves a lot of disassembly in the engine area, that is why I assume Lexus designed it that way and does not require it to changed except as noted.
  • husskhussk Member Posts: 3
    My 93 LS 400 with 102K miles has a dead battery. The battery was repaced July 1999 at 69K with a new Lexus battery. Does anyone know if the Lexus battery should have a three year warranty? What have people used for a good battery replacement? This car has so many power needs I'm not sure what other's battery changing schedules have been. Thanks for your responses.
  • tdi90hptdi90hp Member Posts: 20
    Hi guys,
    I want to Thank Rodmodd and Q45 in advance for your helpfull hints. I am buying a used LS400, from a dealer in Toronto. I had the Lexus dealer do the inspection. Car has been serviced 32 times since new in 178,000kms. Good car everything looks good except the steering rack has some seepage, NO leaks , just seepage on the RHS boot(Passenger side). Mechanic said it could go next week or last 3-4 years. What to do?? P.S pump has been replaced in the work orders and rest of car very strong/// Is there aftermarket racks if it goes?? Are there seals that can be fixed in the rack.. Can it drive many years with seepage.??
    Mechanic told me a rack was $500 bucks rebuilt. Checked with the parts counter they quoted $3000 canadian for the whole rack?? Kinda scared... Would appreciate an immediate opinion as I need to make a decision in 24hrs...
    Thanks. Claude.
  • poliwhirlguypoliwhirlguy Member Posts: 21
    I stand corrected about the engine being out for the replacement!!! When I asked about what was done at the 60k service, there was a long list of lubes and adjustments that was told to me by the service manager. i will say that the car drove a lot better afterward. there was a little hesitation in the acceleration which was fixed afterward. i guess i'm one of the lucky ones with the power steering pump fiasco. mine has never been replaced and is not currently leaking (knock on wood). every time i go in for an oil change, i have it looked at. it'll probably just all gush out at once and caused some kind of fire. lol.

    i went for a ride with the technician to help solve a vibration in my car. i asked him about the HSN timing belts. he's been at this lexus dealership since it was incepted (one of the original dealerships). he said he has only seen one break. it was on a 91 LS with close to 240k miles on it. don't know if he was lying or not but he went on to say that it was an old lady driver who just topped off all fluids (never replaced any) except for the oil. i find that hard to believe but it was good for a laugh. when the woman was told that she needed a new belt for the engine, she just opted for a new LS. wish i had that kinda money. i should have asked what she did with the 91!

    Have you made any further decisions yet as to what model you want to purchase?
  • codylabradorcodylabrador Member Posts: 18
    Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

    I've now purchased an electronics manual for the LS 400. In tracing the ground I believe that the IH1 ground, which is on terminal 14 of the white connector, is common to the things that are going out on me. (See page 15 of the manual diagrams)


    I cannot see an obvious break so I am thinking about splicing a wire into the backplane at some other point so the ground comes in from two directions. Anyone ever tried this?


    I also found a complaint filed with the NHTSA. For those that are interested here is the pointer: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/

    Drill down by looking at "consumer complaints" then "vehicles" then choose, in three steps, 1994 Lexus LS 400 and you will see case ODI ID 857012 filed about the instrument lights. Strange but there are no 90-93 LS 400 complaints. I have ordered the file, will investigate and update this forum.


    Based on what I have read on the Lexus forums we may be onto a large-scale 1994 LS 400 problem where many people have, and are paying $1100-$1500 to correct a factory defect!

  • lx400chwlx400chw Member Posts: 3
    After several phone calls and letters to Lexus without any resolution, I've talked to my attorney and we are currenly preparing to file a classic action law suit againist Lexus for its faulty temp and clock LCD dispaly on earlier LS400 model. If you would like to join the law suit, please post your car year, mileage (only LS400 model will be specified in the law suit)and contact info (e-mail preferred) and my attorney will contact you. If we can show the scope of such problem, Lexus may be willing to settle even before the trial strats.
  • roddmod11roddmod11 Member Posts: 55
    If it were me I would BUY IT. But it would help to know the year and price. Rack seepage is no big deal,unless it is dripping.
  • roddmod11roddmod11 Member Posts: 55
    You might want to give your e-mail or a phone number to call, as I don't think Edmunds wants that kind of thing on the site. There would be hundreds if not thousands of people that have or had this problem.
  • tdi90hptdi90hp Member Posts: 20
    Bought the car. 92 LS , gold, with 178Kms on it and well serviced. Hope to get 532,000kms on it like my 92 camry has on it right now. (original LE with original motor and Trans, 5 speed , 4cyl, incredible car). If anyone needs an excellent mechanic for these cars in SW ontario get a hold of me at year2000@execulink.com and I will point you to him. Not at a dealership but dealer trained and great guy.
  • freddyvonfreddyvon Member Posts: 5
    Hey everyone , I have found this guy who can help with the Fried Cliamte Control Unit, take a look.
    http://cgi.ebay.aol.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1806933594
  • gonzotradergonzotrader Member Posts: 1
    I have 98 LS 400 and the Cig. Lighter has no power to it. Won't fire the Radar Detector or the lighter. Fuse is OK. How do you remove the whole thing to check for electical problem, or bad lighter? Anyone?
  • lx400chwlx400chw Member Posts: 3
    As roddmod11 suggested, anyone would like to join the lawsuite, please e-mail (chewang@homemail.com) me with the year and mileage of your LS400. Thanks.
  • djr7399djr7399 Member Posts: 24
    Rod, q45, Lexuslovers,

    Can you guys explain how to get to the rear third brake light bulb, needs to be replaced, I'm baffled on how to get to it, have a 95 LS400.

    any suggestions guys?

    dj
  • vcso2279vcso2279 Member Posts: 5
    To Q45man,dealerflorida, or anyone out there,
    My 94 LS driver seat belt does not retract. Sometimes it retracts after I physically feed it. I heard that Lexus warrants its seat belts for life. Is that true ??? Please assist. Thank you all in advance. PS read every article and love this site.
  • khakis31khakis31 Member Posts: 2
    Noted archived messages #1 and 2. Vibration described is likely due to engine. It produces obvious vibration at approx. 1800 rpm and increases slightly as rpm increases. Local dealer measured and confirmed it and said that they duplicated it in another '98 on the lot. Regional tech. rep. says that this harmonic vibration is a "normal characteristic" of the engine and not a defect (if you can believe that). Would like to hear others' comments. If there are enough of us, we might form a class action.
    Mike
    Khakis31@hotmail.com
  • khakis31khakis31 Member Posts: 2
    justnjoett "Lexus LS 400 Vibration" Dec 17, 2000 2:52pm

    Please note my comments under posting #620
  • deacon1984deacon1984 Member Posts: 10
    I had an interesting experience this weekend with my '91 LS400 that I thought I would share. My lcd panel would go out when I applied my brakes. (It didn't happen if the headlights were turned on, though). Also, the "R" light came on in the drive indicator on the dash. Finally, the brakes responded poorly, gripping very hard after applying a little pressure to the pedal. I previously had an intermitent problem with the rear lights bulb indicator coming on when the trunk was opened and closed with the car running. After reviewing some past posts, I checked for a broken wire near the trunk hinge. Sure enough, there was a white wire with a brown line that was broken. Spliced it back together, and everything is working fine again. Sometimes the simple things work!
  • sgrd0qsgrd0q Member Posts: 398
    lx400chw said:After several phone calls and letters to Lexus without any resolution, I've talked to my attorney and we are currenly preparing to file a classic action law suit againist Lexus for its faulty temp and clock LCD dispaly on earlier LS400 model.

    and

    As roddmod11 suggested, anyone would like to join the lawsuite, please e-mail (chewang@homemail.com) me with the year and mileage of your LS400. Thanks.

    lx400chw count me in! I too would like to join the classic action lawsuite ! :)
  • q45manq45man Member Posts: 416
    Lotsa luck as all made it through the warranty.
    I would be interested in your attorney's argument since many other vehicles [Q45,BMW]have similiar problems a function of the technology available at that time.
    PS: The government deems 7 years or 100k as the limit for even safety defects!
  • q45manq45man Member Posts: 416
    After around 70-100k the trnsmission mount should be replaced this along with front tension rods and a arm bushings corrects most non tire related vibrations [noise on braking turning etc.].
  • q45manq45man Member Posts: 416
    is still a $50k car [depreciation doesn't count] as far as cost to maintain is concerned.
    The Lexus is one of the BEST but things still wear out.
    The major problem is the fancy accessories wear out faster [sun roof, power windows, electronic devices].
    Except for EGR control system and egr dirt the engine is bullet proof. Same with tranny if you service it CORRECTLY every 30k.
    But it will still cost you 7 cents in mainteance and repairs per mile after the warranty expires!
  • atagatacatagatac Member Posts: 5
    I am looking for a good mechanic for my 92 LS400. I have 117k on it and still love it. I live in Chino Hills, CA area. What shop do you recommend that do a great job but won't take your arm and your leg. Dealerships are charging too much. Please help. I want to keep this car for a long time.
  • lexor2lexor2 Member Posts: 11
    Hey Cody, I too bought at an online auction and found out the day after I picked up the car that I had a blank instrument panel for the 1st half hour of driving. After eight months and no help from this board, I sprang for $1195.oo and had dlr replace circuit board. $900. part and 2 hours labor. I made them give me old board in the hope that someone on this board would pay me for the old part and to insure that dlr was not using a reman part. Thank God I got a swinging deal on this '94 as it is now a sweetie. Good luck with your repair! If it works give me a holler at lexor@att.net. I would be very interested. (Like $1195 interested.
  • djr7399djr7399 Member Posts: 24
    Anyone willing to help on ? #618?

    Suggestions, anybody.

    dj
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    on Camry the cover slides straight forward toward the front seat and then the bulb is easy to reach and replace.
  • lexie88lexie88 Member Posts: 6
    I think the owner's manuel tells you how to replace the rear brake light. My 91 LS400 owner's manuel has instruction to replace the rear brake light. Simple job! But I don't know whether it is the same as 95 LS. Good luck.
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    And my manual said to take it to the dealer!!???
  • djr7399djr7399 Member Posts: 24
    The manual has said the exact same thing, basically don't try to fix on your own, take me to your(leader)dealer. hey wain can't slide the cover back. any more suggestions gang

    dj
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    kinda charitable maybe? $60/hr for a taillight sound kinda rich to me.
  • tdi90hptdi90hp Member Posts: 20
    Bought my gorgeous sandstone 92 LS400 last week.
    it has 180,000kms on it. Took it straight to my mechanic and replaced all filters (yes, the fuel filter SHOULD be replaced just make sure you soak the connections for a number of hours with some kind of high quality penetrating fluid/oil, and we did not have to cut any fuel lines or whatever horror stories I have read about)), flushed all the fluids (let the transmission flush overnight and you will get more trans fluid out of it than you think) got most of the power steering fluid out, and did coolant and brake fluids and changed plugs to Bosch Platinum+4 and fixed an oil pan leak and a very small coolant leak, and fully serviced the brakes, lubricated the sliders and cleaned them.
    My 2 cents are the following: if you have not done this and more at least every 50-60k you WILL have an expensive car to own. If you do you will get as I have in the driveway a car with 534,000kms on it as we speak (92 camry LE) . Lastly if you are not running synthetic you are doing your engine a disservice. the stuff works and is worth every single copper. FYI I paid 11,000 canadian Dollars for the car + tax!!! aboout 7000 US. Why would anyone buy any other used car??? These beauties are currently the best value on the used market. SSSSHHHH... Dont tell anyone. Little more fuel and maybe a little more maintenance but look what you GOT boys and gals.
    This week she gets tinted, visits the dent man to pop some small dents and the tire shop to fix a slight wobble. Wonder if one of the "gurus' could help. My compressor on AC appears to be puked!! (one of the reasons the car was a little cheaper as I am not afraid of fixing cars)
    Can they be rebuilt??? I can get a used one on the net for 200-400 bucks but I rather get rebuilt if possible. I need a solid answer on this before it gets warm.
    Best to you and look forward to all your comments.
    Claude in Tillsonburg, Ontario
  • paul29paul29 Member Posts: 178
    Sounds like you got a good deal on the LS. Just wondering why you decided on the Bosch +4 plugs over the original NGK's.
  • blkmgkblkmgk Member Posts: 54
    would it be necessary to add an additive when doing a drain & fill?? the first time (65k)I had the atf fluid changed at an oil change place(big mistake)they added this stuff along with some dexron/mercon atf. so now @100k I have been doing my own drain and fills. car now has 107k. I have done at least 3 to try and replace all the old fluid.
  • blkmgkblkmgk Member Posts: 54
    I replaced my front pads and had the rotors resurfaced. Why does the car still, at times, not as often , still vibrate a little when I press the brakes???? My rear rotors and brakes where replaced months ago. what gives???
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    I just like the way they perform.
  • bigbozerbigbozer Member Posts: 22
    Hi! The fan on my A/C and heating unit works at all speeds except the lowest one. This makes the car either too hot in winter or too cold in summer. What could be the problem? One person told me it could the the resistance in the fan motor at the lowest speed that may be gone. Can anyone help me? Is this an expensive repair job?
  • dbloodhounddbloodhound Member Posts: 2
    I have a '95 LS 400. As I come to a sudden stop on a decline, such as exiting an off ramp from an interstate, the motor will sometimes go dead. Once I come to a stop, it will restart with no problem. So far this has happened only on a trip of more than two hours. It seems to be more frequent as of late. Is there a fix? Has anyone else had this problem?

    Dbloodhound
  • pj2323pj2323 Member Posts: 43
    i have a brake light out also. the upper light looks as if it has two bulbs. the cover has some screws in it, but they look 3 pronged. have never seen any like this. can anyone help?
  • pj2323pj2323 Member Posts: 43
    blend air of irving texas usually has a "new" compressor on auction on ebay. i bought one for 355.00.they don't at the present but i think you can buy one from them for $425-450.their number is 972 313 2025.
  • hyperopthyperopt Member Posts: 55
    pj,
    You got a good price on the compressor. How do like the "new" compressor and why is "new" in quotation? Is it brand spanking new and who is the manufacturer?
    I am looking for an AC compressor and $450 only gets a rebuilt locally.
  • pj2323pj2323 Member Posts: 43
    because it is "new", not rebuilt. they buy the parts from toyota over seas and assemble it in texas. i just talked to them a moment ago to confirm this. he said he was about to put one ebay then. check it out.
  • djr7399djr7399 Member Posts: 24
    Yeah pj, did some investigating looking at those screws in the cover myself,found out that they are torx screws #10, problem is you have be very gentle with unwinding the screws,I striped 2 of them, so know I have to figure on how to get them without damaging the cover. Lexus tech said once you get the cover off you should be able to reach the 2 bulbs. good luck

    dj
  • sliangsliang Member Posts: 50
    dbloodhound,
    Have you checked your LS at your local dealer?
    I have a 00 Acura RL, and the engine was going dead twice when I was slowing down the speed. I brought the car back to the local dealer, and they claimed that the ECU has known problem, they replaced the ECU under warranty, the car is running fine so far.
    Your car might be out of warranty, so fixing it at dealer could be expensive.
  • q45manq45man Member Posts: 416
    "Your car might be out of warranty, so fixing it at dealer could be expensive."

    In Atlanta the few shops that know how to work on Lexus [properly] are only $15/hr at best lower than dealer and parts cost are the same regardless since they must buy from dealers [with a slight dicount].
    Luxury parts are expensive due to import tariffs [to help keep US job].

    Be very very careful about non Toyota remans as most are junk and barely last through the 12 month warranty....especially AC components, power steering pumps, and alternators.
  • raimondi1raimondi1 Member Posts: 9
    Hi any1 out there know how to locate the pwr steering pump filter to replace it? Also after looking at Chilton/Motors manuals it doesnt look too difficult to replace pump assembly.Has any1 out there swapped one?
  • petrojeffpetrojeff Member Posts: 4
    I just did the same thing with my 92 LS400. I changed the front pads and put new rotors on. Upon driving the car , it began to vibrate when I applied the brakes. This problem is usually caused by a warped rotor, but upon inspecting the rotor, I found no warpage. However, I did find that one of the sliding pins in the right front caliper torque plate had frozen and did not allow the caliper to "float". I got a new torque plate from the junk yard, and the problem went away. This may be the case for you. However, it is also common that when the rotors are turned, they warp because they are thinner than the 26mm minimum.
  • pscmjpscmj Member Posts: 7
    My 94 LS400 (79K miles) has an annoying deceleration problem. At highway speeds, say 55-60 mph, when going downhill or slowing to adjust to traffic, engine speed drops between 200-300 rpm with just a slight release of the accelerator pedal. If I hold the accelerator pedal in place at the new position, the engine speed will recover after about 1 to 2 seconds. For an instant, it’s as if the TPS and computer have sensed that I have totally taken my foot off the gas, resulting in the annoying deceleration until they can respond correctly to the new accelerator position. If I immediately try and duplicate the condition, I can’t … the accelerator responds correctly. It seems I need to drive a half-mile or so before I can duplicate the problem. Also, cruise control at these speeds is very annoying since there is no smooth flow of power.

    Anyway, I had the local Lexus dealer take a look at it. The tech rode with me until I could show him what I was talking about. He indicated this was an inherent problem in the 93-94 LS400s. He also indicated that Lexus called this condition “fishtailing” (I think this is what he called it, I know for sure it had the word “fish” at the beginning of the term), but never came up with a solution. He said what they do in their shop is adjust the TPS to essentially move the problem to where it isn’t as noticeable. He indicated that a new TPS was ~$175, with an hour of labor, but wasn’t sure that would eliminate the problem. He also indicated that the EGR valve could be involved, and suggested cleaning the passageways between the EGR valve and the throttlebody.

    Anybody else experienced this problem? If so, have you been able to do anything about it? Comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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