Lexus LS: Problems & Solutions

crowbait1 · May 2002

Sadly, this is the system shipped with the car in 92. The Lexus folks were working on diagrams also in search of an elusive wire to ground but could not find one. Crowbait

paul29 · May 2002

Try this: First lock then unlock the drivers door with the key (theft alarm light on dash should now be off and will stay off). Open trunk and remove the trunk light cover and then the trunk light bulb (under rear shelf). Remove plastic trim at base of trunk opening to reveal catch and push button switch for trunk light (beside catch) Ground the single wire to this switch. The "Theft deterrent system" will not arm with with this wire grounded. Everything else works, locks , remote etc. except the trunk light and alarm system. (leave bulb out or it will stay on and drain battery).This can be done another way and retain the use of the trunk light,but is more involved.

pontoisele · May 2002

Hi,
My son had an accident to my wife ES 300 -97 w/ 27,000 miles on it last Sunday morning,The car still under warranty.The impact so bad the whole front and side is gone.Luckily no bad injuries to my family.And so amazing, both airbags,driver and passenger side do not work.Stayed peaceful in their enclosures.It happened once during last year w/ my brother 91 LS 400 accident.The car was totally lost and the airbag still intact.So this time I want talk to the Lexus people before bring it up by my lawyer.Some one have Lexus representative in US email, phone # so I can call or email to them w/ all supporting pics.
Thank you- Can email me @ :"mle204@hotmail.com"

pj2323 · May 2002

go to napa auto parts and buy a bottle of lucas power steering fluid stop leak and rack and pinion lube. cost is about 9.00. it worked wonders for my rack and pinion.

c2sox · May 2002

Originally I was convinced that the problem was my O2 sensors. But prior to working on my car I found my owners manual and double checked the error code. To my surprise I was getting the error code "31" (air flow meter signal), what exactly is this and what do I have to replace? Oh and just an FYI my car is a 1990 LS400.

Any suggestions hyperopt or anyone else? Again thanks in advance!

paul29 · May 2002

Code 31 is telling you the ECU did not get an air flow signal for 2 secs at an engine speed above 300 rpm and is now operating in fail safe function . Engine is now running from a constant set of values stored in the computer. Do you have an "owners" manual or a shop manual,codes are not normally in any owners manuals. The shop manual will give you the check procedure to isolate your problem. Could be just a harness or connector glitch. Good luck

hyperopt · May 2002

Airbags are designed to deploy in types of accidents where certain parameters are met. The facts that they didn't deploy in accidents did not necessarily imply that they didn't work.

pontoisele · May 2002

Thanks for your thoughts hyperopt.
As a car owner, I thought when someone purchase the car, he think about safety first by always picking the car w/more safety feature if they can afford it.Basicly seat belt first and after came air bags .Driver air bags,next is passenger side airbags and...now side airbags. No one told me that in order to make airbag working, the car must met a certain parameters as you said.Only they said that to provide more safety for oeople.Luckily no one want have opportunity to test the functioning of their airbag by involving into an accident.If not lucky, during a bad accident like mine, they lost their live and no one complains that his air bag do not meet some parameters to deploy and he not here either to understand why.
I'm not against Lexus,actually I driving a LS 400, and I still planning upgrade it to LS 430 this coming september.But before that,I will pursuit this matter till it's solved friendly or legally.
It's nt first time, it happened once w/ my brother 91 LS 400 last year which is totally lost and airbag not deploy.He got a 97 LS and forgot it because may be it's too old so airbag can be mal functioned.
Mine is different, it had two,driver and passenger side and none is deployed.
My goal is very simple, just to get the refund of the non functioning air bags when they are not working as advertised , secondly want lexus people provide some place, some way to test the air bag functioning of mine and other lexus owner (including you too,if you own a lexus.) So every one will be sure that their car are reliable and SAFE.
I don't want make any money on them.We are so lucky that no serious things happened to us.If some one tell me how to post pics in this page I will post them so lexus owner will understand why I wrote these lines. Thanks.
This accident happened during a curved turn in a 2 lanes drive, to avoid an other car head on us, we moved to the right and lost control, hit to a tree, bounced to an other tree......
Is it the purpose or airbag to protect us in these circumstances?

pontoisele · May 2002

Thanks to Alpha01 for your thoughts in ES 300 topics.
Yesterday I already talked to Lexus satisfaction department and they will send some one to inspect it within 2 WEEKS.I'm not yet know what's decision of my insurance 'bout the car now,only 2 days after the wreck, the appraiser back from towing yard, give me call telling that my car might be totaled.So you can guess what kind of impact the car already suffered.I'm waiting on Lexus inspection results and I guess will be similar with your opinion.Think about Ford Explorer problems , do they accept their mistake ? Obviously,never they recognize their mistake .They afraid of their consequences. My case very simple.Good things ubder God protection no serious things harm us.What I'm asking for very simple and easy too.My goal is for the safety of myself and all other Lexus owners.My self I'm a Lexus fanince 91, my actual car is a LS 400-96, 3rd revised model,my 1st was a 91 LS 400. Because they are so great, I got a ES 300-97 for my wife and planning trade mine in to get a LS430.Never checking paper work to find out air bag problem or some thing else, because I trust on their reliability and their safety.Thanks to GOD.Since 91 till now, no accident to me.And I'm sure that no body wish to have an accident to test the functioning of their air bags,so they can examine point by point as your opinion if they do not deploy.Remenber that, can test once only, second time if they are lucky enough to survive.Last night on TV there is an ad for a car, I forgot the brand name, the car just been hit by an animal, and driver airbag, passenger airbag, side air bag, every thing deployed.They do not mentioned anything 'bout accelarating or decelerating. Just saying to protect people . An other gentleman told me that in order to get it work, the speed must be 15 miles/hr min.Actually on the roads now , none driving that speed, may be in parking deck or garage.
I want mentioned one more time that never I want make money on this matter.God already gave me enough so I enjoying luxury cars now, not a Yugo.Just to ask Lexus to act now, how? don't know beside What I'm asking.Do not wait until dozen of lexus owner been killed or recall required by National safety Transportation Board or some thing else happened.Do we need bring cars within a certain years old in for inspection or ...
My ES 300 still under warranty.I copied these line for info to all actual or furure Lexus Owner.

hyperopt · May 2002

It's a good thing that your party didn't get hurt in the accident. I understand your concerns that the airbags did not deploy in an accident and wondered if mine will when in need. I am afraid the only way to find out if they are working is to be in a wreck where all parameters are met and that doesn't leave much room. Fortunately, cars equiped with airbags have circuitry to test for airbag failures every time the ignition is turned on. Whether or not this detection circuitry can detect all airbags failures is questionable. To make matter worst, 20/20 reported that there are quite a few cars on the road today with "dummy" airbags. These "dummy" airbags (eg. scrap papers) are used instead of real airbag by crooks who steal airbags and dirty repair shops that cheat their customers. Not a comforting thought is it?

hyperopt · May 2002

In some circumstances the deployment of airbag in an accident decreases injuries. In others, it increases injuries or even kills.

ruby01 · May 2002

Has anyone replaced lower ball joints on a '91 LS400? Would this be considered a do-it-yourself task? Your comments are greatly appreciated.

1991ls400 · May 2002

Would someone please tell me where to fill radiator coolant fluid? The instruction on the coolant reservor says something like "remove the filler plug front of engine and fill up the radiator. Replace the filler plug when done."

I cannot find the filler plug anywhere on the radiator.

Thank you!

paul29 · May 2002

Assuming you are refilling your whole system? To fill coolant system close engine and rad drain cocks . Turn ignition on, A/C blower motor on, set the temp to highest setting( this opens the valve to the heater core). Remove rad cap on reservoir, now remove plug on thermostat housing ( at top front of engine), slowly add coolant through this opening until full. Install plug and finish filling coolant reservoir . Keep adding coolant until level no longer drops. Start engine and add coolant as needed for ten minutes, up to four liters/quarts.Fill to bottom of overflow pipe. Take vehicle for a 5 minute drive then top up again. Monitor for a few days and thats it. If you are just topping up your coolant , add to the reservoir only.

tuttie · May 2002

I have a 98 Lexus LS400 and everything on the panel shut down. All of the gages. Everything is reading 0. I can not even tell how fast I'm going. Temp, Oil, nothing is moving. It's as if the car is turned off. The radio and everything still plays and it runs fine, but I can't tell anything by looking at the gages. Is anyone familiar with this? Is there a recall on anything with the 98 LS400. If no recall for this problem, how much money am I looking at. It's nice to have a good looking luxury car, however, the maintenance to keep up a car of this standard can be a @#!$%$. Please help

paul29 · May 2002

Did you check the guage fuse, should be under dash on the driver's side. It is # 3 on the older LS in block #1B

1991ls400 · May 2002

Thank you, Paul! Yes, I was planning to flush the system and refill it but couldn't find the refill plug. I just located it and will follow your instruction. Thanks!

crowbait1 · May 2002

Thanks. Great tip. Neighbours are happy and car is locked up again. Crowbait

1991ls400 · May 2002

Is is Okay to use Dexron III Mercon tranny fluid for a 1991 LS400? Someone in post # 201 said that it will destroy the tranny!

I've just drained, replaced tranny filter & gasket, and put in Valveline Dexron III Mercon in my car. I drove the car for about 80 miles after putting in new fluid.

Someone please clarify this for me as I am getting mixed messages. The owner's manual suggests T-II, and I guess Lexus only has T-IV right now, and I put in Dexron III!!!!!!

HELP!!!!!

paul29 · May 2002

You are well beyond any factory warranty, unless this is a recent factoy rebuild, you only put in maybe 2 to 3 liters/qts with a filter change and ,although you haven't gone any great distance , the dexron has now mixed with the rec. Toyota fluid. Call the 800# for Lexus and ask to speak to the techinical people for an opinion on what to do , if anything , you have nothing to lose. Many Toyotas use dexron ie. the 94/v6/4runner auto, but the front differential uses one type of gear oil and the rear uses another , if you are doing your own maintenance the owners/shop manual is essential for the proper info. Mistakes of this nature are made many times daily , you are not alone.

hyperopt · May 2002

People reported that LS400 transmission filled with Dexron III behaved irratically. If I were you, I would completely flush out Dexron and replaced with Type IV, which is an improved version of Type II, at once and pray no damaged has occured. The cost of transmission repair is too high to risk running with cheap old Mercon.

1991ls400 · May 2002

Thank you both for your suggestions. At this point in time, I have NO choice but to flush the system and fill it with T-IV.

Here is what I plan to do:

1) Drain the existing fluid via the drain plug.
2) Buy 2 cans (8 liters???) of T-IV from Toyota.
3) Fill it with 1/2 (2 liters) can of T-IV and take it out for a 10 minutes drive. Come back to the garage and drain the fluid out. Put the other 1/2 can of fluid in and take it out for another drive. Come back in and drain it out again. After 2 drains, I """think""" Dexron III is pretty much out of the system.
4) Fill it up again with the other can (or 2 liters) and call it done. Or I can drain the fluid out the 3rd time, and fill it again with the other 1/2 can.

What do you think? Any thoughts on this? Should I also lower the pan and change the filter too eventhough it only has 80 miles on it???

Thank you.

paul29 · May 2002

The Ls 400 has a screen type element, was there any debris on your first filter? If not you should be allright with what your doing. Do you have the 4 liter can Toyota part # 08886-01705 ? Refer to the recomendations on the front, especially the last line." Regarding any further questions , please contact the place of purchase." That is why I suggested a call to Lexus,you may get information we all can use. Good luck

1991ls400 · May 2002

Hi Paul,

I contacted the Lexus 800 number as you have suggested, but these guys aren't that helpful. They said any issues or questions regarding service should go through local dealers. The guy at 800 number said there's no technical people I can talk to, except to contact local Lexus service department. They're very HELPFUL!

Anyhow, I called the local Lexus service dept., and they said not to use Dexron III. The charge for a complete flush and refilling with T-IV is about $200. The cost of 4-liter T-IV from Lexus is $32.95, while it's only $27.55 from a Toyota dealer! "wink...wink...wink!"

The old filter element was very clean with no debris whatsover when I took it off. I also cleaned the bottom of the pan before re-installing it. Everything went good EXCEPT for the WRONG type of tranny fluid I put in!

Anyhow, I am going to pick up 2 4-liter cans this week, and I will work on it this coming Saturday. I am not driving the car at all until I can get all the fluid out.

Can you tell me which one is the return line from the radiator??? I am also going to disconnect it and let the fluid out too besides the drain plug. Please tell me which line (left or right) standing in front of the engine looking down at the lines coming off the radiator.

Thank you.

paul29 · May 2002

I can't tell you which is the return line as my diagram does not label them as such. I can tell you that the line from the pump area of the transmission goes to the drivers side of the rad and the line from just above the pan seal at the mid point of the trans goes to the pass. side of the rad . My guess is the pass side is the return line. I haven't had reason to remove them so I am in the dark also. Did you price the flush (without a filter change) from the Toyota dealer? The transmission holds 8.2 liters , a flush and refill will require at least that amount plus the flushing fluid at $7/liter , T-IV I presume . If this will completely clean out the dexron , it may be cost effective enough to be considered and also for peace of mind that it is all cleaned out. .

hyperopt · May 2002

If my math is correct, this is what happens when you change trans fluid via drain plugs.

Only 2L/8L = 1/4 of the total volume is changed for every drain plug removal, thus, 3/4 remains.

Drain cycle #:
1: 1 X 3/4 = .75
2: 1 X 3/4 X3/4 = .56
3: 1 X 3/4 X3/4 X 3/4 = .42
4: 1 X 3/4 X3/4 X 3/4 X 3/4 = .31
...
8: .... = .10
As you can see, to remove 90% of the old fluid (10% remains) you need to drain 8 times which requires 4 cans or $100(at $25/can). Not very efficient is it? As a matter of fact, the more drain cycle you do, the less of the "old" remaining fluid gets replaced, thus, less efficiency. Furthermore, you almost can never replace completely all old fluid from your transmission using the drain method. I suggest that you pick a suitable method of replacing the trans oil and do the best you can.

1991ls400 · May 2002

Thanks again for your thoughts and suggestion. I stopped by an independent Lexus repair shop on the way home yesterday, and spoke to the mechanic who worked for Lexus (8 years).

I specifically asked him how Lexus (or at his former employer) flush the tranny system. To my very much surprise, he said Lexus does not have the flushing machine as it costs too much money and not too many people have their tranny systems flush.

They do it the old fashion way he told me. Yes, unplug the return line, start the engine and let the tranny pump pushes out the old fluid while adding new fluid. Stop the engine after new fluid goes through the system. Put the line back in, start the engine and check the fluid level. This method is not "flushing" since no flushing machine is involved, but it will get rid of the old fluid.

While I was at the shop, I picked up 3 cans of T-IV fluid for $25 each! He has a room full of them since his shop specializes in Lexus and Toyota. I am coming back to pick up another can because here is what I will do:

1) Start the engine and let the pump gets rid of Dexron III. Stop the engine once no more fluid is coming out.

2) Fill up the system with 2 cans or 8 quarts/liters of T-IV. Start the engine with the return line back in place and take the car out for a 10-minute drive.

4) Come back and unplug the return line, start the engine and let the pump does it job. Once this is done, close the line and fill up with 1 can of T-IV. Start engine and start adding more fluid. DONE!

It will cost me $100 for fluid and a couple hours of my time, but it's WELL WORTH it. I bought this car a month ago with 148k, and I like it a lot. It's very clean inside & out and it has the usual burnt out LCD Temp display, but I am not going to bother with it.

Since I don't know its service history, so now I am just replacing all the fluids and spark plugs and go from there. At least it will give me a bench mark. With routine preventive maintenance I do on my own, I will be very happy if I can get another 50K out of it, and consider myself a very luck man!

Again, thank you both for your thoughts and suggestions!

capostol · May 2002

Where is the EGR valve on a 93 LS400?

paul29 · May 2002

Half way back on the left side (driver's side) of the intake plenum you will see two devices . The first or front one is the EGR vacuum modulator, right behind it is the EGR valve, it is bolted to the plenum.

poliwhirlguy · May 2002

This question is more for information than for problem purposes although a problem is why I ask. What keeps the car driving straight? Is is the strut or the strut mount? Or something else? I was told that my strut mounts may be rusted causing my alignment to really be off more often. I was always under the impression that it was more the strut's job. Since I have the air suspension, I was wondering if the same were true about the air strut and the air strut top/mount.

bantouman · May 2002

I have about 115k on my 1991 Lexus LS400.
The CHECK engine light is on. I know that taking it to the dealer will cost me an arm and a leg.
Any suggestions as to what the problem might be, and what I can do to fix it myself ? Is it safe to continue driving the car with this light on ?
Thanks.

icewake · May 2002

My telephone on my ls 400 has a lock code on it that the guy that previously owned the car put on it. I cannot figure out how to change the code on it or anything. Do you have any suggestions?

alcan · May 2002

Follow these instructions:

http://www.batauto.com/Lexus.html

petrojeff · May 2002

I saw some bright clean PS fluid on my garage floor and looked under the car and saw that it was coming out of the power steering gear box. Does anybody know why this is leaking out of here. I just replaced the pump about 9 months ago. Do you think I need new pressure hose seals? All comments and suggestions are appreciated!

bantouman · May 2002

Alcan,
Thank-you for your suggestions on my problem with the CHECK engine light, 1991 LS400.
I was going to follow those instructions this week-end. However, the light no longer stays on.
It was on for about a day. I'll worry about it if it comes on again.
Thanks.

alcan · June 2002

Although the check engine light is no longer on, there's probably a diagnostic trouble code stored in the engine computer. Might not be a bad idea to retrieve it just to see what the problem was, then record and erase it. Good luck with it.

alexuslover · June 2002

92 lexus ls400...can i fix this myself? how involved is it? dealership wants 800.00 to change tachometer only, and says it has to be purchased in a "full unit", not just the needle.
help!

poliwhirlguy · June 2002

i had a similar problem on my 93 ES300. the needles would burn out but only when the illumination was set to a higher setting. have u tried turning down the intensity of your dashboard? i was also informed by the dealer that the company that makes those boards does not sell the needles separately from the entire cluster. i have heard here on edmunds that people have replaced the dash bulbs underneath in case they burn out in the future. try the intensity first. it may be a cheap way out but it saves $800 in your case. plus, a burnt out needle really isn't all that devastating. annoying but not really worth that kind of expense.

1991ls400 · June 2002

Besides the 2 main hoses (pressure and return lines) from the power steering pump, what about the 2 small vaccum hoses that go to the MAF and throttle body???

What are those 2 hoses? It seems fluid is coming out from those 2 hoses from pump, and I want to stop it. Anythoughts or suggestions???

Thanks.

paul29 · June 2002

The two hoses from the PS pump, one to the intake plenum and the other line to the afm , are air bypass lines, controlled by an air control valve at the pump end of the hoses. When the pump pressure increases , such as turning full lock at idle , the pump loads up and pulls down the idle speed . This pump has an air control valve which then opens under the increased pressure allowing air to bypass the idle speed control valve on the plenum and increase the idle speed of the engine. If PS fluid is coming out the hoses , the air control valve on the pump has lost its seal and must be replaced.

1991ls400 · June 2002

You're such a GREAT help! I will get a new PS air control valve right away. Thanks!

erg1948 · June 2002

I bought a Donnelly compass/temperature mirror for my '90 LS400, and of course I'm stuck from the get-go. Does anyone know how to loosen the driver's side A-pillar inside trim, and the front edge of the headliner trim? Along with removing the stock mirror, I have to tuck some wires behind the trim. Just a quarter-inch gap would do. Thanks for any help.
Gene

1991ls400 · June 2002

I am not sure what spark plug brand Lexus uses in LS400, but I have heard Nippon Denso in here. Is it okay to use NGK platinum tip?

I also have seen NGK advertises "iridium" tip or something like that, is it better than platinum?

Thanks!

paul29 · June 2002

!991 LS 400 : NGK BKR6EP11, ND PK20R11 Gap 1.1 mm 0.043 in. Change at 60000 mi. When adjusting gap on a new plug , only bend the base of the ground electrode , do not the touch the tip . Also do not adjust gap on a used plug of this type. Note these plugs are not cheap. Tried Bosch , went back to the NGK . Iridium came out after 1991.( the 02 Camry 4cyl has iridium plugs , change at 120000 mi )

phung9 · June 2002

Hello,
I am thinking about buying a used lexus LS400 but the only issue I am concerned is the maintenance cost for the car, can somebody tell me what is the average cost of maintaining a Lexus LS400?

Thks a lot for your great help.

Phung9

1991ls400 · June 2002

Thanks, Paul! I picked up eight ND PK20R11 @ $9.00 each. They're not cheap at all, but now I can forget about them until 60K miles later. Thanks again.

gburns3701 · June 2002

Anyone had to replace the lower ball joints and upper control arms of a 1992 Lexus LS400. I am told mine need replacing at a cost of $1550. Just had an alignment done last fall. No problems reported then. I'm having a difficult time believing that this work is required on a lexus with only 100K on it. Plan on getting a second opinion at some place other than a Lexus dealership.

1991ls400 · June 2002

A second or third opinion from a "different" Lexus dealer will be helpful. Also, you can order genuine Lexus arms and joins from www.irontoad.com, and have an independent shop installs them for you. You can save alot that way since parts you get from irontoad is discounted, and independent shops often do not charge as much for labor. It pays to shop around.

poliwhirlguy · June 2002

i had the ball joints on my 95 LS400 changed about 10k ago. cost me about $500 total with labor included. i just talked with my mechanic last week about doing just what gburns suggested. he said he'd have no problem with installing the parts if i order them elsewhere. i'm sure that it is easier on them in the long run because it saves them time from tracking down parts and waiting for them to arrive.

i would suggest that you ask the mechanic you plan on taking your car to first if they will do that for you (install parts you bring). my mechanic said he'd do it only if the part was still in the original packaging with the factory seal. i specifically asked about this because the air suspension is almost a $4k job at the dealer because of the high price of parts and labor. I can get it done at my mechanic for just about half that price.

if u also have the air suspension then i'd check into that b4 i did any other repairs cuz it's VERY prone to fail around every 100k. the standard suspension should still be fine at 100k altho i cannot speak from experience. the alignment u had done might be thrown off because of poor struts or mounts. my strut tops were also rusty and are causing a lot of the misalignment and wandering in my car and these symptoms occurred at only 75k when i purchased it. all depends on where u live. definitely get a second opinion before shelling out that kind of ca$h.

q45man · June 2002

Fairly normal to replace the entire front suspension [all parts that are rubber isolated] somewhere between 100k and 130k depending on road quality [city potholes vs Interstate], then you get to do the same on the rear later......goes with the territory of a soft smooth lux ride. Tire quality and roundness is important since it places stress on suspension.
Snaps, pops, crackles on acceleration, turning, and braking. The later years are worse since the suspension is firmer.

Be glad you didn't purchase the air ride as the shocks are $900 each vs $100 for standard springs.
Qualifications: We are the largest independent [Lex/Inf only] repairer in US - 2 stores with 3,900 customers in Atlanta.

Lexus LS: Problems & Solutions

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