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The hybrid system already check itself for shorts. When the compressor fails due to incorrect oil, the hybrid system shuts down and you cantt even start the car unless you disconnect the compressor.

It's documented that as little as one percent contamination with PAG oil can damage the motor winding insulation. If you're very, very lucky a thorough flushing of the whole system with either some sort of electrical contact cleaner and/or the correct oil may be enough to avoid a catastrophy. However, if the motor windings have been sat in PAG oil for a month as it seems they have, then that damage may already have started and may well be irreversible by now. The compressor motor is a 500V three-phase unit so you really don't want insulation breakdown to occur. Maybe get the compressor out and send the motor away for a safety inspection where they'll do insulation resistance tests? EDIT: I don't know whereabouts you live in Hampshire but a couple of motor repair/rewind places include https://www.solentrewinds.co.uk/ and also https://electricmotorrewind.co.uk/index.html so it may be worth a phone call at least. Google has a few other places listed in case these are nowhere near you.

This is the thread I created last night: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-f-2008-2014/950646-radiator-differences.html#post10871919

Many thanks for your comprehensive explanation. I've learned a lot!

Off to the garage again today. Powerflow stainless back boxes added. Saw the fabricator do a little dance under the car as he surveyed his handiwork!

I went to my dealer to switch from my NX (which we don't really need any more since my wife got a UX) to an IS, and came away with an ES! This is the first time really I have come away with a car other than the one I intended to buy! Mine is the F-Sport with Tech Pack and Protection Pack. To share some immediate first impressions about this specific car, which are almost entirely positive: - it is *extraordinarily* quiet, especially up to around 50-60mph; - it is a much smoother ride than the 2017 NX F-Sport I had, and also (though the difference isn't as marked) versus my wife's 2020 UX; - the lack of auto-boot lid is rendered close to irrelevant by the fact the boot lid opens fully on its springs anyway; - it is even more evident that any reviewer telling you about a "growl" hasn't actually driven the car (this simply does not exist even under fairly hard acceleration); - I still haven't worked out what to do with the lumbar support... And some impressions about 2020 vehicles in general versus 2017: - the infotainment is still in the "unnecessarily complex" category but it is more intuitive than it was and the graphics are much better; - the adaptive cruise is markedly improved, now operating from 18mph and more readily; - most notably of all, the transition between EV and engine, which was always smooth, is now undetectable other than by looking at the screen; - Lexus Link telling you how you performed at that last roundabout is slightly freaky... As with anything, whether an ES is a good buy will depend somewhat on personal circumstances. It was clear that the dealership wanted me to go that way (the ES F-Sport came in cheaper than the IS F-Sport) and that's fine. If you are looking for a true driver's car, the ES was never designed for that (although it's not bad, tbc!) but if you are in the market for a saloon which combines coupe looks with a bit of luxury, I'd say it's hard to beat.

Any idea what a set of exhaust tips are worth? Found some in storage from one of my old ISFs, given that I now drive a Saab estate I have no need for them 🤣

Looking for a Lexus GS F for sale. Anyone found any? So so rare to come across. Been contemplating it over a Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio. Something special about the Lexus 5.0 and legendary reliability.

No one ever said owning an aged limo would be cost free, so while I've still got some teeth left I'm biting another bullet. Last November I replaced my air shocks with new Arnott ones but they've started to make annoying rattling sounds over small bumps (just like if drop links were duff). I'm in negotiations with Arnott over it, it turns out I'm not alone. So I've ordered new spring shocks from Strutmaster, again in the US. They have Eibach springs and either Bilstein or KYB dampers. Maybe someone needs to be the guinea pig to see if they really are the solution, so let's see. They should arrive next week, although their shipping doesn't compare to Rock! Having done it once I'm hoping I can do each corner in an hour. And in case you're wondering, the car is so good it's worth the outlay I think.

Thanks Herbie, that's brilliant. I'm actually on the Isle of Wight but I'm currently away with the car and back 30th Aug. Hopefully I can take it in and they can send it off. I'm hoping that if the worst comes to the worst a new compressor and flushing the rest will do the job. As said, condenser is new. So far the cheapest compressor I've found is just under a grand but I'm not paying for it! The biggest worry is being stranded in deepest darkest Cornwall while I'm away! I'm just looking for a pragmatic and decent solution

It doesn't need replacing, just needs a thorough drain. A recovery will only draw 5-15g of oil. I would get them to remove condensor and compressor to drain and refill with correct oil. Regas and add oil that was taken out during recovery.

This is a common problem with all the the cars fitted Toyota VVT system, and is definitely not an America only problem. I have a GS450H that has the same problem. It is caused by the oil draining out of the cam phasers, and a locking pin that should lock the movement until the system has full oil pressure failing to engage. Lexus will not do anything about it in the UK on the hybrid versions. However vehicles that use the same engine, but are not hybrid have the cam phasers changed free of charge even outside of the guarantee. The problem is the "rattle" has been known to undo the cam gear holding bolts destroying the engines, but Toyota says this only happens with engines fitted with normal 12 volt starter motors, and not with hybrids where the engine is spun quickly with hybrid system to start it. I however know of two cases where the bolts have come undone on the hybrid GS. I have fitted a home brew pre lubrication system to my car to eliminate this problem by bringing the oil up to pressure before the engine starts. the details are available on the forum. The alternative is to have new cam phaser gears fitted at a cost of an arm, and a leg. For a dealer to say they know nothing about this problem raises alarm bells. They do not appear to know anything about the cars they are servicing or are lying about the problem. John.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=ethanol+additive Not sure what Lexus were thinking of with the 06/07 LS460, IS250 and GS300, as the earlier 00-06 LS430s are all E10 compatible.

Thanks Herbie, that sounds really incitefull.

Thank you ‘ Vlady ‘ I have been doing some research and tried to find independent and unbiased advice on polish or wax, as most reports I read are affiliated and therefore simply recommending whoever pays them. Having said that it Does seem as you mentioned Meguairs, that lots of top-10 lists feature this product and as luck would have it Amazon have it on offer ! So I will try it and report back later. My experience on researching products is that eventually the more you read the more confusing it becomes and in the end it just becomes all about opinions, so my thought process was to seek advice from someone who has used a product on a black Lexus.... I also have to understand this is a 2003 motor and as such my expectations must be realistic. One other question? Has anyone had experience Of a water leak coming into the side-well in the boot ? I cannot see where the weather gets in ! It is specifically the R/h side of the boot, I have removed the rubber seal temporarily but curious if anyone else has experience of this with their Is200 ?

Hi guys, I've just been quoted just over £1900 including VAT by my local Lexus dealer for a new radiator, water pump, belt and tensioner. With the rad needing to be done as preventive on my 2008 I thought it would be a lot easier to do the pump as it's still on the original. They are quoting 6 hours labour required. Parts come to £1025 including VAT. For my situation I'll be looking into other options. Just a heads up for others.

They did mine as part of the major service in Feb. Coolant and ATF.

Lights in the door handles and the side lights should come on... If it is dark enough. They do not when you lock. If you want some light when locking, flick the high/low beam towards you after you have turned the car off, but before you exit. Low beam will activate and stay on for 30 seconds or so. (Follow me home function). You can still lock the car. Sent from my Galaxy Note 10 Plus using Tapatalk

Got my new lights today All the way from America that came from Taiwan that was Probably made Somewhere else....just waiting on the supercharger kit from Australia 😎

Very satisfying I found to see the swirls etc come out!

And welcome!

Have a look for cosmetic repairers. Plastics can be repaired or at least the damage hidden. You're a bit far from me but I've used someone before on my RX. I'd be looking at that before messing with eBay or scrappers.

Prices vary according to what finish and whether there are tyres on the wheels or not, link to prices is below. They can also fit new tyres if you want after refurbing. Lepsons Prices

I have for some time been considering buying a later model (2001 Celsior) which I understand is still on sale in the London area but I held back initially due to the lockdown then the travel distance and now seeing air suspension problems I’m back to spending money getting my present car more presentable. The roof looks like it’s been attacked by cats, the lacquer started to craze in the middle but over the years it has spread across the roof almost front to back and side to side. My local and trusted paint shop said it has been caused by a quick flash over job probably when the car was still in Japan or first in the UK. My carelessness also means alloy wheels need refurbishing. The total cost is £720.00 but I feel it is worth it.

When you first turn the key to position 2 all of the dash lights should illuminate as a test.

I think I’ve been very fortunate with my Celsior, it is fitted with conventional springs but the dampers/shock absorbers are TEMS so piezo electronically controlled to adjust the damping dependent on speed and other factors. Given that the car is now 26 years old ( I bought it in 2006) the only suspension parts replaced are both front LBJs and the near side upper front control arm ( all OEM and the latter caused by a pothole!) plus a rear spring broke so I replaced both. OK the annual mileage is very low perhaps a couple of thousand (now around 90,000) which helps along with being garaged but at the end of the day it owes me nothing.

Just a little piece of extra info. Checking my cars history the two rear Strut bars Bushes were a fail fault in 2013. I suspect the Bushes were replaced but not the Struts as the Bushes look passable. I bought the Car in April 2014. No advisory since. Will replace all parts both sides, covid permitting a return to France in September/October. Check your struts guys. Car was moveable but reckon it threw the steering when going very slowly (fortunately)

I collected my ex-demo UX250h a couple of weeks ago, and will quite happily admit that I paid a lot of money for a car that, functionally, is comparable to many far cheaper cars. I bartered hard and got a really good deal in my 10-month-old F-Sport model with a few extra bells and whistles, and saved roughly £6k over a new car as a result. The reason I didn't go for something cheaper was as follows: a) I really wanted the latest Toyota/Lexus hybrid automatic system. b) I really wanted something with an extremely premium feel and interior c) I really wanted something that would, in theory, be totally reliable for at least ten years d) I wanted to buy from a band where I could count on good customer service from my dealer Now, your mileage may/will vary, but there are very few brands that can match any of those requirements, never mind all of them. Maybe I've just had a lot of bad luck, but the German luxury brands don't seem to build cars that still work after three years, and Volvo isn't much better. Customer service matters to me, but it may not to you, and again - only Mazda and Lexus have ever impressed me in that regard. As to why the UX over something else? I actually went in with the intention of buying an IS300h, but found that both the drivetrain and interior were rather dated, whereas the UX is bang up-to-date with their latest interiors and 4th gen hybrid system. The NX and RX are very cool, but I don't want or need a large car - I'm coming from an MX-5, so this thing is like a tank to me. The back seats are for occasional use only, and I'm used to packing two weeks' worth of clothes in a backpack, so the tiny UX boot seems just fine for my purposes. Finally, I did consider the CT200h as well, but again - it's an old car, old technology, and performance is very poor. My UX can hold its own on a twisty road when driven smoothly, yet is comfortable and relaxing when commuting or cruising on the motorway. People like me are fortunate enough and willing to be able to pay more for that "experience" above and beyond the technical capabilities of a vehicle, and that's what Lexus are counting on. Nick

Just as a warning to others. Well aware of the cat theft issues with these cars. Been parking on my driveway for months which is gravel and close to the house. Last night Mrs was on drive so I parked in front of the house. 10:30 at night hear a buzz saw, I immediately knew what was happening so ran outside with a baseball bat to be confronted by large chap with a machete. Would have obviously loved to give him some but fortunately sense prevailed. Within 3mins they were gone. I will not be replacing the secondary cat much to the dismay of every left wing environmentalist out there. I've bought Jetex pipe and kit from Merlin Motorsports and will (fortunate to have a MIG in the garage) weld it up this weekend. After a chat with the MOT center I use their wording was "if we can't see it we can't test it" So a temporary sheet metal cover so sort the visual inspection. The cover will be removed in the hope that the next thief will use 1 of their 3 brain cells before cutting. I guess the warning here is that these guys are potentially armed and violent so be careful, for me a cat wasn't worth a hospital trip. Good luck.

To be fair, I actually quite enjoy this kind of tinkering, it's almost like a hobby! I'm looking forward to getting stuck in to this but it will be my last big expense on it. I'm very interested to know how it will feel afterwards. £1,200 including shipping and taxes.