steve2006

I think I still have a cat back OEM exhaust around if you want it, stainless steel so will never rot but will need collecting and a good clean as left outside. If the climate LCD back lights have gone I can fix those. I dark tinted my rear clusters but most people go for clear replacements, they used to be around $150.00 a set but now fetch hundreds secondhand.

Welcome to the LOC and now Lexus ownership 😀

I have checked the part numbers and it seems the LS400 uses the same amplifier so replacement will be plug and play. Just check the part number matches to yours. I have also found this one for £30.00 (or best offer) which is a good price as you would pay more than this just for someone to take a look at your faulty one. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-LS400-Stereo-Radio-Headunit-Amp-Amplifier-LS430/254766966719?hash=item3b514b67bf:g:6FwAAOSwEWldYxJJ

Hi Philip and welcome to the LOC. Are you looking at OEM or aftermarket on the suspension job?

It sounds like feedback, possibly the sub amp section. The problems are getting it repaired and/or finding a replacement with it being a Celsior unless the system is the same as UK models. The grey plug is as you correctly mention for the sub woofer. As the other speakers are working OK with the grey plug disconnected this eliminates any problems with the input signals from the radio , CD etc and the outputs to the speakers. It may be worth seeing if you can fit a replacement UK unit. Has the radio got a frequency changer fitted so you can pick up more than a couple UK stations and is the amplifier under the passenger seat? My 1994 Celsior had the Premium Sound System fitted (Pioneer) and the amplifier failed on that at around 50,000 (converted) miles, I ended up fitting aftermarket myself but retained all the original speakers including the sub.

I don’t think they have an inertia switch fitted, Once you get the bumper off have a look behind there for any wiring damage or maybe a switch. I tried looking for the diagram but couldn’t find one sorry.

Business is good this week, I wonder if this one will get to it’s new home without a problem? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-LEXUS-LS-400-V8-280-BHP-90K-MILES-GS-SC-430-CROWN-CELSIOR-SOARER-RWD-DRIFT/303751459311?hash=item46b8ff71ef:g:RVgAAOSwxSNfoWv1

You could pick them up for peanuts a few years ago but prices are now on the up for older models. Take a look on the link below for Japanese sales, Autotrader and Fleabay are good for UK pricing but bear in mind they are now old cars so will require some heavy maintenance and money spending. https://carfromjapan.com/cheap-used-toyota-soarer-for-sale?minYear=1991&maxYear=2000

I’m still waiting to get my 100k service done, at 26 years old it’s only on 93k now 😀

They do eventually get to that point Ian, every MOT time I say if it fails on something serious ( expensive) it’s gone. Same attitude again 2 weeks ago and I’m now stuck with it for another year as it passed with no advisories. I am rewarding it with a roof respray and wheel refurb though in November. As for Toyota don’t tell anyone but mine is badged Toyota but I get away with it being a Lexus in disguise, good luck with the new motor it’s still Japanese and generally reliable. Stay with us....you don’t have to own a Lexus to be a member, you may want help and advice fitting a LS400 V8 in that Rav 4 😀

Chances of actually getting a puncture is generally remote, I think I have had 2 in 16 years both as a result of me leaving screws on my garage floor. I think you can purchase a jacking kit and space saver wheel from Lexus but if you are stuck on the hard shoulder that’s the last place you want to be changing a tyre! Breakdown cover will always get you going again 😀

I read stories regarding US breakers like “Pick a Part” They sounds like the old scrap yards we used to have where you paid a few pounds for a specific part but helped yourself to anything else that you could easily conceal! The only problem is the US having LHD so all the seat controls would be wrong sided for driver and passenger, shipping costs would be expensive also.

Very true, those LS400 seat covers are according to Amayama still available off the shelf......I bet you can’t however see them for the 25 odd years of dust that’s settled on them since. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had rotted in the bags. If they ever let them go for £50.00 a set assuming they are still as new then I’ll buy them but I would imagine the bin would be their final destination.

Expensive yes but still fairly cheap in comparison to new, I was recently looking at buying just the leather seat covers for my 1994 Lexus LS400 but with just the driver’s seat seat base panel listed at over £1000.00 maybe not.

Hi David and welcome to the LOC. Do you have more information and a link for this device? It sounds interesting.

So how do they check if the exhaust is blowing if there is no obvious visible defect, for example a gasket blow by or if an aftermarket system is excessively loud. Also what about a defective O2 sensor, reset the ECU before the test so the light goes out, if the engine doesn’t fire up the fault won’t flag on the dash. Car passes test, drive away, engine kicks in, warning light comes back on.

Having worked in the power distribution sector for many years I often chuckle to myself regarding these “green” energy supplies and how companies can offer “100 % green electricity” when gas and coal fired power stations are still in use. The distribution network is already close to maximum capacity but is being added to daily, new estates being built with electric only supplies off an already straining network. Electric is fine if you have an off road driveway but what about all the rows of terraced houses with no option regarding parking except on the road outside. Bad enough trying to navigate past cars half on the pavement and errant wheelie bins without power cables wrapping around your feet or the connecting plug sticking out. At least with a fossil fuel car there is a good chance it will start in the morning unlike coming out to your electric car only to find someone thought it would be funny to unplug it overnight.

I would pull the relay, guaranteed to disconnect the compressor.

Spotted this from a brochure for sale on Fleabay, I think it is from an early 90s one. Colour coded furry dice are not listed 😀

I have read that the air compressor fuse should be removed first then the car can be started while on jacks but preferably axle stands from a safety point of view.

You don’t give your LS model as in 2009 there were both the 460 and 600h models. You could try ebay or Rockauto for aftermarket. What makes you think one of them is about to fail?

It looks like dodgy Dudley has got away with it again, with non of his details on the V5C and no receipt he has successfully sold another car with no comeback or further responsibilities. Fair comment regarding the broken spring, as mentioned one of my rears broke whilst the car was parked up at an airport hotel and I was greeted by the car nearly on the floor. At least you can sort out the paint issues I just hope you have the mechanical skills to match. Could I ask was there a can of under seal and brush in the boot ?

I find one of the old skool wooden handled shaving brushes is ideal for soft and gentle agitation without the possibility of damage even if you press too hard.

Yes I have see my post above.

Most modern petrol engines will adjust to the type of fuel being used. Everything is monitored by sensors and controlled and adjusted by the engine ECU. Knock sensors prevent engine damage from pinking, O2 sensors monitor and correct air/fuel mixture constantly. In my opinion the extra cost of premium is not worth the claimed benefits. In the UK petrol quality is generally of a reasonable quality and regularly checked to ensure this, 2 star disappeared many moons ago. As for forgetting you now have a petrol car the diesel pump nozzle should not fit into the filler tube as they are made narrower by design.