steve2006

I think you can still buy new tow bars for both models but they aren't cheap, try Witter, very rare to find secondhand ones.

Hello and welcome to the LOC. For non OEM parts have a look on eBay, Bembo discs are well rated. Lexus Birmingham often have listings for spares on there so check it out. For the brake warning light check all your brake lights are working and the brake fluid level is up to the max mark. O2 sensors are also available on eBay but Denso or NGK are recommended.

Present mileage on mine is around 82,000 annual mileage 3000, oil change is now yearly and top up maybe 100 ml between changes. Always use fully synthetic 5W30. My coolant level remains constant although as you mention it does take time to resettle after a full change.

My recently acquired 1999 LS400 is coming on nicely although a little behind with the maintainance due to having to spend last weekend working on Skye. I'm after a couple of bits namely a CD cartridge or the details off one and either a spare master or valet key I can reprogramme to mine as a spare (even the electronic guts would do to fit into a new case). Managed to get hold of a refurbished set of IS220d wheels and tyres for it which cost less than the refurb quote on the existing set. Still diagnosing the non working steering wheel (no in/out or up/down movement) all 3 supply fuses good so looks like a dash apart job to access the ECU.

First time I've heard of a timing chain problem on any Lexus, what mileage is the car at? Hybrid battery packs can now be repaired so at least some good news, thinking about that I have all the PPE kit for LV repairs up to 1000 Volts could be my retirement plan.

Hello and welcome to the LOC. Nice looking IS you have there, how did you get hold of the parts for all the mods, I'd love some exhaust tips like those on my LS.

Another point to consider with previously written off cars ( C and D) is that if the car is written off again insurers tend to halve the book value so you could end up with very little.

Intermittent faults are a pig to trace but it may be an idea to release the display enough to gain access to the connectors and then give them a wriggle also lightly tap the unit to see if you can make the fault appear. Since the introduction of lead free solder electronics seem to have more reliability issues.

Good result, doing my TB this weekend weather permitting

VSC light will go off once car is running and driven, does the security light go off when you insert the key?

No problem, just check the £60.00 one is correct as this says saloon the other more expensive one says estate?

IIRC the IS200 and 300 share the same back box, if that's the case how about this? Top one is saloon bottom is hatchback. http://www.onlineautomotive.co.uk/Lexus_IS200_Exhaust%20Back%20Box.aspx

Hello and welcome to the LOC. With the symptoms you describe it sounds like air is getting into the fuel system, this will cause extended cranking before the engine fires and poor running until the air bleeds out via the injectors. Check all your fuel pipes and unions particularly at the fuel filter (common point of problems on other diesel cars). If you don't find anything specific try smearing the joints with petroleum jelly which will seal any leaks and see if this improves performance, if it does look closer at the unions. This has to be on the low pressure side as a high pressure leak would be fairly obvious by sight and smell.

With all the reported problems with this engine is it a wise move to put any further strain on it by remapping? Having said that I spoke to an IS220d owner today with a 57 plate one previous owner car, 123,000 miles and never had a problem with it.

Transmission and engine mounts would be my 1st thought, pretty easy to see if the engine mounts are worn, rev the engine and see if it rocks side to side excessively (or would those champayne glasses slide off the bonnet). Garage would be able to check the transmission mount.

JDM versions tend not to have them but UK and USA markets do, same with the seats cloth ones are more common in Japan.

No problem Tim send your details via PM and I'll make you one up, just used the last swivel joints on one for mine but plenty in stock at RS. Did the wheel nuts arrive OK?

Perhaps no one dares to, may be worth giving your local dealer a call

Hello and welcome to the LOC. Lexus do seem to fit the same wiring looms to all models and then use what is needed, I know on mine the plug is there to fit the rear massage seats even though they are not presently fitted. What I suggest you do is have a look under the seat, maybe remove the 2 rear fixing bolts to allow the seat to lift up a little and see if there are any spare plugs under there bearing in mind they may be stuffed under the carpet or other covers. Be very weary of any yellow plugs/sockets they are normally related to the airbag system so leave well alone. If the loom is present it should be plug and play as the controls are all on the seat, seat heaters are a different matter as the switches are remote. There may also be specific fuses missing in the fusebox which will need fitting to power the seats.

I can tell you're from Yorkshire Yes a green one, 1st one on the left of the row ignoring the smaller one at the end and lower down

Never considered using the car as a lathe before, I may get some blocks of wood to stick on the hubs and make some fruit bowls My next door neighbour had a Toyota Picnic, a JDM people carrier variant I think, not as funny as the Mazda Bongo or Nissan Cedric though.

The bottom line clearly states you are covered for the exhaust as it has happened within 3 months or 3000 miles Still doesn't look like the slit has been caused by corrosion looks like it has been struck by something, also what do Lexus say about the obvious white exhaust bodging paste remains clearly visible on the photograph. Come on Lexus Bolton play the game, what happens to a mild steel exhaust when it begins to wear .....it goes rusty and corrodes!

If you PM me your email address I'd be glad to, don't like posting copyright stuff on the forums.

Hello Bob, I have the OEM electrical manual for the 2000 LS400 and fortunately can understand it, the common factor is the 40A AM1 fuse located in the engine bay fuse board it should be at the opposite side of the AM2 fuse ( may be shown on the inside of the fuse box cover). This fuse feeds both front doors via 2 seperate 20A fuses which are constantly live and also feeds the heater,wipers,gauge,indicators,ECU 1G and PWR 1G circuits via individual fuses and all switched via the ignition switch, the last one PWR 1G feeds the ignition main relay which may be the reason the car fails to start but turns over. So check fuse AM1 rated at 40 Amp and please come back and let us know the outcome.

Hello and welcome to the LOC. I'm a litle confused as I thought the RX450h wasn't sold until 2009 but you have a 2005 model year?