steve2006

There are no belts on this engine they use timing chains so I assume one of the auxillary chains has stretched which I find strange as they are both short with no tensioners. Another backwards step from where 2 intermeshed gears did the same job without problems.

See post 2 :)

Insurance companies should be able to insure a car on the VIN but if Admiral won't you may have to contact a few specialist insurer's. I have in the past taken out a days cover to move a car, not cheap at around £30.00 a day but cheaper than a transporter which is the other option. Apparently Adrian Flux will insure on the VIN.

Found this place on a google search http://www.simonscustomexhausts.co.uk/index.php/findus

I would be looking for a stainless steel cat back custom replacement, seen them on ebay for 4-500 pounds, see if there are any local but you're probably going to heve to travel to either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

It's got to be fuel related as a diesel engine increases speed by injecting more fuel so you're on the right path, I assume diesel engines use a CPS for injector timing as petrol engines do for spark timing so may be worth looking into this component as they are known to suffer from thermal instabilty when hot. Faulty injectors maybe, consider a leakoff test?

Probably best to have the OBDII codes read for the TRC problem although wheel/ABS sensors have been known to cause this. Good price for a radiator but Toyota ATF is expensive for 5 litres but don't use anything else, may have been worth seeing if there were any transmission codes logged before splashing out on fluid and filter.

Wheel speed or ABS sensors are easy to check with a digital multimeter, unplug the sensor and measure the resistance,if you don't get any reading the sensor is faulty. Unless things have changed the speedometer normally gets its input from the transmission speed sensor not wheel sensors. Personally I would find another independent garage with Toyota trained staff and diagnostic equipment. I fthe fault is intermiitent I would be looking for damaged wiring or poorly connected sockets. Next time it happens just try giving the dash a good thump above the cluster to see if it all works again,then start looking for bad connections around it.

I'll second that :)

Personally I would be looking at a decent smart repair company.

Sorry even the exploded diagram is unclear, I'll move your thread to the mainstream IS200 forum to see if you get a definitive reply.

Unlike Mercedes there is no drain plug for the torque convertor on a Lexus so it's a case of either drain and replace 2ltrs at a time via the sump or remove the cooler pipe pump some out and then replace with the same quantity. I think there's a tutorial for both on www.lexls.com. It is recommended in the owner's manual that the car is driven for an extended period to ensure the fluid is a full operating temperature and properly circulated within the transmission to ensure a correct hot reading,letting the car idle for 20 minutes may not acheive the same result. The process I have detailed previously also needs to be done in a timely manner again to ensure accuracy.

I have an older now apparently classic status LS400 and find the turning circle is very good for such a large car, rear wheel drive helps this, although not up to a London taxi status I have little problem reverse parking, as previously mention the standard car park space is inadequate both length ways and widthwise but manoevering with the later models is facilitated with parking sensors and the back up camaera system if fitted, didn't some models actually park themselves?

Yes they have an inferior interior and an inferior exterior :)

I would add use a genuine Toyota oil filter. The moonroof is normally problem free but the drains can become clogged and allow water to enter the car, thick strimmer wire is a good pipe cleaner. Check the spare wheel well for water usually due to a leaky boot rubber seal. Don't forget the pollen filter often overlooked,certain models have to have the climate control in a certain setting before removing the filter to avoid damaging the flaps/levers so check 1st. Have a look in the pull out storage box under the front seat, I think I may have left around £18,000 in there :) I bet the torch is missing from the toolkit in the boot. Finally where are the pictures? :)

Very interesting read, I have the required class 0 gloves for live working if anyone would like to borrow them and have a go :) One thing not elaborated on is how he got the pack out of the car and onto the bench.

If your loosing that amount of coolant it has to be either leaking out, going through the engine and out the exaust or mixing with the oil. You need to investigate the area where the hissing noise is coming from, chances are if a new engine has been fitted something perhaps a hose clamp has not been tightened properly,the only pipes at the rear of the engine are those going to and from the heater matrix (have you checked the front footwell carpets for signs of damp?). The misfire may not be good news with an overheated engine. What ever the cause you need to get it sorted pronto.

Hello and welcome to the LOC. Congratulations on your IS220d purchase and enjoy the Lexus experience :)

I had the same problem on my front passenger door some years ago and it turned out to be the door lock actuator motor. The carbon brushes in the motor wear out preventing the motor from turning. On that occasion I bought a used working actuator and swopped over the motor. Obviously it could be due to other things like faulty wiring or a seized mechanism but the above cause has since become quite common.

Hello Adrian and welcome to the LOC. If you can find one being broken for spares that would be the cheaper option if not the complete mirror is around £600.00 from Lexus only. I take it the lorry failed to stop? One being broken here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-LEXUS-GS-300-350-430-450H-INTERIOR-REAR-VIEW-MIRROR-/201055203669?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2ecfd2f155

You're not wrong Malc it has apparently now got these!

Here's the exploded but not much detail however it mentions licence plate mounting brackets and looks like it all attaches from the front.

Perhaps a hard life living on the coast or badly repaired accident damage, when you've looked at a few more you will have a comparison so keep looking :)

Any unusual smoke from the exhaust when the problem occurs?

Spot on Malc, this type of headlight was only fitted on the 1990-1994 JDM models all other countries had the 2 piece units.