NeilP1960

Update. Unable to check the transmission oil as the 2005 model doesn't have a dipstick as is 'sealed for life' - I believe this means 100K miles from what I've read in other places. I do believe there's a drain plug and fill point somewhere underneath though so have booked car into the independent to check and replace with fresh oil (Toyota WS) to see whether this helps. I've also sourced a reconditioned transmission just in case it doesn't.

I'm pretty sure it'll be a lamda/02 sensor error code, I've an LS 430 and have had this a few times and sometimes it clears itself, other times I've had to replace one of the sensors - not sure how many the GS has tbh.

Thanks guys, pointing towards the transmission fluid it seems, am I right in thinking that a problem here wouldn't result in a fault code too?

Thanks Justin

Thanks Titch, much appreciated

I've never changed the transmission oil but assumed it might have been done previously during the maintenance schedule, Will ask the garage to check/do regardless. Thanks for the tip re. heavy traffic and N position.

Had the car almost three years now, covering 60K miles - total mileage now 150K and have FSH, maintained via local independent Lexus specialist. Little costs to date other than regular servicing, tyres, O2 sensor and a wheel bearing - was running like a dream and always made me smile driving it.

Recently I've experienced a couple of problems - warning lights on the dash board *check VSC etc' have been diagnosed as a problem with the ABS pump/sensor a replacement unit is being sourced/costed as the fault codes can't be cleared apparently. Of more concern is an intermittent problem with the auto gearbox - the problem occurring more & more frequently. I was driving to Stansted airport a few weeks back when suddenly increased revs after being stuck in a two hour back log on the M6 - this didn't clear and I completed the journey at 4000 rpm and 50 mph - the car seemed to be stuck in 3/4 gear I suspect and wouldn't shift up (just down) with the manual/tiptronic option.

Parked up at the airport for a few days whilst I was away in Europe for 4 days and when I returned, the car ran perfectly for an hour when the problem returned and I completed the remainder of the 200 mile trip with high rpm's again.

I passed it to the local specialist for a couple of days and he reports that there are no fault codes showing up on the transmission and the car ran fine for him on 2x test drives. Just picked it up this morning and within 10 minutes, the problem returned. Clearly I'll pop it back to him this week for further investigation but would welcome any suggestions members might have, particularly if he informs me that there are no fault codes again?

Thanks

Neil

Isn't it usually the Lamba sensor (o2) - happen occasionally, not when I use 98 Octane tho

Lovely car but it looks like Amberley Gold colour to me. Mine is Nazcan bronze and much darker.

Corrosion of the pipes may be expected on a car of this age but unless quality has fallen they are normally stainless steel on a Lexus so unlikely to be perforated.

Lexus Chester assured me they were aluminium not SS so they've perforated it would seem, not too uncommon a problem with 7 year old LS430' apparantly

Thanks for the feedback guys, will have to increase my daily rates I think?

Will take it to an independent (ex Lexus mechanic) quite local to me and watch his face light up!

Will seek another opinion then though the refrigerant gas must have a tracer dye in it as you could see where the lime green fugitive emission was escaping from quite clearly. To a novice like me, when the vehicle was elevated on the pneumatic ramps, the access to the AC pipework did look to be a real challenge.

The recent warm spell in the UK resulted in my reaching for the AC button on my 2005 LS430 but alas - just warm air. Took it to a local AC specialist who did a recharge of refrigerant but it soon became apparant that the system was leaking. Whilst up on the hydraulic ramps and looking underneath, the technician identified a couple of points of corrosion (probably from salted roads) and informed me that he couldn't repair/replace the pipe as a result of its inaccessibilty. He advised that I'd need to take it to an independent Lexus specialist who is familiar with this sort of problem but he did suggest that there might be considerable labour (costs) involved in 'dropping' several major parts of the car (rear axle, fuel tanks etc) in order to access the area and connect up to the condenser/compressor.

Any on here had this problem previously and can indicate how big a job it's likely to be? The car is under a comprehensive warranty but corrosion to the AC pipes isn't included I'm afraid (wear and tear).

Any assistance/advice most welcome from a sweltering owner.

Well for what it's worth, I'd save half of my £35K and get a low mileage 460 SE-L, you'll be able to get something in the boot too

thanks for the advice, appreciated

Had the LS430 (2005) for three months now and very pleased with it. Currently using an Iphone 3GS blue toothed to car system but really annoyed that I can't transfer my address book from the apple to the Car and so have limited ability to make a call or answer an incoming call via hands free. I could but a portable blue tooth clearly but just wondered if any members knew of a compatible phone (re connectivity & data transfer by blue tooth) that I could use solely with the vehicle?

It could be me I suppose and not the Iphone?

The cheapest I've seen LPG for is 70.9p/litre tbh, is there a great deal of variation in price across the UK?

Thanks Chris, before filter replacement was your AC relatively useless btw?

The pollen/cabin filter is a DIY job isn't it?

Thanks sj24uk

Are the filters usually something that a reputable AC specialist would check as part of a service?

Thanks Ifty , will contact an AC specialist to check for system leaks before progressing.

Do you have contact details for your LPG conversion?

Might look into it but I have heard it's not always a trouble free conversion. Any recommended conversion companies?

Any ideas re. the air con?

Just back from a 1200 mile drive in the LS430 that included a battlefields trip to Ypres Salient and Somme. Car drove beautifully and was much quieter on the French roads and Peage then I've found many UK roads to be tbh. Overtaking was real fun and high speed cruising a real relaxing experience with a return just over 30mpg (over 420 miles to a full tank). Only slight problem I encountered was that the AC wasn't great (actually poor) and it was a very hot over the 5 days. Still under warranty so I'll give them a call, I'm assuming it needs a charge of new refrigerant but could it be anything else guys?

Well if you're ever near the Wirral..... :winky:

Clearly still getting to know the car but first impressions are of a better ride in Sports mode than Normal on the air suspension, anyone else find this?

Thanks Pete, here's the smile maker. Just need to upload from the original Gen 4 Sat Nav DVD and I'll be ready to tackle France & Belgium on a Battlefields Tour with a good friend.

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