GSLV6

Bulb cannot be removed (I was told it might be an LED connected directly to the PCB) and the car has just gone through an MOT (and passed) with the warning light showing. I didn't know it was a legal requirement...presumably that only applies to cars made from 2012, hence won't affect older models? Trouble is these days, the lowest common denominator wins out and people aren't trusted with a tyre pressure gauge and common sense! The price quoted to you Brian seems reasonable at £20 per corner less per unit than Lexus but I'm so fed up with the issue that rather than mess about, I'll go to Lexus and get it sorted once and for all, plus at least it'll be covered by an 18 month warranty. I do find that Lexus customer service has been second to none, at least with my nearest dealer.

I tackled this very question with lexus today Steve, having previously been told that the sensors and warning lamps could be either coded out or disconnected for use with standard valves. That, it would appear, is entirely dependant upon model. You'd be forgiven for thinking, for example, that the very same system was used between LS/GS cars and SC cars. Not so. Had my car been an SC model from the same year (2007), then the sensor could simply be disconnected and standard valves used (or at least that is what I was told). However, this does not work on the GS. I know because I had my sensor disconnected this morning and the warning lamps still light. Apparently, it was seen as a back-up safety thing, so cannot be coded out using VCDS (or whatever it is they use at Lexus). I'm none too happy that a manufacturer would foist such ludicrous systems on its customers because it removes choice and costs more. It ought to have been an optional extra, coded in or coded out as required, meaning anyone could use standard valves. It's a complete nonsense that it wasn't done this way. I wouldn't have minded but have just had to foot a £756 bill for a new exhaust system (then pay locally to have it fitted), replace some shocks and brake pads, the engine's been out for some hydraulic tappet replacements at 64,000 miles last year (I'm told this is a "one-off" and they've had GS cars in with 250K on the original ones), plus have had to powder coat the wheels which caused the TMPS issue in the first place as corrosion meant they valves were seized solid and had to be sheared off and drilled out before the wheels could be powder coated. I like Lexus cars (at least some models), especially pre 2009/10 versions, but have to question the cost of ownership longer terms if any more "issues" crop up.

Thanks Mike. I'll post a picture later in the week. It's my first Lexus, having traded in our old Merc for it and I've had it 18 months now, after buying it with about 64K on the clock. So far, I've had to have hydraulic tappets done (engine out job) due to one failed one (all replaced), shock absorbbers replaced, plus a new exhaust and now need new pressure sensitive valves. Big money overall, but as I plan to keep the car, hoping it'll work out cheaper longer term! Certainly the most comfortable thing I've ever sat in or driven. I have no hankering after a newer car.

Thanks OJM. Yes, I think you may be right there. I plan to keep the car for a few years yet, so will just probably have to grimace and bear it! My experience to date is that the GS has been an expensive car to run due to a number of "one-off" issues...combined, there's not a lot "one-off" about them cost-wise!

I ended up buying a professional polisher and the appropriate polishing compounds/mops and did my own. It took me 2 days to do a thorough job, starting at 2300 grit and finishing at 4500 grit, then finished the car with a coat of McGuirs Carnauba Hi-Tech Yellow wax. The kit and polishes cost me £250-odd but the results made it worth-while, plus I have the kit and enough polish left over for another two years at least. I just made sure that the car was thoroughly cleaned first (several washes) and clayed the car prior to polishing. The finish is mirror smooth. It's a lot of hard work but will save you money and is satisfying when done. Wheels I had professionally powder coated (£340 all in)

This has probably been done to death (my apologies if so) but here goes anyway, as times change and advice may have changed. I have a 2007 GS300SE. It had the usual wheel finish issues, so this year I had a local specialist strip, clean back and powder coat the wheels and lacquer them (and a very nice job too, matching the original colour well). However, the fitting kit nuts previously on the valves had seized solid on all 4 corners, and he said removing them would likely strip or snap the valves, which as it transpired was what happened, leaving him no choice but to drill them out. He replaced them with standard valves as that was what I wanted, not understanding the ramifications with the Lexus warning system. Anyway, long story short is they did 1000 miles or close to afterwards before warning lights showed (why they didn't show previously, I don't know) and taking the car into my nearest Lexus dealer, they advice that this cannot be fixed by disconnecting the sensor (they tried, and after relieving me of £60, I was told "no change"). It now looks as if will have to have new Lexus valves fitted to cure the problem and I have been quoted £486 plus probably another £60 to reconnect the sensor, so about £550! I do of course have the option of simply ignoring the lights but this will affect resale value if and when I come to trade in or sell the car so I probably will get the valves done at some point. I have seen valves sold on Ebay from Germany which are claimed to be coded to the GS300 but am also aware that USA supplied valves (which they may still be...grey valve with orange wing-nut like fitting on them) won't work on UK cars. Has anyone a source for the valves cheaper than the £72 each for the genuine parts as this does seem excessive for what is a relatively simple part these days. I have no issues with Lexus doing the work as their customer service is excellent.

Newbee to site, hoping to benefit from the experience on here. Drive a 2007 GS300.