Farqui

@Vlady, on a long, steady run I used to get over 40mpg on the car mpg readout (high 30's, low 40's tank to tank) but recently it's been mid/low 30mpg. I'll reserve judgement on the new plugs until after I've swapped out the other bank. I'm struggling to find a long (>100mm) 5mm allen key socket locally #sigh but may have found something that'll work amongst my tools. I checked the MAF a few weeks ago which was dirty and didn't clean up very well at all. So I'm tempted to replace this and it'll be relatively cheap with a Rockauto discount Cheers

Dandy new plugs [emoji108]

Excellent, well done. Looking forward to seeing it...

Well found and thanks for letting us know Dave @Farnham Dave My car is over 10 years old but I reckon I might just book it in for a checkup now.

The hybrid health checks can be taken without servicing ;)

Oil/filter change today along with plugs, it's at 113.5k and average mpg is down a bit (even after taking winter into account). I only managed to change the plugs in 1 bank as the rear bolt on the inlet manifold is stuck fast :( The one that's well hidden and takes almost an hour to find #hehe I'll need to source a longer allen key for my ratchet. It was nice and mild and the oil/filter change went well tho!

Ha, I'm not so sure I could stomach the interior. The exterior alone is 'once seen cannot unsee'!

Good news then. I almost dare not say it but the OEM battery always starts mine after a week or two sat on the drive. Hopefully I've not jinxed it now! I'm still curious why a new 12v battery can help improve mpg?

Well spotted. The restoration kit details are; https://www.aldi.co.uk/autoxs-headlight-restoration-kit/p/097198266695201

Maybe I'm overthinking it as all the batteries are 12v

John @Britprius, I've been considering replacing my 12v battery as it's a Panasonic unit so could well be original ! But I wondered how fitting a larger Ah unit would affect the hybrid electronics? You've done this and I'd like your feedback on how it's panning out. The OEM battery is rated at a measly 45Ah (which is fine as it isn't used to crank the combustion engine) and the hybrid electronics are responsible for keeping this topped off. Charging the traction and 12v boot strap battery is via the combustion engine and via regen to a lesser extent. So if you fit a larger Ah boot strap battery then will the hybrid electronic's trigger a longer combustion cycle to charge it and thereby rob you of mpg's? I recall someone mentioning recently that they found the combustion engine was firing up for longer with a tired, old 12 boot strap battery. Replacing the battery apparently gave them better mpg's, which could well be down to a subsequent reduced combustion cycle right? Or might the boot strap battery disconnect during replacement have reset the vehicles computers and loaded an improved base setting rather than a time learnt setting? The hybrid electronics are fiendishly clever and I wonder if the system is rated and built to be as efficient as possible for that vehicle. I guess I ought to test my 12v boot strap battery and figure out how it's fairing...

Just received this related article through email; https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/top-tens/top-10-signal-blocking-keyless-entry-theft-pouches-and-boxes/ Sorry if it's been linked before.

Another one Richard! Are you taking any medication for this 'compulsion'?

Part 5

Check the switch at the top of the brake pedal?

Excellent news, well done

Hi Cliff, take a look here; https://workshop-manuals.com/lexus/ls_400/v8-4.0l_(1uz-fe)/relays_and_modules/relays_and_modules_accessories_and_optional_equipment/alarm_module_(vehicle_antitheft)/component_information/locations/

Well done, the woodgrain looks very smart [emoji106] As do the rear lights.

Hopefully it's simply a matter of reconnecting the cross linkage. https://www.clublexus.com/how-tos/a/lexus-windshield-wiper-and-motor-diagnostics-366749

Excellent news Mike, fingers crossed that the vendors tale was legit then eh.

The heater matrix may well be clogged on the passenger side, the design isn't great and could just need a back flush. Another forum chap did this recently with favourable results (eventually). I intend to do mine at some point but can't be without at least some heat for the mrs, so I will wait until the weather improves. If the heater matrix were leaking then you would be loosing coolant, is the fluid within your expansion tank consistent day/day, week/week?

You're welcome @Manee, if you're passing the Newark end of the A46 then you're more than welcome to pop in and we can see what codes we can find.

Here's a nice list of OBD bluetooth adaptor's that are compatible with your phone; https://mycarneedsthis.com/best-bluetooth-obd2-scan-adapters/ I've used a cheap OBD adaptor (like #7) paired to my phone and using an app like Torque have read codes; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquefree&hl=en_GB I've since bought an LX adaptor (#5) that works nicely with the Hybrid Assistant app; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=priusfan.info.bthsd10 Commercial options used in garages can often read more codes and maybe even configure certain options like door locking, etc.

Crumbs that not good @Chris Skelton and I hope you're able to cope, I've heard it can be quite an ordeal.