nil94

For completeness thought you might like to know the final diagnosis. Makes no odds to me cos I've had a full refund and still looking at mk2's now. Lexus dealership pointed fingers at anything with wires attached. Didnt seem to have a clue. Rang to say they had clocked up £200 in labour and found nothing, but they were just about to take the dash out!! Glad it wasnt my bill. Local specialist diagnosed it over the phone(!) turned out to be the 2 piece pulley on the end of the crank which has some sort of rubber grommet that perishes and causes large pully driving steering pump and alternator to slip. 10 minute job, £20. Looking at a couple of mk2 sports tomorrow.

Had a look at a 99 GS430 today. 90K miles, chromed wheels(!) sadly not a sport, I know they came later. Can anyone tel me anything about the 430. What fuel economy could I expect? Rare? More desireable? Harder to shift? 99Y with 90K. Sticker price was £9K (more than I want to pay - this is a second car). How low could I get it for? Regards Neil

My electrical woes continue, even Lexus Dealer can't resolve it so I'm probably going to end up cutting my losses and going for a refund. Be interested in a clean GS300Sport, sensible miles, good spec, must be in excellent nick with FLSH. Price £5K-£10K. Email me at neil_ @yahoo.co.uk I'm based in Derby. Regards Neil

Thanks for the tips. I'm presuming the auto electrician will have tested the battery before diagnosing the alternator. Its a bit more complicated by the fact that I dont currently have the car. I'm refusing delivery until the trader I bought it from gets it fixed but its dragging on a little.

My new 97 GS300Sport has developed a strange electrical funny. While manouvering around car park / driveway the steering goes heavy and the dash lights all illuminate (but the engine keeps running). Blipping the throttle sometimes clears it. Once I made the mistake of switching the engine off only to find the battery didnt have enough juice to start her up again. Yet after a jump start and a short run she can be back to normal. This is happening on a regular basis now. Other symptoms include the light on the AC switch flashing. Last week two auto electricians diagnosed faulty alternator so I had that changed but the fault persists. It apears to be the turning of the steering wheel that induces the problem. I was thinking PAS pump maybe?? Any ideas?

Your sig says you have an IS which I'm guessing is manual. Man here is talking about an auto GS. Or have I erred here a bit? No - I have obviously erred. I have a GS though I cant see in my profile where it says I have an IS. Regards Neil

Thanks for all the replies. Not sure if its mk1 or 2? How do I tell the difference?? The ignition key fits the boot lock and if I read it right the "sub" key wouldnt do that. I've only got the 1 key with the car so I'll get another cut (dont tell me - it'll cost!!). Have got the key number at least. Finally got it taxed today (PO refused a fexed cover note ) so have been able to drive it at last. Drives lovely, would seem that air con isnt drying the air though so need to get that checked out. Otherwise everything works and very pleased with it. Gives my other motor a well earned rest and it can hide away from this nasty weather.

Couple of quick questions regarding the newly acquired 97 GS300. 1) The boot release button doesnt release. Manual says there is a key barrel switch to set the operation on or off. Trouble is my one and only key doesnt turn the switch. Any ideas? 2) Bootlid rams appear to be failing such that bootlid crashes down (usually on my head ) are they relativly straight forwqard to change? Looking forward to saturday - first opportunity to play with the car in the daylight! regards Neil

Thanks for the responses. Doesnt look like it unscrews. Also has an overdrive knob embedded in it so there must be some wires in there (doh!) so I'd be surprised if it unscrews. Where is the hidden screw?? Any online service manuals I can refer to? Regards Neil

Just bought myself a mint 97 Sport as a daily runner. Everything appears as new in the car with the exception of the leather on the gear stick which has worn presumably due to drivers resting their hands on it as they waft along. Any suggestions for replacements / refurb and how I would go about removing and refitting. Thanks. Regards Neil