1999 Ls400 Steering Reach Inoperative & Changing A Front Lamp

Rooster · July 8, 2015

Hi everyone, long time no post.

The steering reach is stuck approximately one inch out from the dash. I've tried the switch 10 times in succession however that no longer works. Pushing the switch one way renders a brief and faint squeak, pushing the switch the other way I momentarily feel a faint rumble. I wouldn't mind if the wheel could come out a bit more because I need to have the seat all the way back and am finding that my arms tire after a while from being too straight.

I would like to be certain that the wheel can come out further (and an idea of how much further) before I get the reach fixed. I really don't recall with any certainty whether the wheel could reach out any further. Using the car more lately and I'm allowing this issue to bug me a little.

I've attached 2 images, with a larger and a smaller Bic lighter in the "gap", to give more of an idea of the exact situation.

The car has HID lamps and I need to change a parking lamp. How do I go about doing that? It's the front left lamp, car is RHD.

Many thanks,

cruisermark · July 8, 2015

hi

the steering motors on the 400 range are pretty reliable unlike the 430

previous posts suggest removing the steering cowl and lubricating the moving parts

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/81563-steering-reach/

ref the bulb - if its the small wedge bulb (501 i think) then you just twist the connector at the back of the lamp and the it comes right out - hope this helps

Rooster · July 8, 2015

Thanks Mark, from the info provided in those links I might tackle the job myself.

Can you tell me whether the headlight or Battery needs to be removed to access the rear of the headlamp assembly? There doesn't seem to be much room for my hand to reach in, so I'm looking for any shortcut on the job if possible.

Many thanks, again.

cruisermark · July 8, 2015

hi

removing the Battery will definatley help - it will give you plenty of working room and changing bulb will take virtually seconds - just make sure you dont loose the Battery retaining bar - it hooks onto a hole in the bottom of the Battery tray - goodluck

Rooster · July 8, 2015

Thanks again.

Rooster · July 9, 2015

I forgot to ask in my last reply.. Can the steering wheel reach out further than mine is in the pics? If so, may I have an estimate of how much further?

Thanks

Rooster · July 11, 2015

Hi,

Sorry to bump this up. Can anyone provide me an idea of how far the steering wheel can reach out? If it's out as far as it goes in my pics I will just put up with it.

If pics can be provided of the extent, that'd be great.

Thanks in advance for your time.