98 Ls400 Electrical Problem

[Ticktack19]

Hi

I’m wondering if anyone can help me out ?

Been out yesterday in my 1998 LS400 everything was working as normal, I parked the car and locked it using the remote.

Upon returning the remote didn’t seem to have any affect on the car bur it did light up when you pushed the unlock or lock buttons.

I opened the drivers door and the car horns started to sound but I was still able to start the car, after a while the horn stopped sounding and I was able to drive the car.

When I got home I have noticed the following things,

The steering wheel does not detract when you remove the ignition key,

The central locking doesn’t work when using the key in the drivers door,

The electric windows have stopped working,

The interior lights don’t work when the door is opened,

The seat belt height adjuster switches don’t work,

And the headlights don’t switch of as usual when in auto mode

Any thoughts would be much appreciated

Thanks

Mel

[SteveLS400]

Hi

I’m wondering if anyone can help me out ?

Been out yesterday in my 1998 LS400 everything was working as normal, I parked the car and locked it using the remote.

Upon returning the remote didn’t seem to have any affect on the car bur it did light up when you pushed the unlock or lock buttons.

I opened the drivers door and the car horns started to sound but I was still able to start the car, after a while the horn stopped sounding and I was able to drive the car.

When I got home I have noticed the following things,

The steering wheel does not detract when you remove the ignition key,

The central locking doesn’t work when using the key in the drivers door,

The electric windows have stopped working,

The interior lights don’t work when the door is opened,

The seat belt height adjuster switches don’t work,

And the headlights don’t switch of as usual when in auto mode

Any thoughts would be much appreciated

Thanks

Mel

Hi. Welcome to LOC.

Sorry to hear of your troubles.

Start with the Battery. Modern batteries give little warning of failure. You need to check the terminal connections and preferably have the Battery professionally tested - usually free at any good tyre/exhaust/battery depot.

Next, have a look at the big fuse - 120 amp I think - under the bonnet. This controls a whole host of systems. Let us know the results.

Assuming no joy from these issues, have a play with the search facility on here whilst awaiting a more informative answer. Try different keywords.

[SteveLS400]

In this thread there is a link to how to get to the big fuses. Might help

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=65449&st=0&p=710373&hl=fuse&fromsearch=1entry710373

[Ticktack19]

Hi Steve

Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the reply.

The Battery on the car was almost new when I bought it, however I did have to charge it up over the Christmas period as the car had been stood for a while, since then it hasn’t been a problem.

I’ve had a look at the 120amp fuse as you suggested and all looks to be OK.

What’s confusing me is that the problem showed up after a 70 mile drive, most similar type problems I have read about on forums tend to have arisen when the car is totally flat and has been jumped off or the Battery charger has been connected incorrectly.

Thanks again

Mel

[SteveLS400]

Hi Steve

Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the reply.

The battery on the car was almost new when I bought it, however I did have to charge it up over the Christmas period as the car had been stood for a while, since then it hasn’t been a problem.

I’ve had a look at the 120amp fuse as you suggested and all looks to be OK.

What’s confusing me is that the problem showed up after a 70 mile drive, most similar type problems I have read about on forums tend to have arisen when the car is totally flat and has been jumped off or the battery charger has been connected incorrectly.

Thanks again

Mel

Hi. Even though the battery is new(ish), still have it tested. I have just had a problem with daughter's car and the year old battery was at fault.

Some people have had strange issues after having a flat battery and the incorrect charging/connecting has been a cause but not in every case. I presume you have checked the other fuses?

I think it would be worth disconnecting the battery. Give it a good few minutes for the ecu's and memories to clear and make sure everything is turned off before reconnecting. You will obviously have to re-set memories/radio etc and you may have to re-set the immobiliser.

[Ticktack19]

Steve

Even though the car started OK I decided not to mess around and went out and bought a new Bosch Silver Battery from my local motor factors, got it back home and guess what, it was too long to fit in the Battery tray.

I removed the old Battery to get the actual dimensions ( not the dimensions of the Battery cover )

I refitted the original Battery before going back to get one of the correct dimensions and yes youve guessed it, everything started working perfectly.

This seems to tie in with your advice to disconnect the Battery for a few minutes to clear the ecus and memories, I suppose in effect what has happened is that something has re booted.

I still bought a new Bosch Silver Battery and have put it on charge and will fit it tomorrow.

Thanks for the help Steve, its much appreciated

Mel

[mike213735]

A Battery from the Lexus dealer is only £65, well maybe a bit more with the VAT increase.

My '98 LS had a dodgy Battery when I bought it and it was doing all sorts of strange things. £55 (including my Gold discount) at the dealer and the car is like new again.

Dodgy batteries / connections can cause havoc on an LS.

Mike

[SteveLS400]

Steve

Even though the car started OK I decided not to mess around and went out and bought a new Bosch Silver Battery from my local motor factors, got it back home and guess what, it was too long to fit in the battery tray.

I removed the old battery to get the actual dimensions ( not the dimensions of the battery cover )

I refitted the original battery before going back to get one of the correct dimensions and yes you’ve guessed it, everything started working perfectly.

This seems to tie in with your advice to disconnect the battery for a few minutes to clear the ecu’s and memories, I suppose in effect what has happened is that something has re booted.

I still bought a new Bosch Silver Battery and have put it on charge and will fit it tomorrow.

Thanks for the help Steve, it’s much appreciated

Mel

My pleasure