brendangeorge

Interesting thread - I have had 5 LS models 400 and now a 430. Over 10 years my 430 returns about 22 on average (I run on LPG so fuel consumption calcs are fun). I have a heavy foot and drive a lot of motor way miles and short 20ish mile (golf club) trips, The only way to work out your real fuel consumption is with a pencil and paper not the cars computer. I keep a record of mileage and fuel put in and then work out long and short term averages - I drive on the mileage because I run on LPG so the fuel gauge is no use to me. Your fuel consumption will be highly dependent on the type of trip (and your foot) - a long motor way trip at a constant 70 will get you up to the 30MPG figs reported - drive a stop start route in a two ton car round town and it will be 16 or lower. There are differences in the two modes - in econ mode the car will change gear at max torque (half shift if you are an American) and in pwr mode it will change gear at max power (full shift) which is just before the red line - Amber hit on this in the previous post. Getting upto cruising speed quickly and staying there will save you fuel. PWR mode round town will burn more fuel. The gear box will change more quickly in PWR mode - I find that the car will "learn" how I drive and even in ECO mode will respond more quickly. Try driving fast and hard for a while then slow down and drive sedately and I'll bet you find the gear box is a little bumpy for a short time - until it works what you need from it. I find the car will do what I want (except run on water :) ) when I want and is great and the best way to save on fuel costs is an LPG conversion. Good luck Bren

Hi Duck - in nearly 11 years and 203K miles I have had two steering column tilt and extend motors fail. The first one was at 85K. I think it was about £245 for an independant to replace inc labour. A Lexus dealer will charge you that plus 1,5 hours labour - the job takes 20 mins :). It is annoying they fail - you may find messing about with it will make it move again but the shims will probably be shot so it will crap out again, Just noted you are under warranty so get them to swap it. Bren

I hope you got the CD out OK. Most of the CDs I use in my player are copies and I have never had a problem. The reason I make copies is I can be a but ham fisted or throw CDs about a bit and I want to keep the originals in good nick.. Bren

The last time I changed the wheel on my Platinum (Silver) 2002 LS430 I put very dark grey (almost black) on and they look great - they were the same as the originals (refurbed). One of my pals owns http://www.pristinealloywheels.co.uk/ who refurb wheels for Lexus and others so I recommend them. Bren

It is not possible to put a code in the LS430 radio - at least in my 2002 - unless I have missed something (for 10+ years). If you cannot get to the fuse box then just disconnect the battery -ve you that will reset everything :) When I changed my battery I don't think it wiped the radio preset stations. Bren

This will not work if you have upgraded to the 07 version I believe and it never worked on my GEN01 system 2002 LS430. If you have the newer nav systems then this http://www.beatsonic...*****-module.html is supposed to work - I got it from another forum. Alternatively you can put a switch in the cabling to disable the vehicle speed sensor while you update your destination - you have to put the VSS back on or the system will not update after you have changed destinations. Here is how to do it - my mate did it and it works but I have not - you are on your own and don't blame me for any probs. I downloaded this from another forum ages ago and cannot find the link so apologies for the long post - if I find a link I will post it and clean this up. Bren First let me thank all the others that have posted information on the other platforms; the GS300, and IS250 Forums in particular has lots of info on the Gen 5 Nav systems that made my work a lot easier. Second you can do this yourself, no need to spend the money on some of the commercial devices. All you need is simple tools, a magnetic screwdriver, socket set, wire cutters, small wire caps and/or tape, and a simple switch. Also some kind of plastic trim removal tool or a taped screwdriver is required. I purchased a package set of five tools from Harbor Freight for about $5 or so. IMHO the hardest part is taking care of the trim removal and running a wire to the cabin. Just take your time and you won’t damage anything. Also be careful not to lose the 9 or so screws you need to remove, they can fall in places you wont be able to recover them. I stuffed the openings with towels and used a magnetic screwdriver while removing the screws. Also if you plan to add a Vaistech MP3/Video interface SL2Vi or SL2Vu this is the perfect time to do this in conjunction with the NAV hack. So here is what I am going to present, I will give you an overview of the Mod, I will present the effected wiring, and then follow up with some details, photos and some technical information. Technical Summary: You need to ground the Parking Brake signal coming into the NAV MDU (Multi Display Unit). You need to cut/disable the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) coming into the NAV MDU. If you do just these two things you will be able to access locked Bluetooth functions while driving, and if you install a Vaistech video interface you can watch video while moving. In order to allow Nav Destination input while driving you need to route the VSS signal on the NAV EU (Electronics Unit) thru a switch you install in the cabin. Alternatively you can just cut that wire, but navigation will be jumpy (not recommended). Locations: The Nav MDU is of course located in the center console. The Nav EU is located in the truck in the passenger rear wheel well and is easily accessible. Basic Steps. Step One is cutting two wires on one harness of the NAV MDU. Connecting one of the wires to an electrical ground location and capping the remaining three connections. Step Two requires cutting one wire from the NAV EU and inserting a switch in-between those wires and locating that switch in the cabin. Below is the Wiring Harnesses and Pin Locations NAV MDU M4 Connector (26 Pins) (Facing the front of the NAV unit display it is the connector located on nearest the passenger side or right side) (M4-16) LG Pin #16 Light Green wire: Cut wire; GROUND the side that goes into the radio. Tape and/or Cap the other side (M4-25) V-W Pin #25 Violet/White wire: Disconnect/Cut wires, cap/tape both sides of the wire. NAV EU N4 Connector (18 Pins) (Looking down on the unit in the trunk it is the furthest most left connector or the connector facing closest to the passenger compartment) (N4-5) V Pin #5 Violet wire: Cut wire; insert a standard switch SPST (Single Position Single Throw) that is cabin/driver/passenger assessable. Run a wire between switch in cabin and the NAV EU in the trunk. (I would consider letting a professional car stereo installer run the wire from the cabin to the trunk, since you must remove a portion of the rear seat to get access to the trunk. I would think they would charge between 1 –2 hours of labor for that, <$100 I would think.) Detailed Instructions: For step one, you need to get access to the MAV MDU. There are various instructions on getting access to the NAV MDU on the LS430 Forum. See post “Service Manual: Removing Navigation Unit” For trim removal see this file on the Forum, (davegs4.pdf) at “04 LS430 Ashtray Alternative” post #69. It shows how to remove almost all the interior of a LS430. All this and more can be found at Toyota Information Service online. NAV MDU: remove and unplug the switch assembly that has the seat heaters, etc with a trim removal tool. Now you have access to the three screws below the “ECT Switch assembly and others” remove them and move switch assembly out the way, you don’t have to unplug it. Remove the cover below and around the CD changer. You need to place the car’s stick shift in Drive in order to pull CD cover assembly out and turn it upside down so you can use it as a work holder for the NAV/Radio assembly you will remove next. Now you have access to the two lower bolts that hold the Nav/Radio Assembly, remove them. Next remove the two temperature control switches with a trim tool, they are in there good so some careful effort is needed to remove them. Remove and unplug the switches which will give you access to the four screws that hold the Nav /Radio Assembly at the top. Remove the 4 bolts using a combination socket set (10MM) and a magnetic screwdriver so the screws don’t fall into the abyss! Gentle wiggle/pull the whole assembly forward. Once the NAV Assembly is out you should be able to turn it sideways so you can work on the unit. There are two connectors at the top of the unit; I removed both connectors as it gave me more run to work. I used the CD cover assembly trim piece as a stand for the NAV Assembly so I could work, cover all with a towel etc to protect your trim! It’s a Lexus you want to keep it looking Sexy Lexy! Once you have access to the back of the NAV MDU, you will be working on the M4 connector, the 26-pin connector nearest the passenger side. Follow the instructions below. NAV MDU M4 Connector (26 Pins) (Facing the front of the NAV unit it is the connector located on the NAV MDU nearest the passenger side or right side) (M4-16) LG Pin #16 Light Green wire: Cut wire; GROUND the side that goes into the radio, use the bolt and a new wire as shown. Tape and/or Cap the other side. (M4-25) V-W Pin #25 Violet/White wire: Cut wire, cap/tape both sides of the wire. NAV EU: is located in trunk under the passenger side rear wheel well. Once you remove the corner trunk trim piece, you just remove the two bolts that hold the NAV EU in place. Because the NAV EU is on a rail, you need to move the unit up and forward to release it from its rail. Once you have the unit out of the rail. Remove the N4 connector and follow instructions below. Once you make the mod, don’t be alarmed that the NAV system will do a startup boot. NAV EU N4 Connector (18 Pins) (Facing the front of the Nav EU it is the furthest most left connector) (N4-5) V Pin #5 Violet wire: Cut wire; insert a standard switch SPST (Single Position Single Throw) that is cabin/driver/passenger assessable between the two wires. References: https://techinfo.toyota.com/ Toyota Technical Information These are some of the documents there that where useful: Lexus Navigation System: Terminals of the ECU (2005 LS 430) Navigation ECU Replacement (2005 LS430) Navigation MDU Replacement (2005 LS430) Audio & Visual System Location Overall EWD (Electrical Wiring Diagram) Component Location Glossary of Term That’s It I hope a few of you find this useful. Pics to go with the text http://s1336.beta.ph...Pics01.jpg.html http://s1336.beta.ph...Pics02.jpg.html

He also thinks a Jag or Merc is better in some ways- what a muppet - even if he entitled to his opinion. I am with you on the LPG Mike. Quote While the car is comfortable, with the benefit of heated and cooled seats front and rear, it doesn’t quite pull off its luxury status in the way a Jaguar XJ or even a Mercedes S-Class does.

Don’t be too hard on the mechanic Cruiser – handshake is a legitimate engineering term and is a part of most communications protocols so he would have been spot on if he had said hand shake not shake hands :). The ECU etc has to know that all the sensors are there and working etc so there will be communications that involve a protocol. Your phone, the internet etc would not work without “handshakes”. I just turned my 430 over after a night on the driveway – the temp was 7C – and it fired up almost instantly. I did try turning the ignition on and waiting for the computers to finish and it did not make much difference – not that it would if it started immediately from dead. In the past I have noticed that in the cold with an old battery the car does take a few secs to fire. My battery is only 3 months old so I expect great starting performance. The original battery lasted 7 years but after 2 cold days at Birmingham airport I would need my booster pack to start the car so I replaced it - 7 years is a lot more than you should reasonably expect. The replacement lasted 3 years.

honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/ will give you some good info about your consumer rights and the purchase of the car - you have 6 months to reject the car and get your money back but after that it is more complex. The other thing is you have to prove the fault was present when you bought the car etc. The dealer cannot sell you a duff car but you have to report it in a reasonable time etc. With Lexus customer service you may make make better progress if you look for a win win solution rather than to try and beat them up. What is in it for them? It is clear what is in it for you. You may want to (nicely) talk to them about their brand image and product reputation - also try and talk to as senior a person as possible. Don’t misconstrue the following comments (I am sure you are smart and level headed) it is important to keep cool and be nice to them - that will always get you further than Mr Angry. Most psychos or people in the right are cool and calm – show me an angry person and I’ll show you somebody who messed up. Also customer service people are used to dealing with people are ****** off so when they meet somebody who is being reasonable they tend to be more helpful - obvious but often forgotten. Good luck – you may need to settle for a contribution from Lexus rather than getting the whole thing fixed for free. Bren

Are you sure this is a good idea? Also your insurance company will not like it and will probably increase your premium or worse. Bren

On my LS430 (204K miles) I am running KUMHO ECSTA SPT 225/55R17 101WXL tyres and put 37 all round. These are the best tyres I have ever used on the car in 10 years. I had 3 LS400s and would not put less than 30 in and used to put in 33 all round - just make sure you are not seeing any feathering on the edges of your front tyres that will indicate low pressure. I lived in Milton Keynes when I owned 2 of the 400s and the round abouts killed tyres and as soon as I moved out my front tyre wear dropped dramaically. Bren Just for future reference brenadan - are these kumhos quite and smooth? Hi mark These Kumhos are pretty smooth when warm and quiet on a decent road. My 430 has the performance pack and has never been as quiet as a 400 on the original Dunlops. I will buy these tyres again because they are quiet, wear well and are good in the wet. Bren

Let the party commence. Profess want £999 to convert today according to their website and if your registered disabled there is no VAT to pay.. When you have a minute could you post a couple of screen shots of the Sat Nav screen for comparison? Mike Kieth There is a bit of difference in the systems - go for a premium system not a cheap one (although it is your cash) and fit FLASH lube to protect your valves - LPG burns hot and valve damage is not unknown - two of my pals can testify to this. Good luck - I am sure you can negotiate a good deal in the current climate. Bren There is absolutely no argument for having a Flash Lube system fitted. The valve seats are already hardened for Non Leaded petrol. If your pals cars had valve seat problems then their cars already had problems before the LPG systems were fitted. As for the cost of any system more importantly is that whoever you choose can fit the system properly 1st time every time. Paying more for the system does not mean you get a better system. Mike Interesting - the first problem was a pal with a 400 - I think it was a single point system and a long time ago - cost £5K to fix. The second was a pal with 430 that had done 90K on LPG - compression loss because of burnt valve seats (I was told) cost him £2.5K for a head rebuild. The repairers advised a FLASH lube system because they had seen these problems before so I put one on as well - it is not that expensive to install and run. Bren

Let the party commence. Profess want £999 to convert today according to their website and if your registered disabled there is no VAT to pay.. When you have a minute could you post a couple of screen shots of the Sat Nav screen for comparison? Mike Kieth There is a bit of difference in the systems - go for a premium system not a cheap one (although it is your cash) and fit FLASH lube to protect your valves - LPG burns hot and valve damage is not unknown - two of my pals can testify to this. Good luck - I am sure you can negotiate a good deal in the current climate. Bren

On my LS430 (204K miles) I am running KUMHO ECSTA SPT 225/55R17 101WXL tyres and put 37 all round. These are the best tyres I have ever used on the car in 10 years. I had 3 LS400s and would not put less than 30 in and used to put in 33 all round - just make sure you are not seeing any feathering on the edges of your front tyres that will indicate low pressure. I lived in Milton Keynes when I owned 2 of the 400s and the round abouts killed tyres and as soon as I moved out my front tyre wear dropped dramaically. Bren

I can guess what is wrong with your LPG system as I am not technically capable but you have isolated that the problem is with the installed system and has nothing to do with normal running ie petrol. The smell of gas is the most worrying as you are driving a bomb and although you might find that statement as being sensationalist but its the truth. The very least you should expect from UKLPG is that they drive the car and agree there is a smell of gas and secondly agree that there should be no rough running. From there you need to get a plan from them as to which way they and you get the problems sorted. Keep us informed you never know we might be able to help I don't know how but you never know. Mike I had a problem with my 430 conversion when first done - no leaks or smell of gas but when warmed up it went into limp home mode - engine light on and running rough. It was a swine to fix but was an air leak. I have done about 100K on LPG and only had the relay that switches over to gas from petrol fail (because it got wet) up to now so the system is very reliable. You should not drive the car if you can smell gas - do you smell gas inside the car when running on LPG or petrol or both? Do you only smell gas outside when stopped or in the boot? - I suppose the gas may get in the car from the boot if there is a leak in there. Failing the emissions test is wrong - I am not a mechanic (an electrical and electronics engineer who knows how to troubleshoot) but know a competant mechanic should be able to diagnose this problem. If you know what you are doing you can get a OBD reader from ebay and look at what is happening on your Laptop or Tablet £10 to £25 including all the software. Best of luck Bren

Yep split North and South across France - so fill your boot up and head down south and have to unload and swap DVDs half way there :) Smartphone Nav is a great idea at this point. Bren

You need to be careful with the computer - the only real way to check you consumption is with a pencil and paper when you fill up. I have a 430 and the computer average is almost always 22MPG. If I can restrain myself and drive at 70 on the motorway then I can get it over 30MPG (does not happen often) - I have a mate who plods around in a 400 and returns really good MPG figures. On short runs and round town 16 is more like it for my 430. I am a little impatient and my heavy right foot probably costs me money so I went for an LPG conversion - that is almost half price motoring after you have paid off the capital costs. The type of tyre you use will also affect your fuel consumption - cheap tyres often have a high rolling resistance. Also winter tyres work well in the winter and are safer - you will reduce your stopping distance in the cold. Bren

Hi Will It is 2 DVDs to cover all of Europe and only one fits in the player in the boot at a time no HDD and is a pain. lexus-mapupdates.eu/Shop/Index is where you can get them from. They are not easy if possible to copy (I am a technically savvy about this) so beware of people selling copies. Bren

I put 37 all round my 430 and it rides well and the tyres wear uniformly- they always leak a little. I check mine every couple of weeks and always have to pump them up a little. Make sure the fronts don't go low or you will wear the outer edges of the tread. Also make sure you check the alignment especially as the car ages - obvious but easy to forget (I did). Bren

I had 3 LS400 models and the belt change was always 60K miles - the LS430 is 100K miles - I may be wrong but I'll bet not. Bren

Do not paint the sensor you will have problems especially if the paint chips or peels. Some body painted one of mine after a bumper repair and I had to replace it - that's why they are colour coded. Bren

Sounds as if the Lexus dealer had a bit of work to do because of consumer right legislation. I have had to replace one wheel bearing and some suspension bushes, Lambda sensors, steering column motor, all 4 callipers and a shock absorber on my 2002 version. All brake disks wear out so having to replace them is not a big surprise. Power steering unit - the fluid cooling pipe that runs in front of the RAD corrodes (after 200K in my case) and will leak but the unit would make a ton of noise before it broke because of low fluid. The rear aircon pipes that run over the back axel (I think) corroded and were fixed by Lexus for free. The boot stays are rubbish – my boot was replaced because of a speck of rust (under warranty ages ago). The new boot lid is much heavier that the original and the stays are not up to the job - even the new ones crapped out after a while. I have a 2002 model and I have heard from mates that the ride height sensors give trouble on the updated models. After all the work it looks as if you are now set for a 100K – good luck. Bren

Hi Mike I have put 203K on a LS430 and never had a problem with the ride height sensors or any other part rotting off every 30K miles so you need to clarify your comments. My car is still incredibly solid after 10.5 Years ( ***** I hope I have not just screwed myself :) ). On the hub covers one of my pals at my golf club owns http://www.pristinealloywheels.co.uk/ who will supply what you need at a very reasonable price (I think) without you having to mail order them from the US. They also refurb the wheels for Lexus under warranty so are good to deal with. Cheers Bren

I buy mine on ebay in the US and they are half the price. Bren

I have a 10 year old 430 with 203K on the clock - the last 70K on LPG. I see 22MPG on the fuel computer for the average consumption - mixed driving on A roads and divers boot on the motorway. My wife can get 30 MPG on a run at 70 on the motorway but there is no way I can because I don't have the self control - it is a two ton car so will eat fuel around town so expect 16 MPG. If you spend the money to convert to LPG you will be quids in (like me) and make sure you put a flash lube/valve saver system on you LPG conversion. A rad does not cost £1200 to replace - I had to use a Lexus part and it was £300 plus labour a couple of months ago. LS430 VS GS430 - it depends on how big a car you want. I am a LS430 fan but they are both fantastic. Cheers Bren