steve2006

There have been reports of the engine ECU failing on the LS430 by one of your own countrymen and giving the symptoms you have. What diagnostic equipment are you using for the code read as Toyota Techstream is the preferred one? Take a look at the link below.

My first JDM import was a 1994 Toyota Celsior purchased in 2006 which served me very well for 16 years until I was given the chance to buy a later 2004 model year by a fellow member which I’ve now had for a couple of years. The 1994 had a converted and certified mileage of 38,000 and with regular servicing only let me down once with a broken rear spring. The 2004 has around 82,000 miles now, was converted to spring struts before purchase and came with the optional factory stainless steel exhaust. The speedometer was changed to a UK spec one also before I purchased it. No sunroof to worry about ( leaks) and wool seats instead of leather. JDM prices have gone through the roof nowadays especially the earlier models if available. This coupled with increased shipping costs mean at least a £10K cost for a decent one.

Hi Howard and welcome to the LOC. I f you google “custom number plates” there are manufacturers who will make you a custom sized one. I had a couple of the Japanese square ones made for my Celsior from this company https://www.tennantsukshop.com One point to bear in mind is to make sure they comply with the BS AU 145e requirements which along with the manufacturer’s name must appear on the bottom right of the plate or you may fail the MOT. In other words don’t get “Show plates”

Also in the 70s a mate had a 3 litre Capri and once took me out on a local dual carriageway for a “ ton up” experience. On reaching the “magic” speed he then said “roundabout in a mile time to start slowing down” ”But it’s a mile away” I exclaimed. His reply was ”At this speed in a 3 litre Capri you don’t touch the brakes!”

Five shillings and sixpence, can collect today if the weather improves around Alfreton. 😀

I think maybe “I’ve not done that many miles since purchasing” is the factor here coupled with the now cooler weather. If the hybrid battery is not charged to the required level the car will attempt to preserve what is available and shut off any non essential demand. Once the engine kicks in, charging commences, the battery level reaches an acceptable level and the light and warning goes out, in your case after 5 minutes. Regarding the oil service if it’s not due yet I would be asking questions at the dealership.

Hi Glyn and welcome to the LOC. As Vlad says complete hub replacement is the way to go, if you want OEM try Amayama.com or aftermarket Rockauto.com. As for which side I would have thought that any wobble would have been picked up during the MOT, you could jack up the rear and spin the wheels but the brake pads rubbing make it difficult to hear bearing whine. The exhaust shield is another good suggestion, being aluminium the bolt hole corrodes allowing it to drop onto the exhaust box, a “penny washer” is the usual fix. You’re welcome to post pictures of your new IS 😀

Could I ask if the car now has a “marker” on it having been stolen, recovered and repaired? If so surely this not only reduces the value of the vehicle but in addition leads to increased insurance premiums.

The next morning all the spaces were empty and the security barrier was later found on the grass verge.

Found this interesting video, I presume it’s a Japanese workshop but all the LS430s in Japan would have been Toyota Celsiors before 2006.

Agreed, there appears to be no such problem there and I always smile when my ES taxi arrives 😀

Interesting comparison to what JLR are doing for their customers, anyone here spoken to the CEO of Toyota/Lexus?

I remember buying a LED under cupboard strip light from Ikea to replace an old fluorescent one. Got home and began to fit it, got it mounted up fine so time for the electrics. Couldn’t find the special cable connector in the package so rang them to be told the cable wasn’t included but was available as an extra purchase. They couldn’t grasp the idea that the cable needed to be included as a package even after I said it was like buying a new car without wheels. I think it’s still in the shed having purchased one with the cable from Amazon. Ikea the Swedish word for S**t

I cannot find any within the UK except on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parts-Designs-SEPARATOR-compatible-09730-00010/dp/B07MGH754C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K7HZTX0OBTHT&keywords=09730-00010&qid=1703457144&sprefix=09730-00010%2Caps%2C51&sr=8-1

£121.00 from LPD or £42.00 (maybe plus VAT) from Amayama both new OEM. Given the age of the car secondhand ones will probably have the same corrosion.

Check out the video around 9 mins 10 when he announces that it took 5 attempts to align the steering wheel ! Also given the airbag and the delicate clock spring I personally wouldn’t attempt this job.

No problem Alex, Please keep us updated on the problem and hopefully the cause and solution 😀

Hi Alex and welcome to the LOC. As this appears to coincide with the alternator being replaced I would be looking around that area, was it a recon or new OEM replacement? With all the symptoms it would suggest the voltage regulator within the alternator is playing up, a loose connection or poor earth. Easy way to check is to check the battery voltage and see if it is varying with the RPM or get one of those cheap cigar lighter socket plug in voltage display units which would be easier to monitor while sat in the car.

Hi Simon and welcome to the LOC. Could you please add the price and location of the wheels to your post please?

That’s a new one! Just wondering if the camera ( assuming that is the device used) has some contaminant or condensation on the lens ( given the damp weather). Regarding the second question maybe ask your dealer?

That’s a very generous offer to members Steve, I’m sure someone will soon accept and collect.

“In the relentless pursuit of perfection” Not satisfied with anything less, allegedly only being at the number 2 position of the most stolen vehicles in the UK are Lexus trying to get to the top spot in this category too I wonder? They have however apparently already received the top accolade for the most stolen hybrid vehicle. UK consumer law states “ Goods must be of satisfactory quality” and “Fit for purpose” Personally I would not consider an easily stolen motor vehicle to meet either of these criteria.

My Japanese service history, stickers seem to be the norm 😀 Cam belt done before purchase so plenty of years and mileage left in that. Last belt I had done cost me around £150.00 for all the parts and £100.00 labour around 12 years ago.

The gauge sender unit is located left of the thermostat housing under the ignition spark plug wire tray. As the gauge is reading maximum/hot this suggests that the wire from the sender has been grounded so check for any pinched wiring around where you were working.

The outer skin looks weldable but the internal structure seems to have collapsed due to inside to outside rot which is probably resulting in the refusal to repair it. Dealer prices are out of the question, there are some used on fleabay but even those are daft money. Maybe try Paul Frost for a couple of them ? This is the result of lower quality when the LS400s had stainless steel as standard, fortunately mine has a factory stainless system. Sorry I can’t offer a cheap solution.