frankie boy

Had the same problem with my MK4 last year. Read somewhere that storing keys or metallic objects in the centre console could trigger the alarm (can't remember the explanation). Took out the keys I had in there and not had a problem since.

You can get the glass 'made to measure' at Halfords, for £12.99!!!

They're electric folding on my Mk4 (2000)

Aaahh, - a case of mistaken identity I'm afraid. I meant the idle air control valve - which is part of the fuelling system, - not the idle valve for the power steering. I've had a couple of cold start problems and wanted to clean out the IAC valve to see if this fixed things. Presumably its in close proximity to the throttle body, but I couldn't readily identify it. Thanks for the response, anyway. By the way, I believe you can reset the ECU without disconnecting the battery. I've got a 'Car Mechanics' feature on the LS400 which advises you to pull a particular fuse to achieve a reset without losing security codes. If anyone is interested I can (hopefully) post a picture. Also, I think you can still get back issues of this edition of Car Mechanics. Frank

Can anyone tell me whereabouts the Idle Air Control Valve is situated on a Mk4 Ls400 and what it looks like? I've had a couple of occasions recently (when starting from cold) where the engine fires up then stalls and is reluctant to restart. When it does restart, it then runs absolutely fine. I've cleaned out the EGR (PCV) valve and want to do the same with the IAC valve but I'm not sure where it is, - I've got a picture from a 'Car Mechanics' feature on LS400's which shows the engine bay layout, but this is for an earlier version LS400 and mine doesn't have the IAC valve where it's shown in this. While I think of it, - if I remove the valve to clean it, would I then need to reset the ECU? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Frank

I've been looking for these for my mk4 (2000). Superflex show these as being for 89-94. Don't suppose you'd know whether they would fit mine as I can't find seem to find anyone selling them for a mk4? Not a clue I'm afraid - best idea is to contact them I would think. They may fit or Superflex may have the correct ones on another page Contact details for them are here http://www.superflex.co.uk/ HTH Dave OK - Thanks for that.

I've been looking for these for my mk4 (2000). Superflex show these as being for 89-94. Don't suppose you'd know whether they would fit mine as I can't find seem to find anyone selling them for a mk4?

Well, tell them it's a Lexus LS and......(well, It IS!!) Try Saga. Saga won't insure me I'm not old enough!!!!!!!! See my post in this forum (25 Oct) £285 fully comp !!!

Thanks. You try and help people and that's what you get!

I wish! Dunstable (next door to Luton)

Might be worth checking with Privilege (see my post today) Frank

Just got this insurance quote for a 2000 LS400, from 'Privilege'.... 54 yr old male, full NCB, no accidents or convictions: £285 Fully Comp That's with the wife as a named driver (it comes out cheaper that way!!!) I've just bitten their hand off! Frank

I was surprised too! I wanted to treat myself to a luxury car that would also prove to be reliable. I've got a reasonable knowledge of car mechanics and for various reasons discounted a number of other options e.g 7 Series BMW, E Class Merc, Audi A8. For the record I bought this car a couple of months ago and it seems very genuine. It's my first Lexus and I can now understand why people rate them so highly. It's done 99,000, two previous owners - each for around 3 years. It's very, very tidy inside and out and doesn't appear to have been abused in any way. It's got a complete set of Lexus main dealer stamps in the service book and all paperwork plus lack of stone chips, seat wear, etc, etc, indicate the mileage is correct. YET, both rear upper suspension arms needed replacing because the ball joints were shot. As I mentioned, they cost me £139 each and a local (ace) mechanic I know fitted them for £102 all in. Having said that, he also noted that the bushes in both rear tie rods, which anchor the independent rear suspension, were worn too (I'd be grateful if anyone could advise on whether these bushes can be bought separately and pressed in). In addition when I first bought the car it had a clunk and judder when braking at higher speeds which I now strongly suspect is down to the front upper control arm bushes and certainly the ball joint on the nsf control arm has wear in it too. I guess in part, the answer to your question is to do what I did and get the car mot'd early and if there are problems you've bought yourself some time to get them fixed! Beyond that, and being a new boy on here myself let's throw it open... does anyone have any views on this? Is it realistic to expect to have to carry out major suspension surgery at around 99k miles? Frank

Thanks Maneesh. I emailed Sewells but got no reply. However, I have now managed to get these wishbones from: http://www.cheaptoyotaparts.co.uk/ They cost £139 each incl delivery. They're for a MK4 but I notice that they're selling earlier ones for £99. Might be useful to know if anybody else is looking for them. I wonder if anyone has fitted these themselves and if so, how easy a job it is? Frank

Have just failed MOT on rear upper balljoints (both sides), so will have to replace rear upper suspension arms. Any suggestions as to where I can get these at a reasonable price (LS400 Mk4 2000/W)? Thanks Frank

Sorry about the delay.... No, I couldn't agree a realistic price with the dealer and when he did decide to 'get real' I'd already spotted another one and bought it, (his loss). It's a Mk4 2000, silver with black leather and very nice it is too. It has got a bit of a clunk from the front when you go over bad road surfaces - it seems to be on the off side and you can feel it through the steering wheel. There's also some vibration under braking at higher speeds. I thought the clunk would probably be a lower ball joint but I've had it checked over and the front suspension all seems ok. Braking vibration may be associated with the clunk or perhaps warped discs? I'm just wondering now if there's perhaps something wrong with the steering rack, - not sure what else could be the cause of it. Maybe someone here might be able to throw some light on these problems? Frank Ouch! Clunking on a LS400 isn't cheap. Could well be upper control arms, there's also the tie rod ends and strut bar cushions. Let us know what you find. Control arms, tie (track?) rod ends and roll bar are all ok. There is a tiny amount of movement on the n/sf upper control arm, but not enough to cause this noise. Out of interest, (and you guys may already be aware of this) I spotted an ad on EBay for cheap restoration of upper control arms. Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LEXUS-LS-400-NEW-FRO...5QQcmdZViewItem Frank

Sorry about the delay.... No, I couldn't agree a realistic price with the dealer and when he did decide to 'get real' I'd already spotted another one and bought it, (his loss). It's a Mk4 2000, silver with black leather and very nice it is too. It has got a bit of a clunk from the front when you go over bad road surfaces - it seems to be on the off side and you can feel it through the steering wheel. There's also some vibration under braking at higher speeds. I thought the clunk would probably be a lower ball joint but I've had it checked over and the front suspension all seems ok. Braking vibration may be associated with the clunk or perhaps warped discs? I'm just wondering now if there's perhaps something wrong with the steering rack, - not sure what else could be the cause of it. Maybe someone here might be able to throw some light on these problems? Frank

Thanks for the advice guys, - much appreciated!

Thinking of buying an ls400 '98 (S). Front suspension makes a creaking noise when driving and when bounced. Difficult to pinpoint, - any ideas as to the most likely cause? Thanks Frank