SteveLS400

Are you and Benfur going to offer this fix to us MkIII owners with this problem at some time soon? It's the one thing that drives me mental about my car, and MkIII radio's don't come up for sale that often, whichg seems to be the only fix for shaky handed solderers like myself! I'm just glad there are owners like you that identify how to fix problems like this. I'm hoping the fix is permanent - hence my testing it. Benfur's are all breakers so testing is difficult.

Yup, same age related issue.

This is symptomatic of gradual failure. The backlights will work less and less often until they give up the ghost. Its only a pain at night but a big pain. The problem is likely to be the failure of 1 or more resistors most probably due to dry joints. Benfur and I have been fixing MKIII issues and I currently have one on test. There being no useful info available for MKIII's. However, there are fixes available on tinterweb for MK's I, II and IV. You will have to Google them I'm afraid. Apart from screw driver and the ability to remove the unit from the car, you will need a fine point soldering iron and either a bench-mounted magnifying glass or those special binocular-style glasses. You can't use a hand held because you cant solder and hold it and you cant see properly if someone holds it (the magnifier!!!) for you. The resistors in the MKIII are only a couple of mm long and imagine the same applies to other MK's. The fix we've devised, involves removing the rogue resistors altogether and replaceing them on the underside of the main board and that definately needs a magnifying glass to follow the circuit in order to pick up the contact points for soldering.

I spent weeks research and found no UK suppliers.

Hi. Its not a specialist job, you can diy. Ive done it on other cars and the gain isn't worth the pain.

Even the perfect car might have the odd issue fron time to time. Even Clarkson described it as (probably) the best car ever made!! Mine is also a '95 MkIII. At 6'2 I have never had an issue with the seat; tip the long adjuster front and back until the swab is virtually on the floor. Please be a little more desciptive re C/C and front demist. C/C will set the a/c if you hit (I'm using modern terms )auto. Revs will increase. The f/s demist will overide the auto and the blower will direct everything to screen. The orange light will come on. Does some or all of this happen? Notwithstanding other suggestions, the flapping noise may be due to engine cover or wheel arch liners, something trapped between the grill and condenser (front radiator to some folks), something trapped in the air intake or previous owner clinging on for dear life . Heated seat needs new element. Most dont bother because of the difficulty of fitting and warms it up in moments due to quality of upholstery. Side light issue; in some years of ownership and membership on here, this is the 1st time I've knowingly come across such an issue. They are not easy to get to so I would suggest aquisition of a replacement from Benfur ( use the pm facility, he's a trusted member). In the meantime drill a small hole for drainage.

Info like that is always good. Let us know how it goes when you get them.

I'll have a look on the Mitchell Repair disk if you need assistance. From memory its Fluid level check > Cable check (esp kickdown) >selector check >PNR reset.

Thanks, that makes sense. I've had the problem for over a year but last summer I got a mechanic to check it out, he said he couldn't find a problem either but greased the caliper and it was hardly noticable for a few months. Certainly backs up your theory. I need to replace the discs so I'll do that at the same time. Couple of points; is it a definate noise. I know its a strange question. Do you get any feed back up the s/w? Again,another strange question, whats the background to the disc change?

Not as stylish as the IS?? You're on shaky ground here..lol I get around 30mpg from mine. Last weekend we went on a 200 mile drive around the Scottish Peninsulas and she returned 33mpg! 28 - 32 on a long run

Looking good

I forgot. Mine has opening doors.

Hi. I can't remember if TC was an option on MKIII's, it certainly wasn't standard. I've only seen it on MKIV's and newer. Similarly, I don't recall the MKIII having BT technology. If there were any signs of wiring it would be in or below the centre console and behind the boot lining. Mine's an early MKIII and non of these new fangled gadgets are on it. It does have pump-up tires and see-through windows but thats it.

Thought you had a beaver on the car - or is your sinature box full

No amber indicators are legal, not clear. When mine arrived, they came with 4 bulbs and bulb holders but of course there's no 2nd connector on the car so I spliced into the existing circuit. If you dont fit a second working bulb they look c**p because the clear lenses show all. I know the amber indicators are legal, but I want the side piece of the indicator to have a static light. Like in the US of A. Interesting, then you will have to run a wire from the sidelight. Be good to see the end result.

Of course it has the boy-racer look. Wonder why its out of use. Perhaps too much boy racing. Cant imagine the typical LS400 addict going for this and I suggest that the insurance costs for a youngerster will be a tad high. I will be amazed if this sells. I would have bought a MKIV a year or 2 back but the guy - not a youngster - had got the garish wheels and paint job but not a patch on this example.

No amber indicators are legal, not clear. When mine arrived, they came with 4 bulbs and bulb holders but of course there's no 2nd connector on the car so I spliced into the existing circuit. If you dont fit a second working bulb they look c**p because the clear lenses show all.

With the MKIII you sync the remotes seperately. There's nothing to stop you trying it with yours. Make it a generous 10 secs.

Take the battery out and clean it and the contacts in the remote. Check the remote is not broken. Place a small bit of foil on the contacts and have another go.

Thank you for coming to see us. Dont do anything drastic without spending a bit of time with us. I'm sure that this forum will be able to help you find a steering rack and guide you towards its fitting (by getting a man in) at a fraction of the the £2k you are facing.

What about if you unlock with your remote rather than the key?

Shucks :duh: :duh:

It certainly froths. I have only had this happen once - 4 years ago - and its still ok.

Don't knock it till you've tried it :winky:

Exactly