Keith Bowler

Ian I had a similar problem with front wheels. Had them balanced at least twice to try and solve a vibration problem but when braking rather than when accelerating. I then had wheels taken off and refitted with nuts put on in the correct sequence and properly torqued and I have not experienced any further problem. Yours does however sound like a transmission matter. A fluid change usually cures some ills. I can't speak for the Lexus but I have the gearbox oil replaced regularly on my Honda powered Rover 827 and it seems to have benefits.

I'd go for a genuine Toyota OEM item. Just replaced the original battery on my GS which was nearly 10 years old. The replacement has a 5 year guarantee from Toyota. Cost me about £55 via my mechanic from his specialist Toyota parts supplier which I expect is on par with Halfords.

I believe there are three oxygen sensors on the Mk1 GS one for each bank of three cylinders at the manifold referred to as the 'main' sensors accessible from within the engine bay and one that is referred to as a 'secondary' sensor connected somewhere near the exhaust CAT but accessible from under the drivers side footwell carpet IIRC. Colin will correct me no doubt if I am wrong and let us know precisely where they are located..

Derek I know of a guy breaking a Mk1 GS300 up near Barnsley. He has an add on Ebay goes under the seller name ngracing or similar. I have had some parts off him and he is a good bloke so long as you catch him at home. Last time I spoke to him he was in Ireland, but he always replies or phones. If you want his number PM me, I am sure he won't mind an enquiry.

Hi Not much ever seems to go wrong with the Mk1 GS so long as it gets regular tlc and you keep up with general maintenance. I have had mine four years now and all that has ever needed doing for the MOT is replacing the odd bulb, usually the rear bumper licence plate lamp that for some reason I tend to miss when doing a pre-check. As far as general maintenance is concerned all I have had to replace is brake pads, a battery, the starter motor (common problem with GS), tyres (rears wear so quick), oh and bottom suspension arms but that was at my choosing. You will be fine!

I would have the heater matrix checked. I had a similar problem with an Audi 80 I had. When it was raining windows would steam up and be full of condensation on the inside. Turned out the heater matrix was buggered and not allowing warm dry air just moist wet air. Just a thought.

No need for any special tools. I removed mine carefully with a wide blade screwdriver with a cloth on the wing to protect from any mishaps. Go on you can do it.

Had a quick shuftie on Ebay but trader seems to have stopped trading. The trader I bought mine from was based in Canada but there was a very good UK helpline. I posted on this a while ago so an archive search might be in order. I think it was THESE people Keith... May well have been Tony. Although I only fitted mine recently I bought them around Xmas time last year. In my opinion they are worth every penny. Passed MOT alright bar minor comment on colour and no probs from other drivers flashing me. If I can find space for the additional ballasts I am going to change my full beams.

Just read your post. I am a QS and used to do a lot of Planning Supervisor work. If you are in the 'know' you will know that in construction the new CDM regs are coming in and this will mean that only those with a Nebosh qualification can be appointed as a Planning Supervisor. My practice just took on a young chap who we are putting through the Nebosh route and at the end he will be a Planning Supervisor with a remit for covering our appointments throughout the south east. His starting salary was circa £24k rising to around £30k when fully qualified. If I were you I would stick with it, it will be worth it. Shame you did'nt post six months ago cos I was looking for a PS. Good luck.

Nice one Steve! - Congrats to you both.

I would certainly question it - Camden has plenty of 'history' with over zealous parking wardens.

Had a quick shuftie on Ebay but trader seems to have stopped trading. The trader I bought mine from was based in Canada but there was a very good UK helpline. I posted on this a while ago so an archive search might be in order.

Hi Some will say brake judder is down to warped or warping discs. I would get your front wheels properly torqued up in the correct sequence. This cured a problem I had thanks to fellow members Colin Barber and Tony Bones on here

I totally agree. My GS is twelve years old, I do all the minor service checks and have a respected non franchised mechanic do the fluids etc. Just had a 10,000 mile standard service done for a £150 and all fluids were replaced that needed to be with proper Toyota 'stuff', that's brake fluid, engine oil, power steering, and gearbox. The service book gets a stamp everytime too. I reckon I must have saved nearly a grand in maintenance costs over the four years I have been running this car.

Hi I have a set from a company that sells via Ebay call Visionbulbs or something like that. The company was recommended by a fellow member on here. I have had mine fitted for about three months now with no problem at all bar a slight misunderstanding today with an ignorant MOT tester (no offence intended to any MOT testers on here but this guy was something of a jobsworth). I would have thought you could get the same kit as you got for your Micra but with the correct bulb fitting for your car.

Now I am confused! Car had service and MOT today. New (proper Jap Toyota) battery fitted and started with no trouble at all and symptoms of poor and non-starting are no more. Sailed through MOT with an advisory on my HiD 4300K converted head lights which the tester said were too blue! but he was happy with a front tyre that was missing a chunk of rubber about the size of a 10p coin from the rim protection area of the tyre. Anyway I am not complaining 'cos fingers crossed I have got another years happy motoring to look forward to.

Andy Yes you can provided you get the correct replacement. I had same problem, got a replacement mast and toothed inner cable from the States. In all a 20min job. Keith

Hi If its any help, I am having same problem with my GS300. My problem is the starter motor. As you say just clicks when you turn key in ignition or turns very slowly. The eratic operation of the starter will deteriorate in a few days As I have found to my expense a dodgy starter can kill a battery in no time.

Thanks for the replies chaps. The problem appears to be a mixture of the two, battery and starter. My battery is on its last legs and the starter motor is not properly engaging. Had to call the AA out after work to get me started the other night. They used a huge boost starter and the starter would not engage properly eventually got it started but its gone again and the car is stuck on my drive. Its due a service on Friday so looks like another AA job to get it going so I can get it to the garage. I am pleased to hear that the starters are rebuildable though I understand they are a bugger to remove.

Hi Thanks for that. Some useful info. I cant quite make out what my problem is. When I turn key to start when car has been standing overnight I just get a click. After about three turns it will eventually turn over. When run and stopped for a short period it will restart ok. Seemds to me like a solenoid type problem. Just need to check some wiring connections to verify.

Thanks guys. Excuse my ignorance but where is the starter motor located? I see nothing that resembles what I expected it to look like? Can someone describe just where I might find it. Thanks

Ian Seems like you have been the innocent victim of an car insurance claim scam. I would reprt the matter to your local police pronto and try and get a witness statement from the driver who observed the incident. Should you need any front end parts I know of a guy near Barnsley I think he is who is breaking a Mk1 GS that blew a head gasket so no accident damage. He is ok to deal with as I have had his front seat s and some other bits. He was listing on Ebay a while ago. PM me and i'll pass you on his details. Keith

Looks the biz mate but where's the engine?? - only joking!! Nice colour too, bet you are well chuffed.

Well heres the story - jumped into the Lex yesterday morning and turned the key. Was gobsmacked to hear just a couple of clicks. After about three turns of the key it turned over and started. Did the same this morning and again this evening after work. There are no dash lights on and no signs of any problems once started. When driven it will restart ok. It's obviously a starter or battery problem but which I am not sure. What do you guys reckon. I suspect I probably need a new battery cos the one on the car was on it when I bought it 4 years ago and it looks very much like an original Toyota one - has the condition indicator thingy but I can't make out if it is showing blue or red. Before I shell out for a new battery how can I test it. I have a multi-meter.

Unless you are doubly sure its your discs I would check the torque setting of your front wheels. I had a similar problem with my GS but after a routine geometry check at the doctor's (Dr Bones alias Tony) and some re-torqueing of front wheel nuts all was well and has been ever since. May have saved you a few bob if its not your discs.