Rodney

Yo da man Jon

I'm really jealous now

As someone who cannot take a screw out without rounding the end, I will wait until someone with better skills than me can follow your excellent instructions and allow me to pay in the time honoured fashion.

:)

Rod

I agree Ruud

But looking to exchange this for a Volvo is surely hardly a selling point

Rod

Welcome to the site Nick

I am sure that you will not have a problem with the headroom. In any case you are sure to love the car so much that you will open what the Japanese quaintly call the moon roof - which has a somewhat different and mucky minded connotation in what may be described as colloquial English (the one we all think we understand) and happily drive along ‘a la Clarkson.’ :D

Go on - take the plung - you know it makes sense :winky:

Rod

Hi and welcome

Enjoy your early Christmas pressie :)

Rod

Thanks Rod!

I saw the LS that you own advertised while completing my exhaustive researching. I love it and if I had the cash when I saw it I would have bought it like a shot, the wheels really finish it perfectly, and the LS looks its best in black in my opinion. What tyres do you have fitted to the rims? I would like to go to 17" but gather you need to then go for 245 tyres.

Hi David

The Fox wheels on my car are 8 x 18" with 235 tyres (don't ask me to go out into the rain and check what make !!!) :P

Interestingly there is a very mixed reaction to the suitability and looks of the wheels from the Scorpio folk who have only seen my rather poor photos. Everyone who has seen the car in the metal thinks that the wheels are the dogs whatsits and really suit the black car.

COUNTDOWN - 48 HOURS :winky:

Rod

Hi David

I swapped my 2.9 12v Ultima for a mkIV LS400 in August and have absolutely no regrets. Compared to the Scorpio these rice burners are pretty much bullet proof and if you thought that your cossie had some grunt then you are in for a most pleasant surprise.

As you say, FS and Scorpio Unleashed are extremely good forums which I still pop into. Whilst I have yet to attend any LOC meets and put faces to names there are plenty of knowledgeable peeps on here who will be only too pleased to help with any queries. Whilst I am a mechanical dunce, I suspect that from reading your post, the Scorp may have got you a tad paranoid about rattling timing chains and other blue oval quirks. I cannot imagine that you have anything to worry about although I must admire your prudence in checking what bit have been renewed.

Regards

Rod

Many happy returns Mat

:)

Rod

Good choice Mr2Lad B)

Back to Designit's original post, I also have the same illumination problem with my MkIV. When someone finds a solution I am sure that it would be well received by the rest of us here.

:)

Rod

Get rid of it Mat. Have the memories rather than the tin worm

You know it makes sense :winky:

I'm sure we've had this conversation here

& they talk sabout us women being indecisive

Rod takes closer look at Janey's avatar and makes mental note not to cross her.

:D

Rod

Hiya Pete and welcome.

Targetting the LS is a good choice of motor. Not a lot to learn about them other than the merits of the different marks and how much we enjoy the amazing amount of grunt available when we allow ourselves to rise to chavmobile bait. :D :D

I have had my Mk4 since August and I am still reading the manuals and posts on here about yet other features I did not know about.

You just need to read the threads about cam belt replacement and when they are due as this will affect the value of any car you are looking at. Another issue can be the dash and centre binnicle lights as these seemingly minor problems can be eye poppingly expensive unless you can do mechanical thingies yourself.

Regards

Rod

Thanks guys

Thanks ever so much for your kind remarks. Rex shines even better than in my poor photos and he has clearly been looked after.

Yes I do have the master key with three button fob and upon approaching the locked car when I press and hold the ‘boot’ button for a few seconds the boot unlocks and opens about half an inch. But when I raise the boot lid from the ‘just open’ position the alarms go off. I then have to press the unlock whole car button to stop the noise. Incidentally my old Scorpio’s boot would fly up to fully open when activated from the fob at some 20 yards distance. That was a fun party piece in the supermarket car park.

Trust you to notice Steveskeggy. I wasn’t keen to admit it but yes I am embarrassed to confess that I was sitting in the car late one evening reading the Owners Manuals and fiddling to see how things worked and I stupidly left an interior light on.

There – satisfied.

The car cranked over the next morning and started so I went for a 15 mile spin and it has been starting OK since. My query was more of a ‘what do I do if…? as I really am a mechanical dunce.

Yes it is a Mk IV with the built in SatNav. I have only driven it once in the dark but often have sat in it checking what’s what when it is dark. All of the buttons around the screen area glow impressively. But the clock and temperature strip across the top does not illuminate and as yet has not responded to a good slapping. Also, the VSC and headlight wash buttons at the base of the binnacle do not illuminate and the drivers heated seat button does not glow although the little green light comes on when switched on.

I already have access to a workshop manual. My comments about the owner’s manual were more about the lack of explanation about features of the car that could best be described as ‘bragging rights’ when comparing cars in the pub. “I bet that yours has not got a flare holder;” “Mine was the first car to have built in SatNav” etc. B) B) B) I have not seen any literature promoting all the mysteries and driving pleasures that are discussed so often in these forums.

Thanks Jon for the Aldi first aid tip. I look forward to hearing how you get on with your illuminations.

And finally (I must stop saying that) Rex will need a cam belt change next Spring but I was aware of that when I bought him. Anyway he deserves a treat. :D :D

Regards to you all

Rod

Hi Ant

Welcome to the site.

Enjoy your black street cruiser, even if it is a bit darker inside than you would like :winky:

Post some pics

Regards

Rod

Thanks JB - That's my daily learning complete. :)

I'll ask about the radio valves another day :winky:

Rod

So, having sussed out pic sizes etc as per the handy tips in the newbie area and using Tinypic, here are a few pics. Compared with most other photos on here, I have to admit that mine are of pretty poor quality

Here's me trying to be a bit arty with the sky reflected on the bonnet

Being a mechanical numpty, this is as much of the engine as I want to see

This was after I had driven back to Lincolnshire after collecting the car from Sussex. I did keep flooring the throttle just to prove that the previous acceleration was not a fluke. Several times well over quite fast.

Some wag on the scorpio site marvelled at the handcuffs

Some folk don't like the wheels until they see the car in the metal

I think that they are good for my new image B) B) I think that I will get the garage to paint the brake drums black rather then red. What do you think?

And finally, the picture in Autotrader that gave me that 'must have' feeling

The local chavs have already told me that it would look better with different colour side repeaters. Lots of posts on here about that but I am still not sure. Convince me.

:D

Rod

Thanks Graham - Do you realise that apart from my new chum Steve2006 you are the only other person out of 80 odd readers who had replied. Could be that I bored them into silence. :shutit:

And, once again I am indebted to Steve who is prepared to go that last step towards missing Coro to help another member out.

Hi Rod,

Q1

The name "FM band" is misleading, since one can transmit FM on any frequency. All of these bands mentioned are in the VHF band which extends from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. In some countries FM broadcast radio is referred to as "VHF", "UKW" (German "Ultrakurzwelle" — "Ultra Short Wave") or "УКВ" (Russian "Ультра Короткие Волны").

Sorry Steve. Please do not be offended if I appear to be picky but

WHOOSH

Whilst I am pleased to have given you opportunity to demonstrate your geeky side, can someone else translate and tell me what UKW stands for?

Q2

AM ( LW/MW) is not very good so stick to FM the "aerial" is integrated into the rear window demister element and there is an amplifier mounted in the boot for this system.

I am with you so far - I think. :eerrrmm: But why cant I get anything on MW/LW?

Q3

The LS400 is so reliable that if serviced and driven correctly will never break down eliminating the need for an engine bay light.

That's true enough. Was I "driving correctly" when I blew away a 7 series at the lights yesterday?

Q4

Is that the one where you have to keep the button pressed down on the remote?

I press the boot button on the remote until the boot lid 'pops' and all is quiet until I raise the lid - when everyone within 200 yards is making mental images of me being a ..... well I'm sure that you know what I mean.

Q5

If you have a neighbour like that I would put the car straight into the garage so he cannot comment,you need to remember you have the Lexus he has the jealousy, seriously you will need a series 4 owner to help with the mystery box.

Steve - have you considered that my neighbour could be right - even if he is as jealous as hell? I don't have a garage and have to leave Rex on the street - but that's another long and involved story

Q6

You can get battery chargers that connect with the battery still connected have a look in Halfrauds then buy it cheaper online.

You're getting better :winky: I understood that

Q7

You are talking about pulling the dash and centre console on a series 4 LS400 I wouldn't fancy doing that.

OK I won't ask you. I can take the hint

and finally,

After owning mine for over a year I spotted a black cylindrical plastic tube under the dash on the passenger side and with help from fellow members was told it was the "Flare Holder" mine is an import and a flare is a legal requirement in Japan should you break down.

Yeah. I saw that thread. I thought that the flares could be chucked through the open windows of the chavmobiles parked next to you at the lights

Anyway got to go now I'm missing Coronation Street

PS post some pictures of your car up

Seriously Steve, thanks for your help m8 :winky:

I am not very good with my box brownie and posting pictures will inevitably be a problem. I've got two and a half hours to fiddle before F1 qualifying - so stand by.

:D

Rod

Four weeks after swapping my Scorpio for the LS, I would like to give you my considered judgement.

Firstly, I cannot remember a car that has attracted so much attention. So much so that I have started street cruising and enjoying my newfound image just for the hell of it. B) B) I have a LS400 Mk IV in Astral Black with black Fox alloys detailed in silver and I am an OAP who is now feeling a street wise 30 something. My neighbour says that I look like a drug dealer in my pimpmobile. How cool is that.

That reminds me, can anyone here recommend where I could find a book or CD entitled “Learn chavspeak in six weeks innit?”

Now, onto the observation where I do require some further help from you good peeps. They mainly concern things I have found or things that I do not even understand after reading the manuals and am still not sure about having read every topic and thread – yes all 121 pages in this section.

1. What does UKW mean? There is no reference to its meaning in the manuals as far as I can see. But it is the only place I can get any stations.

2. I cannot get stations when scanning for stations on LM or MW. Is the radio duff or am I doing something wrong? Reception was good on these channels in my Scorpio.

3. There does not appear to be an engine bay light. Isn’t that is a bit unusual although I do have the original torch still in its wrapper. In truth I have only opened the bonnet a couple of times and that was to marvel at the strength of the re-gassed struts - thanks once again Steve 2006.

:ooh-ducky:

4. How can I open the locked boot without unlocking the doors? It would be good to be able to do this without setting off the horn and siren?

5. I have just found a plastic pull out case recessed into the front of the passenger seat just below the seat swab? And before you ask, neither of my Lady Friends was in that seat at the time. But what is the case for? If it was for first aid it would surely have a red or green cross on it. My cynical neighbour has suggested that it would carry an awful lot of pills and cash.

6. How can a complete mechanical numpty like me charge the Battery? As previously noted, mine is a 1998 MkIV and I would rather ask now than after making a hash up. Can I attach the Battery charger without disconnecting anything from the Battery? If I do have to take the Battery off, does the car do an automatic reset – the Scorpio would do this during its first journey of a few miles.

7. I did my first journey in the dark the other evening when I took both Lady Friends to the theatre when I noticed that a couple of the centre binnacle switches were not illuminated. Neither was the strip at the top where the clock and temperatures are. Not life threatening I know but probably worth repairing. Is there anyone who can do this within easy reach of Lincolnshire or should I bite the bullet and drive down to Hampshire.

AND FINALLY

In these difficult times I reckon there is still opportunity for someone to make a fortune by totally rewriting the manuals for the different SL400 models describing all of their features and how to use them in plain English. I have read so many posts in this relatively small part of the forums where long term members have discovered features about their cars that they did not know existed.

HELLO! HELLO!! HELLO!!! WAKE UP – I’VE FINISHED

:D

Rod

Welcome and happy motoring

:)

Rod

Thanks Steve from sunny Skeggy ;)

I was beginning to think that I ............ummmmmmm, I errrrrrrrrrr :duh: :duh:

what was I going to say? Oh yeah, I do remember him driving a Merc

Rod

:D :D :D

PMSL @ JB - We can at least console ourselves in the knowledge that it takes one to recognise one ;)

And thanks for the poll showing that I am not out of place here Chris.

B)

Rod

Has anyone else noticed that Dr Martin has swopped his Merc for a new LS?

I thought that the Merc was a tight fit in those narrow streets and lanes but blimey, the Lex overhangs the sides.

:)

Rod

Hi Mike

I think that there are a number of former Scorpio owners here. Your GS300 sound nice and it would be good to see some Pics.

:)

Rod

Just so that we all have the same hymn sheet, Sebastian said that his charge to me was based on my promise that I would give the company a mention on here.

I think that his charge to me was very reasonable and I would ask that you don't embarrass him or me by trying to negotiate a lower price which might affect his enthusiasm when another member contacts him.

Thanks

Rod

Hi I'm Rod from Grantham

I sold my beloved Scorpio and acquired my MkIV LS 400 a few weeks ago. I am told that I have swopped my grumpy old man image for that of a drug dealer B) B) B)

Here are a few pics of my cruiser which has attracted so much attention wherever I go.

:D

Rod

Dooorh :iraqi-info-minister:

What I also meant to say is that next door to SGS there is a branch of Minorfern SDL motor factors who stock Japanese, Korean and Grey import 'Blueprint' and 'Nipparts' parts. They came out to admire my 400 so I thought that I'd better mention them

Rod

Whooo Whoooooooo I now have working bonnet struts B) B)

Thanks to Steve2006 :ooh-ducky: :ooh-ducky: for recommending SGS Engineering UK Ltd, Unit 6 Cranmer Road, West Meadows Industrial Estate, Derby DE21 6JL Tel 01332 298 126

I was dealt with by a very nice guy named Sebastian and he assessed that he could re-gas my existing bonnet struts. He took them off the car, had them re-gassed and then refitted them all in under 20 minutes. He only charged me £35 plus VAT for gassing and labour and said that he would be pleased to deal with any other LOC members.

:winky:

Rod