Knightman

Thank you. I will look up that name and order. I agree it does even out the boot lid. It also identifies the vehicle fully and contributes to the proudicity of ownership. :D

Neither of my Mk1 or Mk2 had the LS400 badge on when I got them.I bought the badge new from Ebay for about £7. The badge from Ebay was posted from China but the quality was excellent and to me it doesn't look any different from an original Lexus badge. Thanks Andy. Will scour eBay. I think it will look better with one than without.

Can't say I've seen you yet, but will keep my eyes open. Mine is Aluminium Silver Mk2 on an L plate. Cheers

Hi, My 1993 Mk2 does not have the LS400 badging on the rhs of boot lid. It just has Lexus on the lhs. There are no tell tale signs of LS400 ever having been there. I have recently seen a couple of LS400's on my travels and notice that they are all badged LS400. Does anyone know where I can get a genuine LS400 badge from and approx how much they are. Also is it supposed to have LS400 on the back, or is it an addition on later models and therefore unauthentic to have one on a Mk2? Many thanks :)

Hi David, Many thanks for that, will give it a go. Like you I live in Reading and I went to National Tyres on Basingstoke Rd. Their chart suggested all round 34psi. Tried that but she seemed a bit light. Maybe the front / rear ratio is a key factor.

Hi all, hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the new year. I have just returned from my Christmas break in N Wales, the first long run in my LS400 since I bought her, and may I say what an absolute dream, she performed beautifully with elegance and style. Haven't worked out the fuel consumption yet but 230 miles on approx half a tank - not bad I thought. One thing though. Whilst away we had (along with everyone else) rather a lot of snow. Now my father - in -law's bungalow is at the bottom of a rather steep incline - you know the sort of thing - you could happily launch Thunderbird 2 but there was no way an LS400 was going up it. Tried it once, went up forwards, came down sideways. Anyway, that got me thinking about tyre pressures. The LS400 handbook gives pressures for various loads and speeds etc from 30 psi to 41psi, but there doesn't seem to be a general all round everyday sort of psi rating. Can anyone recommend? I'm running on Dunlop SP Sports, currently set at 30 psi all round. Original wheels, and sizes are 225 R16 's. Thanks. :D

Thanks, your advice has been noted. I'm learning all the time :)

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I really am in a pickle with this, and I suppose it is wholly down to my lack of experience with an LS400. I previously posted about my engine returning from a service by an independent garage being a bit lumpy. Lexus discovered that it was down to arcing across the No7 lead to the distributor. Something that was not picked up when the service was done. The garage that did the service recommended NGK platinum but wanted £90 to supply and £60 to fit. I requested that I supplied my own plugs, which I did - the Bosh FR5's - at a cost of £53, so quite a saving. I just find it odd that a car that is running perfectly can go in for a service and come out worse than it went in. I cannot blame the garage for the arcing across the distributor, but I would have thought they'd have noticed it and told me. The reason for asking about the suitability of the Bosh plugs, is to attempt to find out if others have had problems with them in the LS400 or whether it makes little or no difference to using NGK's or Denso. :)

Hello, The misfiring does seem strange after new plugs and stuff, but it can also be the throttle body (See lexls.com). These have small outlets for air which get blocked after 16yrs of use. I cleaned mine after erratic/dropping revs, slight spluttering, lack of power (usually when you needed it too) But if it wasnt happening before you went there, then it should be taken back. They wont take responsibility if you supplied the wrong parts. I know its a minefield nowadays when looking. You can trust the garages for those types of job, then if they are wrong, its their bill. If you want the original you can ask them for them. There are better types available now, but it is set up for the original type. Thanks Manc, Have since discovered that the misfire is due to arcing from No7 lead at distributor,(either lead or crack in the cap) I think I mentioned this in my subsequent post 'Have I bought a money pit?' The throttle body was cleaned out a few years back, but just as a matter of interest, where can this be found?

Thanks Steve, but I'm more interested in engine running and performance than longevity. :D

Hi, What is the general feeling on Bosh FR5DP222 Platinum plugs in an LS Mk2 1993 (L) please?

Thanks for replying. In normal circumstances I would agree. However the brake pipe corrosion was an MOT advisory. In less than 400 miles it is now leaking and classed as dangerous as it could pop at any time, which is why it is being done on Tuesday. This has only come to light because of the other checks being done. If I had decided to do this at my leisure then I hate to think. It only goes to show that sometimes a second opinion can be worthwhile. I do know one thing though. I think I need a crash course in Lexus mechanics. Does anyone know where I can get a manual for an LS400 Mk2? Haynes don't do one apparently. :D From ebay on cd rom about £5 Thanks, I'm looking already :D

Hello knightman, I too know that demoralising feeling about my beloved LS, but it is still on the road and running well....in fact the engine is still sublime after 230k, but the warnings im getting each m.o.t. are becoming a bit scary....jacking points and rear mounts and subframe issues etc....things i dont want to hear after spending a few quid on her last year... I too have desicions to make My rear brakepipe also blew a hole in itself. You can do it yourself, the pipe is £30 odd pound from Lexus swindon, plus 2 bottles of brake fluid. (you can buy 50m lengths for £30 for the whole system, but you have to shape it and cut it yourself) It was caused by the clips that hold it in place being worn or snapped off. This makes the pipe vibrate i presume. Its tucked away so i couldnt see stones causing it... It also needs bleeding after and it should be done properly by decent machines, but the traditional method worked for me. I thought the brakes were still spongy at 1st, but after a few miles they are now fine again. If you take it to a garage it shouldn't expensive and not more than an hour labour. The old pipe is cut off (easier & quicker than fiddling), the new one takes half hour getting in place 'cos of all its twists and turns and not much room. Then bleed the brakes...no more than an hour by professionals. Let me know if you want to attempt it and i will explain how to do it. Dont know much about the steering rack, but another fear about mine now too But dont despair, Lexus can.....errmmm...... exaggerate things at times. When my p/s was leaking i took it in as i was passing and he told me it was the transmission not the p/s.....I was spending a tenner a week on p/s fluid so knew he was wrong. Since been underneath for various jobs and the gearbox is absolutely fine????? Then they say the instrument panel needs replacing at £1100, when really its just 3 capacitors and costs a tenth of that to send off for repair or less than a fiver if you are an expert solderer with the right equipment. So relax until the final answer is there Its not just mechanics that do a 2nd rate job nowadays...every industry seems to be that way now Thanks, I'm beginning to realise now not to believe everything I'm told first time, even if it is by garage mechanics. That's why I always try and get a second opinion and ask for advice from the good people of this group. I am not set up to do my own mechanics as yet so I have to rely on garages and the like to get things done. I have come to treasure my LS400 in the short time I've had her. It's a masterpiece of quality engineering and style. It has two features that are sadly lacking in today's modern cars, a bonnet and a boot, if you know what I mean. I have the dreaded dash (lights) problem as well, but mine still comes on when she warms up. :D

Thanks for replying. In normal circumstances I would agree. However the brake pipe corrosion was an MOT advisory. In less than 400 miles it is now leaking and classed as dangerous as it could pop at any time, which is why it is being done on Tuesday. This has only come to light because of the other checks being done. If I had decided to do this at my leisure then I hate to think. It only goes to show that sometimes a second opinion can be worthwhile. I do know one thing though. I think I need a crash course in Lexus mechanics. Does anyone know where I can get a manual for an LS400 Mk2? Haynes don't do one apparently. :D

Hi Steve, I have taken it to another independent today, to have the brake pipe sorted. Whilst there I asked them to have a look at the steering. In their opinion, there is slight play, but nothing serious, or indeed out of the ordinary for a car of such age and mileage. They also said that the PAS leak from the n/s gaiter was negligible, and neither would warrant even an advisory if they were doing the MOT. Also they couldn't determine visually if the play was the track rod end, or in the rack itself. Everything looks and feels as it should. So Steve, it would appear that this little panic might be down to lexus exacting standards - well lets hope so anyway. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to advise, it is most welcome.

Thanks for replying. On the first point the HT leads do need replacing because one of them is arcing across the distributor. This came to light after having it serviced yesterday and it is now running a bit lumpy lumpy (see separate post). The garage that did the service didn't point this out to me though. I took it to lexus for a diagnostic. It was while doing this, which they combine with a free safety check, that the other items were noticed. The car was MOT'd on 22nd September, by the same garage that did the service, but nothing about the steering was mentioned. There was an advisory on the brake pipe though, but it was not leaking then. The steering rack play was shown to me in the same way as you would check for a worn wheel bearing. That is by checking for play by rocking the wheel back and forth (O/S) and there is a slight leak from the gaiter on the N/S. I only know a little of the basics when it comes to mechanics, which is why I am seeking advice from other members of this group. :)

Hi, I've just taken my LS400 MK2 for a safety check with Lexus and have come away feeling very demoralised. The mechanic was very good and took a lot of time and went to a lot of trouble explaining things. However, that still does not alter the fact that it has ruined my day. There were a few minor problems which can easily be dealt with, such as HT leads worn etc, but the things that concerned me and my bank balance most were as follows:- Excess play in O/S steering rack end. Slight PAS leak from N/S gaiter. He recommends a new steering rack, but says it is not worth doing it on a car which is 16years old. Lexus Price £1371.00 This is not a dangerous fault and is quite common apparently? Brake fluid leak from brake pipe at rear O/S. I saw it and it is weeping slightly. This is dangerous obviously and needs to be done asap. He said that Lexus will only replace the whole pipe from the master cylinder, but I could find a garage that will cut and replace the damaged section, which is the bendy bit going up through the susp arms at the top. Oh and then there's the new HT leads, cheapest I've seen are at £137.00 (Lexus £199.00) Does any one know a good, honest, reliable, modestly priced mechanic / garage in the Reading area; because most of the ones I have dealt with so far just take your money, treat you like an idiot and do a shoddy second rate job. Help.....

Hi the standard plugs are irridium not platinum, I dont think it should make a difference ( but possably) it could also be a duff plug it does happen. if its not a plug it may be a ht lead which was on the verge of breaking down & where its been distubed has sent it on its way. Thanks. I've just spent the last couple of hours at Lexus. They have done a free diagnostic and safety check. It turns out that one of the HT leads is arcing across the distributor. A bit of electrical tape seems to have done the job for now but looks like new leads. The safety check also revealed some other problems, but I will create a new topic for them.

I have just taken my LS400 Mk2 for a service with an independent garage. They have a good reputation, or so I thought, and are Rolls Royce & Jaguar Specialists. The service was a 12,000 mile and included plugs, which I supplied myself. Bosch Platinum. Driving the car this morning I have found the engine a bit lumpy and it sounds as if it might be misfiring slightly. I took it back to the garage and told them about it. They didn't sound at all concerned and told me to bring it back sometime next week for them to look at, as they couldn't do it today (what a surprise). What I would like to know is, firstly what the problem might be. It wasn't doing it before the service. And secondly are they responsible for putting it right, especially as I supplied the plugs. Incidentally, the plugs are new, from a reputable dealer, the right ones, and cheaper than those the garage were going to fit (NGK). I am a bit concerned as to where to go from here without having to spend yet more money. Many thanks,

Thanks chaps. Will leave it be then. At least it will come in handy if I want to play at Z-Cars I suppose. Did read somewhere that there were a couple of cases of them causing the emergency braking system to activate when answered. However, that seems a bit unlikely now...I hope!

My LS400 Mk2 has a Motorola Car Phone mounted in the front arm rest. It works, or at least it appears to, but is not connected. Can these phones still be used and if so by which Network or should I have it removed or just leave it be? Thank you.

Thanks all for your helpful replies

I used to do my own many years ago when engines were a lot simpler. Maybe I should try it again. Trouble is there's a lot of engine in there!!

I hope I get that kind of luck...thanks.

agreed dont go anywhere near quick sh..t unless you want discs pads , an exhaust & maybe a couple of tyres as well as your service. its amazing how many faults they will find? with a good car :D Thanks for the advice guys..will find alternative.