ultimatequinoxe

Good, that eliminates a few things then. In a traditional sense ( as a mechanic/hobbyist only ) I'm inclined to think ignition issues, Plugs, leads, coils since the timing is ( I assume but not 100% sure ) controlled by the ECU or even if not, I have not known timing to go out. Not as it would way back when, on Cavaliers and escorts for example, where you could turn the dizzy cap to retard or advance the timing etc. A coil, lead and plug inspection I would think is worth it, especially if you have not had the car to long maybe. Get to know it, seems many LS400's are still running 200,000 miles and more on the same coils and leads they rolled out the factory with. As the plugs foul up, sparks not strong enough under load, weak spark = weak ignition or even failure to ignite and therefore pinking. But I'm no expert, just some thoughts and free bump to the thread. Hope the solution comes up soon and its nothing to drastic, all the best !

I always thought of pinking being down to a timing and fuel issue. Probably no noise when revving while stationary, only under load I'm guessing ? Not sure what to suggest since I am not likely on the right track with what the problem is. Usually, for pinking or knock or detonation etc ( not to be confused with pre-ignition ) it can be traced to fuel and/or timing related ( including the Electronic control unit, or ECU though these don't seem to ever fail in any way ) I would be thinking of whether there are any leaks in the fuel system and causing air to be sucked in etc ( though lack of fuel would cause cutting out I should think as well maybe ? ), Throttle position sensor, air flow meter, cam angle adjuster if its a model with the variable valve timing. Then there is ( as said ) the usual checks on distributor coils, plugs, leads, etc. Any additions to the car recently, new cam belt, plugs, fuel additives, anything like that ? And running on 95 ron fuel ?

Just that, noticed a whine has developed. Seems to go a bit I think when warmer. Thought 1st had gone in the gear box, but then stopped, and put it in P, N etc, rev and you still hear it. Opened the bonnet - seems ( though by no means accurate, especially with the stupid exhaust blowing ) as though its coming from the dreaded belt area, possibly drivers side. Belt was replaced at 156,000, now at just under 198,000 so its coming on due for a new belt but I'm not convinced its that yet. Wonder what else is down there, A/C pump ? Alt ? Water pump etc ? Any thoughts greatly appreciated as I am really feeling the blues over buying about the worst example of an LS400 going. If anyone has a cheap one to sell let me know, so I can strip this one for bits rather than try and get it through the MOT this month !

Hello, Well upon inspection, the front seems to be tight enough ( though I'm not an MOT tester ) but there is no play in any bushes at the front with a crow bar under them, and just minimal flex. I cleaned up the front calipers a bit too, but no obvious problems there either. I had it in mind to swap the tyres around as I had thicker M&S on the front and more worn ( and cheaper quality ) M&S on the back. To my not-so surprise the garage I had fit my new tyres a while back put one on the back round the wrong way, so I can add that to the fact they should have done the tracking yet my steering wheel is still 5 degrees to the right from centre. Anyway, new trackrod ends on the front, all else so far seems OK. Tyres now matched up and all rotating the right way. BUT, inspection of the rear however was not so good, lower arms on both sides, certainly the arm going along the car rather than into it from the hub is very loose both ends ( don't think the bushes are there anymore basically ), and the arm ( with the drop links ) going from the hub back towards the diff has the usual bush gone on the hub end. So theory is that the back end is so bad, that upon mild braking all is OK, but certainly under heavy braking from say 30mph plus ( mild braking is ok ) you get the weight shift/transfer, and because the back is snaking a bit, I think its making the front feel uneasy. Either way, the rear bushes need doing for the MOT, so I'm on the look out for the arms with the bushes in them as I don't have anything for pressing bushes out, and I have yet to find any even half decent garage in this hell hole of a place to live. I only have 3 weeks for the MOT anyway. The only alternative is another car, because this LS400 cost me £600, and if I add whatever for the arms/bushes, then the MOT ( £40 ) on top, I'm part way to buying another car again - is it worth it I wonder ?

Hello, I have an LS400 L'reg ( Mk2 1993 ) with a lot of bushes that have gone. At the moment I need Rear Lower arms for both sides with Decent/strong bushes in them each end, as its easier than replacing each bush on their own, as I am sure you can understand :-) I don't know the exact words for the arms ( trailing arms maybe ? ) I have pictures if that helps. Basically looking at the passenger side ( for example and as in the picture ) rear hub from the outside, you see one low arm going from the left of the hub to the chassis, and one going from the rear of the hub extending towards the diff ( I don't need the drop links on the arms though ). Its these I need, with decent bushes, on both sides. If you can help, let me know. I don't have anything for pressing bushes out with, and all local garages are evil here, so I'd much rather just take the easiest route for this, IE just swap the arms for now. Many thanks ! ( Alternatively, the car cost me £600, the MOT is due the end of this month ( January ) and I need a fair few little parts, such as the side light, bushes, little odd's and ends, so I wonder if its easier to scrap/sell the LS400 and get something else in case its cheaper. As I look at it, bushes, bits and MOT is already in the hundreds ! ) Let me know what you have !

Thanks ! Well I took some pics of the pipes ( to cold to get the gaskets back out for a picture, sorry ) but you can see the gap there, so as you say, probably corroded. I think due to the state of this LS400 I may just have fun with it if I can get it through the MOT as it won't hold out for many more years. Anyway, the pipes. ( bare with me while I upload..........or not, I have to figure out why I easily uploaded a picture in the audio section on the forum, but can't upload here......... ).

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/exhaust/fpipe.html The pic at the bottom of the link, I am 99% sure is the same as what I have been trying to plug with the new gaskets. The flat ring gaskets I got are the right diameter for the inner pipe diameter, and the flange is bolted up tight, but on both sides the flange's have ( hard to describe ) elliptical gap's in the centre between the the two bolts. ( I shall try and get a picture today if I can ). Its from these elliptical gaps that I can see and definitely feel the gases coming out. But the pic from lexls is a little different it seems, as the flanges are flat on the pipe, mine are not flat. Thats why I thought the gaskets were wrong because I'd have thought they would need to be much thicker to fill the gap. Since it took me 5 weeks and a great deal of hassle to get these two gaskets off Lexus, I shall give the exhaust paste route a whirl. As a PS) anyone know a decent place for a pre-MOT and then MOT that won't look to just bag ££££'s of work ? I'm in South Lincolnshire, but with my previous cars I used to travel fair distances for a decent MOT garage as the local ones here are just a joke. I just want to see if I can get another year out of this LS400. Many thanks for the help everyone ! Really is greatly appreciated !

I wonder if the rubbish service I got at Lexus parts in Leicester have gone and got me the wrong gaskets. The ones between cat and Y-pipe/downpipe (?) have both gone. So I ordered new ones which came to day, fitted them ( in the snow brrrr ) and they leak just the same, and the car sounds like a feeble dragster. What am I missing here ? Bolts are as tight as a gnats bum, new gaskets, still blows like there were no gaskets at all. Seriously, because I am just getting nowhere with this car, as fast as I replace something, another thing comes up and I need a daily use car, and the MOT is due the end of the month I'm seriously thinking of flogging it ( or swapping it ) cheap spares or repair for anyone who wants it for spare engine/box/bits/interior etc, I don't have the health to keep on top of it anymore.

Thanks once again ManicMark ! It is better with the track rod ends done, as ( you may recall ) I was braking and weaving all over the place, but now its a bit more controllable. The creaking does seem to come on slow speed humps and bumps ( not many speed bumps round here, but lots of tractor created pot holes ). I will look to replace the upper wishbones soon anyway for the sake of it. But the rear bush issues still trouble me most as MOT is due the end of the month. To add to not having the master key for remote locking and absolutely NO available help on fitting an after market head unit into the factory 'no-hope' loom I am feeling the stress increase and need for another cheap Lexus I think, and scrap this one - but I need it every day ! *sigh* Thanks again, really is a big help ! Oh PS) Exhaust gaskets, nightmare ! Contacted Lexus HQ, said try nearest toyota parts dealer ( 20 miles away ) they said absolutely not, we can't get Lexus parts for you. So went to Leicester ( 70 miles away ) and they shut 15 mins early for no reason. So called up later and ordered 2 gaskets " we will call you when they come in ", 3 weeks pass and nothing. So I drive up again, explain, they shrug their shoulders " you want us to order them for you ?", why certainly I would - had them posted to me finally, but I don't think I'd be to confident in buying a new lexus if after sales service is that bad. Anyway, moan over - just put this up for anyone searching LS400 exhaust manifold to cat gaskets ( cost £11 in total to have two posted to me ).

Thanks for the pointers ! The rear calipers were partially seized so I should think the fronts are not sliding properly. So I had it in mind to get the wheels off on Friday and see whats got play in it bush-wise and try and free up the calipers a bit if needed. But I shall make a point of checking the drop links too, thats just the kind of info I need, thanks a lot !

Well I'm getting nowhere fast. I have contacted just about every car audio company I can and none have or are able to source any adapters or anything even close for what I have ( 2 plug factory harness + 2 smaller plugs for CD changer&amp ). Its going to be a night mare to have to wire in a head unit one wire at a time. Anywhere have a chart of the factory wires IE, " pink=left front speaker" and so on ? I have the redtape.pdf file but that doesn't seem to match up with the factory harness I have, so I'm guessing it might be for single plugged ones. Many thanks !

Went in a semi long run, and started getting problems ( more ! - yep I bought a lemon of the worst example of a lexus going but I am dependant on it with no other options at the moment ). Braking from speed, seems to pull to the left sort of and feels like its the passenger side ( which feels a little like that front corner is dipping down a bit ) and I'm getting what feels like a warped disc wobbling, but its not been like that before, its come on fairly suddenly. SO having just replaced the track rod ends on the front, and having found it did improve things a bit, I am now leaning towards the idea of upper wishbone ( as in, bushes and ball joint ) as I also hear a deep creaking sometimes at lower speeds on bigger bumps etc. My rear bushes ( i'm told, but they look ok to me, but I'm no expert ) are shot as well and rear tracking is not possible due to the adjusters being seized etc If I could pick up a decent LS400 ( or even something else Lexus maybe ) then I could just break this LS400 as the MOT is due the end of the month and I see lots of little annoying problems coming up on it that I can't be bothered with. But I still need a reliable car to get around with, and I can't afford to shell out until I sell my other car and do something with this LS400. Thanks for any tips or points or idea's. I see wishbones for about £100 a pair that will do the job for the short term at least, so if it is that which is most likely causing the above, then its not so bad I guess.

Thanks Monster-Mat, that makes sense I didn't think to check. I'm getting utterly confused anyway, my head is killing me now. I see harness adapters for sale, but nothing that says to me " I will fit an LS400 1993 with amp ", and all the searching I have done is sending me in circles, including going through the search on this forum a good many times, I just end up going over the same pages with IS200 info. If I can get an adapter to fit the factory plugs on the harness with whatever on the other end, even bare wires, that will be great and I can wire up the new head unit. This is my first attempt at fitting an aftermarket head unit into the LS400, and so I did not realize the amp in the boot just powers the rear sub, I thought it did all the speakers, is that about right ? If it doe's only power the rear sub then I don't need it as I'm going for a separate sub set up, I just want to find a headache free way to hook my Head unit into the current system to use the stock door speakers, aerial and such like. Any more help out there ? Many thanks again !

Bought a Metra ( never again btw ) fascia kit for an LS400 Mk2 ( late 1993 ) with an amp integration harness, but the harness seems to match up with nothing. Kits is supposed to be for Lexus LS400 1990-1994 and Says on the harness packet 'Toyota amp integration harness 70-8112', along with 'no cutting needed', but the white plug on the end does not match with any of the factory plugs behind the old head unit once its removed. And the amp is of course in the boot. What am I missing here ? Something blindingly obvious no doubt. And just as a typical question, I am guessing with a new HU I will have to splice each wire one at a time since they are loose ( unplugged ), take it there is no trick way to buy a plug and wire the HU wires into that so I can plug it straight into the factory loom ? ( Adapters for the factory loom to ISO for example ). Many thanks !

I'm pleased to find this topic, as upon getting my tracking done to the LS400 1993 I recently bought, turns out the bushes on the back are bad and 'they' say they could not track the back because they could not move the necessary parts to make the adjustments. The only thing is, how difficult is it to replace the bushes without a press ? Or is it better to buy all the parts and take it to someone with the tools to do ? Any thoughts greatly appreciated as I have the MOT due in a month.

Hi ! And welcome ! I just bought an LS400 a couple of weeks ago, its a 1993 ( so MK2 I think ) and I paid £600 for it, and its been neglected so I'd say its one of the worst examples you could buy, and this is what I have found about the whole Lexus thing so far ( having come from Skylines, Stagea's etc ). There are lots that could go wrong,as with mine, but its rare that anything does go wrong in terms of usual worries, such as gearbox&engine failure. In example, So far I have found ( I'd say the car has been sat for ages, like years maybe ) the brakes need attention but only in the servicing sense, I bought new pads for the back, but most of the little shims and things were rusted to dust, and the calipers are all a bit semi-seazed ( But this is my own car, and a poor example for a Lexus ). But the job was easy ( using the tips on lexLS.com ). The track rod ends were loose ( typical issue ) but bought new ones ( fair price, not the cheapest car for parts, but plenty of 3rd party suppliers on most things ), they were fitted. However my rear tracking could not be done as all the bushes are shot I was told, so I will check that myself before shelling out. ( someone can correct me on this ) but there are a lot of bushes and wishbones and what-knot, but I don't fear this bush issue myself, not for a 17 year old car with 200K on it. The exhaust gasket ( manifold to cat ) is gone on one side, and thats proving a bit tough for me to get hold from here, either Lexus or Toyota only seem to supply ( no 3rd parties ) but its cheap as chips to buy, when you can find one, fitting is not a major job by any means at all. Engine has a bit of tappet noise, but can't be heard inside the car. And the dash/display has the other typical lexus issues, the Climate control display fades, clouds over or just goes entirely requiring replacement of the screen ( or whole unit ) which seems to be about £50-£300 depending ( again, thats open to correction, I'm new to this ), and the flickery dash lights is down to resistors on the back of it failing under cold conditions and eventually packing up so you can't see your speedo, rev counter or fuel/temp gauges. Resistors are just a few quid off Maplin for example if you are good with a soldering iron there are plenty of self help's on this forum. Otherwise, get a new instrument panel £30 ( 2nd hand ) to a few hundred new/refurbed. Overall, even though such a lame example, I feel confidant with it. Because of the age some nuts and bolts are tight, even to tight. But its solid, it starts and stops dependably, everything else works ( except the seat heaters :-( ), and I'm happy. Get a good example and you'll be chuffed I am sure !

Hey as a by the by, ManicMark, did you get my pm's I sent a few days back ? I sent, but outbox says empty and it won't let me send anymore to you. Just wanted to check on that since it relates to this thread. Cheers

Thanks for the reply ! I will be obtaining the resistors to fix my own dash as soon as I can, but I need the car daily, and I'm not exactly great with soldering. So I wanted a back up instrument cluster just in case I mess the soldering up, and so I can still use the car while I work on the defunct dash. Thats annoying with all 4 of the seats not heating up. If the elements have gone in all four seats, that would be a costly and time consuming job to do I bet. Thanks for tips and link ! See if I can find a definite instrument cluster to fit, but thats what I love about flea Bay, " Lexus LS400 dash", and how many different dashes are there ? .....sigh....

Hello ! In the process of trying to iron out or overcome some minor issues with my recently acquired LS400 ( 1993 ) I have a question: - Any chance a 1994 instrument cluster will fit in my 1993 LS400 ? And are there any complications in changing them over ? And my heated seats don't work, back or front. All fuses are fine and been changed just in case. But wondered if relays or anything are in the habit of failing maybe ? Cheers for any help or thoughts !

Seems one problem is certain, which is the track rod end on the drivers side ( to my surprise ) which is incredibly weak and loose. But although by looking and giving a little jiggle with a bar reveals no other obvious issues, its by no means a guarantee. But see how it is after replacing both track rod ends I guess. Thanks for the experienced insight ! :)

Sorry to jump in on this thread, but I'm facing a similar issue. I have a 93 LS, it has a "remote on/off" switch to the left of the steering column, but I', having to use my key to lock/unlock and the locks are getting mighty rickety now. In theory can I just buy a remote ( will it be a key or separate fob for a 93 ? ) and look to get it programed etc from there ? OR am I missing something ? Thanks ! Hope you ( AdeV ) managed to get something sorted for your dads mota !??

Thanks for the useful link ! I will start my rounds of calls and emails to track down the parts I need. I've totaled up a cost of £150 for 6 litres of quality engine oil, 10 litres of ATF and 2 litres of decent diff oil. Coolant seems to have settled, certainly its a lot better. It has gone down a tiny bit, but certainly not a concerning amount draining away which is a relief. But, today, I just took the wheels off for the first time, ( bought the car last friday ), heres what I have found: - A heat shield under/by the rear silencer half off, of course when trying to tighten the bolts up they just softly broke, so I ripped the shield off for now. - Rear pads are right down - Front tyre is worn badly on the inside, and understandably so as....... - ...... the track-rod end is more loose than my ex-wife. - I replaced any relevant fuses, had the car running for 15 mins with all switches on, but still none of the seat heaters work - not one ??? But I was surprised that the ball joints or bushes were not really bad on the passenger side, as thats where I thought the mild knocking and scary as hell lack of steering at higher speed cornering was coming from. Seems its the drivers side track rod end thats the culprit so far. Though, I didn't check everything thoroughly, I need ramps for that I think. So at the moment, for a £600 car I need: -a track-rod end, -rear pads, -a tyre, -an exhaust gasket, -heated seats fixing, -a side light lens, -and the clock and speedo display's sorted out. -oils, and auto box gasket kit too of course. So another 400-500 maybe.

"Capacity for a drain and refill is 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters). Note: Total transmission fluid capacity is 8.7 quarts (8.3 liters).", according to the lexLS.com. So for a flush too, a good 2 litres more is worth it, totaling ( as you say ) about 10 litres. Is that about right do you think ? I just want to double check before ordering as I'm going to get the engine oil as well with the order. I will try my supplier this time round as I don't think my LS will last many more years, so may as well experiment now with this one, so I get it right for the next one I get. And price-wise.....is a lot no matter what I guess...but, I get a discount and it saves me fuel by having it delivered, so for the sake of being lazy as well :-) I will go for the Fuchs 4400. What about engine oil capacity for a complete drain and refill inc. filter ? Again, lexLS.com says " Dry fill 6.0 liters (6.3 US qts, 5.3 Imp. qts)" or roughly 5.3 litres for a filter change and drain/refill. Is that about right ? As I say, just double checking due to the costs involved I don't want to drastically over buy and certainly I don't want to underbuy. I hope the Trans oil change ( with filter if I can get the part ) will help, as the changes are not right. Sometimes slow or jumpy. But its a job worth doing anyway. I can just imagine being able to fill a bath tub after with all the old oil from the engine and transmission ( and at this rate, may as well do diff oil too ) :) Thanks again for the time taken to provide insight and ideas etc. Really is appreciated !

Thanks for the link and the reassurance on the replacement side of things. I wonder if anyone who has had experience with worn ball joints etc, if this sounds familiar and possibly linkable to ball joints or bushes on the front - pick up speed, approach bend, turn into bend ( seems only right hand, IE most pressure on front passenger side wheel ) and the car feels mighty unstable - like the " thank goodness there are heated seats to dry my pants - type unstable. And it does feel notably loose or unsteady on the side along with the odd mild knocking sound at low speed turns or sometimes over some bumps. And under heavy braking a wobble can be felt a bit, though not a warped disc feeling, rather a loose suspension feel. Does that seem likely to be the ball joint or bushes up front on the wishbone ? I've not had time to take the wheels off yet to look around the links and joints and bushes etc. But if anyone can help me pinpoint the source of the problems by experience then I can order the bits asap before the Xmas shut down, as I don't like the unintentional drifting feeling on bends very much

Hope links are OK on this forum, but this is what I shall be buying and putting in after getting the thumbs up on it from the man himself. http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-60163-fuchs-ti...anese-cars.aspx I will need 8.2 litres, is that about right ? Still need the gaskets and filter though....mmmm, getting there ( slowly ) though ! Thanks again everyone for your tips, thoughts and guides etc !