LeoLex

The reservoir located just behind the radiator has a clear translucent window. Look at it and ensure coolant/ antifreeze is closer to the 'max' mark. 

If you replace it yourself consider dropping some of your favourite essential oils before inserting it. 

The process might look more difficult than at first appears.

(47) How to Remove Head Unit / Car Stereo from Lexus IS200/300 Altezza: Quick & Easy - YouTube

Purchase an adapter kit (I have one you can have at a good price) because you will have to bypass the factory amplifier.

You will probably need something to fit in the face of the unit too (I also have these for either 1-din or 2-din stereo). I have the parts because I took it out from my no gone beloved IS200 now sold 😪...

Be sure to cover the side console to prevent scratching it with the back of the unit.

What's annoying is when the car is stationary it begins to shake every so often. Potential throttle body problem? But would this lead to a misfire? 🤔

Could it even be a plug problem? Although I was told they are fine it would be a lot easier to change...

Tank you once again for your response.

Wow, sounds easy enough, at least in the first instance. Yet after any diagnosis located at this point of the engine it sounds like the only remedy is the necessity to strip most of the engine to get to it? Running into the £100s, wouldn't you agree?

Hi thanks again. 

What you have said makes perfect sense to me. 

Unfortunately the cylinders were not tested. This sounds like a good option and it sounds like you know your way around the car engine. So, if you can tell me the easiest way to get them compression tested as it looks like my only option. I like easy. 

The spark plugs have been checked and are fine, apparently. 

Yours, 

Leon 

Oh, and the timing is spot on. No problem there.

Thank you for taking the time to respond ColinBarber. 
The engine ceased when it broke down just over a year ago. As a result I had to have the following replaced:

• Cylinder Head complete with valves (fortunately I got a used one off eBay - and was informed that it ran 'just fine' when it was on the car it came from);
• Timing Belt and Tensioner (as it was suspected that it was the tensioner that caused the problem in the first place);
• Head bolts and gasket set;
• Timing Belt Idler.

All of the above changes got the car running again but clearly it was misfiring, only on one cylinder it seems so it's not bad although bad enough to realise it's not running as it should and problematic enough to ignite the engine management light with the code p1346. I've had at least three different garages look at it, including the dealers, the latter charging 'silly money' and charged me for a new coil for one of the cylinders as they located a problem there. Well, still misfiring. So I replaced all the coils just in case, albeit not Delphi ones. The Camshaft position sensor has been replaced as has the vvt valve, former Delphi latter generic.

I've rectified a few advisories on the last MOT and although it's an oldie it is a fine specimen, apart from a scratch or two I hope to get rid. Wheels refurbished and customed to suit the gunmetal grey...

I'm gutted after all the time and energy spent it's still 'playing about'. I've been advised that one of the cylinders in the cylinder head could be screwed. I wish I had got it 'air tested' now before it went in. This has me wondering because the car running like a dream before it broke down. 

Anyway, I was told the ECU, or wires leading from the vvt valve to the ECU are possibly at fault and resetting the ECU could clear the misfiring. Is that even so? I'm not convinced, but I'm not a mechanic.

This problem I see as having been brought on by myself. A careful driver with enough respect for the car to polish it every couple of days and driving very low mileage annually, between 3K - 4Konly. So when time came for the big service, the one which dictates to change the belts every 80K, or whatever it is or every 7 years, whatever come first. I ignored the every 7 years because I only did around 25K and the belt looked as good as new. Little did I know that the tensioner would 'mess up my programme'. Anyway, I'm where I am now for whatever reason... blah blah

Thank you,

Leon

Hi Everyone,

Hi mate, thanks for this. My IS200 (2002) has shown code P1346 for some time now. VVT valve changed, camshaft position sensor changed even the coil pack, all 6. But this code keeps showing up. The car actually broke down over a year ago because I neglected to get the tensioner changed. The camshaft was replaced as was belts etc. Since being put together again the idling is playing about. I'm pretty sure it wasn't doing this before it broke down. You could be sitting in the car at the lights say and the idle isn't consistent, much to the point of the speeding up the revs and causing the car to shake left to right. Timing has been checked and double checked and is spot on. It's also misfiring on just one cylinder apparently and popping at the exhaust.

Thank you for reading.

Hi

Reservoir cap is pull off. Perhaps prize it with a screwdriver.. 

I hear that, a wasted expense really. What about if the key opens the boot and get a child to climb through the armrest in the back seat? 

Dealers advised enlisting the services of a locksmith. 

Did you bypass the Battery? 

Oh, sorry I miss read the original message.

I'm going to the dealership in  while to pick my vechs and will ask there and get back to you mate

Change the Battery in the fob?

Hi

Quick question. Is it possible to run a sub woofer with preamp off of the original stereo and amp?

Thanks,

Leon

Hi John

I recently picked up a pair of goodyear eagle f1 asymmetric 3 from kwik fit. It seems you can get for them for cheaper online at blackcircles.com but I don't know how much they charge for fitting etc. I paid £226.58, and got a 'discount' of £51.40.

Respect,

Leon

A double din should fit. I place on in my IS200. Anyhow, if you remove the glove compartment you should be able to see if the amp is behind it and lower to the footwell of the passenger side. Should it be there you'll need to unplug the lead and attach it to an already purchased bypass lead in order to connect this to your shiny new set.

I hope this helps.

Hello fellow Lex enthusiasts,

The other day I left my car door slightly ajar and didn't realise. So, the locking system didn't kick in and I didn't check. Well, an opportunist thief saw and went through the vehicle stealing just a couple of pounds left in the ashtray. He pulled the boot lever and went through but took nothing. I have become concerned that my speaker/ amp box, which is in the boot, may be of some interest so I'm wondering if I can disable the hand lever by the driver's seat. I have been told that some models have a key lock near the lever but mine does not. Ideally, I'd like to set the car so that only a key, be it remotely or the key itself can open the boot.

Does anyone know if this can be done?

Many thanks,

Leon

Mmm, I've just ordered a headlight polishing kit from amazon. Having read the above, I hope I haven't wasted my £.££

In any event, it was serviced by Lexus. I was assured the correct oil and filters were used, even though it was serviced 3,600 miles  and over a year ago - I'm not a big miler.

Hi Y'all

I've noticed that during cold start days my engine turns over and ignites but instead of getting that lovely deep engine sound I get to hear something of a 'mess'. It only lasts for about one second. I liken the sound to when the engine has already been started and you try and turn the keys again to turn it over.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks,

Leon

Hi

Does anyone have any pictures or links where I can get a hold of rear bumper clips? For some reason both sides of the rear bumper are slightly out.

Many thanks,

Leon

The key casing tends to break easily. They can be cut at a locksmiths for around £25, they might even have a laser reader to identify the keys unique number. The stem to the key will probably be a little bit longer that the OEM cut key, but you'll save in the long run. For the short term you can carefully undo the case and superglue where needed.

Good luck.

Hi everyone,

So I'm looking to replace my standard radio with an aftermarket, particularly one that has no removable faceplate. But something is holding me back. The security issue. Double dins without removable face parts are an invitation to thieves.

I am wondering if the oem radio Lex IS200 ('03) can be removed from the facsia so that it can be placed over the aftermarket one as a dummy.

Other than spending out more another stereo, updating security alarm system/s or buying the dummy fascia on eBay, which is obviously known to the car stereo thief what can I do to secure my stereo

Thanks,

Leon