runsgrateasanut

I'm trying to hard to love this car but after returning in the wee hours this Morning from a 600 mile drive in France I have to query this as being a comfy cruiser. I never had a feeling of an aching bum in my W140 or W1 26 Mercs but with this car not only on the out 600 mile journey but when coming home found I was twisting and turning to get comfortable. Also, when I got out I had a severe hip joint ache on my left side. Now this could be because I have had back problems in the past? I had fixed the seat reclining trouble. I do notice the floor pan is angled at the side that may have caused my leg joint to ache after my foot has been at an incline for hours and hours of driving - 14 or more to be precise. Despite repeated moving of the leg within the limited space I was hobbling about at the last pit stop just beyond Rouen and climbing the Ferry Stairs. When I got home I could barely stand up. The Merc has a wider body and floorpan and I never had any problem of this nature. Built with the Japanese stature in mind if you are six one size or broad in the beam this aint for you. Don't really know how the yanks found them comfortable.Maybe they were more popular with women and now the trim youngsters? Apart from the fortune I've spent on parts and labour since I bought the car (comparatively speaking - about twice times the purchase price £1000 and rising) I feel the car has a wonderful Engine and good MPG. I like the status feel of the car and for its age the bodywork looks nice if not immaculate, but its because of the very expensive maintenance parts and labour that there are so few on the roads, of this I'm sure. I've said I'll stick with this and see it to the end, but if I'd had foresight I wouldn't have touched the car with a bargepole. Only need the Starter motor to fail to throw in the towel I fear, even though the part to repair is cheap.I don't like doing my own mechanics. I really hate being a whinger but this is my experience FWIW.

Thanks I'll have to check out those channels. I did manage to pull out what looked like a grommet by the bonnet strut (there's one both sides) and what did I find, the thread part of a long bolt. Of course I've forgotten in my heath robinson moment that I need to have indicators working. In France the Gendarmes are particularly fearce in enforcing their use. It really irks me travelling through the night when cars overtake on virtually empty roads they indicate that they are pulling in front of me, flash, flash, flash, flash, I'm trying to sleep back here for G's sake!!

I did manage to pull back the carpet to be met with a rubber liner that looked fairly impenetrable. Drilling blind is not something I felt too sure about so abandoned the job. Two thoughts. On the inside of the bulkhead by the bonnet spar there is what looks like a grommet. I tried to pull this out thinking its a way in. Tugged and tugged to no avail. Hate breaking parts, but maybe its the way in? Anyone know? Why oh why, when they mention tow bar in the Electricals, did they not provide a positive post in the boot? Can't fathom it. OK necessity being the Morther of invention, and as for the moment I only need the tow bar for one 30 mile job in France I've decided to "temporarily" run a cable via a 12v Motorcycle battery in the boot to the plug leads for the Trailer lights and via a switch which my wife can hold and when I say BRAKE!! she'll flick the switch. Ha ha ha, just in case the Gendarmes should be hanging around as they sometimes do near to my journey.

Well, here's the "Raybestos" (oops sorry, made in Taiwan) "quality" part which was fitted early March 2015 and has done under 2000 miles. Absolutely shocking. Why waste time manufacturing a part and putting a piece of rubber on that will have such a short life, saving what? a couple of quid for a quality rubber gaiter? - I just can't fathom these Taiwan mnfrs nor the Yankjs for allowing such cr*p to be sold under what was once a respected brand name.. As I may have said earlier, having spotted the situation I have banadaged the gaiter with black cling film, balck nsulating tape and a couple of tie clips in the hope of stopping ingress of dirt and water. I did remove the gaiters from the old Wishbones and nbo doubt come the MOT they won't be happy and I'll have to pay to have the Wisbone removed and giater replaced.

That's because that kit doesn't use the relay you want to fit. I've fitted two bars using a relay ( 1 Toyota, 1 Honda) , and taken the live feed direct from the battery, and, as you say, used an inline fuse. Mike, I've got to get this wiring done and so today thouight I'd give it a go. Not an easy task. See someone said that their mechanic took twelve hours to route the cable from front to rear. I've only taken off the door foot trim and blimey haven't a clue howe to get the passenger carpt up to find a hole in the bulkhead. Can't efen see how to undo the plastic under the glove compartment. Nice not to see fasteners - until you have to find them. did you run your cable under the car? How did you route it?

Arr the ingenuity of it Steve. Actually looking at that car for sale photo's the air filter hole is just right for a Computer fan to be fitted in reverse and at 12v no need for that extension lead! Couldn't cope myself with all that extra power

Looking at the write up and photo's on this one, I was particularly interested as for a long time I've been planning to instal a single point LPG system (against all advice) and having purchased a V8 Range Rover brand new front end kit for £200 the photo of the layout given here is interesting compared to other installations. The mixer attached to the Throttel body I've not seen one this large before. Not sure I'm too impressed by the "Induction system" here. Looks like asking for trouble with the amount of dust that gets under the bonnet. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEXUS-LS400-LPG-CONVERTED-TOYOTA-CELSIOR-GREAT-EXTRAS-JAP-IMPORT-/301608088735

When I recently changed my air filter it was apparant that some water had got into it and this was with the full conduit parts in place.

OK So, I'm no boy racer. I just purchased for a good price on the bay, a new Ripspeed Air induction kit. I bought it to replace an old fashioned wire air filter on my Mercedes OM636 Boat engine as the wire mesh is really rusty. I was surprised how large it is and thinking it may not fit within the existing engine housing area, I wondered if I may try it on the Lexus. Before I get shot down in flames I would say, 1, I don't like messing with replacing original parts 2, I only recently replaced the air filter (cost more than this kit) 3. if performance is dependent on the coldness of the air, then being under the bonnet is not likely to be as good for the engine, as airflow from ouside. 4. I will need a flange connector. Has anyone tried this modification?

May have seen it for sale. I can think of many reasons why the LS may not be the hottest purchase on the market. Key, is cost of parts and labour. Yours, if i am correct is at that time of Replacament Cam belt etc., - looking at a tidy cost here (can be more than the price you'll get for the car). If the starter motor is starting to sound a bit suspect - again a tidy cost for a very difficult time consuming job to replace probably a token priced pair of brushes.- labour costs at stealership? Sit down if you'r asking, i imagine. Bit of oil leaking from the power steering perhaps? - could be an Alternator needed if allowed to continue or not spotted. Had similar problem on my MR2 where oil leaked onto the Alternator. Getting that out was no doddle and not cheap. Those Upper Control Arms front and back getting a bit tired? - priced to make your eyes smart. (Rear £423 each) Transmission? possible time when the Radiator just happens to decide that that inner cooling pipe has lived long enough. Disaster on the cards. Exhaust perhaps leaking just a bit? Won't be a cheap fix. Spongy almost non existant brakes - OK service items but never been in a car with such inefficent brakes before.- all discs and pads since changed - a few hundred smackeroons. Great brakes now. Excellent. Some of these problems I'm wading through at the moment, and yet still like the Car, (it has character IMO) if I hadn't spotted a lovely LS430 in our High Street one day, I might never have looked at Lexus. Then made an ebay impulse purchase , not something I normally do with Cars. The S Class I had for six years and despite being 18 years didn't spend a fraction of what this LS400 has cost me to date. But, there's no going back. Was looking at Volvo Coupes at the time, and can't recall why I didn't go that route? Needed more space I suppose. Good luck with your car sale.

Since moving from the Merc W140 S class LWB I have to say I don't feel the LS400 is at all BIG. I got a King size bed frame in the Merc.Wouldn't happen in the Lexus. First stop by UK Customs on third trip to le Continent - had to open the bonnet and watch them inspect all around the underside of the car. Didn't bother with the boot, or inside the car! Oh well guessing more inspections will happen these days. Now where can I stash that er........

Another member has explained where it is, but personally not being a contortionist (have had severe sciatica in the past) and my attempt to even see the fuse box I found almost impossible, let alone trying to get the cap off,. I plumped for pulling out the cigar lighter and found the fusible link was the cause. See threads for tips. Not too hard on the 93 model. ps to another - the lighter is a cigar lighter because it's not just three eighths of an inch diameter required for cigarettes. Never known them as ciggy lighters in my time, but maybe others have?

Lets hope it was not the cabin temperature sensor fan you could hear in that quiet environment. In my old S Class it was up in the interior light module and you could hear it sometimes. Perhaps Lexus doens#t have this or is it near the Steering wheel on the dash?

Always take originals and a copy set of both Car Insurance and MOT just in case taken by Gendarmss/Polizi whoever. Have a great trip!

Just covered 600 miles back from France. Lovely drive, especially as seat fixed. Easter Sunday great day to travel in France - no lorries and barely any traffic. Mind you, had to test the brakes forty miles from Calaisat 11pm as could see what could have been roadworks up ahead and for some reason a guy on opposite of motorway with hazzardss going, only to find storming up to the last car in a small queue WITHOUT its hazzards on, and a people carrier upside down in the fast lane and a dead Deer by the side of the road. Stopped having had to cross onto fast lane to avoid guys rear. Person in the road with no high viz, no triangles, OK it must have just happened but those things we carry just don't come into our thoughts when the situation arises. Guy beckoned me to detour through "Allee" and not stop, so as Ferry to catch, did so. Hope people OK but didn't get a chance to look. Driving in italy? Its a brave man to take that on, from what I've heard. Especially if you are going near the Lakes. Don't think I'm competent enough to come out unscathed and only been driving for fifty years. Rather use a Hire Car with added insurance. Those italians don't take prisoners on the bends.

There's a visual on this if your lighter has burnt out the secondary fusible link. They don't like Air pumps. I personally always take a 12v motorcycle battery with me if I'm going on a long trip just in case I need to use the tyre pump. I have dispensed with the plug and added two croc clips. It stores nicely in a small tray with door next to the CD Player. Not sure why that little cubby hole exists, but it suits - albeit that it needs a better lock if you've nothing against it in the boot. This thread may help? http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/42712-cigar-lighter-problem/

You don't need to be so fussy - here's how to do it Sorry deleted link as you already put it up - and the battery was still connected as the door lights show!

Here's what the seller tells me, and as Raybestos and Delphi are both basket cases (insolvency)it may be any part you buy from America will come from anywhere, except Japan! I have taken off the gaitors to the two parts (which could be original to the car?) ill I'll keep them in case the new ones rot and maybe then remove and replace. oOo The part is made in China. Not even Lexus parts are made in the US, everything is made in china , taiwan, singapore, thailand, the list goes on. We guarantee our parts are the exact same fit and function as original and we inspect all parts at our US facility to ensure quality. I have sold over 100 pairs of the parts you purchased in the last year and I have never had a defect on the brand we sent you. We do have a 60 day return policy, so if you would like to return the part you can, but you would be subject to a 15% restocking fee and we would deduct our original shipping cost from the refund. Please let me know if you would like to return the parts and I can assist you, but I can assure you it is a quality part. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your purchase and have a great day! oOo Does beg the question if OEM has lasted over twenty years and 113k miles how come these "OEM quality or even better" are only guaranteed for twelve months! I think we know.

That was a great labour price. My mechanic today fitting the n/s upper control arm just purchased so I'll have one Chinese and one Taiwanese. Be interesting to see how they last. Someone reported that the rubber on these falls apart even if stored in the garage. Going to wrap both ball joints rubbers in clingfilm to see if they last a bit longer as a torn/perished gaitor is an MOT fail and it will prevent ingress of dirt into the balljoint. (I know it sounds bizarre heath robinson - and on a Lexus I hear you say - but worth a try to get the best out of the parts.

He must be unique. I can't imagine anyone buying a car from new, having all that historic pride and dedication hot wired into the brain, and then letting it rot away slowly in a corner. Unless its a deceased owner of course!

I've mentioned elsewhere that I've been sourcing a lot of parts for the car (its a 1993) as I want the car to be without fault for the next MOT. Bought two Japanese made Lower arm assembly's on ebay Australia and so paid a higher price and with VAT £70 a piece. Bought two Upper Arm Wishbones from different suppliers in USA on ebay and both despite being given names Raybestos and McQuay Norris, turned out to be made in Taiwan. One cost £88.39 plus tax and the other £104.00 plus tax. The Ray fitted to the car, but the Mcquay turned out to be wrongly advertised for a LS400 but I was credited wirth the amount paid, kept the item to sell against VAT charge. I still needed one Upper Control Arm and bought a "set" from another US supplier and having arrived this morning I must say that these parts look more like OEM. More sturdy and have barcode and part refs on the bag. Also numbers on the Arm but not "made in Taiwan". These cost me £184.40 sent by prompt UPS with £44.77 VAT. I'm happy that they look the part. I bought a pair of rear UCR's from Amayana which cost me £336.29 plus VAT. Quite happy with that against Lexus Direct £453 EACH. Also bought Rear coil springs £80 KYB off ebay. Bit of an investment this, but as I do like the quietness and power of the Car I plan to keep it for five years all things being equal. Don't ask me what labout costs have been, bearing in mind I have already paid to have the Cam belt changed (oem parts £500+) , Oh and having bought some Borbet five spoke wheels I've yet to buy tyres. A real spending spree. My S Class I was told by the buyer who stays in touch, pased the MOT with no advisories, and I didn't spend a fraction of this outlay on that car in six years. If anyone is interested this is the USA parts seller I used to by the pair of UCA's -(parts are of course untested but they wouldn't sell them to me until I confirmed the parts number for the car) buyautoparts.com doh! UPDATE - Just noticed that these new Arms have "made in China" in small writing on the label. DIDN'T SPOT IT - VERY SORRY

would that rear door be an MOT fail item. No knowing when it failed of course. Check its MOT history on DVLA, if it failed at one MOT for door problem and then was taken elsewhere and passed,(through poor diligance) it may give you some rights?

I thought the 5 year old ebay account was a little strange. From the pictures of this "Original" Lexus, apart from the "non original wheels" looks OK but then pictures can hide a multitude of problems. I prefer private sellers but only those who can put more than a dozen words together in the description. Mike. It may be a private seller,(or may not) but what I am referring to is the fact it is a "private listing". This means that any bids or offers made have no seeable identification and when sold any feedback will not be attributed to a named item. I ask myself why make it private? Unless you intend to bounce offers off the wall just to make people think that there is a lot of interest and they need to bid high to possibly get the item. Or, I suppose if you are unsure the buyer will be entirely happy and don't want to identify what you tried to sell and may need to relist. Its perfectly in order to sell in this manner,

Not suggesting that this perhaps should be in a different thread, but personally I'm not keen on "Private listings" and the vendor seems to have had an ebay account since 2010 but this is his/her first sale. Why open an account five years ago and not use it? I confess to having more than one account and over 1100 positive feedbacks - mind you I'm not selling cars, well, only my last Mercedes after six years ownership. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-ls400-auto-LPG-gold-/331500869981?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4d2efdd95d

fiddly those small ones and need the backing rubber from originals but job done