chris vince

Hi Justin, If you have to keep filling it up it must be leaking, I have repaired 2 LS400's with a similar problem both turned out to be the rubber 'O' ring on the spigot of the PS fluid reservoir where it attaches to the pump, its only held on by a 10mm bolt, a new 'O' ring will be about 5p against a fortune for a new pump. I have written on this in greater depth in another thread on the same problem on the site have a trawl around. I hope it is the 'O' ring? Regards, Chris Vince

Thank you I will do that but he seems like no clue about what happened ← Is your air con on at this time? I believe that these fans are for the air con radiator and designed to work like this, the engine radiator cooling fan is mechanical. Regards, Chris Vince

if you are looking for aftermarket brake products try these order them online from the comfort of your chair and delivered to your door.....try fitting them yourself quite easy really www.ebcbrakes4u.co.uk ← Dear All, Please can I have your opinions and feedback? I have recently aquirred a 98 MK4 LS400 it will shortly require a full set of Discs and of course pads. I will be fitting them, and could go down the original equipment route, although having owned other LS400's I have reservations due to seemingly rapid wear of both discs and pads, and the accompanying dust emission and wheel corrosion problems. I have scoured the owners site for an definative answer to no avail and am now asking for your direct opinions and experiences. I am not adverse to fitting aftermarket items (and have read before but can't find it now) that several companies use Brembo blanks and finish and retail them themselves, any knowledge? We drive the car very sedately so extreme performance is not required. Please would you give me your views on EBC, Mintex, Delphi and any other makes available that you have experience of? I have been looking within the USA and found a set (4) of Brembo's for $308 (yes these are for a UK car) but with $195 shipping (surface carrier, air was a joke), import tax and of course VAT the attraction has been taken away! Please respond. Best regards, Chris Vince

Mine cost about £30 I think to get recoded. I had to remove it myself and take the unit to the repair shop though, which takes a while. ← I had this problem also, in my case (and I believe I am right in confirming lexuslover's previous posting) my code had not been personalised by previous owners, and was still the default code set by the main dealer who sold the car, this being the last (I think) 3 digits from the VIN No. I hope it works for you. Chris Vince

Hi Leadfoot, I have just sold my 93 MK2 and used to use the same 6 cd magazine that my home pioneer hi-fi used, as these are approaching obsolesence now there will be plenty kicking around on ebay, car boot sales etc, it will say pioneer on it not lexus but its an identical animal and will work. Chris Vince

Mark, I have just replaced my Oxford Blue 93 MK2 LS400 that I have owned for the last 4 years with a MK4 model, my old car which is in near perfect condition is now for sale, everything works the climate control display is brand new (I replace the LCD's for other owners see recent postings), it has been the best car I have ever owned including Carrera's and Rolls Royces thoroughly recomend them. Chris Vince

Dear All, I have just bought a 98 with sat nav and would like to obtain a newer version of the cd, I know I can go to a dealer for this, but would appreciate your help. Does anyone have a newer version they would like to sell or can someone with the knowledge tell me what operating system it uses, and is this exclusive to Lexus/Toyota or will another manufacturers cd work? Best regards, Chris Vince

Hi Simon Glad to offer help, sounds like a bad 'un that has had a very poor crash repair, keep looking a good one will be the best car you have ever owned. Chris Vince

Hi Simon, I personally would take what the seller says with a pinch of salt, or inspect the car in depth. If the ABS light has been on for 2 years then the car must have had dubious MOT tests recently as evidence of this light would be an immediate failure item. In the past I have rectified such a problem on a Celica turbo by careful pressure washing off the build up of mud and crud from the segmented rotor adjacent to the ABS sensors. Take your time when selecting a LS400 there are plenty of well maintained good cars out there. Regards, Chris Vince

Thanks anyway. I'll keep a look out for something. I've seen sites talking about replacment climate control LCDs. Does the stereo LCD commonly fail? ← I don't wish to teach you to suck eggs but is the problem with the smaller of the screens being completely black? If so are you aware that this only works when the audio is in radio mode it is off in tape and CD play mode. Chris Vince

Thanks Helio, As it transpires and after browbeating and threatening to kneecap my local dealer (EDINBURGH, STILL NO DISCOUNTS :(), we came to the conclusion that the £800·00+ unit was not required as it was only the LCD panel which was faulty. This could be easily resolved by purchasing a new facia panel, this also includes the Air Con control buttons, and an absolute bargain at a mere £358·00+. This was duly purchased and fitted by myself in 10 minutes. Dealer wanted car for a day as they had never exchanged one, so they did not know how long it would take. NOTE TO ALL:- This part was NOT on the micro-fische, it was only located by contacting Lexus Head Office! How many other parts are only available via a call to Head Office??? :flaming: Thanks Again Jimbo-6 ← Wow-I have just brought a 15 year old LS 400 with the same problem-OOPS!!! There must surely be a cheaper alternative... Anyone any further ideas on this common problem-- pleeaseee ;-( ← I'Ve just posted my pleasure at having the problem resolved. Contact Chris Vince via e-mail chrisvince@btopenworld.com and he will fix it for 200 pounds. Cheers. Carlo ← Go to ebay and look up this item number 7960403157 ← Many thanks hotspace that listing is mine Chris Vince

Thanks Helio, As it transpires and after browbeating and threatening to kneecap my local dealer (EDINBURGH, STILL NO DISCOUNTS :(), we came to the conclusion that the £800·00+ unit was not required as it was only the LCD panel which was faulty. This could be easily resolved by purchasing a new facia panel, this also includes the Air Con control buttons, and an absolute bargain at a mere £358·00+. This was duly purchased and fitted by myself in 10 minutes. Dealer wanted car for a day as they had never exchanged one, so they did not know how long it would take. NOTE TO ALL:- This part was NOT on the micro-fische, it was only located by contacting Lexus Head Office! How many other parts are only available via a call to Head Office??? :flaming: Thanks Again Jimbo-6 ← Wow-I have just brought a 15 year old LS 400 with the same problem-OOPS!!! There must surely be a cheaper alternative... Anyone any further ideas on this common problem-- pleeaseee ;-( ← I'Ve just posted my pleasure at having the problem resolved. Contact Chris Vince via e-mail chrisvince@btopenworld.com and he will fix it for 200 pounds. Cheers. Carlo ← Thats quite right Carlo I repair Mk1 and Mk2 cars and have fixed quite a few members cars give me an email and I'll send you details. Regards, Chris Vince

Are you sure that the fluid is getting past the pump spindle?? I have repaired two LS400's a 92 & 93 in the past where both looked like the seals had gone, in fact it was a 2p 'O' ring that goes on the spigot of the removable fluid container that sits on top of the pump. On both occasions they had gone hard and flattened off, when replaced no more leaks. Make sure it is the pump before you buy one they are an arm and a leg, and you won't know if it wasn't because it will obviously come with a new 'O' ring in it. Hopes this helps you with a cheap fix. Chris Vince ← Hi chris we have the same problem with our ls400 1993 and was wondering how easy it is to remove the reseviour and replace this O ring.. is the reseviour a push fit into the pump or is it bolted somewhere. any help appreciated. thanks mal ← Hi Mal, This is a straightforward job, it involves quite a bit of removal of covers etc to get to the pump and reservoir but once you are there it does NOT require removal of the pump or the disconnection of any pipes etc. Drain the fluid from the reservoir cup, undo the fixing that holds the cup in place if I remember correctly its a 10mm, then lift the cup away from the pump, use an old mirror if visibilty restricted. The 'O' ring that needs replacing is quite obvious and fitted onto the cup spigot, try to locate a hydraulic specialist nearby and purchase the replacement 'O' ring from them (you will get a better quality one in the right size). Reassembly is the reverse. Best of luck its well worth the effort. Chris Vince

I agree with the above comments providing the car has been serviced correctly? they are extremely mechanically sound, on the test drive listen for bottom ball joint knocking, and exhaust leaks from the balance pipe that runs over the gearbox linking both exhaust pipes, both common faults although probably not on a car of this age. Spend extra time thoroughly testing and examining ALL electrical items for correct function and clarity particularly LCD screens they should be clear and bright, check all dashboard guages for correct readings and operation including needles, take your time and be sure, electricals cost a fortune to put right. Good luck with your purchase, Chris Vince

Hi, I repair the LCD's of the climate controls which means I have to remove the radio & C/C combination, I have detailed photos and instructions that I can email to you showing you how to remove your radio without damage. Email me direct with your email address and I'll send them back chrisvince@btopenworld.com Regards Chris

Definately interested Andy, we need to talk to arrange a deal, its definately for a MK2 car is it? any chance of quoting the part numbers on the back to confirm? I'll repair your C/C at cost, no labour charge (covered by the radio) just square up for the cost of the new LCD and post back to you. Interested? call 01252-540463 and we'll make the arrangements, if you let me have the unit before the weekend I'll work on it over the 2 days and put it back in the post first thing on a Monday. Best regards, Chris

Hi, Does anyone know of a LS400 MK2 being dismantled that still has the radio in it? Or does anyone know of a secondhand UK spec radio cassette head unit for sale? Cheers, Chris

I think you will find that this is fitted with the: Dynamic Handling Pack Best regards, Chris Vince

Pretty straightforward requiring basic tools, most panels and fittings are the snap in type, remember that our cars are built not to rattle so although gentleness is required you have also to be firm. Use an insulation tapped wide, flat bladed screwdriver on the 'wood trim' at the rear of the gear selector, go in gently from the lever recess lift up and remove by sliding backwards out of the forward clips. Pull out the ashtray gently and disconnect electrics, the multi connectors have security tangs to prevent accidental disconnection, so push down on the tabs to pull apart. Pull out the air distribution vents I usually have to encourage these with taped up screwdriver, and disconnect hazard switch. The whole radio and climate controls are then held in by 4 obvious screws, undo and pull units out , seperate climate control by undoing screws on the side, disconnect electrics, don't forget security tangs and remove. When I have removed them in the past sometimes the metal clips stay in the recesses remove them before they drop into the transmission tunnel and are lost, replace these on refitting of your unit with new clear LCD screen!! which is straightforward and the reverse of the above. To help you I have detailed photos showing the placements of the clips screws etc so you will know just where to apply correct pressure, email me direct and I'll return them. Regards, Chris Vince

I suppose I am the BIG BROTHERreferred to, who wishes to help fellow owners keep their cars in good shape, as a hobby and not for vast profit, any way here's a repeatof a previous posting for anyone interested, sorry for treading on toes I didn't realise there was an exclusive domain in place! Hello All, I have been in the motor repair trade (old school repair NOT replace) for the last 37 years, when my 93 LS400's air con / clock LCD failed I was determined not to pay Lexus £504 (£851 for a MK1 car) for a brand new unit when only the LCD had leaked. As we all now know Jim Walker is probably the worlds most respected authority on these items, manufacturing replacements superior to the originals in that they have a far wider operating temperature, unfortunately Jim only makes MK1 right hand drive versions the wiring connections to these are totally DIFFERENT to the Mk2 version. Recently I have been in frequent contact with Jim and have managed to adapt the wiring to a MK1 version to work perfectly in my MK2 car, I have also replaced the LCD's on MK1 cars, so now have a fair bit of experience with this problem. Jim has kindly passed on my details to other 400 owners in England who have contacted him directly and has very kindly referred to me as his English agent. :tsktsk: Regards, Chris Vince Post censored due to breach of T&Cs

Harshad, See my post 6th Jan or get in touch I have replaced quite a few Mk1 and Mk2 climate control LCD's now. Chris Vince

Are you sure that the fluid is getting past the pump spindle?? I have repaired two LS400's a 92 & 93 in the past where both looked like the seals had gone, in fact it was a 2p 'O' ring that goes on the spigot of the removable fluid container that sits on top of the pump. On both occasions they had gone hard and flattened off, when replaced no more leaks. Make sure it is the pump before you buy one they are an arm and a leg, and you won't know if it wasn't because it will obviously come with a new 'O' ring in it. Hopes this helps you with a cheap fix. Chris Vince

I think you'll find that it fits RHD as well mate!! Bison ← Just to clear up the situation they are completely different Chris Vince

Hi, I have replaced several LCD's now both MK1 & 2 I have a MK2 and have just changed my LCD it works perfectly but is extremely complicated, please read my post on the owners site. Regards, Chris Vince

Bill, I have a MK2 and have just changed my LCD it works perfectly but is extremely complicated, please read my post on the owners site. Regards, Chris Vince