Smooth Ride

Hey all, I went to replace my NAV DVD and got the infamous "will not eject issue". I searched and could not find any cure, so I uncovered my own. First you will need to search online for the instructions on how to to find and expose the unit, once you have gotten the unit exposed, I would try to operate the eject slide several times while pushing in on the slide switch (you'll find out why later). If this does not work you will have to remove the player face plate. I removed the entire unit and the bracket as well (you may not have to remove all this, but I did). What you are needing is the ability to remove the face plate. There were 4 wire pigtails in the back of my unit. There are 2 tabs on top of the unit where the faceplate is snapped into place, push down on these with a flat blade screwdriver and gently pry the face plate away from the unit.Once you have the face plate off, to the left of the DVD opening you will see 2 micro-switches; one is a rocker and one push button. If you were to look at the back of the face plate while operating the eject slide switch, you will see that during this operation as the slide moves, it depresses both the rocker and the push button switches - this is what you need to replicate with your fingers. I simply plugged the wires back in the unit for power and used my fingers to operate the switches, bingo, opened right up; install the DVD and reinstall everything. You are now done.

I am having the same exact scenario on my GF's 470 at 113,000 miles. On a guess, I asked the dealer to change the tranny fluid to see if it would bring her 'fried' ($5,500 to replace) transmission back to life. We pick the car up later tonight and I'll post results. How is yours holding up?

Lost a RF wheel bearing at about 109,000 miles, about $900 to fix, ouch!

jpf5911, Sounds like you got a very nice car, I'm searching for a 430 w/ the same options, would you mind telling me how much you paid? If you don't want to say here, email me at balanmarshall@yahoo.com Does anyone know if there are Air Suspension problems like the previous generations? Thanks for the help. Bruce

Maybe I should clarify a little, firm and controlled is to me how a new Lexus rides, "floaty" is one with worn shocks, more like an older Caddillac might ride, you know the old "Detroit Float" where you see the car bounce several times after a bump. Here's an example that really shows what a floaty ride can do. One day while driving down the highway, coming around a very slight bend that crosses a bridge, a mid 90's Lincoln town car was in front of me. As we crossed the bridge, the combo of poor driving and too soft of a suspension started an oscillation that started a fishtail for his car. After about 4 swings of his rear end (at 80-mph), his trunk smashed into the median, he shot across 4 lanes of highway, spliting right between 2 cars, went through a ditch and on to the other side of the road, he blew out his rear tires and his trunk flew open and his sub flew out. WOW. I was right behind him and saw the whole thing coming, now THAT'S a good reason to replace worn shocks. Bruce

Hmmm, good replys. On the Lexus wesite, if you go to the home page and hit the search/FAQ and do a search here is what I cam up with: What are the specifications for the LS 400 audio system 1998-2000 models? 1998-2000 STANDARD LEXUS PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM: Development: Pioneer and Lexus developed this system Manufacturer: Built to specification Processing: 195 watt maximum power (1998) 215 watt maximum power (1999-2000) 5 channel digital amplifier Automatic Sound Levelizer Speakers (7): (2) 1" 45 watt tweeters, mounted at top of front doors (2) 5.5" 45 watt mid-range speakers in the front doors with bass reflex enclosures (2) 5.5" 35 watt full-range speakers in the rear doors with bass reflex enclosures (1) 7.8" 60 watt subwoofer mounted in the rear deck Antennas: Main antenna and diversity antenna in rear window 1998-2000 OPTIONAL NAKAMICHI PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM: Development: Nakamichi and Lexus developed this system Manufacturer: Built to specification Processing: 280 watt maximum power 5 channel analog amplifier Speakers (7): (2) 1" 40 watt tweeters, mounted at top of front doors (2) 5.5" 40 watt mid-range speakers in the front doors with enclosures (2) 5.5" 40 watt full-range speakers in the rear doors with enclosures (1) 7.8" 120 watt subwoofer mounted in the rear deck Antennas: Premium System = DIGITAL Amplifier, higher rated speakers 215 watts. Nakamichi System = ANALOG Amplifier!? lower rated speakers, 280 watts. Interesting facts.

I don't recall what wheels it had. It wasn't a very prime example though. I have a Miata w/ the sport suspension pkg, so this Lexus is for when I want to be pampered in a luxury car.

Well SWO3ES, it looks like it's just you and me tonight. I appreciate your help, I have heard the Nak, but not the Premium. I'm holding out for a Plat. Ed. 2000, with the Nak, and chrome wheels if I can find it that way. I've seen a few w/ the Nak, but no chrome. I have time on my side, so I can afford to be a little picky, but I don't want to let a good example go by only to not find the "perfect car" Do you know if there is any way that the NAV system can be easily modified to play DVD's? Bruce

SWO3ES, I have driven the GS and the LS, for what I want the GS was bordering on hard. When I said firm, I guess I ment slightly firmer than the stock ride. I would think about replacing the struts if neccessary, but I don't know generally how long they last (50K miles, 100k???). I do not want to go as hard as the GS ride. thanks for you response Bruce

OK, another newb question" On a 2000 LS400, has anyone listened to the 2 stereos back to back? How much difference was there in the; sound quality, volume, bass etc. In other words, is it a big enough difference that I should pass up a LS400 if it doesn't have the Nak? I don't need a car that goes "boom" to the whole neighborhood, but I do enjoy my bass. Also is one easier/better to upgrade than the other? thanks, Bruce

HI, I'm new to the forum and doing some research before I buy. I'm pretty well set on a 2000 LS400, but I have a few questions first. And yes, I searched :) Am I crazy, or did I one time run across some type of Lexus help website with TSB, maintenence schedules, classified and such. Secondly, while looking to purchase the LS400, are there any known trouble spots I should be looking for in the terms of problems IE: warped rotors, bad dash lights, bad shocks. Thirdly, since I will be looking for a 50k to 60k mile car, what about the 60k service and cost, and is it something I can do muself. (I have previusly changed the timing belt and front seals on my 89 Cressida) Fourth, How many miles do the stock shocks last and has anyone tried the Bilstein HD shocks and what did they do to the ride, I don't like a "floaty" ride, I don't mind a firm ride. This is a great site and thanks in advance for your help. Bruce