Tells Us About Your Car And Its Mods Or Problems

APACHE31405 · December 28, 2005

sep guys, 1st post. I'm a new member to this forum and owner of a 3 week old '93 sc400 w/167,000 miles. besides the usual problematic things with the sc's mine makes an unusual sound when going over 40mph. there's like a loud rumble under the car when you accelerate and when you get off the throttle its a little louder? I'm very puzzled by this. any suggestions. don't thinks it's the tires or engine. I have full power, I guess from the 3 weeks I've had it. this just started 4 days ago and is getting noticably louder. can it be an exhaust leak? has anyone had this problem before? thanks. sorry moderators if this is not the right thread to post. I searched and found nothing.

*must note*

car is stock except for 20" rims and they have no uneven tire wear.

January 12, 2006

I don't want to post twice so see this link for my SC.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...5&gopid=174724&

sc400newyork · January 15, 2006

I've got a 92 SC400. The temperature gauge had risen really high for about a day or two. Then on the second day, while driving, the temperature gauge goes sky high and it cuts off and won't restart for about a half hour. I get it to some crackpot mechanic who puts it on a lift and he shows me that it's leaking antifreeze from the around the waterpump. The drip is almost a constant flow. We fill it with antifreeze and the car starts and I take it home. The next morning, I have a problem getting it to start and puffs of white smoke come out of the exhaust pipe. It also sounds like it coughing from the exhaust pipe. After four or five tries it starts and runs fine. I take it to a mechanic in the Bronx and he tells me that the repairs are too extensive and he can't do them. But, he says all I have to do it continue to check the coolant level and it'll be okay. I let it sit for three or four days. Before I start it, I see that the coolant level is extremely low, I fill it up with coolant and start the car. I attempt to drive about eight miles and the car cuts off on me, sputters and when I idle I have to put it in Neutral and keep a foot on the gas or it'll cut off. The car sits for about 14 hours and afterwards it won't start.

I told this to a mechanic who works on Lexus' and he says he thinks I need a new engine. He quoted me a price of $1200 for the engine (with 50K) and $800 for the labor. I'm interested in opinions.

Flashjet · January 15, 2006

I've got a 92 SC400. The temperature gauge had risen really high for about a day or two. Then on the second day, while driving, the temperature gauge goes sky high and it cuts off and won't restart for about a half hour. I get it to some crackpot mechanic who puts it on a lift and he shows me that it's leaking antifreeze from the around the waterpump. The drip is almost a constant flow. We fill it with antifreeze and the car starts and I take it home. The next morning, I have a problem getting it to start and puffs of white smoke come out of the exhaust pipe. It also sounds like it coughing from the exhaust pipe. After four or five tries it starts and runs fine. I take it to a mechanic in the Bronx and he tells me that the repairs are too extensive and he can't do them. But, he says all I have to do it continue to check the coolant level and it'll be okay. I let it sit for three or four days. Before I start it, I see that the coolant level is extremely low, I fill it up with coolant and start the car. I attempt to drive about eight miles and the car cuts off on me, sputters and when I idle I have to put it in Neutral and keep a foot on the gas or it'll cut off. The car sits for about 14 hours and afterwards it won't start.

I told this to a mechanic who works on Lexus' and he says he thinks I need a new engine. He quoted me a price of $1200 for the engine (with 50K) and $800 for the labor. I'm interested in opinions.

The white smoke is an indications of anti-freeze getting into the engine. Most likely you over heated the engine and cracked the head. The mechanic is correct in that engine replacement is the best solution for the problem. Just replacement of the head and you may have additional problems from over heating the engine. Replace the engine and you correct all the additional problems you most likely have from over heating the engine at a price lower than all the work to replace the head. If your temperature gauge ever goes sky high, stop the engine before it cuts off to avoid damage to the engine. At that point, replacement of the waterpump was all that was needed. Running the engine after it over heated the first time is when the head cracked. The cut off of the engine is the engine talking to you..."Help! Don't run me, I need coolant and my waterpump needs replacement!" Listen to it and you can save big bucks in repairs. Don't listen and run the hurting engine and crack the head and have big repair bills.

ko90ls · February 5, 2006

sorry to hear about the engine block :( i'd keep looking for an engine and see if you can get the mechanic to just do the labor, or maybe you'll expose his overpricing the engine and get a better deal? in a local online junkyard i saw a rebuilt 1uzfe for $500 shipping included! Good luck! :cheers:

RColbert · February 22, 2006

Just bought a 1992 SC400 w/ 159k for $5,000 through ebay. This will be my project/fun car while I drive my '00 RX300. Been pouring money into it ever since trying to get it to where I want it. Here's the list.

Problems:

Excessive road noise - replaced transmission mount and drive shaft bushings and some shifter parts

Electrical problem - dim lights and radio would shut off when brakes applied (fairly common). Replaced negative battery cable, installed new battery and a grounding kit

Gauge needles-will be sending to Lextech for new needles and backlight

leather seats-replaced w/ seats from 97 SC400 (RIP)

Oil leak - Crank seal went, had to replace timing belt (again)

trunk support struts replaced

yellowed headlights-cleaned and polished :D

Maintenance:

Oil change, transmission fluid change (Type T-IV of course), NGK Iridium plugs, wires, caps/rotors, fuel filter

Mods/upgrades:

18" HPRacing HPR5's w/ 245/45/18 tires

replaced K&N cone filter kit with BFI (definitely the way to go)

Kenwood double din CD/Tape Headunit upgrade w/ 1/2 din storage tray for filler

Brushed aluminum dash kit

More to come......Does it ever stop?!!

shamus714 · March 20, 2006

95 SC300

white/tan

second owner (i believe)

6000 from a dealership w/ 188K miles (high, i know, but planning on rebuilding with low compression pistons)

i just bought the car last week. (3/14/06)

few minor problems with the car include:

1) Darkening on the right side of the Climate Control Display (not bad, can still read it fine)

2) Damned cup holder wont stay down in the center console lol

3) Transmission (nothing wrong with it, besides the fact that its automatic haha...)

4) minor dents/scratches on the body..

19 year old male in so cal planning on making 400-450 whp ... once i save up a boat load of cash (rebuild + turbo kit +6 spd tranny = an arm and a leg and my unborn child, but hell, ill go fast)

shamus.

e333li · April 10, 2006

just bought a 93 sc300, lt green with tan interior,all options (including the damn 250$ alarm key, which i am too cheap to get a copy of...lol) auto, 93K miles, 2nd owner (got lucky there), never wrecked (except for the rock that fell off a dumpster truck and scraped my front end the day i got it), interior is perfect except for steering wheel which is a little faded from the miami sun, and a rather odd stain on the passenger seat.... dont want to know. Everything is completely stock just as if it came from right off the lot.

the only problem ive got is that my passenger window goes down but not up, my starter went out and then after my alternator went out.... sucks for me. So now ive got a beautiful non-driving lexus. great huh? happen to anyone else? Anyone know where i can get the best parts for the best price? Still broken down and hurting....Thanks

Juancho

go to o'ryiles or auto zone and get a rebuilt/refurb and do it your self should cost about 120 or 130 after core exchange, and you may want to check your power steering pump, may have a leaky hose or seal that is how my alt died. ne way good luck

Quicksilver · April 12, 2006

Hi, new member and first time Lexus buyer. I had always been a Honda/Acura man.

I just bought a silver 1999 SC300 with black interior. Beautiful car and so far appears to be totally mechanically sound. I am the third owner. The car has 103,000 miles. I bought it for $11,000. Interior is like new. It has the auto sunroof and the driver memory function.

I just bought new drilled and slotted rotors and PBR ceramic pads, which are supposed to be going on it today.

Rotors were $153 for the four.

Pads were $99 for front and back.

Labor will be $40.

There is nothing else non-serviceable on the car (knock wood) and I plan to put about 300K miles on it. Figure I will need a new timing belt in about 35,000 miles just to be safe.

sc400baba92 · April 19, 2006

I bought my 1992 SC400 in 2002 with 175,000 miles on it and currently it has 215,000. I am the third owner of the car. Since buying it, I've changed the radiator, ignition coil, alternator, windshield and have given it a tune up. The past two years I have had a problem with what appears to be the mass air flow meter. When I start my car, especially when it's hot or has been sitting in the sun, it doesn't always stay on. Sometimes applying gas immediately after ignition will trigger something that makes it stay on, but usually it's hit or miss. Trying to buy an air flow meter new from either a part distributor or a dealership will cost me anywhere from $900 to $1,100 dollars. I tried replacing the part with one from a junkyard, but the problem was still there; Either cause the part was as bad as mine or that the mass air sensor isn't the actual problem. Has anyone heard of this problem before? What's my best option here?

Ronnor · April 28, 2006

Can you tell me more about the electrical problem? My 92 SC400 just blew a 20 amp Radio fuse and I know there's a short in the system.

Thanks!

Howdy, my 92 SC400 also quit and just blew the 20 amp radio fuse. You say there was a ground out? Did you ever find the short? You can contact me at ronnor@san.rr.com

Thanks!

'92 SC400

bought for $3750 in Feb. 2004 after my Camaro got totaled.

a few probs, radio went out completely--grounding out somewhere, guage needles, and i've already conquered every 'routine maintainence' catagory

bought in KCMO, i live in Kansas City, Missouri

RoyBoy · May 26, 2006

List your model, year ,

# of owners ,

price when bought and from where

lenght of ownership and attributed problems and repair costs.

Also mention where you had it fixed ( lexus, independent, midas or diy).

When it was done.

Any mods done to the car and its costs.

If desired your age and insurance you pay.

If you have any picutes in the gallery put links in the post so we can have an idea about the car.

Please only post once and if you have a question either pm the member or make a new thread .

This will keep the page from being filled with excess.

www.myspamsuit.com · June 24, 2006

Sc430, 2006

1 Owner,

$60,000 from Lexus of Norwood

Remote roof control in Lexus Key remote, and Escort SRX.

Current milage, 1295

Micah · July 7, 2006

Bought a 96 sc400 with 204000 miles on it. It had a miss in it, and the power tilt didn't work.

Fixed miss by replacing spark plug wires and distributors and rotors

Fixed power tilt by removing the steering column cover, then removing the tilt gear cover (next to the tilt controls)

This exposed a gear. The gear was not catching the screw on the motor, so I purchased a 15 cent washer and glued it to the back of the gear (to push it in line with the screw). Worked like a charm. . .I now have power tilt.

erikswriting · July 23, 2006

Just Bought A 93 SC300 5 Speed black exterior. 90,00 miles exellent condition for an unbelievable price. :D

Got it from The original owner in Salem Oregon.

Car was garage kept since day 1.

Got all service records and original sticker from the lady I bought it from.

I found this car on autotrader.com.

-Erik

rscott572 · August 7, 2006

Sc430, 2006

1 Owner,

$60,000 from Lexus of Norwood

Remote roof control in Lexus Key remote, and Escort SRX.

Current milage, 1295

I'd like more info on the remote roof control. (New SC430'06 owner).

I just installed the VAIS interface for the iPod. Works great. Put the 60GB Video iPod in the lower compartment of the center arm rest. I wish the interface would appear on the Nav system. Problem isn't the VAIS device but a older version of Navigation system. In fact, the entire Nav & sound system package for the SC430'06 seems dated. A newer Nav system would display album, playlist, song, & info (album art, timer, etc) on screen. But, overall the $300 interface works great. www.neocaraudio.com

Installation in Dallas (Earmark Audio, Addison) $162.

calbsc400 · August 22, 2006

8/21/06 - Just purchased a 1995 Green SC400, 138,000 miles - $7000. Not a bad price. Buying it off a 18 yr. old who's had if for just over 3,000 miles. I'm not real sure why he's selling it so cheap but hopefully I won't find out the hard way. I will be the fourth owner.

The obvious - Headlight condensation/fogging, rear tires are almost bald from the kid spinning them so I plan of changing the diff fluid ASAP, getting new tires and the AAA inspection says the cooling hoses should all be replaced because they old. Seam in the rear seat near the rear window is comming apart.

Good news - I live pretty close to TAP Recycling so I can drive up to get bigger pieces if needed. Body and paint are practically flawless. Interior could use some detailing but nothing seriously bad. I did forget to check the seats - damn - their covered in sheepskin. Like I said, TAP is close by.

I happy to join the club, I will contribute as much as I can and look forward to all the help I know these forums can provide.

LuckyApril7 · August 24, 2006

I own a 92 Lexus SC400 that has been completely rebuilt from the ground up.

97 SC400 engine/tranny

20 inch Brabus rims

Eibach Lowering kit

Borla dual exhaust

Customized fiberglass body kit

Complete white interior trim

Alpine navigation

Alpine TV

2 Alpine V12 amplifiers

2 JL W3 subwoofers

Customized bass port for interior sound travel.

All my light illumination including my gauges are Blue.

Customized gun compartment inside the underneath the center armrest.

H.I.D. headlights and H.I.D. foglights

Red and Blue police lights installed inside my highbeams.

Police siren with P.A. system.

How much did i spend??? I lost track after $20K and thats not including the car.

Homer 94sc300 · August 29, 2006

94 sc300 automatic

Im 20 yrs old, I got the car about a year ago from a private dealer for $9,000, with 104k.

Next to perfect interior, same with under the hood. Never as clean as I like it, but its pretty damn clean.

Now I havnt done much due to low funds, but the jzz31 perticularly is literally my favorate car and I will have it where I want it.

Right now Ive got 3" piping splitting into dual 2-1/2" exhaust starting behind the cat, and intake ($600).

The Nakamichi upgraded sound system.

And 18" black rims w/ polished lip, deep dish in the rear. They are 9" wide (in rear) geared with Hankook tires. Handeling is probably 60% better than stock.

I want...

A Dragon torque conv., whole new BFI intake system, Tein coilovers, Electrical cooling fan, other stuff.

Some electrical problems. Steering wheel will not lower anymore (sounds like the gears are grinding), 12 disc cd changer stoped working (maybe the fuse box, but not fuse). Oh yah and my ECT button on my shifter panel isnt opperational in the least! My 12 volt outlet went out too...great. The only thing Ive replaced was the radiator. Everything else is great.

twodmax · September 29, 2006

bought sc 300 gold tan interior. 135000 on spedo paid $5800 from motivated girl in CO Springs. In m opinion this is going to be one sweet ride. Excellent condition inside and out. A few minor paint chips and headlights are NOT fogged. Leaking a little oil so had valve gasgets and new plugs $360. Still leaking a little next will be rear seal quoted $600. I do have a slight miss when stopped in drive, not sure about that. I still find it hard to believe you can get these luxury cars so cheap. Even with upkeep NICE!

thudplt · October 20, 2006

I just joined, cant figure out how to post a question, so I will try this. I just bought 92 SC400. 76k miles, one original owner, all Lexus maintenance inspections through 70k miles Spare never used. gold package, radar, remotes,chrome wheels, spare keys, window sticker. I have had a lot of cars but this one impresses me, what a joy to drive. Most of mine have been Mercedes and Corvette. (Ok 80-95 models). This car was stored 4 years while owners were overseas. Problems are needles on temperature guage is not lit, speedo needle flashes as does gas guage. Had to fix the radio(Nakamichi) and amp. Would like to know if anyone repairs the guages? I mean the light in the needles. I think I saw reference to a repair facility, but cant find it now. I f someone is looking for a car like this they can contact me. It is truly one of a kind.

UCF3 · October 30, 2006

ThudPit:

Welcome to the club. In order to ask a question, just open up a new post. Go to us.lexusownersclub,com/forums, and click on the New Topic Button.

For your Instrument Cluster.

Contact an individual by the name of Jim Walker.

Here's a link that may interest you since all of us have experienced this problem. What make Jim good is his worksmanship and he wants to work on your original cluster. This way the mileage will be the same.

Good luck.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...p;hl=Jim+Walker

DirtySC430 · November 3, 2006

Hello,

I have an '02 SC430, and in reading through the posts I can see that I am

not alone in suffering the following:

Blown driver's side door speaker

Creaky top

The shakes (tire balance not holding)

Defective O2 sensor

Noisy tires

I bought this car used in pristine condition a few months ago for $31,300.

My sister had been leasing it, and it was garage kept and generally babied.

Despite these issues, still not a bad deal, and I know I'll manage to resolve them.

Oddly enough, the top becomes significantly less noisy after it rains, which is

quite a frequent occurence down here in Miami. This leads me to believe that

the problem may be lubricated into submission; I'll try and see.

thudplt · November 3, 2006

ThudPit:

Welcome to the club. In order to ask a question, just open up a new post. Go to us.lexusownersclub,com/forums, and click on the New Topic Button.

For your Instrument Cluster.

Contact an individual by the name of Jim Walker.

Here's a link that may interest you since all of us have experienced this problem. What make Jim good is his worksmanship and he wants to work on your original cluster. This way the mileage will be the same.

Good luck.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...p;hl=Jim+Walker

Ok, thanks for the info. I clicked on the info you gave me about Jim Walker, but didnt locate. Can you tell me how to get in touch. Maybe I dont know how the system works. Thanks. thudplt@alltel.net 817 233 7229

UCF3 · November 19, 2006

Sorry for the delayed response. I don't alway check the forums everyday.

Look through this post.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...uster&st=15

It will give you some information on how to remove the cluster. I've sent Jim a message. As soon as I get in-touch with him I'll email you. I have to send the cluster from my LS anyway.

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