LJS2

What I don't like is them charging the "book cost" of replacing the water pump and other items. That doesn't give you credit for already having things disassembled when they take the pump out. They charge you as if they are only replacing the pump.

That's called duplicate labour, and it is a fraudulent way of doing business. That's not the "way it is". Many try it, but it's not acceptable. No honest shop would do it. Most flat rate tables reflect multiple operations as reducing the time charged. I'd speak to the Lexus regional manager from Toyota. They might be interested to hear that, or perhaps not.....

Concur! Incidentally I was a former GMAC/MIC Automotive Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Adjuster...in Tampa... (prior to full USAF career)...duplicate labor is unconsciously unacceptable!

unconsciencably unacceptable....

What I don't like is them charging the "book cost" of replacing the water pump and other items. That doesn't give you credit for already having things disassembled when they take the pump out. They charge you as if they are only replacing the pump.

That's called duplicate labour, and it is a fraudulent way of doing business. That's not the "way it is". Many try it, but it's not acceptable. No honest shop would do it. Most flat rate tables reflect multiple operations as reducing the time charged. I'd speak to the Lexus regional manager from Toyota. They might be interested to hear that, or perhaps not.....

Concur! Incidentally I was a former GMAC/MIC Automotive Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Adjuster...in Tampa... (prior to full USAF career)...duplicate labor is unconsciously unacceptable!

My wife's '98 LS400 is just shy of 78K miles and has the original timing belt. I understand that this is a routine replacement at 90K but the car is nearing 12 years of age. I fear that I am flirting with disaster if I allow her to continue driving her daily 20 mile round trip to work. The car is in great condition and runs beautifully but, I am reluctant to spend nearly $2K if I can wait since I just spent $1K on a starter replacement. Any advice or opinions will be appreciated.

JDavis...Hi there. I have a '98 LS400 in outstanding shape...with ~157K Miles. I live in S. TX...the timing belt has not been changed...but I bought da parts & will do it myself after it warms up a little more...post-chilly winter. Personally...my primary concerns are: the age on the belt, interference engine, and of course higher mileage. Got an independent estimate for ~$950 w/out water pump & $1200 with W/P. Will do myself for ~$175.00. Did my 3.5RL last year...have an AAS in Auto Tech...but not an active mechanic.

My advise: If ya can't do it yourself...take your car to a good NAPA, ASE, etc certified shop & save $1,000, or so. Good Luck.

I have had 7 different LS400 in the past 15 years, with mileage from 90K to 250K and never had a bad/faulty ECM, and our Dallas sun is as hot as your Houston sun.....

This is not part of their history, light bulbs, instruments(pre 95), door handles, sure.

The LS is one of the best cars you can own....

Ok...but for my LS...I checked every other issue...which allowed me to conclude that the EFI Relay...located within the ECM wasn't working (for whatever reason)...as the Fuel Injectors were not "firing" (spraying fuel). Now the reflashed ECM works like a charm. O/w...never really have had any serious problems with 98 LS with 152,000 Miles

Would anybody know the Engine Control just died...Are these available and what price. I am not tooo happy in repairing these, as they dont last long of what I have heard.

The part number is 90467-07117.

Here is the image

I have a '98 LS400...problem was -- car would crank but not start...thought it might be the fuel pump relay or fuel pump but it turned out to be the ECM.

I think maybe after 12 yrs in the S. Texas sun..the ECM was baked?? Anyhow, I had it rebuilt/reprogrammed by these guys in Houston for $225: http://autocomputersupply.com/index.asp?Pa...Custom&ID=4

I did the R&R myself...and yes...it's a ~pain to remove glovebox & ECM! Took car for a 30M test drive today...runs great! Good Luck!