Jacob

92Lex, I’ve got the codes retrieved (two), and they indicated a catalytic converter efficiency problem. And I was quoted $2700 to have the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors replaced. I didn’t let them do the job because I didn’t have the money, besides the car passed the emission test which makes me skeptic about the cats’ efficiency. I’ll try to solve the vacuum problem first, and see what happens to the check engine light. Thank you all Jacob

silvermate, I have two problems: the check engine light and the low idle speed. Here’s a list of the parts that I’ve replaced so far to solve the problem: Spark plugs Spark plug wires Caps and rotors Oxygen sensors (Denso OE style) PCV valve Air intake hose I also checked the hoses at the top of the engine and they all looked fine (I’m not sure if there are other places that I should check). Also, when I rev the engine I can hear a suction sound. So, does this combination of check engine light, low idle speed, and suction sound make you think of a possible cause? Any help is highly appreciated. Jacob

I’m also having a low idle problem (intermittent), and looking at these pictures makes me determined to clean my throttle body. Jacob

Do these CD players play MP3 files?

Thank you Mike, Mine doesn't rattle, it's just the misalignment (what a shame that a 2004 would rattle) It's good to know that it's adjustable, so I'll try to find out more about that. Jacob

1996 LS400 SW03ES, That could be true, but there's no way to find out. Are those sunroofs adjustable? Or do I have to live with it like this?

A few days ago, I used the automatic touchless wash and dry to clean my car. I then started to notice that the sunroof won’t flush with the rest of the body. Have any of you noticed bad effects for touchless car wash? And is there anyway I can convince my sunroof to behave like a good boy again? Jacob

What’s the difference? And shouldn't an electronic “gizmo” be better than a non electronic one? Jacob

One-second delay is not bad; I once got a delay of a few seconds. Also, it seems that you have to really depress the gas pedal to get the transmission to downshift, something that I didn’t have to do in my previous 2000 V-6 Camry. Jacob

Thank you all for your responses. I’m aware of the fact that plastics deteriorate with time and that heat and UV light can accelerate this process. The problem is that I have a 1991 Saab and it doesn’t have this problem. So, does Lexus use inferior quality materials? Probably not. But I know for sure that my car used to sit in the Arizona sun all day long with windows rolled all way up (That’s how it was when I first saw it at the used car dealership). Besides, this is an 8-years-old car, and who knows, maybe somebody had cleaned the engine before with some sort of strong chemical that’s not safe for plastics. Who knows Jacob

1996 LS400. I think those lenses shouldn’t deteriorate this fast. Don’t you agree on that? Jacob

A few days ago, I replaced the front parking light bulbs, and I was shocked by the bad shape of the back of lenses. They were so brittle and cracked that little pieces started to fall off. Is this typical of LS400? Or what? Jacob

SRK, I agree with you on the safety issue, I got burnt last time I changed the oil. Also, almost all of the oil will be in the oil pan when the engine is cold which means more oil getting out of the engine. So, next time, I'm going to change the oil with engine cold, and I'll try to break the filter using my bare hands, and I'll let everybody knows if I'm a girlie man or not :P Jacob

monarch, I tried this but it didn't work. lexus400, That's what I did last time-- I unscrewd only two of the nuts, but ended up changing the oil only :( silvermate, I always drive my car before changing the oil which makes the filter hot to the touch. I don't know if it's the right thing to do, but I think the oil flows easier when it's hot. Thanks to everyone. Jacob

$13 is not too bad if this wrench fits any filter size. I'll try it and let you know. Thank you Lexls. Jacob

"But if you are a girlie-man dis vill not verk for you". Well, I’m a little guy so using my hands as a tool might not work. I think I’ll try the grip wrench and see if it works. Thank you for your reply. Jacob

Does anyone know how to get a Lexus oil filter wrench? About two weeks ago, I called Bell Lexus of Phoenix and asked if they had the wrench. They said it wasn't a stock item and that they had to order it, so I said OK. They called a few days latter and told me that the tool had arrived. But when I went to get it today (about 30-mile drive), they told that they don't sell such an item Is there a substitute for this toll? Because I tried about 4 aftermarket tolls and none worked. Jacob

Bob, Thank you for the explanation.

95LS400Bob, Some web sites list two different mounts for LS400, a front and a rear one. This is confusing because you said the mounts were right and left (it makes sence because it's a rear wheel drive). Am I missing something? Jacob

That’s true, the seat memory was gone. The good thing is that I now know that my radio does not have a security code :D Thank you guys.

I read on this forum that if you disconnect the battery, you will loose your radio preset channels. This morning, I disconnected my battery for over half an hour, and my radio still has the preset channels. Is my radio crazy? Or what? Also, my owner’s manual does not say anything about a security code. My car is 1996 LS400. Jacob

Thank you skperformance. Maybe I should try the salvage yard since repairing the hose is a bit risky. Jacob

Hi, I recently noticed that the black rubber hose that connects the maf sensor to the engine is cracked. So, I called a Lexus dealership who told me it would cost me $65 plus. So, I thought I’d just try gluing it. But something concerns me: Is the glue going to affect any of the engine sensors. I know that some of Permatex products are not safe for sensors, but how about glues? (e.g. super glue). Jacob

Why does the LS400 engine have both crank shaft position sensors and distributors? Aren’t the sensors enough by themselves? And do these distributors need to be adjusted for proper timing? Jacob

silvermate, Thank you for your help. I checked the black tubing that goes into the intake manifold, and it had a loose clamp which I tightened up. I also noticed that one of the small hoses that connect to the black tubing is somewhat loose so I replaced the clamp with another one but I still can pull it out easily, and the little white fitting that it goes on is moving a little bit. The "sucking sound" seems lower now but the check engine light came back on. Jacob