tralhed

A noise common to 1998 and newer gs`s is a rattling noise that sounds like it is coming from the dash but is in the engine compartment.It is usually noted on acceleration.there is a plastic tube on the LF "frame" rail that is held by a small metal bracket.upon acceleration this tube vibrates in between the frame and bracket.insulate it or increase tension of bracket to tightly secure tube.

Toyota/Lexus coolant is red in color.You can get it at any dealer. Factory p/s fluid is tan in color and the replacement is dexron.

do you have air ride?that makes replacement a little easier.I assume since you mentioned aftermarket shocks that you have the spring type suspension.to replace the rear struts you do have to remove the rear seat.you will also need a spring compressor to diassemble the struts.

rev the engine slightly and turn the steering wheel if the noise changes with steering input your pump could be failing. common on older ls`s for pumps,racks and idler up valves to leak causing low power steering level,which makes the pump noisy.add dexron atf if it is low. If you end up replacing the pump it is also important to clean a small screen in the steering rack at the end of the electric solenoid.a plugged screen will restrict flow and cause your new pump to be noisy.also dont put off replacing or resealing(kit) a leaking pump.the fluid goes right into your alternator.if you think replacing the pump is bad, wait til you have to replace the pump and the alternator

if they engine and catalytic converter aren`t fully warmed up it will fail. as you wait in line for the test turn off all accessories,ac,etc. bring rpm up to 2000-2250 a couple minutes before the test.if the engine is in good working order,ie tune -up,drives and idles good,you may have a failed catalytic converter.

common problem on rx`s there is a boot at the firewall where the steering shaft goes through. the noise is from the shaft rubbing on the rubber boot. apply a lubricant to the shaft,a light grease.flex the boot up and down to ensure the grease gets in.

when the problem occurs open the drivers door and check the door lock switch Can you lock the door from the switch in the car? Two common problems on early rx`s.one, the lf door has its own computer located in the master window switch.the computer locks up just like a desktop due to a poor program.Other symptoms are dome light concerns and door open light on cluster.There is an updated switch but I would n`t want to pay for it $$$$$$.You can unplug the master switch and "reboot" it.there is a very strong clip on the top of the switch.the second common problem is the door lock assemblies.the electric motor quits working.try to reboot it first.

My 1992 Ls400 had a broken wire harness in the trunk hinge that would cause similar condition.the dash lights would go out and flash when brakes applied.had harness soldered back together,no problem since.

A friend of mine had a similar problem. He found that that distributor rotor had a hole burned in it. He replaced it and it runs great.

There are aftermarket companies,several in california,that can rebuild instrument clusters,ac controls,etc. I know of one but his card is at my desk at work.I think they charged $300 for everything including setting the mileage.