GRAND_LS 4

Thanks for the valuable info. I've bought a few gaskets Totaling $50 the other day from www.lexus-parts.com , they should be here by Wed, or Thurs. However, I want to be done fixing the starter/replaced it, so by then, I can just put everything back together, and Im done. Progress: So far so good, took a while to label all the hoses, and took many pics JUST in case, I'd hate to have extra screws in the end Quick question... can i remove the UPPER and LOWER intake manifold without seperating them?? or do I have to? Also, do the injectors have to come out on the 98-00 including the fuel rail? I'm glad I dont have any ignition wires to fiddle with, i have enough wires and pipes to worry about... believe me. (SOLVED, YES THEY CAN BE TAKEN OUT AS A UNIT.) Thanks guys.

Yeah, I see that on the off-road website, just wasn’t sure if all contacts for all Toyota starters were the same. Carson Toyota should be getting back to me about the contacts soon. Not up to experiments here... after fixing my starter, I will take it to shop to have it tested. And if it doesn’t pull through, I'll get another one (its not like I’m going to put a another faulty starter in there, so I can do this job all over again.) By the way... Does anyone have any torque specs for the bolts (especially on for the manifold), or any diagrams from the Lexus tech book? Those would prove very useful. thanks.

Actually, what you're saying makes sense, however, the Denso starter is of great quality, only problem is the wearing of the contacts, so I’m not really trying to be cheap here, just prefer the OEM over a non-brand starter. I’m in no way doubting your experience, but I rather use the OEM denso, then try my luck with another brand. As you can see in the image below, the only reason the starter is not working now, its because after years of use, the wear on the copper eats away the layers of the contacts, and when the starter is moving, it no longer can reach and make contact, thus the problem I’m having. Here is the pic with a new, and old worn contact. Notice the curve engraved in the old one. More info can be found here: http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/starter/index.html if my method of repair does not work during the testing phase, I would certainty buy another OEM denso before putting it all back together.

That’s actually a very good question, because symptoms of a bad battery, or battery terminals could be very close. You somewhat have to eliminate all the other alternatives (since they are all cheaper, and easier to fix then the starter). Usually, when the starter is dead, you will hear only a SINGLE click when you turn the key. (dead or weak battery will warrant you a continuous series of clicks.) This is the most clear symptom, but it can always be a battery terminal, so you have to check those first. Well, I checked them, even swapped with a NEW battery from my bros SC400, and still get the same click (no dimming in interior lights, or other strange electrical issues, just when starting.) IF you don’t hear ANY clicks, it means it could be your alternator, or starter relay, or loose connections on the actual starter (assuming your interior lights are operational.) meaning the starter is not getting any source of power.

I have about 120K now. Yeah, I wasnt too sure about using the kit (although the seller said it was made in canada) but its really hard locating the OEM contact kit from a Toyota dealer, and forget completely about a Lexus dealer selling them to you. But I think steve @ carson toyota might be able to help me.

Yes, my starter decided the grass was greener on the other side, and decided he wasn’t going work for me anymore. I think I’m going to take on the task, and try to repair the contacts with a contacts repair kit from Toyota. However, most of the help I found by searching was for earlier first gens, nothing on the '98's. Any more specific help on 95+ is much appreciated. Therefore, I was wondering if anyone knew part numbers, or other parts I have to change while attempting to get to the starter, like gaskets and such, as a result of taking so many parts out. (I'm glad the car was parked in the garage when this happend.) ANY tips are appreciated, Thanks guys. Has anyone tried this kit by the way? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STARTER-REP...itemZ8036495213

Sounds like the door is not recognizing the chip in the key. The easiest, and cheapest, and most convenient way to go about it is buying another remote off eBay, and reprogramming it. (remote and key are two separate parts, so all you need is another remote). They are close to $25 bucs used. All you have to do is program it, which instructions for are available somewhere around here. With the remote, you will have the much needed feature of remote locking, and unlocking, and no more alarm going off. However, you might need a working master to program the remote.

Someone on Clublexus has done it, and reported that it was very worth the effort. But I dont have any experiance with it. I just bought 2 bottles of that stuff last night to dump into the engine, and fuel tank. Hopefully I will see some improvments.

I know its illegal in NY, and Canada. But perfectly legal here in FL.

THis is by far the most important feature.

They are correct... If im not mistaken, no maps were made for the '02 system for the UAE. Not entirely sure, however, if its like saudi, the navi was introduced in '04, with the new navi unit. Unless you try to retro fit the new navi system, im not sure where you can find maps for the older system.

Thanks man, I really apprciate your help. I will give it a try.

The clunk maybe one of your two rear differential mount bushing being torn, usually the driver's side one gets torn. Or, in your drive shaft, like one of the two, but in your case, sounds like the rear, flex-coupling piece that connects the driveshaft to the differential. Where is this cable, and how can i adjust it?

These buttons come in different combination, in different places around the world. In some places, a button on the ashray is for the headlight washers for example. Edit: Wait, i just remembered you had that on your LS, we dont have them on US spec LS's. These buttons come in different combination, in different places around the world. In some places, a button on the ashray is for the headlight washers for example. Edit: Wait, i just remembered you had that on your LS, we dont have them on US spec LS's. This one for example is for the rear fog lights if im not mistaken.

Yup, its all true. Thats a great feature.

Actually 98+ GS.

www.lexus-parts.com has been very good to me, above and beyond great customer service. Ask for darell.

def a great step in the right direction for caddy... Their brand image has changed a whole lot in the past 2-4 years.

they clean the brake pads? <_< Yes of course, don't you? Or is it called something else in "real english"? I hope you are not making fun of me, just because my english is not perfect? What I mean is, that due to salt and snow/rain on the swedish roads, brake parts take a lot of abuse. This is valid for all cars, to some extent. Calipers, pads and parking brake wires corrode on their surfaces, and tend to get stuck. :o To fix it, dismantle the parts, and scrub them with a wire brush. Then apply some kind of "never seize" - personally I use a CRC product with cupper flakes in synthetic semi fluid grease. Works great. This process takes at least 15 min per axle - much more with some cars, time somebody has to pay for... I have not seen any car on which this is not necessary after a couple of years. best regards, Alexander I was actually suprised your not from an english speaking country. Your english is better then a lot of english only speaking posters. He was prolly just suprised about the pads cleaning service. At my dealer, $40 bucs gets you oil, filter, 40 point inspection, exterior wash and interior vac. Not to mention a DVD player while you wait, and some good food and drinks ;)

You want a step by step procedure on how to gut the cats?

Car auctions. They are also going to have 80K+.

But you cant get that much. For 21K, you can get an LS430. But trust me, I feel worse about my car... but its something we all have to live with :(

Sounds like she shorted out a fuse. Check the fuses.

You need to get the 2003 version Hard drive. ← LEXUS hasn't used a harddrive in the USA since 2000. Although in Japan they are starting to use them again. ← I was talking about the 98-00 navi 2003 update. It is on a hardrive.

Depending on where you are in Tampa, there are many shops that will do it for cheap. However, I would just yank tha one for now, and deal with the rest of the wheels looks when they are COLD, and the car has been sitting for some time, they come off easier that way.