sonyman

Could someone post a guide, preferably with pictures, on how to change the ECU in a UCF20 LS400? I had no luck on getting Lexus to change mine for free so I'll have to do this myself. Scott

No, from years of doin' the gangsta lean! B) Scott

40MPH is when the torque converter locks up. First generation LS's and SC's are especially prone to shuddering when this occurs if the fluid is worn out. On a '92 I'd seriously consider taking it elsewhere than the dealership next time however. The last time I had a drain and fill performed my mechanic only charged me for the fluid since I was getting an oil change done at the same time. That's the best time to do it since the car is already lifted. Scott

Basically you're wanting to save money by spending a lot more money. Think about it. There is no way that you would come out saving any money by doing this. I agree with post #2 completely. Unless your car is falling apart around you keep the LS. Scott

Did you reference the TSI? (the link in my past post) DATE: APRIL 26,1996 LS 400 DRIVESHAFT & DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT CHANGES Page 1 of 1 For improved driving smoothness when accelerating from approximately 35 m.p.h., the following production changes have been made: 1. Rear drive shafts phase–matched between inboard and outboard joints. 2. Dynamic spring constant of differential rear mount changed. 3. Dynamic damper added to stabilizer bracket. PART NUMBER INFORMATION: REF: DRIVELINE/ DIFFERENTIAL NO: DL002–96 MODEL: LS 400 PRODUCTION EFFECTIVE: Starting VIN: JT8BH22F#T0036670 Did they change the mounts mid-production? That vin doesn't look like mine (2nd gen). I know they revised them when they redesigned the LS400 for '95. nc211-can you pm me on clublexus with your email or perhaps phone #? I'd like to contact you asap as I've already contacted lexus corporate in regards to the driveability improvement. Scott

lexls.com is an excellent site. In case you're feeling lazy, quoting lexls.com: "Capacity: w/oil filter change = 5.3 liters (5.6 US qts, 4.7 Imp. qts) w/o oil filter change = 5.0 liters (5.3 US qts, 4.4 Imp. qts) Dry fill = 6.0 liters (6.3 US qts, 5.3 Imp. qts)" You'd be looking at the first line (5.6qts) so go out and buy 6. Scott

His name was Lynwood (sp?). Scott

Now is the time to send a polite email to the sevice center and request the senior tech go for a ride with you as well. Not to knock Lexus service centers, but they usually asign these types of problems to the "new guy" who 99% of the time thinks it the wheels. Go for the senior tech only at this point. Make friends with him, and tell him he can have the car for as long as he wants. They'll find the problem. Exactly. With my old car I purposefully chose the technician from Johnson Lexus who had been there for the longest time. He was more familiar with the car's issues than the other techs who were fresh out of training. nc211--What I meant was for you to PM me with your email address if possible, since I can receive yet not send. Scott

Well, pretty much any dino oil will work. Havoline is an excellent choice for a very basic oil that performs well. I'd use a genuine Toyota oil filter, as well as a genuine Toyota air filter. Scott

It is possible for the driveshaft to go out of balance. My old SC400's driveshaft was out of balance and the car had a similar issue where it would vibrate at highways speeds. If it's the driveshaft a good shop may be able to see it vibrating by jacking up the rear of the car and accelerating it freewheel. It may be something else that they'll see by jacking up the back end of the car. Lexus technicians are actually able to pinpoint vibrations to the exact component using sophisticated sensors and diagnostic tools, but that's at least $100 for the diagnosis. It might be worth it though. Offtopic- nc211, could you shoot me your email address by chance? I've got a little problem I'd like to ask you about but I can't PM you (<20 posts). Scott

I recently purchased a 1992 SC400 in OK condition. A few things are broken which I would like to fix. First of all, the trim piece beloew the ash tray is broken- it doesn't stay clipped down. Also, the plastic that goes around the base of the driver's seat is split in the middle. Other things: The climate control unit LCD is broken, Antenna is stuck in the up position (needs a new motor, but how can I lower the antenna in the mean time?), door panel seems loose--the armrest assembly can pull a little off the door. Does anyone know of any solutions to any of these issues? Thanks, Scott