VBdenny

For most people, once things are fixed, all is good and no need to go back. Exactly as it happened for me was before smart phones. People do get busy and forget. I came back primarily because of the people I met on here and being interested in cars to begin with, liked what I saw. No pushy advertising, pop-up, and people out to annoy you and sell stuff. Just those weird people who happen to like cars and especially Lexus cars, Before smartphones, many things were different so best to enjoy what we have. Denny

oh yeah, forgot to welcome you. So welcome.

No way should that happen unless something it the road struck it or something. I wouldn't expect that problem with 138,000 miles much less only 38,000. I would take the car to an unrelated Toyota dealership and ask them to check the car using a classic dumb act. Don't mention anything about anything, just say you want a check up. If they come back and say all is fine you know you were about to step in something. Most automotive service centers, even those with national names are known to hire people who are less than honest. A second opinion, even if it costs $100 might save you $2600. let me know the scoop. Denny

You have an LS400 from West Virginia in Abu Dhabi? Just awesome. I have heard they don't bother you much for speeding there so I think you are in for fun. The early models weren't chipped and would do about 150mph.

One end of that hose is connected to the PS pump and there are 2. Both connect at the top of the engine. Since they are vacuum, if one off, you engine will run terrible. Other than that, I can' think of a hose?

Don't rule out the Idle Air Control (IAC) as the problem. The IAC is an electronically controlled valve located near the throttle body which controls the airflow during start up. As cars get older, especially if using discount gasoline, they tend to gum up which can cause problems similar to those you mentioned. The cheapest thing to do to try to fix it is to go to your local auto parts store and buy 2 bottles of the 10 dollar complete fuel system cleaner, the concentrated stuff. Don't try to save a few bucks and buy the $4 o r$6 stuff. Pour that it and fill it up. Go out and drive around and floor it good several times. If after a few days it isn't better then you have a problem. If not you'll be lucky and it only cost you 20 bucks. Glad to have you here. denny

Hey Matthew, First of all, go give the person who gave you a referral, a good dope slap on the back of their head. I just hate to hear things like this but as you so accurately described, it sounds like things went south for you. Although all the moderator stuff is there, it's only because Steve invited me after being on here for many years trying to fix stuff. I learned early that Lexus cars are really very easy to work on because of the intelligent and excellently engineered parts, and that most people that work on them meet neither of those criteria. Many times in the past I have done things to try to save money. After long term consideration on all that, I decided that path was more expensive. Once burned, twice shy. If you have a place, tools and any mechanical skills, you can do a lot youself. YouTube is amazing for videos on how to replace every part. I often watch videos prior to doing repairs. Just put the rear struts on my Corolla today, did the front the other day. Looks like a formidable job but by spending time watching the videos, it was easy. Certainly transmission replacements are difficult in driveways (especially gravel driveways), so then you come down to things like, how much is the car worth, how much should I put in and stuff like that. Hard shifts are caused by a few things, While I don't know anything about this part, I do know the computer runs the transmission so it probably has to be paired or something? Wiring shorts are kind of common on old Lexus cars. My 1990 LS400 had two or three wires break in the trunk which caused major shifting problems. Of course the last thing is that the transmission itself is bad but that is highly unusual. I hate to say it but from your description of the people and the shop conditions, it sounds like you might have been bamboozled. You are now pretty deep in the car so I will make a suggestion. Find a Toyota dealership around you that does NOT also own a Lexus dealership ( but close) and take your car there for an evaluation. From there, you can decide your path. Good luck and very happy to have you here. Denny

While I do think think this is a step in the right direction as it makes the car look lower and sleeker, the upper Lexus SUV's need serious redesign before I would consider one. To me they look top heavy and narrow. The best looking SUV out there (one I would never consider), is the Range Rover. Never thought I'd ever say that because in the past they looked top heavy and narrow.

We really need more information on the car. How many miles are on it so far? Makes a difference in doing a more accurate diagnosis as various components tend to wear out at about the same milage. If you have over 2 bucks, it could be the valve covers or power steering systems which have been known to leak on various electronics and cause such issues as you are having. Since you said you are not a mechanic which is completely understandable as most people aren't, you can still check and do things. Take a flashlight, even if it is day, and open the hood. Oh yeah, better warn you here because early Lexus hood struts (the things that keep the hood up) are totally prone to failure and dangerous. Sometimes they stay up for a minute and then drop and can really hurt you. I replaced those on my 1990 LS400 after it almost got me. I thing there should be a recall but I guess since they are only hurting people that work on them, they get a pass but that is another matter altogether. Open the hood and make sure the hood stays up and even then, stick a broomstick or something in there since I certainly know how dangerous they are and I practice safety first being a former shop teacher and OSHA certified. That being said, look around for oil. Your beautiful engine (one of the best ever) should not have any oil showing anywhere. Look specifically at the left side of the engine since that is where the power steering pump and vacuum hoses are located. If it looks shiny and oily, there you go. Of course it could be many other things so for that, it would really help to have much more detailed information on your car before anything beyond guessing is possible. Every detail matters. By the way, welcome to the LOC. Thanks for joining. Denny

Okay, then I have found on a few systems that don't like having more than one phone paired. I paired my phone to my wife's car and then her's wouldn't work. She wasn't (and still isn't) happy about that.

Check the switch too. Many times the switch goes bad.

what kind of license plate is that on it?

Hey, that is a nice looking 400. You are going to enjoy this car.

Hopefully you have taken your car back to where you bought it. I wouldn't wait too long as sellers tend to forget you once the Benjamins have been exchanged. Unacceptable to have this happen so soon after purchase. Pursue the issue and quickly.

I doubt it is the microphone that is the problem. More than likely just an inferior navigation system. Why Lexus even bothered with voice commands is beyond me since the response is usually something I didn't want. Gave up on it all and just use my iPhone.

Yeah, no big loss not having the navigation. I'd give you mine if I could. Hasn't ever done much but give improper directions anyway. Use your phone, works much better.

Very nice looking (for an SUV). Nice redesign.

If that is the hose that off, you can just eliminate the ACV by putting a threaded bolt in the hole where it screws in. Also block the vacuum lines on the intake manifold. What that does it give extra power assist for those unable to turn the nornal power steering wheel(?).

How do we find the photos?

Even though I owned one of these for over a decade (and might have it back soon), I can't figure out what hose and pipe you are mentioning. Maybe snap a picture at next inspection as I am rather curious. Also (and might sound stupid) but I have no idea what an ACV is.

Was at the dealership for an oil change and looked around the lot. There was a beautiful, white, LS460L f-sport. Nice car only $90,000. I was not overly impressed with the tires on the LS. Needs a little more sneaker.

Oops forgot the Corvairs. Didn't know the Suburu

I can deal with the Sonic commercials since they change them often enough. Perhaps the WORST commercials on TV are those for the debt reduction and save the butts of those who previously overspent. The stupid announce has his head leaned to one side as he talks and then show people on phones with smiles. Somehow I expect the people working in those boiler rooms are not smiling in reality. THEN, they replay the same commercial every 5 minutes for months. Agh. you know their bottom line is to suck more money from those who has painted themselves into a corner and are hoping for salvation. Big news, the government does not reduce your tax liability because you hire someone whose head leans to one side while they are talking.

With all the speed cameras, toll booths and red light cameras, I sure would be happy with a dimmer license plate light. Not really something I'd want brighter.

And watch the throttle. Those 4 CAM 6 Bolt Mains engines are fast! Only engine designed for automotive use that is approved for aviation use as well.