jainla

I loved those old Saabs....sturdy fun little cars. They were fast, and the turbo lag made them even more fun .....especially in the rain... IMHO the 'new' ones from GM are crap (just another Oldsmo-buick). The LS has always had the great advantage of superior drag CD..so even at high speeds when other cars are using all their power to overcome wind resistance the LS still has some kick left (I think Toyota has always done a good job choosing the gearing as well). The pre '01 cars should easily do 150 mph...the newer ones (at least in the US) are limited to 130 for the ULEV certification. I hear in the UK the LS430s can do 170+. Not many people on the street take the LS seriously but it's wicked fast if you push it. Someone in the office was showing me the new VW direct injected turbo four in in the new Passat...that thing felt like a little rocket. I come back to my desk and discover to my shock that my LS430 is almost a full second FASTER to 60 mph....AND the LS faster than the GTI with the 2 liter turbo and neck and neck with the Passat 3.6. Despite weighing 800 pounds more the LS gives up little in EPA fuel economy to the 3.6....outstanding. My favorite thing to do however is to start up the on-ramp and keep the tach around 2800 rpm...the car just magically slingshots itself onto the freeway without any apparent effort. Talk about the invisible hand of something....

Air ride has been available since the start of the LS run....the 90-94 systems should be very simliar (because they are all MKI cars); I expect most of the components are in the same place so the schematics etc. should be valid. Did your mechanic check out the http://techinfo.lexus.com/ site? Where was he looking? On the 01 cars there is a height sensor on both the front and rear suspensions...it seems to be underneath the car at midline (near the differential on the rear and steering rack on the front). You may also want to check the fuses, perhaps the one that runs the compressor or the airsus system has blown?

You can try this: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=30802 also techinfo.toyota.com lets you subscribe for $10 for 24 hours. I agree with the other posters that the Air suspension is a complex piece of machinery that may not really a DIY fixer depending on how handy you are with these kind of things. . A dealer or independent will probably be able to at least tell you what's broken, then you can decide if you want to attempt the repair yourself or let them do it. They can probably pressure-test the system to see what's leaking. I believe there is a cross-feed valve somewhere in or near the trunk that might explain the rear drop problem; but the whole car is much more serious. The compressor is in the engine bay somewhere; the repair manual will have a more complete diagram of the system. Does it raise up when you start it or stay down? If it's not going up the compressor is either shot or the leak is too large for it to overcome....If you have a leaking line or strut the compressor will work overtime trying to keep the system pressurized and eventually burn out. Do a search for Air suspension and see if other people have reported similar problems....this is a popular topic of debate around here. :chairshot: I would get the car to a dealer or a good independent for diagnosis sooner rather than later. If you decide to repair the system you can buy aftermarket air springs, search these forums for Arnott industries they seem to be the only aftermarket supplier. I have also heard of people getting good prices on the OEM springs from Carson Toyota here in LA, but even the best price you'll find is about $300 per strut. The retail price from most dealers is probably $1000 per strut (ouch) so your second option is to purchase an aftermarket spring/shock combo that fits where the airsprings would go. Again many people on these forums have all gone through this so a good search will yield some options and suggestions. Good Luck!

The door closers are integral to the door latching system; so the whole latch and locking assembly would have to be replaced. SK is right they also interface with the door CPU, so there is the issue of would a non closing car have the same door CPU (I would probably guess yes). There is no central integration with the rest of the car's electrical system, so if you could get the updated assembly and the ECU would run it you would probably be in business. Honestly I never use mine, the LS doors seem to manually latch shut with a very light touch. On the other hand the doors on the S Class always seemed to have checks made of iron...a hefty slam was required to shut those things whenever I was at a car show...

What year is your car? This will help narrow down your options. 2004 and later RX models seem to be able to use the Vaistech units with or without the Nav: http://www.vaistech.com/sli.html I'm not sure if the Denision DICE unit will work or not: http://www.diceelectronics.com/ipod_integration.htm Both these units patch into the AV network in the car and come up as additional CD/MD changer units, so you don't actually remove anything. If you search this and other forums you'll see what experiences other users have had; I think somebody posted install instructions for an RX (or maybe it was a GX). Changing the CD player is difficult because its not a straight audio line-in connector but a proprietary network-type system that most likely nobody makes an aftermarket replacement for (and as expensive if not more so than using one of the aformentioned connector units). In Japan some of the Lexus models (the LS430 in particular) came with fancy DVDA/CD changers; I'm not sure if they played MP3s or not. Most aftermarket mods end up replacing the entire AV system because its just too difficult to patch into; the Mark Levinson and Nakamichi systems in particular are too difficult to piggyback on top of.

It seems to be a fairly broad spectrum antenna; the install instructions for the Lexus/Nokia Integrated phone also indicate that you can connect it for the external antenna option. This was a GSM Nokia 6310i. These directions also indicate that the LS430 DOES NOT have an aerial in the rear window glass for cellular; if the Lexus Link system is also installed the dealer has to affix a decal-type antenna to the rear window glass for the celluar system. The install directions also indicate that there are TWO coax connectors; one to the wiring in the center console and one to the antenna itself. The connector for the center console is up on the back of the right rear-wheel well, the other one seems to be near the navi CPU.

I agree definitely get the nav. Most of the 'problems' are caused by operator error rather than any inherent deficiency of the system itself; and the integration with the audio and car electronics is worth it. You'll also get the ML sound system (awesome) and the ability to add XM and or Ipod integration at a later time (or I should say better integration b/c you'll be able to see the titles on the screen). The 03 vs. 04 debate I think is more a matter of personal taste. Substantially they are the same car, but the really big changes on the '04 were the SmartKey system, the 6 speed automatic transmission, a backup camera and the integration of Bluetooth handsfree capability into the Nav system. The Pre-collision system was also offered on some '04s but they are rare. There were a bunch of other minor improvements and some styling tweaks, but those are the big differences. Do be aware there was a recall on some of the '04 models because of a defect in the transmission. Confirm with a dealer that any '04 you have been considering has been through it (they replace it) if it's one of the affected cars or you can have the service (and that they will pay for it) if you buy the car. As for a rush of LS430s coming on the market this fall I'd be surprised. The value of existing cars may drop slightly but you have to remember that most of these cars are leased, so they come onto the market at regular intervals. I also prefer to drive the car before I buy it; but these cars are fairly reliable. Do your homework; getting a Carfax will help you catch any screwy nonsense with titles or anything that seems odd. Also if you can get a dealer to do the CPO inspection on the car; they will tell you what Lexus itself would fix in order to certify the car as CPO. It will cost you about $200 but they go through EVERYTHING. Good luck with your choice, its a great car!

The car battery under the hood. You'll loose your radio presets and perhaps your seat memory positions; but disconnect the negative terminal and let the car sit for 15 minutes. Worth a shot. Jainla: That sounds fantastic but how can I dissconnection the battery? and where do I find it. I should try that. Thanks,

Yeah take it in. The subs in these cars can blow out...it's not common but it does happen and it should be covered under warranty.

Do you have the regular suspension or the air suspension? I have heard of the rubber bushings getting a little stiffer as time goes on. RFeldes is right in that it could also be the tires; either being over inflated or the rubber possibly getting stiffer. Are they the original tires? What kind/how many miles?

You can also try disconnecting the battery and letting it sit for a little while. The last time I my battery went flat the Nav system seemed to reset.

You can also try disconnecting the battery for a few moments. You might lose your radio presets but it will reset the navigation system. Contact your local Lexus dealership and request them to have their local FTS send them the repair disc to reset your navigation ECU. I would highly suggest that you not adjust anything in this hidden menu.

I'm pretty sure the much maligned Lexus Dual-Mode phone is actually an OEM version of the Touchpoint 2200. Made by Denso and sold by Qualcomm and/or LG. Sprint was the carrier. I'm sure a Google search will give you what you need. The Lexus Link system mounts on the right side of the trunk under the parcel shelf (I think I posted a link to the XM installation guide where you can see it). I'm not sure if the rooftop antenna shares the GPS system or not; was your square connector plugged into anything? Lexus Link has GPS (so you weren't totally wrong ) to determine location but the voice and datalinks back to Onstar itself are cellular. The system is analog only (which is why they cancelled the Gen1 system sales and are offering to remove it). Alternatively check out http://techinfo.lexus.com/. You can subscribe for 24 hours for $10 and download schematics etc. on PDF. I don't know if they'll have the installation guide; but there is a TSB out for the LS430 to remove the Lexus Link system so perhaps the directions and hookup schematics are in there. Good luck! Keep us updated!

From the owners faq on lexus.com: For the LS 430, does the Lexus Dual Mode phone use the roof-mounted antenna? If the vehicle is not equipped with Lexus Link, the phone will use the roof-mounted antenna.If the vehicle is equipped with Lexus Link, the phone antenna will be mounted on the lower inside edge of the rear window. So I guess if you don't have Lexus link the top antenna can work for at least some phone frequencies...

Exactly. Also the distortion you hear might be something rattling in the rear parcel shelf. Some dealers take the vents out and install felt underneath them to keep them from rattling. The ML systems need a little time to 'run in' properly, like all good hi-fi systems so depending on now much you have used it it may or may not be 'seasoned'. But ML has always been concerned with accuracy and clarity of sound; if you are looking for window shattering bass you might have to go aftermarket...

I know the 01-03 models were pre-wired for an external antenna for the Lexus dual-mode cellular phone, however this was an old Sprint unit so I don't know what the size or specs were. I believe the antenna is somewhere in the maze of aerials in the rear window glass. I'm not surprised that nobody seems to know about it; the Lexus integrated phone systems seem to have been a dark art in their day. :chairshot: Does anybody know if the UK convenience kits connect to the existing wiring? This would lead us to believe that the external antenna and the phone power connectors are still there under the center console. Alternatively the kit could also include an external antenna that the dealer would somehow install. I believe the wiring for the GPS antenna on the top of the car (or whatever antenna the Lexus Link system uses) might still be in the trunk as that antenna is also probably used for the G-book Alpha service in Japan and similar service in other countries. I believe the mounting location for LL is up underneath the parcel shelf on the right side of the trunk. If you search this forum for Lexus Link or for the XM stereo installation instructions (that unit installs directly under the LL box) you'll get more detailed info as far as placement and possible wiring locations. Sewell Lexus has some instructions on their website. It seems like you might as well try the built in antenna before you go through the hassle of ripping the car apart to replace it. If you have to wire your own you might also want to look into placing the antenna behind a bumper somewhere; the plastic should be radio transparent. You might not get the same coverage that you would get with the antenna higher up but the wiring might be a little easier and it would be out of sight. Good luck!

Anybody know where the external connector is on the LS430? I'm assuming it's somewhere in the center console?

Yes that's not unheard of for these cars. I know some Lexi have updated Sunroof gaskets available that supposedly squeak less, don't know what years of LS they are available for. But lubricating the seal seems to work too. My roof pops up a little when people slam the doors, but I'm guessing that's also normal (leads to me cringing, but whatever). When closed it sits flush with the roofline.

Facinating thread...I had heard the first generation LS cars in Japan had massage seats but never saw it before. They also had rear-view exterior mirrors that vibrated ultrasonically; clearing them of rain droplets. (sigh). Yes navigation is very popular in Japan because many older streets don't have consecutive numbers! (Yes I know, this is the country that invented the Hybrid Car and yet no consecutive street numbers). The the Century and Celsior (and many other Toyota and Lexus models) have had G-Book Alpha for a couple years now, which is kind of like nav and XM traffic and a bunch of other stuff all wrapped up into one. Makes our nav systems look like PDAs in comparison...but slowly that stuff is making it over here.

You mean this? http://www.l-tunedparts.com/product/?id=11 This place is actually Carson Toyota (here in LA); they have all kinds of Toyota Japan accessories for the Celsior/LS430 and other Lexi. I've been eyeing the rear footrests myself (why I don't know b/c I never sit in the back of my car). I don't know if you can get them color keyed or not; you might have to have them painted. They seem pretty responsive to questions and some other people have reported good part prices. Let us know how it goes!

Radar has a lot of benefits over laser, it has a wider field of vision, its not as effected by rain, fog, and adverse weather, and the sensor isn't in a position where it can be as easily damaged. Certainly from a durability standpoint it's better, but like I've said I haven't tried the radar so I don't know it in general if it drives much differently or not. I know people that have the PCS and say they don't like it, I know people that have the laser and love it, and vice-versa. It seem to be more of a personal preference as far as driving style. As the prices fall on the radar hardware everyone seems to be moving in that direction; I think BMW, MB. and Audi all use radar, Jaguar I think still uses laser. I wonder why they didn't think to put the laser sensor behind the windshield, like the rain sensor...or the cameras in the new S and LS. I'm still hoping for the laser that can zap the annoying drivers in front of you...now THAT would be worth it.

ALL of the systems say "RADAR READY" when you turn them on-- even my '01 with the laser cruise. If you have a small cave-like structure on the left side (drivers' right) of the front of the car underneath the bumper with 2 clear windows, you have the laser cruise control. If you have the "L" logo seemingly sealed in a plastic case in the center of your grille, you have the millimeter radar system (and also the PCS system). Radar cruise was offered only with the PCS system, laser cruise was still offered on the non-PCS cars, and before mid MY 2004 it was all laser. I have heard about some people having a lexan cover cut for the laser sensor and velcroing it on....it doesn't seem to affect the operation of the sensor but seems like a hassle. I don't know if I would necessarily agree with Steve that the radar is absolutely better. It's a newer system, so its logic may be better programmed, but I've never driven an LS with it so I don't know if it works much different in the real world or not. But it does see through fog and rain (although you may not be wanting to use cruise in those situations anyway) and the sensor is also actually mounted behind the grille in front of the radiator so it's much less susceptible to damage. But if you come up on a large non-metallic object in the road the radar might not see it. That's probably why the APCS on the next-gen LS has radar and cameras...and the lane keeping assist will actually steer the car back into the lane (but not around things alas).

That's good to know that they work well together. I know VAISTECH seems to be working on an iPod/XM combo unit (probably won't have an aux output though) but nobody knows when it will come out. They seem to be putting all their efforts into satisfying the demand for current units. So do you have to page through 4 sets of MD/CD changers when switching between the ipod and XM? Can you disable the aux input on one of the units to reduce the number that you have to page through?

It's a whole new world with the LS.....

I disagree, in part. You are correct about it being a surprisingly heavy car. The motor is plenty strong for the car. However, the power band to final drive ratio relationship may be the problem. The motor turns appreciable revs getting up to speed and even while running at Interstate speeds. You are not aware of the motor speed and there is no shortage of power, but you look down at the tach and see the motor is turning up considerable rpm. Well Acura knew they would take a lot of flak for not having a V8 engine in that car, so they lowered the gearing to make acceleration comparable to a V8 powered car. Fuel economy lost out to performance. 2200 at 70, around 1800 at 60.