1990LS400

All prices are local.  See what similar cars are selling for in your area.

KBB private party sale value where I live in the Midwest for a 2001 LS UL in that color with that mileage in Good condition is between $4,916 and $7,245 which I think is unrealistically high.

A 2006 LS UL with similar miles in a more desirable color with the optional PCS/DRCC package could bring $10K to $13K here if it is in KBB Good condition.

It's a shame these cars aren't worth more but there isn't much demand for old Lexus sedans - even originally expensive ones.

That's a common aftermarket on/off switch that could be used to control anything.  All you can do is to trace the wires from it and see where they lead.  Do you see any non-standard equipment on your vehicle that the switch might control?  For example, I've used very similar on/off switches to activate aftermarket rear fog lights.  

The Sylvania bulb guide shows a very different looking bulb for the 2002 SC430 map lights:  https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/index.jsp

The bulbs that Sylvania shows for the SC430 map lights are the same double ended bulbs used in map lights and overhead lights in a variety of Lexus and Toyota vehicles we've had.

15 hours ago, Mannyjr1991 said:

I got a 2008 Lexus ls 460 l and when I got the car the front door speakers were blown I have the ML sound system and I went to Walmart and bought some 6x9s to put In to get sound do you think it would mess up my system 

Walmart speakers in an LS460?  🤣

Audio systems can be very particular when it comes to impedance.  Yes, it is possible to trash an amplifier if speakers with incompatible Ohm ratings are used.  I used speakers with incompatible Ohm ratings on a home audio system many years ago but I had to wire in crude adapters and the results weren't ideal.

The following website is about the importance of impedance matching:  https://www.techwalla.com/articles/2-ohm-vs-4-ohm-speakers 

The Toyota technical information site is https://techinfo.toyota.com

Complete audio system diagrams should be available for all model years on the techinfo site if you want to get down to the details and compare every connector pin and wire color on the audio system components for the various system versions.  That might tell you if the different versions have the same functional pins in their connectors that would imply compatibility.

I've got probably a hundred audio system diagrams for Lexus vehicles but not a single one for the SC430. 

I've always regarded the SC430 as sort of special case in that there were extremely few noticeable changes over it's ten model year run.  

OK, I reviewed both the 2002 SC430 Navigation and Owners manual and can find nothing about anti-theft security codes for navigation or radio components.  Owners manuals for older Lexus vehicles that had security codes had extensive information on how the owner could optionally set security codes.  Even in these older systems, very few owners set security codes.  Even if an owner did set a security code and for some reason "bricked" his radio, Lexus dealers had instructions on how to unlock radios although they supposedly required proof of ownership before they would to it.

I strongly doubt that your Lexus dealer is giving you valid information and I guarantee you that there is information on the subscription Toyota techinfo website the explains everything.  The Lexus dealer would not have to call "Mark Levinson" for assistance.

Lexus dealerships often (always?) get extremely lazy and lose interest when dealing with older Lexus cars.  They'd rather invent a line of bull$#!+ than put forth a little bit of effort to research questions.. 

That said, it is interesting that there are two different manual sets for the 2002 SC430.  One set is for before January 2002 and the other is for January 2002 and later.which suggests that there was a mid-model year change that "might" include changes to the radio/navigation system. 

 

If your owners manual doesn't reference a security code then your head unit does not have one.  The first Lexus (1990 LS400) I purchased 29 years ago had a radio security code.  My second Lexus (2000 LS400) didn't have a security code.  At least for the LS, 1994 was the last year that radio security codes were used in North America.

If you don't have an owners manual, you can view it at https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers

It's a "feature" that's been mentioned before but I don't remember if it was only on the ES or if anyone ever determined and posted the cause.  My guess is residue from corrosion of the fasteners holding the mirror to the door.  

It's relatively easy to remove a mirror from a door to take a look but that might not be worthwhile if the stain can be removed with car wax.

22 minutes ago, SmithC said:

Jim.  No, it was not a Lexus dealer, but a trusted local shop.  About $500 for the part and $200 for labor...the part is inside the driver door/

Were you provided with a written estimate that describes the part?  I'm only guessing that the part is the "COMPUTER ASSY, OUTER MIRROR CONTROL" for the driver door which appears to be part number 89430-33230 which retails for $351.64 and is available online for $264.26.  I suggest that you ask exactly what part is needed including the part number.  If it is the part number I've giving you ... well ... to put it gently there may be a trust issue if their part charge is $500.  If you have the part number that is needed, you can google it yourself or ask in this thread.

I didn't realize that the mirror control ECU was inside the door but I haven't dealt with them since they've not been a problem on the Lexus and Toyota vehicles I've owned.  I pulled a driver door panel on a Toyota Sienna Limited with memory exterior mirrors a few weeks ago and the total time I spent pulling and reinstalling the door panel was no more than 15 minutes.  I did a Prius driver door panel the same day in about the same amount of time.  There's little difference in pulling Lexus and Toyota brand vehicle door panels - it's a little more complicated on some models but not much.

$200 for labor seems like a lot for pulling/reinstalling a door panel and replacing an ECU.  Labor prices vary and can be high in large cities.  Indie repair shops usually have a significantly lower labor rate than dealers but not always.  They may be guessing and padding the labor time if they are not familiar with the ES350.

An automotive ECU (electronic control unit) isn't much like a Windows PC or Apple MacBook which don't have to operate at temperature extremes.  Did a Lexus dealership diagnose the problem?  It is unusual for a problem like this to happen after only six years but apparent it does.  I don't know how we can second guess the diagnosis.  I suppose you could take it to someone else for an evaluation.  How much is the estimated repair cost?   

On 6/23/2019 at 3:55 PM, Hoosier Home Girl said:

Anybody know why settings button is grayed out on my telephone screen?  

That's quite a vague question.  You might be more specific about your phone type and which settings button you are referring to.

On 6/20/2019 at 5:34 PM, AnnsRx said:

Hi, I've been reading these posts on cleaning headlight lens with 3m restoration kit...  looked online, there seems to be several kinds. Which are you using?  Tks

I've used a variety of these kits.   I think the best and "safest" one to use is the Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit which does not require using power tools.  If you use this kit I would caution you to go beyond the instructions.  Mask all areas around and below the headlights so that you don't get the chemicals on anything except the headlight lenses.  Do the work inside in a dust free environment preferably between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  Don't drive the vehicle or remove it from the inside environment for at 24 hours.  

The final clear coat takes longer to dry if the humidity is dry.  Resist the urge to touch the lens to see if it has dried!

None of these restoration kits provide permanent results.  Although the results of the Sylvania kit has lasted longer than the others, plan on repeating the process after around two years or sooner if you drive in harsh conditions where there is blowing fine road debris.  Lenses can be restored over and over.

Here is a link to an ad for the kit:  https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/products/other-lighting/other-accessories/index.jsp

It's available on Amazon for around $20 and at some auto parts stores.

We've had a variety of Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles over the past 30 years and none of them have had a fuel filler door that "locked" in the open position.  None of the fuel doors on the Mercedes, Honda and Volvo vehicles we've owned locked in the open position either.    

3 hours ago, Marshallb said:

Shawn:

Can you use Sirius/XM?

Marshall

Maybe Shawn will reply but he last visited this forum since September 2018.  If Shawn installed a 2007 SC430 radio in his 2002 SC430, it would not have had built-in satellite radio capability but, unlike earlier SC430 radios, an aftermarket sat radio tuner could be added to it ... such as those that VAIS has for a 2007 SC430 audio system:  https://www.vaistech.com/product-category/satellite-radio/?fwp_year=all-packages-sc-430-lexus-2007

5 hours ago, Neil C said:

Hello I have an 03 plate LS 430 The tilt n slide and telescopic function stopped about six months ago I haven't been bothered about it being in the fully down position but am currently thinking of trading the car. I took it to an auto electrician today and was told the column showed three different malfunctions on the sensors which control the motors and I would need to have a new steering column fitted which would be prohibitive as the cost would outweigh the value of the car. Am very interested in the posts I have read and the excellent photographs but am not really very mechanically minded but am willing to give it a go removing the covers and manually rotating the worm screw to get the steering wheel into a more comfortable position . One problem I have is I am unsure what an "e clip" is ? Is this what we in UK would refere to as a circlip ? 

Maybe an e-clip should be called an immature c-clip!  Here is a website about it - has a photo showing both:  http://www.townsendbearings.co.uk/index.php/circlips-and-e-clips/

If your automotive electrician does not specialize in Lexus cars, he/she may be overestimating the scope of the problem.  Does any sound come from the steering wheel motors when you attempt to adjust the tilt and telescope?  If there is a noise, there may be a binding issue that can be patched.  If there is no noise then there may be an electrical problem.  I would be surprised if both tilt and telescope motors failed at the same time.  For example, check to see if the electrical cables connected to the motors are damaged.

Here's a link to a video that shows going through the wheel well to replace the low beam bulb.  I assume the high beam bulb can also be accessed.

It's possible that the damage is too great for it to be realistic to repair.  It is an "interference engine" which means that the valves and pistons can contact each other when the timing belt fails.  If I remember correctly, 1998 was the last model year that didn't have an interference engine.  A variety of issues can cause the timing belt to fail including a failed water pump, idler and belt tensioner.   The timing belt rarely fails on its own - it's usually another related part that fails and takes it out which is why it is important to change these related components each time the timing belt is replaced.  

5 hours ago, TomDargan said:

I have replaced 5 tires in 5 months due to pothole damage in NY. Alwasys a rip on the rim, FR or FL. When hurried along in heavy traffic I cannot see them in time. What do you think...

1. Do run flats transmit the shock more than ordinary tires? Are they more fragile?

2. Would larger tires on on smaller wheels protect better against potlhole damage?

3. Would larger tires on on smaller wheels mess up my suspension, make the car harder to control?

1.  Yes, they have a reputation for providing a harsher ride but I don't know if they can be called more fragile.

2.  Yes, downsizing to smaller wheels with higher aspect ratio tires to keep the speedometer accurate would provide a more compliant ride but it would still be necessary to avoid potholes when possible.  According to https://www.tirerack.com , 17 inch and even 16 inch wheels can be used on the SC430 which must mean that its brake calipers are no larger than the LS430 which originally came with 16" wheels as standard.

3.  Smaller wheels would not damage the suspension but handling at the limits of adhesion might be affected.  But does anyone drive an SC430 hard?  Nobody I've ever known.

The easiest solution might be to ditch the run-flat tires for regular tires.  If you are concerned about flat tires, buy and carry a Safety Seal tire plug kit and a can of Fix-a-Flat or Slime tire sealant.  Porsches have come without spare tires and with plug kits for years.

Keeping inflation pressures at the minimum shown on the driver door pillar would also help reduce wheel and tire damage and provide a more comfortable ride.

You could also buy a compact spare tire for your SC430.  This was more popular when the SC430 were still in production.  There was once a spare tire kit for the SC430 although it took up a lot of trunk space.  The SC430 sold in some countries came with a spare tire.  Google "sc430 spare tire kit" and you'll find information.

OEM 18 inch SC430 wheels have a 45 mm offset.  If you want to downsize to smaller wheels you'll need to look for a similar offset and verify that the wheels will clear your brake calipers.  Tire Rack says it has 17 inch wheels with a 40 mm offset that will fit the SC430 but verify that if you are interested in them.  Some of the 16 inch wheels Tire Rack sells for the SC430 have only a 38 mm offset which seems like a fairly radial difference from the original 45 mm.

The following website purports to have accurate information about wheel sizes, offsets and bolt patterns on vehicles made by Toyota:  https://www.wheel-size.com/size/

I've noticed a few SC430's on the road the past few weeks.  I never see any in Winter months.

What the 30,000 maintenance "should" cost and what a Lexus dealership wants to charge you are two completely different concepts.   Your RX450h is mechanically identical and requires the same 30,000 mile maintenance as a Toyota Highlander hybrid.  Don't let a Lexus dealership service writer tell you otherwise.  Their job is to sell services including unneeded ones.  

I would expect the 30K maintenance for a 2016 Toyota Highlander hybrid to cost between $200 and $300 depending on where you live and the billing rates.  The Toyota Sienna I drive now is mechanically identical to the Lexus RX350 and its 30,000 mile service cost $189 at a Toyota dealership a couple of years ago.

I suggest that you call the Lexus dealership before you make an appointment and ask what a 30,000 mile maintenance on a 2016 RX450h costs.  If they aren't willing to tell you then don't do business with the dealership.  Some Toyota dealerships will do the maintenance at a lower cost as long as it is not owned by the same company as the Lexus dealership.

Or find an independent repair shop that specializes in Lexus.  The ones I used during most of my 24 years driving Lexus LS sedan were owned and staffed by former Lexus dealership employees, charged substantially less and weren't always trying to sell me unneeded services.

There's not all that much to do on the 30K RX450h service.  You can view the requirements in your maintenance booklet or online at https://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/document/omms-s/L-MMS-16RX450H/pdf/L-MMS-16RX450H.pdf

No, they are not original wheels.  The 1997 LS400 Coach Edition came with wheels that looked like the standard wheels on the 1998-2000 LS400 although I think the finish was different - see the attached photo of a 1997 LS400 Coach Edition.

Finding replacement hub caps / wheel centers for aftermarket wheels can be difficult to impossible since an aftermarket wheel style might be sold for only a limited time.  Have you looked on the back side of one of the wheels to see if there is anything about who made them?

Yes, the HVAC depends on the navigation screen.  If the nav fails you could either replace it with a used one (e.g. from eBay) or have it repaired assuming there are companies that still repair these things.  Sure it can be pricey.  These were fairly expensive cars when new.  Since the HVAC depends on the OEM navigation screen, it's not possible to replace it with aftermarket and retain the HVAC controls.

I don't think the navigation screen has a high failure rate but there are never any guarantees.

Here's a sales listing for highly equipped lower mileage LS430  that was obviously originally sold by Servco Lexus in Hawaii and which doesn't have nav - unusual in that it was brought to the mainland (California):  https://www.autotruckvillage.com/details/used-2002-lexus-ls-430/52721380

22 hours ago, Geary Rowell said:

How much fuel is left in the tank when the low fuel indicator comes on?

It varies.  Find out for yourself for your particularly vehicle by filling your tank after the low fuel indicator lights up and then subtract the amount you add from the tank capacity shown in your owners manual.

Hi, I see you are back having purchased the final map update on eBay.  It seems like you can do the update with the disc you bought but I'm not an expert and we are dealing with what could be termed obsolete technology.  I'd say give it a try.  If it doesn't work you can resort to using a portable nav device or a cell phone nav app.    

I expect dealerships to start recommending and charging for changing the air in tires any day.  And don't forget the most important maintenance requirement - changing the blinker fluid!  Here's a how-to video so you don't have pay someone else to do it.  😁

You might want to get the problem diagnosed first.  I'm pretty sure that there is a mirror ECU and it could be the problem.