howudodat

92 LS400 280k miles. When I first fire up the car, the steering is feather light. As I back out of the garage it stiffens up on the first turn, although not too bad, maybe 10-15% stiffer. Then sometimes as I'm driving if I take an exit off the highway and abruptly turn right the PS dies completely and I'm left with manual steering. About 10' down the rod the PS kicks back in again. Also seems like I'm losing / burning some fluid as I have to top off every few months. - no puddles on the garage floor though. Any ideas? Peter

I'm pretty sure I know where this will go, but I'm really wanting to double check before I dive in. My 92 LS400 has developed a strong smell of Freon inside the car. HAd the system re-charged, and the next day it was empty and the car smelled like freon. I'm guessing the evaporator needs replaced. But I'm looking to the experts for a double check. Peter

If the rack is leaking, you probably need to replace it. I'm not an expert on this, mind you. I had to replace mine on a 91 ls 400. Bought the rack from AutoZone. Swapped it my self...it's not too hard...but I put regular PS fluid back in. This was not a good idea. The rack started leaking after a while, got it replaced under warranty and have had no problems since. Note: It's pretty tought to find a rack with the power solenoid on it. You'll have to swap that out. The thing is somewhat fragile so be careful. Racks will probably run between 300-400 give or take $50. Peter

The pressure control solenoid on my 91 LS400 is leaking. Called the dealer and they want more for it than a reman'd rack. I replaced the rack about 9 months ago. Anyone know where I can get a new (or used but working) solenoid? Peter

Finally found the relay, BTW for those who might come after me and search the forums, it's labled MG CLT in the fuse/relay box. So....replaced the relay...still no go, A/C light blinks, no A/C. Any ideas before I dump a grand at the dealer? Peter

ok, took the car to my mechanics and we put it up on a lift. All connections seem tight. Found more info on the relay but still can't locate it. Where the heck is this thing? Re-tested the freon level and checked to make sure the compressor wasn't frozen, all checks out. Peter

ok..am going to put the car up on a lift tomorrow to check the sensor. I found the relay/fuse box. There isn't a relay clearly marked A/C, only one I could find close was clmt. Is that it? Can the relay be swapped with another relay to check it, if so which one is recommended (I noticed not all the relays are the same). Finally, I can no longer get the A/C to run no matter what speed I'm driving at. Peter PS. Thx for all the help so far.

Have returned from a business trip and am ready to give a quick update. Ran the A/C tests and after the A/C ran just fine for a couple of days. I thought all was solved. Sadly, it started mis-behaving again. So I will begin looking for the relay...just to make sure...where can I find this relay? I've noticed also that *sometimes* I can have better luck firing up the compressor if I am going down the highway. So if it doesn't start up at first, I can jump on the highway, drive about 5 miles and then it will *usually* fire right up. Peter

A/C light blinks. Searches show this is a frozen compressor, however I just replaced the compressor about 3 months ago. Took the car to my mechanic and he checked the pressure on the system... 40lbs. Right where it should be. Also of note, sometimes the A/C works, othertimes it doesn't. Seems to be about 1 out of every 4 times I start the car the A/C will work. Any ideas? 91 LS400 Peter

Ran the tests. No stored codes, but as soon as it kicks on the AC it kills the engine again. Peter

92 LS400, if I start the car with AC in auto, the engine starts and immediately stalls. if I start the car with NO AC, the engine runs fine if I start the AC after the car is running, the engine stalls if I hold the RPM's at ~1500 the engine wont stall, but noticeablly loads down no cold air blows out. I'm thinking the compressor has gone bad, or frozen and is loading down the system. I wanted to see if anyone else has seen this problem before I invest in a new compressor. Peter

Recently replaced the front wheel bearings on my 92 LS400. Shortly afterward (perhaps at the same time) my air bag light came on, the cruise stopped working and the horn died too. I saw the tutorial at lexls.com and will try it, but I was wondering since I am affected by all three problems - all of which point to some electrical problem with the steering wheel am I looking at something other than a stored engine code? Thanks Peter