venu

Hi, I have a 95 LS400 with ~98K miles. I bought the car last year and had it go thru the 52 point inspection at a lexus dealer. One of the problems I noticed, and had them check for was... very rough downshifting (thrown from your seats ) of transmission if I let go of gas suddenly when accelerating, it can happen at any speed. More so when accelerating from a stop but even at high speeds, you feel like you do not have control of the car for a few seconds, it makes me drive cautiously . The dealer said the it is due to bad Engine computer, cruise control computer ans spark plugs. It would cost ~$4000 to replace it. I was seriously thinking of disposing the car then, the 52 point inspection listed repairs worth $16000, more than what I paid for the car. The Engine ECU was the biggest ticket item. I came across a post here, with a similar problem. The poster said he had similar problem, found that there was a Service bulletin issued for the Engine ECU. He went to the dealer and they replaced it free of cost, I recall his mileage was in high 90's too. With this information in hand I called up the dealer, they said there was a service bulletin for the problem, he confirmed my model year and vin number was included in the bulletin. He would'nt disclose the particulars of the bulletin when I asked what else could go wrong if the Engice ECU is dead (I am still looking for a web site to read about Service bulletin's, any help appereciated). So I asked if they would replace it for free. He took a few days and said no because the mileage was too high. Unfortunately the last owner never took the car to the dealer so they have no service records since last dealer visit at 40k miles. When I told him about the post I read.. dealer replaced it for free even at 90+k miles, he said it depends on lot of factors. The customer loyalty to the brand, if they come to the dealer for repairs etc., I called Lexus customer satisfaction, they called the dealer, now they say they will split the cost. I have to call the Lexus customer satisfaction again to see if they can replace it for free. I think the engine can go much more than the current 98k miiles and if there is a known issue they should fix it especially if there was a service bulletin. Let me know if I am approaching this right, any help appereciated. Also, I am not able to find the post I read few months back about this, the subject was'nt straight forward. If that poster is reading this please reply. Regards, -Venu.

Hi Miketsha, The dealer identified the bad downshifting to failed ECU, it was found during the intial inspection. I saw a similar problem from another poster in this forum about this issue, the poster said his dealer in Dallas replaced the ECU for free of charge since there was a service bulletin issued for this problem. I asked my dealer if he would do the same... the reply was my car has high mileage (98K) and they would'nt do it. I called up Lexus customer statisfaction, yet to hear from them but the dealer said they contacted them and said they would split the cost, that still $2000+, the whole thing cost $4000+. I am trying to bargain that they should do this for free as there is till ~90+k life left in the engine if properly cared. If you happen to find that post ( the Guy from Dallas who got it replaced free of charge) let me know. I can show it to my dealer & lexus customer satisfaction office. -Venu

Hi, I am looking for a good economical mechanic in the Bay area, California. I bought a 95 LS400 recently ;) , already streched my budget :( . I am taking it to AAA diaognostic center to get it checked, 100 point inspection (don't know which 100 yet). I'd like to get the big mechanical probelms fixed by buying the parts online. I need a good mechanic in bay area who is comfortabe with me bringing in the parts. Anybody here been to AAA diaosnostic center or thier Car Care facilities for LS400 repair. Thanks in Advance, -Vinnie.

Will do. Thanks again Steve.

Thanks guys. What do think about getting the safety inspection done at the dealer at 2hr labor charge versus AAA diaognostic center. Remember I am trying to save money :)

Hi, I am a newbie. I recently purchased a 95 LS400. Enjoying it. I have read most of the postings, very informative but scattered. Its a big post. I have strecthed myself to get this car. I am trying to save as much as I can on repairs etc., I do appreciate your time for reading it and giving me any useful suggestions. One observation to moderator, I wish we had a one place for newbies where we can find 1) Cleaning tips for leather, interior, plastics, rubber, dash etc., listed by each thing that can be cleaned. 2) Parts required to do repairs with oem part numbers and probably linked to one of the oem parts vendor website with part aleady filled in the web page. For oil change, Tune up, Replace struts, Change timing belt etc., I have few questions, need your suggestions. First the mechanical problems.. a) I get too much response from the steering when the right side of the car goes over pot holes. I am guessing shocks/struts, I have the height adjustable suspension. B) When the car reaches >65mph it start to shake. You can see the passenger seat shake like its possessed. :o . The drivers seat feels like a lazy-boy recliner with massager , it gets worse (or better if you are into massage :P as the speed increases 70-75mph. I am guessing shocks/struts. c) When I punch in the gas the engine give out a fluttering sound. Only during acceleration. Once it reaches a good speed no problems. d) The breaks squeal with ear piercing noise ( I can't hear much with windows closed :) when applied while in reverse gear. e) While acclerating during stop and go traffic, if I take off the foot from gas pedal suddenly the car jerks (voilently) when downshifting. Only if I let go of gas suddenly. The cosmetic problems, need your sugestions. 1) The plastic plate of the gear shifter is badly scratched and paint peeled from underneath. Can one replace just the plate. 2) Scratches on Cd player display, time/temp display. Somebody suggested plastix for headlamps, would that work inside too. 3) The leather, I am going to try the woolite 1/6 mix. BUt for conditioner there were few suggestions, a quick and easy one is.. 4) The cloth (like material) on the speaker is very soiled. Any good way of cleaning them with out taking out the speakers. 5) A good way to keep the black hard/soft plastic supple and black. Like the ones that run around the door to keep the noise level down or the black plastic housing at wipers etc., 6) A good easy do it your self waxing method for exterior. 7) Cleaning gold emblems. The car has ~92k miles. The last owner did'nt do a good 60k service. I think he just replaced timing belt, pads etc., at a small shop ( nothing agaist it as long its done right). The car had a regular oil job though at quicklube. Here is what I am thinkink of doing... * Go to a Lexus dealer and get the car diaognized. I checked couple of them they recommended safetly check, would take ~2hrs of labor cost ~$220-$300. OR should I go to the AAA Ca Care/Diaognostic center, they do it for $85. OR should I just get the 90k miles service done at a a dealer. * Go find a good mechanic. Buy the parts online and get it repaired starting with big improtant one's. Where to find oem parts cheap online ( my suggestion to have a link to the vendor site for common repairs with all the parts filled). Anybody recommend a good Lexus mechanic in California, bay area, who is comfortable with me bring in the parts. * Thinking of switching to Mobil Synthetic ( buy them in Costco). If I do can I do the oil change at 5000mile intervals instead. I mostly do half stop & go and half highway driving. What oil filters would you recommend. Thanks, -Venu.