CanadaCraig

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're having a great day!! Have you seen The General Lee [xus] before? I think it looks good. One day - I just might do something 'different' with my LS. Click on THIS to read a little more about where it comes from. Craig!! :)

Thanks again. The car is running fine again [Knock on wood] and it only cost me $4.99 for a new 'universal' negative battery cable end. After getting everything done - I reset the clock - entered the radio security number - and drove around for about an hour or so. It was fine. In fact - it was better than fine. Thinking back - I remember noticing how the headlights would dim a bit whenever I touched the brakes. Now the lights don't seem to dim at all. Craig!! :)

Hi curiousB!! :) THANKS!! Two more questions. - Are the 'clamps' truly universal? How would I know which one I need? The battery that's in the car now actually came from CanadianTire. - What sort of tools would one need to replace that 'clamp'? Thanks again, Craig! :)

Hi Steve!! :) I appreciate the link. Not sure why couldn't find a negative battery terminal. I guess I assumed [Like practically everything else on the LS] the battery cable end had to be Lexus-specific. Is 'terminal' the same as 'end'? [As in 'negative cable END'?] Even in this one message thread there seems to be three names for the exact same thing. 'Terminal', 'end' and 'clamp'. Are they the same thing? Craig!! :)

Hello!! :) I checked everything out - seems OK. The wires in the trunk seem fine. The PS fluid reservoir is full. [At the level it should be] And I saw no signs of it leaking or dripping. As of this minute - it seems as though the problem was/is caused by the negative battery cable. After I sand-papered off any signs of corrosion and dabbled a little Petroleum jelly everywhere - the car started GREAT. [it didn't start off on a high idle - which puzzled me - but it sounded and felt fine] Trouble is - the head of the bolt on the negative cable end [The metal part that goes over the terminal] broke off - now I can't tighten it up. Grr.... Truth be told - all I had to do was giggle it off. And it was a 'screwed on' as can be. So I wonder if the terminal on the new battery that I bought a few months ago is smaller in diameter than the OEM [Lexus dealer supplied] one that I had in there before. Hmmm. What could I do about that?! ANYWAYS.... TWO QUESTIONS: Can a person buy just the metal part that goes on the terminal? I see positive ones for sale - but no negative ones. And IF you can - could you tell me how to re and re it? Thank you very much, Craig!! :) )

THANK YOU!! I appreciate the responses. At least now I have some direction. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're having a great day!! Can you believe it? I still have my 1993 LS400. Trouble is - she's not doing to well. It all started a few weeks ago as I was driving away from a friends house. The moment I pressed on the brake pedal the headlights dimmed to nothing and electrical power to everything was cut off. [To the point where the clock would reset to 1:00] The engine would have stalled [The RPM's dropping to around 200 or so] if were not for the fact that I immediately took my foot off the brake, shifted into neutral and pressed half way down on the gas pedal. The plan worked. The engine revved up and the lights became bright again. But every time I braked after that - the same thing happened. I was on a dark, winding road [About 2 AM] where I would normally have to use the brakes a lot - so I downshifted to 2nd gear and tried to keep the speed up to around 40 km/h or so. [25 mph] After about 3 minutes - I had to use the brakes again. But this time - everything was fine. The lights stayed bright and the engine rpm's didn't drop. There was no threat of stalling. And it stayed that way all the way home - and for the next a couple of weeks. Then it happed again just as I was turning onto the street where my brother lives. It was fine up to that point but all of a sudden - the moment I pressed on the brake pedal - the car stalled. [it took me by surprise] I quickly shifted into neutral and started the car. I braked again - it stalled again. Fortunately I was only about 200 feet away from where I wanted to park - so I started and stalled my way to the front of my brother's home! I tried to start the car a few hours later - and the same thing happened. [Although this time the car was parked and IN 'Park'] As soon as I pressed on the brakes - the engine died. So that was that. I had no choice but to leave the car there. A couple of days later I tried it again. This time - other than hearing something that sounded a bit like a 'short' - nothing happen. It was dead as a doornail. So I disconnected the negative battery terminal cable and walked away. A week later I called BCAA [AAA] and had them tow it back to my house. A few days after that - on October 4th, 2010 - I reconnected the battery cable and took note of the fact that the dome light was bright. But as soon as I tried to start the engine - I heard that 'short' sound again - and everything was dead. [including ALL interior lights] So I got curious and wiggled the battery cable. As soon as I did - the dome light came back on. And this time - the car started. And it kept running. [With a little help from the gas pedal] So after a couple of minutes - I eased up on the gas pedal and noticed that the idle speed was dropping fast - hovering around 200 or so. But it didn't stall. So I revved it up some more. I then tried the headlights - fine. I even pressed on the brake pedal - fine. The idol was low and irratic - but it didn't stall. No matter what I did with the brakes or power window switches or anything else - there was no threat of the engine stopping. All lights were bright. I'm still not willing to drive it - because I need to know what the problem is. Any ideas? I am quite seriously hoping that it is not what I have been fearing - an alternator being destroyed by a leaking power steering pump. [The PS pump was replaced about 4 years ago] And I say that because if it is - according to my local Lexus dealer - those two parts - put labour - plus HST tax - are just under $3,000. [$2,840 to be exact] The entire car isn't worth much more than that. Some websites have mentioned an IAC or a brake booster as a possible cause. I'm hoping it just needs a new battery cable. [And a good wash! lol] Any help would be very much appreciated. THANKS Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Have you ever seen an LS brochure for the Japanese market LS? I can't believe how 'personalized' one can make the interior. Imagine red leather. Or rose coloured leather. Or white leather. And a choice of headliners and so on. Wow!!! It's fun to look at. Click on THIS to see it. Just when - exactly - did North Americans become so BORING when it comes to interior colours? Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're having a great day!! Click on THIS to read a FIRST DRIVE article on the new for 2010 LS460 Sport. Craig!! :)

PS Are the original struts that came from the factory [And that are still on my car] KYB GR-2's? Or something else?! I'm confused.

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're having a great day. I'm seriously [once again] thinking of replacing the original struts, strut mounts and coil springs on my 1993 LS400. Even with the new tires it's still hitting every little bump in the road far too hard for my liking. And it sits lower on the driver's side. [The reason I would like new coil springs] So I emailed three Lexus dealers. Two in Vancouver and the one I bought my car from in Victoria. [both Canadian cities in the beautiful province of British Columbia - home of the 2010 Winter Olympics!! lol] You tell me - are the following prices HIGH or is that what these parts cost? And based on the info I got from just one of the Vancouver dealers - is the labour high?! [And I mean 'silly high'?] At one Lexus dealer in Vancouver front struts - $196 each front mounts - $188 each front coil springs - $167 each At the other Lexus dealer in Vancouver front struts - $222.00 each front strut 'mounts' - $198.00 each front coil springs - $167 each. rears struts - $240 each rear mounts - $189 each rear coil springs - $146 each And at MY Lexus dealer in Victoria front struts - $221.70 each front mounts - $197.50 each front coil springs - $166.70 each Only one of the dealers [The second one listed from Vancovuer] gave me the prices for the rear struts, mounts and coil spring - PLUS what it would cost to install all three of those parts - both front and rear. Labour to install all three items on both sides Front - $395 rear - $510 And if I do replace all three parts - both front and rear - is their anything ELSE I should keep in mind? Are there bushings that should be replaced - while everything is apart? Will I need to get an alignment? [And so on] Thank you, Craig!! :)

Hi SW03ES!! :) It's good to see you too!!! And thanks for letting me know. It's a funny sound. But no doubt - once that 'sound' goes away - they will be VERY quiet tires indeed!!! Hi pauljcl!! :) In Canada at least - COSTCO charges $15 per tire to balance and install. It's their so-called 'Installation Package' price. The Lexus dealer also charged $15 per tire. Not sure about the repairs part of the deal though. Does COSTCO repair flats for free or something?! Either way - given the fact that the Lexus dealer is a LOT closer to home than COSTCO is - and given the fact that the purchase/balancing/mounting price was lower - I'm happy I got them at the dealer. Besides - even if one of my tires does get a nail puncture - and it cost $40 to repair [which I doubt would be quite that much] I'm still breaking even. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Last week I had new Michelin Primacy MXV4 98V tires put on my '93 LS400. They replaced the Bridgestone Turanza LS-V tires that were on the car for about 85,000 trouble free kilometres. The new Michelin's are very nice tires. They suit the car perfectly. [A little better - perhaps - than even the Bridgestones] They do make a 'sticky tape' sound though. But I hope that goes away after awhile. And they are smooth riding - smoother than the Bridgestones. But in all fairness - those Bridgestones were pretty worn out. The interesting thing is - I bought the Michelins from my Lexus dealer. At $187 each - they were $10 cheaper at the Lexus dealer than at COSTCO. That surprised me - to say the least. Craig!! :)

Hi Steve!! :) Thanks for the heads-up. And for the advice. I just want to buy one set of new tires and hope they get me through whatever little snow we end up getting next year. No matter what I end up buying - it's going to be a bit of a lottery. If you read the comments on tirerack.com - one guy LOVES his new tires - and right below him is a guy who thinks they're the worst tires ever made. And they're both driving the same car and bought the exact same tires. Craig!! :)

Hi RX in NC, I wish it was as easy at that. You can't assume anything with tires. For example..... the V-rated Primacy MXV4's have a tread wear rating of 620 and the Z-rated Pilot Sport A/S 'plus' tires have a tread wear rating of 500. The H-rated Michelin HX MXM4 tires have a tread wear rating of 300. And the H-rated Goodyear Eagle ResponsEdge tires have a tread wear rating of 440. So as far as tread wear ratings go - you can't - like I said - assume anything. And there's a LOT MORE to it - like how much noise they make and if they are any good in the rain AND light snow. Besides - all LS models [At least the 1st generation LS models] came with V-rated tires. The speed rating isn't ONLY about how fast the tire can safely go. when I bought my LS it had T-rated Michelins on it. I quickly replaced them with V-rated tires and the car felt far more secure. The T-rated tires were very sloppy. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're having a great day. My '93 LS will need tires soon. VERY SOON!! And of the two tires I"m most interested in - I'd like to get your feedback. I'm thinking of either the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 'plus' [225/60ZR16] or Michelin Primacy MXV4. [225/60VR16] The difference in price at the TireRack site is only $2. [The Primacy being more expensive] I think the Primacy tires MIGHT be a little quieter and smoother riding [which appeals to me] but probably not as good in the rain or on light snow as the A/S 'plus' tires. Hmmm......... Or would you suggest something else?! Thanks, Craig!! :)

THANKS GUYS!! I appreciate the opinions. And I [now] agree. No need to replace the spare tire. It looks - well - like NEW - and it's still holding air!! Hi Mike!! :) If you click on THIS you'll see exactly what sizes and speed ratings the Michelin Primacy MXV4 comes in. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. I'm going to have to replace all four tires on my 1993 LS400 sometime soon [Just trying to save up enough money to do so] and was wondering...... Should I buy a 5th new tire to replace the original Goodyear GA spare?! That spare tire has been locked away in the trunk now for over 16 years!!! I'm also still trying to decide what tires to buy. I'm leaning toward the Michelin Primacy MXV4 with a 'V' speed rating - but am also semi-considering the Goodyear Triple Tred [With an 'H' speed rating - but rated very highly for rain and even light snow] AND the Bridgestone Serenity tires. The Bridgestone Turnanza LS-V's on the car now have proven themselves to be great tires. To bad they don't make them anymore. Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi Everyone!! :) I hope you're OK. I have to admit - this is a VERY interesting topic for me. I've had that 'chugging' problem ever since I bought my 1993 LS400 in October of 2003. I have often described the feeling as if I was towing something. [And the weight of the imaginary thing trailing behind me was jerking the car as the wind hits 'it' - or something like that] A Lexus troubleshooter finally figured out [After I had already replaced several parts and cleaned the throttle body, etc., etc.] that it was a problem with my torque converter. He said [And this is going back a couple of years now - but my car still has the same problem because I can't afford to buy a new TC] that if I press on the brake pedal just enough to cause the brake lights to go ON [Which you can see - when it's dark out at least - in your rear view mirror as the third brake light reflects on the back window] the TC clutch will UNLOCK. When MY car is 'chugging' or 'jerking' at around 80 km/h [50 MPH] and I cause the brake lights to come on - the 'chugging' and/or 'jerking' instantly STOPS. That said..... just around town - the car is fine - for the most part. And can accelerate quite quickly. But once the clutch starts to act up - the power from the engine TO the transmission is noticeably and negatively effected. [Or is that affected - I can never figure that out!!] If you're still having the same problem - try that - and see what happens. That said - I'd love to know if it's possible to unplug something and keep the TC clutch from engaging. Craig!! :)

I have a 94' that does the same thing. Had the transmission completely drained and refilled with new fluid and it did not help. Was recently told to add some Dr Tranny - Torque Converter Shudder fix. Has anyone used this? Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. I find this topic very interesting. MY transmission - or should I say - my TORQUE CONVERTER - is causing the exact same sensations. The TC clutch [so I've been told] is not always staying 'locked' and locks and unlocks at [And around] 50 MPH or so. THIS is what has been causing my car to have what I have often referred to as the 'towing a boat' feeling. [And is - so I suspect - the culprit behind why my car very often accelerates slower than it should] It's quite 'jerky' on the freeway. My Lexus dealer [in an attempt to fix the problem - because they failed to recognize it as a problem when my car was still under the extended warranty that I bought for it when I bought the car] has now flushed and filled the transmission [including the TC of course] TWICE. [At their expense] The last time [just a couple of weeks ago] using synthetic transmission fluid. [Filling the transmission with synthetic fluid when they were done] Neither 'flush and fill' fixed the problem. So now I'm looking into things like 'Dr. Tranny'. It would be interesting to see if it worked. Some websites seem to suggest that a worn clutch might be the problem. Can the clutch be replaced on a TC? Oh well.... Just felt like saying all that!! Have a great day! Craig!! :)

Hi Sanpete!! :) I bought my 1993 LS400 in October of 2003 and have complained about a poor acceleration problem ever since. The car took too long to get up to speed and would often feel as though it was 'towing something'. [A feeling brought on by a 'jerking motion'] MANY things have been done to the car in an attempt to 'fix' the problem. [All of which has been talked about here at lexusownersclub.com] Just a couple of months ago - a 'Lexus Troubleshooter' took my car for a drive and suggested that the problem is most likely the torque converter - specially the locking clutch 'thing'. My Lexus dealer - in response to the 'troubleshooters' conclusion - flushed the transmission and torque converter - replacing ALL of the old transmission fluid with new fluid. It made a BIG difference!! But the torque converter is still causing the car to 'jerk' and is often [so it seems] interfering somehow with the flow of power between the engine and the transmission. When the car is acting up ['jerking'] I can stop the 'problem' by pressing on the brake pedal just enough to cause the brake lights to go on. This causes the locking-clutch in the torque converter to disengage and when it does the car drives beautifully. So my dealer is trying to find out if it's possible to keep the clutch from locking so I can drive the car to confirm that indeed the clutch has been the problem all along. Hopefully that makes sense. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. QUESTION: Is there a way to stop the torque converter from 'locking-up'? [To keep the 'lock-up' clutch from 'locking'] Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi pishta!! :) Thank you very much for taking the time to write all of that. It really helps. Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi SRK!! :) I hope you're OK. I'm glad to hear that you're happy with your new wheels AND tires!! You never know how a wheel/tire combination is REALLY going to effect the ride and handling of your car until they're actually on the car. So it's good to hear that you made the right choice. I've been thinking about getting some new tires for my car. I've been thinking of buying Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires now that Bridgestone has stopped making the Turanza LS-V's that I've been quite happy with. But the Michelin's are $245 each at the Lexus dealer and $228 each at both 'Tires Unlimited' and 'O-K Tire'. [A no-brainer where I would buy them] But that's before you mentioned the Michelin Exaltos. They're supposed to be an excellent tire but last I heard they weren't available in Canada. Now that I know different - I'll be sure to take a closer look. Do you mind telling me what you paid for your Exaltos?! And do you remember if they come in a 'V' speed rating?! Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) Click on THIS to read the Car and Driver magazine ROAD TEST of the new Lexus IS-F. Craig!! :)