Stuart S

I started this thread because I searched the Forum and found nothing on this matter.

I am the original owner of a 2007 LS460 with under 36K miles. Recently, my SRS (Airbag) warning light came on, but after I restarted the car it went off. However, shortly thereafter it came back on again, but it went off after I restarted the car. The last time it came on it stayed on. So I brought it in to the dealer 2 weeks ago to diagnose it. They provided me with a service loaner ES350 and I'm still waiting for their decision as to what, if anything, they will do.

I discovered that on January 13, 2010, Lexus issued Service Bulletin Number 282827 in response to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Action Number 10033557. Here is the Summary: "Lexus supplemental restraint systems. Some model vehicles may exhibit an srs light on condition with dtc b1861 and/or b1866. After confirming the vehicle condition matches the bulletin, it will direct you to replace the instrument panel."

It appears that my LS460 matches that bulletin. Note that this is a Service Bulletin and NOT a recall, notwithstanding the fact that it pertains to a safety system, namely, SRS - the supplemental restraint system (airbags). My Service Adviser told me that because Lexus has not received enough complaints this matter has not been escalated to the level of a recall. He did not tell me how many complaints were received.

The airbag warranty is for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. Because my car is out of warranty (time, not mileage), my Service Adviser requested a courtesy repair from Lexus for the following reasons: (1) I purchased 2 brand new vehicles from this dealer (LS460 and RX350); (2) both vehicles have been serviced by the book; and (3) my LS460 has under 36K miles.

I would like to know if any other LS460 owners have experienced a similar intermittent airbag warning light and, if so, how that was resolved. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Stuart

While recently driving my 2007 LS460 (25K miles, with valve recall done) at around 40 mph I floored it to pass and the engine revved like it was in neutral for 3 or 4 seconds (seemed like forever) before the transmission engaged and downshifted, then caught up with the engine rpms, and finally started to accelerate. No other car I've ever driven has taken so long to downshift and accelerate, and I was worried that I might not be able to pass in time. This was unexpected and is a safety hazard.

Apparently this is not an uncommon occurrence, as Lexus issued Technical Service Bulletin L-SB-0033-08 in June, 2008 to remedy this problem.

See this link:

http://http://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/tsb.html?year=2007&make=&model=&styleId=100807643&engCode=8VNAG4.6&transCode=AUTOMATIC&mileage=25000&zip=30328&type=tsb

and click on POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) to open it.

If the hyperlink doesn't work, here's the URL to copy and paste into your browser:

edmunds.com/car-maintenance/tsb.html?year=2007&make=&model=&styleId=100807643&engCode=8VNAG4.6&transCode=AUTOMATIC&mileage=25000&zip=30328&type=tsb

Has anyone had the Hesitation on Acceleration repair procedure done? Did it fix the problem?

IMHO, of doubtful performance benefit except at highest rpms. Also, not worth the risk of filter oil contaminating air intake sensors. Paper filter is easier to change (toss the old one away; don't mess with cleaning/re-oiling K&N) and much cheaper - only $10.61 each:

http://www.remartautoparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=2007-LEXUS-Ls460-V8--4608cc--4.6l--F/i--Vin--1urfse&yearid=2007%40%402007&makeid=46%40%40LEXUS%40%40B&modelid=10142%40%40LS460&engineid=34972@@V8%2D4608cc+4%2E6L+F%2FI+Vin+1URFSE@@34972&catid=1@@Ignition%2FFilters&subcatid=16@@Filters+%26+PCV&mode=PA&waitdisplay=True&rewrite=

Just my $0.02...

I need some advice for new tires for my LS460. The car came with Bridgestone Turanza EL42. They seem OK, but wear out too quickly. So, I have looked up what's available and narrowed down my choices to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus and Continental ExtremeContact DWS. I was going to get Michelins, but noticed that TireRack rates Continentals a bit better. I'd appreciate learning about anyone's practical experience with these two tires.

Many thanks!

I was surprised that the OE Turanza EL42s on my 2007 LS460 lasted only 15,000 miles, as I expected Lexus to select a better quality tire. They were quiet and smooth-riding, but sloppy in hard cornering (which I expected). After much research on TireRack.com, I decided to buy the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus from Costco. I've had them now for almost 5,000 miles and am very pleased. There is no apparent wear and they are extremely quiet and smooth riding, with much sharper turn-in and far better high-speed cornering than the previous Bridgestones. I highly recommend the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus for the LS460. This is the tire that Lexus should have used in the first place.

OK so I'm just off the boat as they used to say but service every 5K miles!! You couldn't sell a car in Europe with a service interval of at least 12K. So what's wrong with the oils here in USA. Nothing from what I can gather, they are the same synthetic oils used all over the world (except Pennzoil, I had never seen that name till I came here). Lexus UK has a service interval of 12k miles. Surely with modern sythetic oils & the claims of the oil companies this is a little garage money spinner.

Does everyone actually do the oil change every 5k? It's not the cost it's the inconvenience to always find a dealer who even at the best takes an hour.

Good point. We are encouraged to change our oil every 3-6 months, regardless of mileage, which I feel is ridiculous. What's the difference between oil sitting in a can on a shelf, and oil sitting in the crankcase in your garage?

I change oil based on mileage only....usually every 5000 miles or so.

The difference between oil in a can and oil in your crankcase is that there is no water in the oil in the can. Internal combustion produces carbon monoxide and water; you may even see some water coming out of your tailpipe. That water can get into your crankcase, and if it sits there long enough, produces hydrochloric acid that can corrode internal engine parts. Highway driving for 30 minutes or so usually eliminates any residual water in the crankcase. Short trips without the engine getting fully warmed up and running for less than 30 minutes are problematic. I get my LS460's oil and filter changed every 5,000 miles at my Toyota dealer with a coupon for $17.95. They use the same genuine Toyota filter and oil that my Lexus dealer uses in their $47.95 oil change. The only difference is the coffee in their lounge and the men's room decor. See this link: http://www.canadiandriver.com/2002/04/03/auto-tech-short-trip-driving.htm

:( Just spent $128 at the dealer for an oil change on a Lexus LS4 60. Is there a less expensive way to change the oil?

Oops! I already replied - see my August 2009 comments.

Our LS460 is just coming up 2 years old. Only 21000 miles and has never been back to the dealer. Gas millage is unreal. Gets up to 35 mpg on the highway at 70+.

However the Dunlop OEM tires just wore out.Chunks of rubber are peeling off. I can't believe a car of this caliber would be sold with such junk. Got a quote from Tire Rack of over $1000. That would be an annual cost of $500 + for tires./ Not for me.

So I bought a weird tire I'm not familiar with, Hankook . They seem to get good reviews but I know nothing. Paid $600 installed. Hope this works out.

What length of tire life do you get?

Our old LS 400 never had a problem with tires but it did eat ball joints.

I bought my 2007 LS460 new and now with just under 15K miles the OE Bridgestone Turanza EL42s are almost worn out. At 8K miles I noticed uneven wear and had the car aligned under warranty. The tires were rotated/balanced every 5,000 miles and I check the tire pressures regularly with both the TPMS and a digital gauge (34 lbs cold all around). Although they are smooth riding and quiet, I expected to get at least 25,000 miles out of them, even with only a 260 UTQG mileage rating. My next tires will be Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus with UTQG of 500 AA A and a manufacturer's treadwear warranty of 45,000 miles.

UPDATE: 2/25/2010: I replaced the OE Bridgestones at 15,000 miles with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus and have 800 miles on the new tires from Costco. Installation/balance is perfect. Ride quality is very smooth and quiet and wet grip is excellent - we had historic rains in Atlanta and this tire was much better than the OE Bridgestone (sure, it's brand new with full tread depth). I'll follow up after 5K miles, but so far I'm pleased. Expensive, but worth it!

Has anyone experience starting problems (Chicago Area) (pushing the start button 2 to 3 times before it starts up) The dealer asked if i used CostCo gas, I did out one full tank in and thats when this problem started. The dealer said that Lexis put a hold on replacing the fuel injectors as of now. The service advisors said that the newer lexus models are having this problem but no service alert as of yet.

-J

I've used Costco (Atlanta) gas in my 2007 LS460 for over 2 years with no problems. I'm sure that Costco qualifies all of its vendors and that they purchase gasoline only from reputable sources. Gasoline is a commodity that is highly regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Here's the link: http://www.epa.gov/oms/fuels.htm

If your dealer lays the blame on "cheap" Costco gasoline, I think he is passing the buck.

As long as you select an experienced seller with excellent feedback (at least 99.5% positive), I wouldnt hesitate to buy anything on eBay.

Didn't ebay disable any NEGATIVE feedback options a year or so ago?

If all they allow a buyer to say is positive, the percentages would be pretty high alright.

Whit

PLEASE get rid of that picture...it made me barf!

Actually I think $47.50 is very reasonable for an oil change at the Lexus dealer.

You have to think about the source. You can't expect Nordstrom to charge the same for a pair of socks as Wal-mart would...even if they are the same socks. Nordstrom spends more money on decor, location, comfort, training their staff, paying their staff who tend to be more experienced in customer service. Totally different operations.

As it is for the Lexus vs Toyota dealer.

For the Lexus dealer to run their operation with all the additional overhead they probably have the same profit margin on that oil change as the Toyota dealer.

Here's my $0.02: "A penny saved is a penny earned." I understand your rationale, but I disagree. I can't justify spending almost 3 times as much at a Lexus dealer for the identical service from a Toyota dealer - it would be different if Lexus wasn't Toyota, but they're the same corporate entity. The Lexus "amenities" are nice - Starbucks coffee, USA Today, PC access, HDTV - but since I already had them before I left home, they're worth zip to me. Plus, my Toyota dealer is more convenient, being much closer to my home. The Lexus service might be worth a 25 or 30 percent upcharge, but 267%? Not in today's economy. If Lexus is to survive on their non-warranty service, they need to be more realistic and competitive.

The HomeLink buttons inside your Lexus must first be initialized in order to be recognized by the rolling code receiver. But before you do so, you have to clear the HomeLink transmitter buttons in your Lexus by holding down the outside 2 buttons until the light above Button #2 flashes quickly. Then you can initialize each HomeLink button. Follow these steps:

1. Open your garage door and then unplug all of your garage door opener motors.

2. Next, get the remote control transmitter that came with the garage door opener #1 and go sit in your Lexus.

3. Hold the remote control transmitter next to the HomeLink button you want to initialize and press them both until the HomeLink light above the middle button flashes quickly (about 10 seconds). Release both buttons.

4. Plug the garage door opener #1 motor back in.

5. Open the panel on your garage door opener #1 motor housing and press the red (usually) "send" button to send the rolling code to the car.

6. HURRY! Get back in your car and within 10 seconds press the HomeLink button you just initialized and hold it until the light bulb(s) in the garage door motor #1 housing flash off and on. Release that HomeLink button and then press it again (for 2-3 seconds). It should work to open and close your garage door. (If not, try repeating the above steps for Button #2 and Button #3.)

7. Repeat the above steps for the other 2 buttons to program them to work with another garage door opener #2 or a remote control gate #3.

Much has been written on this matter. Do a Google search for LS460 wind noise tsb (technical service bulletin) and read all about it.

I had all the factory fixes done on my 2007 LS460 (new laminated glass, etc) and it made a big difference, but there is some occasional wind noise above 60mph in a crosswind. Your 2008 was manufactured after the VIN #s affected by those TSBs. Try putting masking tape around the black triangular plastic trim piece next to your outside mirrors to seal the gaps and see if that makes any difference. Complain to your dealer; that worked for me.

My friendly Lexus dealer charges only 47.99 for an oil/filter change with dino (non-synthetic) oil. What a deal!

That's why I take my 2007 LS460 to my Toyota dealer, who has an internet coupon for an oil/filter change for only $17.95 for a V-8 using a genuine Toyota filter and conventional oil. It is the same filter used by Lexus. Lexu$; it not only sounds expensive...

no such website... :(

Ad removed from site. Fraud??? If it seems too good to be true...

i was one of the first to receive the wind noise fix almost one and a half years ago. i know i didnt purchase the car with this extreme wind noise anomaly, it suddenly developed after one month post purchase. well guess what, it developed again.it is quite humiliating when your female passengers try to put the windows up thinking they are opened a little.in 2007, i had a difficult time with corporate lexus re. my dissatisfaction, so im worried now 2 years later,that there isnt any recourse. has anyone experienced wind noise again after the fix, and now what can be done to rectify this problem?

You can do a quick and easy check to see if your wind noise is caused by the the black plastic triangle in front of your side view mirror. Just seal the black triangle by putting masking tape around all 3 sides and take it for a highway drive and see if that makes any difference. It made no difference in my car, so that wasn't the cause of the problem.

Most 2008 LS460/LS460L were factory-equipped with laminated (Lamisafe) front side glass. All 2007 LS460s were made with tempered glass only. Part of the wind noise fix for the 2007 LS460 includes the addition of laminated (Lamisafe) glass to the front windows, replacing original tempered (Temperlite) glass.

Several days ago, I took my late production 2007 LS460 in to replace the recalled fuel line and also complained about wind noise from the driver's side window at highway speeds when the glass was in the full up position. To reduce the noise, I had to tap the window switch and move the glass down slightly but it was still a little noisy. Without hesitation, my dealer (Nalley Lexus, Roswell GA) replaced the driver's and front passenger glass under warranty and explained that the new laminated glass seals better because it is slightly thicker than the original tempered glass. That made a huge difference, and my car is now much quieter at highway speeds. And I'm a very satisfied customer. :D

It is fairly clear that the top figure in the TPMS list, in my '08 LS460, is the spare. But it must be possible to figure out what order of tires the other four represent. Since the spare is constant, in the first position, the other four are probably constant also. Has anyone figured the order yet?

Once you've had the tires/wheels rotated the order disappears. I recently had a low tire and thought the Service Manager could tell me which tire was down based on the display. He told me they don't recode or reassign the positions after rotation, so there's no way to tell which number on the display corresponds to which tire. On a car at this price point that seems silly...

I figured it out on my LS460 after the TPMS warning light went on. I checked the pressure in each tire with a digital gauge and compared it to the dash display while adding air to each tire. Right now, from top to bottom, mine are Spare, LF, LR, RF, RR. Easy to figure out, just takes a little time.

Below is the link to the AAA Towing and Road Service Guide for the LS460, which is a good resource to print out and keep in your car in case you ever have a flat tire, need a tow or have a dead battery.

http://partner.aaa.biz/portal/binary/com.e...-lexusls460.pdf

I’m in Atlanta and last week the weather got much colder. The Tire Pressure Warning Light in my 2007 LS460 came on one cold morning and reported that one of my tires was at 29 lbs. The Master Warning Light also came on. I keep a 12v air pump in each of my cars, so I was able to add air to all 5 tires. I checked the pressure in all 5 tires and made sure they were all set to 33 psi cold. I started the car and was surprised that the TPWL and MWL both still came on! Since I knew that the tire pressures were correct, I left for an appointment and decided to recalibrate the TPMS the following morning when the tires would be cold. Each time I stopped and started the engine, both lights would come on. But to my surprise, the next morning when I started the engine the TPMS warning light and MWL did not come on and all was normal. The system reset itself.

The first thing you should do when any warning light comes on is read your Owner’s Manual. When the Tire Pressure Warning Light came on, did the Master Warning Light also come on? If so, and the Master Warning Light stayed after blinking for 1 minute, there is a malfunction in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System that needs to be fixed by the dealer. But if you need to initialize (recalibrate) your TPMS, do it when your tires are cold and at the desired pressure. Then start the engine and press and hold the Tire Pressure Warning Reset Switch (under the right side of the dash) for at least 3 seconds. The TPWL will flash 3 times and the multi-information display will show a message that initialization has started. After the tire pressure display shows the pressure for all 5 tires, turn the engine off.

Ditto; I just replaced the four 235/55VR-18 OE Goodyear RS-A tires on my wife's 2007 RX350 AWD at 17,900 miles due to excessive treadwear on the inside and outside edges of all 4 tires. Driving style average, split 80%-20% city/highway in SE USA (no snow/ice). Tires were rotated and balanced every 7,500 miles and I maintained tire pressure at 32 with digital gauge and tpms never triggered. Bottom line: these tires are junk! Shame on Lexus for using them as OE tires; I expected better quality. Replaced with Michelin's and had a 4-wheel alignment done at dealer ($69 special). Will let you know how the Michelins perform.