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I bought my 96 LX450 with 89,000 miles and have been using 87 octane since and have 130,000 now. I don't recall that the owners manual requires high octane for this engine. I've never had a problem with the engine light.

For cleaning the fuel system, you can't beat BG 44K. It costs about $15-18 for one treatment but it works wonders. (My local Toyota Dealer sells it, you won't find it at the local parts store) Even better, take it to a shop that performs BG service and have them do the full Fuel system cleaning. It cost $100+ but again, its worth the money.

Good luck!

I had the identical problem you describe, except with a Toyota Corrola. I had the windsheild replaced and then this annoying rattle started in the dash. Turns out the new windshield was rubbing metal because of the way it was installed. They had to remove the windshield and install it again to get rid of the noise. I bet you are having a similar issue, perhaps a problem that existed from the factory install of the windshield.

If I put just a little preassure on the windshield, the noise would stop every time. That's how I finially convinced the windsheild guy that it was his problem.

Good Luck

And while you are replacing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with your hands or getting grease on the glass as you insert it. Doing so will greatly reduce the life of the bulb.

Good luck.

I had this exact same problem recently. About two miles from my house, the oil light came on every morning. I had just changed my oil and switched to Mobil 5w30 syth. I also switched to the larger oil filter.

Sure enough, I was a quart low on oil due to the larger oil filter.

I now have to put 9 quarts of oil in the truck to reach the full line on the dipstick.

I had the exact same problem as you the first time I pulled the wheels off my truck. I finally used a sledge hammer to break them loose.

The fit is so tight between the hub and wheel that sand and dirt had gotten in between and held the wheel on like glue. Now, after taking the tires off, I always clean the point of contact betweent the hub and wheel really well to ensure both surfaces are smooth.

Seems to be easier to get the wheel off the next time.

The "chin thing" works great, but after having several people ask me what the heck I was doing, I found an alternative that is not so embarrasing.

point the remote at the palm of your hand and your fingers at your truck. Works about the same.

point the remote into your forearm and your arm "like saluting Hitler" at the truck, improves the range some.

You can try: LeatherSeats.com

They list sets to go in the same series Landcruiser. I would call before you order.

I'm planning to use this site to put leather in my wifes Toyota Sienna. Thankfully, the leather in my 96 LX is still in great shape.

I have the exact same problem as you describe.

When I first bought the truck, about a year ago, I had to buy a remote off Ebay, then program it. The chirp worked once or twice, but never again.

Also, Unless the planets are properly aligned, I have to be right next to the truck to get it to work.

If you find a solution, please post!

CruiserParts.net

If you don't see what you want on the site, email them and they will get back to you with availability and prices. They offer new and used parts.

I've purchased several items from them and they are great to deal with.

Try CruiserParts.net

I've had excellent luck with them. They sell used and new parts.

If you don't see what you want listed on their page, email them and they will get back to you with availability and prices.

Good luck

CruiserParts.net

I've purchased several items from this outfit. They are great to work with.

I believe they are tearing apart an LX450 at the moment. If you don't find the part you are looking for in their list, send them an email. I usually get a response within hours.

Good Luck.

Sounds like the problem has nothing to do with the remote since it won't work when you use the switch on the drivers door either. Sounds like something is wrong with the electric mechanisim that locks and unlocks on the rear hatch.

Mechanically, the lock works because you can lock and unlock with the key. So, I would check fuses first then check to ensure that there are no shorts in the wiring to the lock. I've never had the hatch door appart to see exactly how the "automatic" part works, but a visual inspection would be useful to ensure that its not jammed or something. Might need to replace the electric component in the end.

Good luck

I convinced my Toyota dealership to work on the LX450. At first they told me they could not work on it, but after speaking to the service manager, he said they could order any parts unique to the Lexus. Toyota and Lexus use the same distribution channel. For the LX450 and LC they are mechanically identical for the same model years. Only the cosmetic stuff is different.

Used or New?

If used, what year or model LX450 or LX470?

I was experiencing a similar problem with my 96lx450 recently. My mechanic said the belt was loose. He ended up putting new belts on since they were starting to crack, but now my a/c works great even when sitting in traffic.

Good luck!

CruiserParts.net

Good place for used and some new parts. If you don't see what you want on the web page, email them. I have purchased several used items and they have been great to deal with.

Good Luck!

Never replaced the Master Cylinder, so I can't help there, however I did have the problem of the pedal having excessive travel.

When I bought my LX450 in October 2003, I noticed that the brake was very mushy. Checked the pads and they had plenty of thinkness, so I assumed it was just the way the truck was designed. However, after 19,000 miles, I got the pads replaced.

My neighbor owns his own shop and has a Toyota master mechanic on his staff. They cleaned the rotors (didn't have to turn or replace them, whew!) and put new pads (that I bought from JT Outfitters) and the brakes work great now. There is no travel, they grab as soon as I begin to depress the pedal. I don't know if the mechanic made any adjustments, but they certainly did not replace the master cyclinder.

I paid $20 for the pads and $72 for labor.

I just wonder if replacing the master cylinder is going to resolve the issue you are having.

good luck

Try CruiserParts.net

Look at the UZJ100 link.

If you don't see a part you want listed, then email them and they will reply with availability and pricing.

I bought a set of 2nd row belts from these guys for $25. I used the belts to add a middle belt to the 3rd row of my LX450 making it an 8 passanger. Worked great.

They offer new and used parts and are great to work with.

Good Luck

:D

My 96 LX450 also has the whistle. I get asked by passangers all the time what the noise is. I've heard that a new muffler will eliminate it for a while, but I'm not willing to spend the money.

I'll go for turning up the stereo!

Here are two places to look for used parts.

Scottland Yard Spares

CruiserParts.Net

I've been able to find several parts at very reasonable prices from CruiserParts. (They also sell new stuff)

I have not used Scottland Yard, but they are currently stripping a 1997 LX450 and selling the parts on eBay.

Good Luck.

Fine to drive with power button on all the time. It just changing the shifting pattern so that the transmission stays in gear longer (to a higher RPM) before shifting. Also, the downshifting is more agressive.

I have the "whistle" noise when accelerating. It's deffinately coming from the exhaust, but I believe it is normal.

I've heard, (but I'm no expert) that putting super in an engine tuned for 87 causes the engine to run hotter and can cause certain problems down the road. Not sure if that applies to all cars or just some. However, at todays gas prices, I can't see spending the extra for super when the truck does not require it.

I think the growl is normal as well. The LX450 has got a large straight six cylinder. It's a big engine for a six, and vibrates more than a V would. Just think to yourself "man, hear that power" :D

Have you been running your LX470 through automatic car washes at your local gas station? If so, that is the reason for the wear. Once you install the Gold package, you are locked into hand washing. I had the gold package on my last car and it came with a big warning statement saying not to go through car washes.

(Brushless would be okay however.)

For the growling, experiment with the "Power" button on the trans next to the shifter. I like the way the truck drives with the "power" button on. I only notice a slight difference in gas milage, but I do a lot of highway driving. If you do a lot of in town driving, I suspect the drop in gas milage will be more noticable. I think what you are experiencing is a factor of the electronically controlled trans.

I get 13.5 to 14.5 miles to the gallon in normal driving. When I bought my LX450 with 89000 miles on it, I changed the oil, got a tune up, and put a new air filter in it. Also, I put BG 44K in the fuel tank to clean out the fuel system. My local Toyota dealership sells the stuff and it really helps. Anyway, if you are getting less than 13mpg, start with a general tune up and BG44K. (It's about $16 a bottle but worth every penny. I put it in every 10K miles.)

The LX450 is tuned for 87 Octane, so don't waste your money on high Octane. If it pings on 87, just another indication that the truck needs a tune up.

Good Luck.

Get that 20W50 out of there ASAP. Lexus recommends 5W30 and that's what you need to keep in it. What works in old cars does not apply to new ones.

I learned the hard way. I used to own a 80 Honda Accord. We used Castrol 20W50 "for higher reving engines" as recommended and got 230K out of the car. No problems.

So, when I bought an 87 Toyota Cressida, I never thought twice. I just put 20W50 in it faithfully changing the oil every 3000 miles. Within a year, my engine was loose as a goose and burning oil. I completely ruined the engine because I used the wrong oil.

Go back to Mobil 1 5W30!

1996 LX450 - 100250 miles

So over the past two months, 80% of the lights in the climate controls and radio have burned out. Seems they were all engineered to last the same length of time.

These are the lights that glow at night when the headlights are on.

I took the dash apart and located all the bulbs, many screw out and should be easy to replace. However, there are 12 small lights on the radio that are soldered in place :cries: , 10 of the 12 are burned out. Has anyone replaced these? How? Is it an easy job if you only have limited experience with a soldering iron?

Thanks for any feedback.