lctothe3

I had the same question, but thought I'd also mention that the Version 6 DVD apparently (and probably this Version 7 DVD as well) will eliminate the lockout workarounds. Please see discussion established in some of the other threads if the lockout workarounds are important to you.

They probably want it back from you for $40 so you won't sell it to someone else for $60!

Believe me it is more than just plugging something in under the seat. The whole center radio stack has to be removed, from the power button panel to the nav screen. I installed mine about a month ago. Go to www.clublexus.com and look at the LS430 forum. A member over there just posted a very good tutorial, with pictures, on how to install the lockpick. Removing the center stack was scary as I previously stated, but it is doable, and I have no squeaks or rattles. Appearance wise, there is no indication it was ever removed. Good Luck on whatever decision you make.

has anyone had a look at this: http://www.coastaletech.com/basic_lockpick1.htm

Sounds very interesting to me, especially the ability to use the phone dialing while in motion. Also sounds simple to install, with no "under the dash" stuff.

I have a 2004 LS430 and installed the Lockpick 1 in it. My experience has been very satisfying. I ordered it on a Saturday night, and got it the following Thursday afternoon. Removing the radio was fairly easy, but removing the navigation system was a little scary. I just recommend you take your time and be very careful when removing and replacing any and all parts of the dash. Use towels to protect the wood, and cover prying tools with tape. A magnetic phillips screwdriver, and a # 8 box end wrench are a necessity. The instructions that come with the Lockpick are of no help in installing it in a LS. As far as how it works, it has done everything I expected. I can use my bluetooth phone features and insert destinations while driving. I also have a direct RCA input for my MP3 player, although on a strong radio station I have gotten some feed thru between songs, but not frequent enough to be concerned about . I have not tried the video part yet, and see no reason why I will. I also like it when you start the car and the "I Agree" scene comes on and within seconds the I agree button lights up, and the map screen appears. I think it was an excellent investment, and the 60-90 minutes it took for the install was well worth it.

The same molding came loose on my wife's RX. I caught it before it came off completely, and snapped it back in place. But I think I will go check the fit again.

Right, I understand that... But what I'm trying to do is not just stick a DVD in and upgrade the OS, I'm trying to get a Gen 4 (or 5, but probably 4) computer with Gen 4 discs... Basically replacing the whole system without having to buy a new car.

While on the subject, can you tell me where the nav disc is located in the 2004 RX? I seached a couple of times to no avail.

It affects the RX model the hybrid forum is for hybrid related topics.

This does not affect the GS450h as well does it?

I think this is the same recall. The clips actually attach to the carpet and keep a piece of the console in place I think. According to the article I read, it will also include the non-hybrid 330s and some Toyota models. The article was included in the business section of our daily paper and not in an auto media, so the info was rather scarce.

FYI! An article in our July 13 newspaper stated that the 2004-2005 RX330 and early 2006 RX400h are going to be recalled to replace a dashbord clip that may fail and cause a piece of the console to come loose and interfere with the gas pedal. They stated that owners would be notified in the near future.

The other option is to take it to an AutoZone if you have one near you. They will read the error, and if you ask nice, or tell them "that you drove it with the gas cap loose" they will reset the error, or at least they do it at the store near me.

MadMax, not sure about your dealer, but I just stopped in mine and they had a mechanic come out to the parking lot and did it for free.

The 1998/99 LS 400 can be programmed to allow the doors to unlock when shifted into park. My 1998 has this feature. It only takes the dealer about 15 seconds to activate it. I had it done because usually the passenger is pulling on the inside door handle before I can get it unlocked using the button, and I was concerned that something might get broken, maybe even the handle. If I am in a area where I am concerned about safety, which is rare, I just shift to neutral, put on the parking brake, and unlock whichever individual door I need. But if you push the unlock button on the driver's door, all the doors unlock anyway.

Happy Holidays!

I have a MP3 player that I use in my 1998 LS400. It is the Creative Zen Extra. It holds about 10,000 songs (40 gig) and cost about $279. I use it mostly when I travel. I use the Belkin Comcast II (modulator) $39-$49 to interface with my radio. It sends a wireless signal to your FM radio. The key is to get a modulator that allows you to change to different radio stations. They broadcast to a vacant station without causing any interference. But as you travel you may need to find a different station that is vacant. I put it in the center console of my LS, and no wires are visible, so you can't even tell it is there. I have 3,400 plus songs on mine and without having to touch it while travelling never hear the same song twice . I was skeptical about MP3 players, but my brother talked me into getting one, and it is one of the best entertainment investments I have made. I not only use it in the car, but connect it to my home stereo, earphones, a speaker case, and a small stereo my wife has on the counter, all with excellent results. Hope this helps you decide, but I say go for it, you will love the versatility and sound.

Does anyone has a factory service manual CD for year 2000 LS400 for sale ?

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If you go to Lexus.com and register they will send you one for free. It is the one that originally comes with the vehicle, and the maintenance guide also if you want it. I don't know how they do it, but you can order one a month if you want to. It takes about 2 weeks from the time you order until you get it in the mail.

I wanted to know if anyone has used or seen those headrest screens that DO NOT need to be modded into your headrests?  They just clip on to the headrest posts.  Your opinions?  Thanks!

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Both of my daughters have them. One in a 99 GS400 and one in a Maxima. They both work great and keep the grandkids quiet on rides of 30 minutes or more. Each has 2 screens that can be turned off and on independantly. You can play games on one screen and watch a DVD on the other if you wish. The picture and sound are both great for a portable device. They were purchased at WalMart for $175 each on sale. The screens actually strap around the headrest with a safety strap around the headrest supports. The DVD sits on the center console or passenger seat.

I have read, read some more, and read again. I know it's been covered in detail, but I still can't find the answers. I can't seem to be persuaded by either side regarding whether I should use synthetic oil or not in my '98 LS400. Until now, at 98k miles, it has used conventional only by the last owner every 5k miles at the Dealer. I live in the Chicago area. I bought from a private party so the engine area was never steam cleaned for looks. I don't see any leaks from what I can see (will removing the plastic engine cover let me see more?). I plan on keeping the car for a long, long time. I am accustomed to changing the oil on my other cars every 3k with conventional. Yesterday I stopped at Pep Boys and saw that Mobil1 was on sale for $3.99 a quart so I bought 12 quarts. I already have my genuine Toyota oil filters. Can I make the switch cold turkey, what is the possibility of a leak, if it leaks can I switch right back? Should I make the switch guys?

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I concur, have put Mobil One 5w30 in both of mine when purchased, a 94 with 25,000 and now a 98 with 60,000. Never had a leak or other problem. Just positive results. In the words of a great man, just "git er done".

Does anyone know if the rotors from an LS400 and LS430 are compatible?

Thanks

Sean

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Yes they are. I just bought slotted and drilled for my 98 LS and the same part number was good for 1996 through 2005.

Dealer wants 180 EACH.

overpriced when i can get brembo rotors for the front on ebay for $240.

Any suggestions?

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I just ordered 4 slotted and cross-drilled rotors 95-00 LS400 and 01-04 LS430 for $255 + $50 shipping total cost. Normally over $400 but on sale from Lextasy.com. Haven't received them yet, just ordered yesterday.

I had the windshield on my 1994 LS replaced and there was only 2 colors available, bronze and smoked. The installer looked and said bronze and it matched perfectly. If it is a Lexus replacement windshield (even aftermarket) the colors should be standard.

Problem solved. He replaced the stoplight switch and it didn't help. He finally took it to a dealer and they found some wires had shorted, maybe from a previous car phone installation? Cost him $100 bucks, but all is now working. Thanks to everyone for their help on this.

If the shims are in good shape they can be cleaned and re-greased. If they have a lot of rust, or they have holes rusted in them they should be replaced. I think the price is around $25 an axle from the dealer. If they are in good shape, and a coat of brake lube is put on them you are almost assured of no squeaks, if they are in bad shape, or no lube is used you are almost assured of having squeaks. If replacement is needed, they are worth the monwy.

On both of the LSs I have owned, I put it in park, and set the parking brake before pushing the set button. The parking brake may not be necessary, but I thought I read it somewhere

I will let you know as soon as we can check it. My brother just had his first grandchild yesterday, so his focus is now on her and his camera. Thanks again for the help.

Thanks for the quick reply! There is no click in the center console when the brake pedal is pressed. We swill look for the two switches, either the brake pedal, or the console. I know there is also a brake light switch around the pedal. Are the switches hard to recognize?

My brother has a 1992 LS. He now has to use the emergency release to get it out of park. He says it must be his daughter's fault, it was working fine before she drove it. I say that there is a switch, probably around the brake pedal that has gone bad. Does anyone know where the switch is that releases the gear shift out of park when you step on the brake. Any instructions, diagrams, or pictures would be appreciated

There was a company at the Dayton Auto Show that replaces the front headrest with ones with screens in them, they then mount the DVD player and connect it to the headrest. The new headrest are in Lexus colors, and you keep your original ones. The salesman also said that the new headrest would work electrically. I think the price was around $1,200. I got a brochure, but it was a couple of months ago, and I decided not to get them, because I rarely have anyone in my backseat for any lenght of time. So I don't know where the brocure is, nor do I remember the name of the company, SORRY. But I know it can be done. I think with the sun(moon)roof, a screen in the roof would be difficult, or at least take up some headroom.

I replaced the OEM hood shocks on my 98 LS, my brother's 91 LS and my other brother's 92 LS. I used the tutorial I found here, and got the shocks at Autozone. The nice thing is that the shocks cost $16 each and have a lifetime warranty, the Lexus shocks cost $80 to $110 each and don't have the warranty. It takes about 30 minutes a shock, and once replaced if you need to do it again (which I doubt) it will take about 10 minutes a shock. After the replacement, you can just release the hood and use 1 finger to lift it.