Bat Masterson

The $450 is for 2 bushings and the tube. I found out the parts cost about $80 with about $370 in labor. I could probably do it myself if I had the time. No noise on the tilt just telescopic. Lexus-Parts.com also is very helpful and provides great service and a copy of the diagram and TSB.

Can anyone tell me when the problem with the noisy/smoothness issues were fixed on the production line for the 2000 LS400 line? There was a TSB that came out in May 2000 and another member mentioned they were fixed by the time his rolled off in June of 2000. My car was manufactuered in March of 2000. The dealer also stated that the fix for the loud rubbing sound when the auto tilt is moving into place is about $450. That involves 2 bushings and a 'tube' of some sort + labor. The actual service tech said that it was not a simple lubrication issue which sux. So if that is the problem...I will get them to disable that feature when they are putting in the $2000 free ECU for my new Master Key Replacement disaster. What a way to start off owning such a nice car huh? I'm coming from a sweet 96' land cruiser so not a big deal just sort of depressing out of the gate. No one needs to sell me on these awesome machines. Signed--ticked off but happy driver of a new (to me) 2000 LS400 Ultra Machine (Black Platinum Series with Nakamichi Stereo)

The dealer would use a Lexus handheld tester to deactivate the tilt/telescope function. I think the mechanism on the 98-00 is quite a bit different that what you seen in tutorials on how to fix the tilt/telescope issues on the earlier LS400's. There was a recall to fix problems with the tilt/telescope system on the 98-00 LS400's. In involved replacing the motors and lots of parts - a very expensive recall program. Unfortunately lots of 98-00 LS400's never got the problems fixed under the recall. I was fortunate that my 00 LS was built after all the fixes were implemented on the production line. How do you know if your 2000 LS 400 has the fixes from the production line? I just bought the car and have noticed the rubbing noise when the auto tilt is moving. Dave

The dealer would use a Lexus handheld tester to deactivate the tilt/telescope function. I think the mechanism on the 98-00 is quite a bit different that what you seen in tutorials on how to fix the tilt/telescope issues on the earlier LS400's. There was a recall to fix problems with the tilt/telescope system on the 98-00 LS400's. In involved replacing the motors and lots of parts - a very expensive recall program. Unfortunately lots of 98-00 LS400's never got the problems fixed under the recall. I was fortunate that my 00 LS was built after all the fixes were implemented on the production line. How do you know if your 2000 LS 400 has the fixes from the production line? I just bought the car and have noticed the rubbing noise when the auto tilt is moving. Dave

Agreed. Dealer gave me $300 on top of the $600 sale discount. Total price to get ECU, programming, keys will be $270 out my pocket. Independent dealer sells only high end cars so I'm SURE they knew about it and I did not so I am the sucker. In the end, I'm probably better off with a free ECU and 2 new keys anyway. Lessons learned--always check to see if there is a working master key when you buy a 2000 LS400. Dave

Thanks--I'm working with the owner of that dealership now.

I know there is a Tom Woods in Indianapolis, my point was that I had heard he would do it cheap. I called him today and they were clueless about the free ECU offer from Lexus and were talking several hundred in keys before transferring me to service to discuss labor cost...I hung up. It's absolutely ridiculous. I now cannot get into my trunk as I accidentally pushed the lock button and valet key won't work on that lock. HELP!

Hi all, I just purchased a 2000 LS400 with a valet key only. I've called a half dozen dealers in this area and they confirm the ECU is free but want to charge anywhere from $580 up to $900 for the cost of 2 master keys, programming, and labor to install the ECU. I need to find a Tom Woods of Indianapolis in this area that will do the whole job for $150. Can anyone help me? Thanks, Dave P.S.--2000 LS400 cannot be reflashed I found out.