RCPeters

Go to http://btjunkie.org/ and search for a Toyota or Lexus generation 3, data 7.1 Nav DVD image file copy. (iso format) Download the file with a bit torrent. Then you need image burning software on your PC and a DVD drive that can write to dual layer DVD's. Today, I found a data 6.1 is on that web site. That should be much better than what you now have. A word of caution: Once you successfully upgrade from the oldest data version, the 2002 disk will not longer work because the ROM was upgraded and you will have to use a data generation of probably 3.1 or higher. Originals of those probably can be found on Ebay for around 50 bucks. Still better than what you have now. Be prepared for some difficulty as not all copies will work. The 7.1 data version I downloaded works perfectly in my 02 SC430, but doesn't work in my 01 LS430. I have a data version 5.1 original DVD disk in that car, also generation 3. Data version 7.1 is better than 5.1, but I can live with 5.1.

I can't be of much help with your problem, but others may be interested in my recent experience. I inserted a Gen 3 data 7.1 disk copy in my 02 SC430 and it has been running great for a couple of weeks now. Made another copy for our 01 LS430 and it also ran fine, for awhile. After about a week I started getting the can't read disk message. Tried another disk and on that one it resulted in the same message and never did load. So, I put the original 5.1 data disk back in and everything is fine now. I read in the archives once that sometimes copies don't work because the laser head is weak and original DVD's are burned better. Also, someone said the latest data versions require stronger laser heads, like newer units. Perhaps, this is true, so I guess I will just stick with version 5.1 on the 2001 LS430. Anyone know if maybe it would tolerate a data version 6.1 easier?

:( I did not do my homework! I loaded my LS430 ML radio with copy CD's having paper labels, and as a lot of you might suspect, they have jammed the changer so it will not unload or load disks. Won't play them either. Thus, until I fix this problem, no playing CD's in this car. I have read on forums, that Lexus dealers just replace the whole radio when customers have this problem, not an option in my case. Has anyone been able to get the disks out? Any sources for shops in Southern California that will perform this service?

Thanks, I will try it and see. I was thinking to stay with 5.1 so the over ride feature (allows changes while the car is moving) that I have read about would work if I ever wanted to use it. The fact that the over ride would have to be repeated each time the car is started, makes this less interesting though. With 5.1, I have not noticed many POI missing in Los Angeles, so I wonder what improvements 7.1 might provide?

If I make a double layer DVD copy of my Navigation Map will it work in my car so I can save the original? I know, you must not put a label on it, just identify it with a proper type of marker.

Not normal in any car. My guess, is the battery is bad. I recently had a 72 month battery fail in 6 months. As your car is under warranty, I would go to another dealer and ask them to test the electrical system. They will not only test that battery, but test the system for power drains and verify that your alternator is charging correctly.

On my first trip to a Lexus Service Dept, I had expected to pay to have the Lexus Link system removed on our recently purchased 2001 LS430. Every time we turned the key on, an annoying voice would say the Lexus Link System is active, when it really wasn't. We went there for electrical diagnostics because the car would not start after being in a parking lot for a day. They told me how much they charge for batteries, like over $200 but they would not charge the $130. for diagnostics, if I bought the battery from them. While most places charge about $70. for a battery, that seemed O.K. They gave us an almost new RX350 as a free loaner and we kept the car for a day. The next day, when we picked up our car, they said no charge! They discovered there was a recall out for no charge removal of those old analog Lexus Link systems. By the way, I later received a letter from Lexus telling me to go get it removed because they were doing away with the old analog telephone systems. That's right, no charge for the electrical diagnoses and my battery and alternator were fine. I think my wife left the lights on, thinking they were set on Auto. I will be sure to come back for the big ticket 90K service when that comes due.

From your description, I understand the "starter solenoid" was replaced with a used one. If so, I wonder why a new one was not installed. Thus, I would guess that the starter solenoid is not working. You probably do not want to get into this by yourself, but the following would be the troubleshooting steps to follow: 1. Car in park, emergency brake on, ground the starter solenoid control terminal. If nothing happens, then the solenoid is bad. If it clicks, then it may be bad or the battery cables at the terminals are either corroded or not tight. 2. If the starter turns over, then with the key on, it will probably start. If not, there are other problems. Another possibility if the starter will not turn over, is a bad battery. Try charging the battery. Also, I have had problems with recently replaced starters (was the starter replaced, or just the solenoid?) where the mounting bolts were improperly tightened and the starter would bind; but this was with old Fords.

Here is some information I found in a previous forum that should be helpful to you. It was for me as I bought on Ebay the 33034 and it works great. I did not want a more recent map because of comments that I read about not being able to defeat the locking out that prevents selecting destinations while the vehicle was moving. Quote: There is a pattern on the part number - the last two digits are important. The second to the last number, in this case the number 3, refers to fitment compatibility with gen2 and gen3 systems. The last digit refers to the calendar year. It's better if I lay it out here and you will see the pattern: For Gen 2 and Gen 3 Systems (02-04 SC430) 2001 Map Update Disc 86271-33030 Data 2001 ver.1 2002 Map Update Disc 86271-33031 2003 Map Update Disc 86271-33032 Data ver.03.1 2004 Map Update Disc 86271-33033 Data ver.04.1 2005 Map Update Disc 86271-33034 Data ver.05.1

I read somewhere, that the LS430's had timing chains and the belt was only for driving the accessories. Thus, a broken belt would trigger an alternator warning light and maybe the engine fan warning light and not cause the engine to crash due to pistons hitting the valves. Right?

From a buyer's point of view, here is my story based on looking for a LS430 with Nav in So. California for several months: Before deciding to scale back on our outlay for a Lexus, we found a 2004 at Beverly Hills Lexus with about 40K miles and Nav but not with the Ultimate package yours has. We were very restrictive in our color choices wanting only a light metallic green color which this dealer had one. He wanted $40k and my wife would not pay more than $37K, so we left. A few days later, we bought a 2001 LS430 with Nav in mystic sea green, 62K miles for $24K from an independent used car dealer. Except for the color, your car is definitely worth the extra $3K. Although, we don't miss the UL features, the 6 speed transmission or some improvements in the Nav. My thoughts are, for the lease return buy out price you were offered, that is a very good deal. Your asking price on AutoTrader is not bad either. It looks like you should be able to sell your car with some profit. I thought when one leases a car they charge for the sales tax. Were you charged it again?

Oh, oh, now I need to check and see if these wheels are using spacers and if the lug bolts or nuts thread all the way down. Thanks guys.

These are the wheels that were on the used 2001 LS430 that I recently bought. They are 16" and have the Lexus logo but do not look like those on vehicles I see on the Internet.

I have a recently purchased a 2001 LS430 (very similar to your GS430, except larger) and I didn't think I had the manual either. However, the car has two glove boxes which was a pleasant surprise to me and it was in one of them. Also, I guess you have already found the leather folder stored in the trunk on the passenger side which also has some manuals. I went to Lexus.com web site and registered my Lexus and logged in to their support site. There I downloaded the navigation manual before I discovered that my car already came with one. The printed navigation manual is also sold by Lexus and available on Ebay. Now for your question: From my limited experience, it seems that if you agree to the guidance system, your screen will flip back to the map from audio after a preset time. If you don't use the guidance, I think the screen will stay on audio or climate. In the set up menu, I think I saw a setting that controls this feature. Go into the menu or set up screens and look around and see what settings are available. I do this about twice a week and have not memorized where things are yet. Still learning.

My 2001 LS430 has two FM memories. (FM1 and FM2)