pondfisher

I need to replace the low beam bulbs in a 1997 and don't have the shop manual. What is the best practice procedure to remove the assembly. Also it appears this car has a separate low and high beam bulb. Is the low beam on the bottom or top and what tools does this require? The guy at Autozone told me that I needed the the 9003 ST/2 Silverstar Bulbs. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

1997 LS400 150k miles. Frequent 400 mile interstate trips 80 mph 25-26 mpg.

I don't see a small amount of overfill as a problem. I have been told that too much oil can damage the catalytic converter. Common sense should prevail.

I am looking at a 99 RX 300 AWD all options, no navigation, and needs tires. The vehicle has 167k miles and is listed at 9k but could get it for less. I have an LS400 but I am not real familiar with the RX model. Is this a good price for a middle Tennessee vehicle? The current owner said that he replaced the timing belt at 150k. Any for what to look out for would be appreciated.

I do know that you can't depend on checking a battery with a voltmeter. It is not the voltage it is the amount of cranking amps that turn the motor over. You can read 12 volts with a meter but that doesn't mean the battery is good.

GS 400 brake stand burnout.

I missed it but would love to see it. Still cleaning up tornado damage here is Tennessee and didn't have time to tune in.

Who wants to talk about anti freeze? I have had a great time reading the posts about oil and gas. Keep up the good work guys, I needed something to do tonight.

I have a 97 also I just bought with 140k miles. I started using Mobile 1 extended mileage full synthetic oil. I have changed it twice to date. I haven't had any complaints at this point and feel it should be giving me a little extra lubrication protection. You can buy it at Walmart in a 5 quart container and save a considerable amount of $'s. I am not a Walmart fan but it is the cheapest place I have found. It really depends on the outside temperature where you are located for to choose the correct oil weight. I use 10W 30. Each oil manufacturer supplies that information in their literature or on the web. For the differential I will defer to someone who knows more about that subject.

A few years ago I had a 84 Dodge Ram Van with a 6 banger that experienced a similar problem. It had a carburetor and was not fuel injected. The blocked catalytic converter would build up back pressure over time and the only way to fix it was to spray carburetor cleaner in it until it would free up the unburnt deposits. The shop actually did this a number of times and I paid for a tune up each time. They never told me what they were doing until it blew the exhaust manifold off the motor and one of his workers spilled the beans. They were supposedly tuning up the motor each time. I had forgotten about it until you mentioned the collapsed catalytic converter. It had the exact same symptoms where the engine would lose power and bog down when you applied more fuel.

Beautiful car and nice price.

I have a 1997 LS40 that I really love. Drives smooth as silk has all the power, bells. and whistles I need. My question is the car is a 1997 and what has been the experience with that safety rating? Are these cars as safe as most other models on the road today?

My 97 does the same thing on moderately cool mornings when I drive up and down hills. I also have experienced the same thing in other car makes. I attribute it to the moisture content and temperature fluctuations from the overnight dew. Once the temperature warms up and the morning dew burns off the problem goes away.

Looks like he wanted to get in the cemetery and the guide wire got in his way. Hopefully the driver got lucky and didn't get killed.

Where would you purchase the Bose suspension product and what parts do you need for a 97 LS400?

I found the leak today after I got my 1997 LS on the rack, it is the passenger side valve cover. Is this a common problem and is there anything else that should be addressed when making this repair? Where is the best place online to buy the valve cover gaskets and do I need to get anything else other than just the cover gaskets. The PS did appear to be leaking a very small amount from the valve at the bottom of the reservoir. We were unable to reproduce any fluid after we cleaned off the surface.

I hadn't thought of the possible alternator damage as a result. I appreciate the tip and will make sure that I get it up on a rack so I can really see where it is coming from. This car is a 1 owner that purchased from a co-workers parents. His dad is a Lexus fanatic and has owned LS's from 1990, 1994, and my new "to me" 1997. He also stables a 2004 LS430 and just bought another 2007. I am not sure if the 07 is a 430 or 460. I didn't look in the garage at that one because I didn't want to be overwhelmed with envy. The 07 is the reason he sold the 97 to me. When he bought the 07 he drove it home and locked it in the garage for a month before he drove it again. I don't have that much self control!! All of his cars are only serviced at the dealer "including oil changes and tires" and performed all the scheduled maintenance. The car was never damaged in anyway but he did smoke. The smoke was the only downside but he didn't use the ash tray. I paid 9k for it with 138,000 miles "maybe a little high" but I knew where it had been for the last 10 years and it had the complete service records. I have fallen in love with the car and I wish I had bought one sooner. Maybe he will be ready to sell the 04 in a couple of years, who knows.

Robert, I think you could be right. My best bet might be to take it in to be looked at to make sure. I would much rather have a power steering problem than have something leaking from the engine. I will search the previous threads to see if that might produce a clue. By the way good luck with the new 2000 LS400. I am a Project Manager for AT&T Customer Owned Equipment and I bought mine for the same reason as yourself. Great reliable transportation. I have the itch to upgrade, but it has a number of good miles left in it for now. Thanks, Bill :D

I am not sure for the fix but this must be a common problem. My 97 LS on the passenger side of the windshield has cosmetic blemishes also. I was going to visit a local body shop for advice but I will wait to see if someone can help.

The car appears that it was taken care and if the maintenance was kept up its a great car. Looking at edmonds.com comparing the two, you received a fair deal considering trade-in vs. dealer retail. Myself I think the car you bought is beautiful and if you like it you did well. Just my opinion but I really like the 2000 LS.

I have a 97 LS400 purchased 3 weeks ago 138k. Last weekend I changed the oil myself and found I had been either a current or previous fluid leak on the right hand side. To make sure I cleaned the engine undercover in order to have a good reference point the next time the cover was removed. Today I removed the engine undercover I found about a thimble full of oily substance right underneath the alternator. There are also a couple of lines of some sort in that vicinity that had fluid on them. After a closer inspection on the back of the alternator there is a electrical connection that appears to have fluid on it too. I also removed the top plastic Lexus engine cover and could not visibly see any trace of a leak and checked the power steering fluid. The previous owner had the Lexus Dealer replace the timing belt and the "leaking" front crank case seal at 95k. Has anyone had a similar leak or know of an inherent problem to the 97's?

Do all LS400 models regardless of year have the wood console?

Mine is a 97 and the repair is similar in scope to the 89-94. I really appreciate the tips that this group provided. Without your insight I would have gone to the dealer and written a big check!!

I replaced my 1997 LS hood struts last Saturday for 34.99 + 8.00 freight with a universal replacement part on eBay from Parts Avenue. I did have to drill out the original ball and reuse the connecting bolt. I recommend to have a good drill, vise, and sharp bit. Looking tonight I did not see the struts for the LS in the parts avenue store. The instructions I used are here: http://www.cureline.net/lex/howtos/howto_h...hood_shocks.htm AlsoI saw these on eBay tonight "item number 230176504776" that appear to have everything you need without having to drill. $35.00+ 7.65 Freight Whichever route you go you should be able to get it done and save a considerable amount of $$$ over what the dealer would charge.