billydpowell

do us a favor and tell us what the trouble codes are... then we can "guess" along with you.... 

go to http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/ and see if you can find any like failures listed... a world of knowledge there..

Jim is probably going to be right and you will need professional help, but do your self a favor and go to lexls like Craig said and learn how to check your codes out, plus a lot of other things you need to know.... do you think we were born with our knowledge?? we are just like you, we had to read and learn.... you can do it.. 

Great Flash, and I yield to the Guru.... just joshing Jim..

come on Jim, have you EVER heard of anyones tac or speedo sticking and completely not working... mine have been sticking for over 6 years and a whack ALWAYS jars them loose and my dash has not suffered ANY damage... 

do like jim said send it to tannin..... but I have had 5 99 LS400's and all of them at times would do this, either speedo or tack and the tap always worked.. I never used any "lube"  oh, and it happened to mine last week..... 

do yourself a favor and go to http://www.lexls.com/ and do a little reading, look for "trunk hinge wiring harness" problems.. 

a firm tap of the fist on the dash pad will jar it loose, it is common.. as summer begins the "lube" warms and gets sticky and you need to jolt it loose.OR you can pull the cluster out and clean and re-lube the needles.. (it happens to the speedometer also)

and now you know.......... 

that is not normal.. it has a problem mine is "right now"

sorry, I couldn't help but laugh, thanks for the warning...

sorry Irvin, just take it apart and find out what is wrong, plus pay attention to the warnings above

this might be silly, ( I seem to have a lot of those) 95-97 are all easy to take out, do you have a friend with one? easy & free way to check operation. 

mine was 120$ for the master..  second key was a hardware store cut for free. 

this might help

sure sounds like a locked up converter to me, rev it up and throw it in gear (empty street)  and hold on, OR, remove the TC/FW bolts and put in gear (on other autos I was able to push the TC back for clearance)  never had to do a Lexus.. 

 Randall has a photo of a FW with bolt showing in his files 

I ordered a new 3 button key from ebay with buttons.. had the dealer cut it and "flash" it and it works. also had a back up key cut, starts the car, locks and unlocks (manually) the doors and I have no problems

this might help:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/479918-new-member-need-help-tail-lamp-failure-indicator.html

On 3/17/2016 at 8:27 PM, AyooKeish said:

I was driving on the interstate today when I heard a pop and smelt burning before my car shut off, I pulled over to try to start it but it wouldn't start, so I got it towed to my house and out oil in it but it still didn't start. What could be the problem?

the problem we have is getting you to answer us...

wow, this group has done all but go after them for you. good work guys.. "Pat on the Back" 

now make it look new again..

4 majors and a few minors and you are good.. fender,hood, headlight & bumper, with them out of the way, the little things will show up//

are you having camera problems? no photos yet?

Bob, I dont think the ecu will come into play unless the engine is a mismatch for it....

no iac on 98 & up..  oops,just noticed it was built 10/97, so it could have one, sorry.. bdp

I checked, NOPE:  This part is not compatible with 1998 Lexus LS400 Base Sedan 4-Door 4.0L 3969CC V8 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated.

Things to think about....

#1 your car is a 1998 model.

#2 try to find the serial number on the engine.. so it can be identified. (Lexus can find it)

#3 the engine in the car might have been neglected, had a weak head gasket that just blew when you gassed up..

#4 what is the code number your obd gives you.

#5 your seller was not truthful with you.

 #6 have mechanic run a compression test & pressure test cooling system & in that order, and report findings back here. 

#7 timing belt may be damaged, and hope for the water pump to be the coolant leak

good luck..

PS.... it is the best car ever built, but humans can ruin anything..... 

3 hours ago, pj8708 said:

Hi Billy,

Good information and pictures. The Club guidelines say that postings or threads cannot contain any content about religion or Politics. Thanks for your continued support.

tell me what you want removed at billydpowell@hotmail.com and I will take care of it

use dextron lll  type fluid.... 

here is the parts list showing the rods from handle to lock .. hope it helps.