HRP

I am pleased to see this question asked. I don't have an answer to your question, but I experience some wind noise from the right front window that is solved by lowering and then raising the window again I never thought of checking the "seal" that you describe. What exactly do you do to clean and dress the area? I use Zaino's Z-16 (their rubber and vinyl dressing) and rub like hell until it is smooth. I'd hoped someone would come up with a better solution. I did my dressing on the car about 3 weeks ago and left it smooth, but it is already somewhat rough. Before I did it again, I thought I'd ask if there were another way to solve this problem. I have posted this question on CClub Lexus and Autopia. I'll copy the solution, if there is one on this forum also.

On my LS430, at the inside top of all 4 side windows is a black 1 1/2" composite seal (for lack of a better term) which helps keep the windows sealed when they are raised. Each time I detail this area, this "seal" is somewhat rough rather than smooth as it is after I've "dressed" it. I suspect this could become a source of wind noise in the future. How do any of y'all clean and/or dress or treat this area?? I've posted this on both the Club Lexus and Autopia forums and will post replies if any. Thanks

Reference was made by SKPerformance (in reference to the LS400) that ALL Toyota's need at least the coolant temp sensor (?? sender??) replaced every 100k. Is this also true of the LS430? And is it essentially the same process?? Ditto for the tranny mount? Thanks

The trunk struts on my 2002 LS430 are getting weak. While the car is still within the 7yr/100k warranty, I'm not sure (from posts here) if they are covered. In case they are not, 2 questions: 1)Removal: they appear to simply pop out of their sockets, if not removal method please? 2) Best source to get replacement ones? Thanks.

There are cheaper brands, but I'd go with the Michelins. Old firm, good reliable product, well constructed, and their wornout ones are in demand by retread shops.

Try one of your local Toyota dealers. I priced the 90k servicing (timing belt, water pump, etc) at our local Lexus dealer at around 1700 bucks. The local Toyota dealer said that they had a Lexus certified mechanic and would to it for 1000.

A comment and a couple of suggestions: Comment: Most automobiles are much tougher than we credit them. Leather seats in the average care are horribly abused by kids, teenagers, and uncaring adults; not to mention the rental units, and absurd climate changes, snow, ice, salt, time, etc. A single error like yours probably will not do any significant damage as long as you rectify it appropriately. I would doubt that you did any significant damage. 10 years of wear and tear in Texas is probably much harsher than a single application of Meguiars Ultimate Compound. Suggestion: Also post your question on Autopia.org These discussion forums offer comments and suggstion from amateur to professional detailers and it is unlikely that your "goof" is something really uncommon. And the response is usually rapid with cogent suggestions and recommendations. Would also contact Meguiars since they have probably seen and dealt this problem before as the product containers are essentially the same. Ditto for Lexol, Leatherique, etc. Please report back with responses and your results.

FYI, I saw on another forum a comment regarding a new product: Stoner's Invisible Glass with Rain Repellant. Checked and found out from Stoners that it is currently being test marketed only in Target stores. It is not recommended for internal glass surfaces. I got some and cleaned several windshields with it as well as using plain Invisible Glass on the interior of the glass. Here in N.C., it has been raining since this past Thursday. The IG with Rain Repellant works great thus far, and much better than RainX. Duration of the product is unknown. It's only available in a pump spray.

One of the more obvious solutions would be to take your car out for a nice highway drive. Not only will this charge the battery, but will give all the fluids time to get hot and circulate as well as get any residual water our of your exhaust system. Short distance around town driving can ruin a car. Put your favourite music on the stereo and enjoy a nice drive.

One more thingL Since I have had one car (now given to my son) which everyone was allowed to drive in emergencies, the battery stopped holding a charge. Until one evening someone noticed that the courtesy light was switched on. After turning that off, problem solved. Suggest you check the car after dark and make sure something's not still on.

Where do I put the negative crocodile clamp? (The manual states it should be away far as possible from the battery it selve) Is there some obvious reason you can't simply put the negative clamp on the negative pole of the battery? This is assuming you unplug the charger before you disconnect the clamps from the battery to prevent any exposure to the hydrogen that might build up during charging. Most of us have been charging batteries with the alligator clamps connected directly to the battery posts for years both in and out of a vehicle (in my case well over 50). And I'd check the terminal connections. Poor connections, corrosion, etc can make a battery behave in the manner you describe. I would also return the battery for an exchange. Or at least get a second opinion as to its condition from another source. Most auto parts stores will check (and charge, if necessary) a batterey free. Ditto the car's alternator which could also be the culprit. You might consider returning the trickle charger for one which has the capacity for charging at 2 amps and at a higher setting. The price difference isn't that much and the ability to have at least a 10 -12 amp charging setting as well as the alternative 1-2 amp trickle charger setting is well worth it.

I'd inflate the tires closer to their max or at least split the difference between the max and the recommended. If you can't "read" the tire information on their sidewalls, it is available from most manufacturers sites (Michelin.com certainly his it). You will find that with a full load, you'll have better milage, handling, ride, and wear with the higher inflation. Also keep a can of Invisible Glass cleaner (Stoners) and paper towels as well as an emergency kit with reflectors, flares, flashlights, tire guage, bandaids, tylenol, etc. on board. And hide some cash in the glovebox. We prefer "soft" luggage or duffle bags since they will fit better and can be used as "pillows" in the cabin if necessary. Have a nice trip!!!

Sounds like "ya done good". And, as I recall, Kirkland is one of Consumers' Reports "Best Buys". HRP

Please let us know what you bought, an idea of the cose, where you bought it...and how long the smaller replacement lasted in your LS400 lasted. Thanks.

Whatever you get, get a battery with a warranty (at least 24 -36 month full replacement). Most quality batteries are going to last at least 6 - 7 years IF they make it the 1st 2 or 3. And for less than or around 100 bucks, you can get a darned good replacement battery, installed, with that kind of warranty and 700 - 800 cca. No one has a 100% record on their batteries not having a dud or two in a lot. Fortunately, the % is pretty low.

You are correct re: battery manufacturers. The manufacturer in Winston-Salem, N.C. was the Douglas Batter Company (visited it), but as of this year, they've sold their auto battery manufacturing. Thanks for updating me.

AC/Delco is a good brand, but I noticed that installation is not included. You can save about $40 if you go with a franchise battery (Autozone for example) and they'll install it for you). You will only get a 36 month as opposed to a 50 month full replacement warranty. But the Autozone one has 750 CCA for around $90. Their "core charge" is $12 which is deducted from the total price if they switch it out for you as opposed to taking a battery home and then having to bring the old one back. The Interstate MTP-24F-Mega-Tron Plus - 85 Months - 800 CCA and is listed at $114 I'd shop around at battery dealers near you for the best deal, warranty, and make sure that if it dies, you can get a replacement easily darned near anywhere. And since those suckers weigh at least 40+ lbs, let them install it free for you, You might also check places like Costco, Sam's Club, etc if you are a member. Find and compare on-line. It's cheaper and if the weather turns bad, you won't be outside banging your knuckles on a cold wrench.

Interstate has 3 different ones for around $100. And Interstate batteries are made locally here in N.C. And are widely available. And have a good reputation. Or you can go to Autozone, who has them for about the same price with a 3 year full replacement warranty and an 8 year total warranty. Just put one in my 2002 LS430 (the dealer didn't check it at my last servicing. I was in a hurry and so we jumped it off.) Took it to Autozone and when they checked it; it would not hold a charge. Replaced it with the SAME Japanese brand and battery that came with the car new for 100 bucks including installation and took all of 15 min. And they are 1/2 mile from my front door. 3 yr full replacement warranty and 8 years total. NAPA, and most other autoparts franchises carry them and keep them in stock. And keep you in their computer system so if it dies, they can look it up even if you don't have the receipt. And you can return it to any franchised store. Just google the nearest franchise to you.

On the later modles, douple clicking the "panic" button on the key would turn off the headlights also.

Y'all's advice is much sought after since my car's extended warranty is running out in early September 2009. And this is our first Lexus. 1) 2002 LS430 (we bought it new) with only Sunroof and heated seats (no other bells and whistles). 2) Nearly 85k with 6 months left before extended bumber to bumper warranty runs out 3) Car is in great shape, clean, no known problems except keeping the exterior mirrors in adjustment, handles well, no KNOWN issues. All servicing thus far has been done by local Lexus dealers. 4) Also 85k servicing within next 2 weeks and 90 K servicing will be done before Extended Warranty expires this Labor Day (so between new tires and these services, I'm looking to drop close to $2500 into the car this year). 5) Advice on adding any kind of additional warranty??? Based on y'all's experience, when she goes in for the 85 and 90k servicing, are therre any specific trouble spots which ought to be mentioned and checked?? Let's face it, I don't want to get stuck with a major repair next fall which should have been handled under the warranty. Or listen to my wife say, "I told you to ask about that." We generally drive cars until they become unreliable tansportation and do not now have a case of "New Car Fever". And our Lexus is our "newest" car and looks to be reliable into the future. Thank y'all for any advice, recommendations, snide comments, etc.

silvermistLS' Shopping for new tires here for my 93LS, I currently have Michelin MXX Energys, and while I think it's a great tire, I'm looking for a cheaper alternative. SilvermistLS, let's look at the original question and expand upon it. 1) Your LS is 16 years old and has ???miles on it and is in what condition??. 2) Is it a daily driver? 3) Who rides in it and under what adverse conditions do you drive? 4) Is the car still reliable and up to par in other respects? 5) How much longer do you realistically think you can contine to drive it? After looking at the above plus other possible considerations, is it worth the difference to you to purchase Michelin (or another premium quality tire) for safety and reliability?? My '02 430LS is going to require a new set of shoes soon, and she's gonna get Michelin Sport Pilots (A/S) When my '91 Buick Reatta Convertible with 100k on it needs a new set, it's gonna get Michelin Sport Pilots (A/S). Have a new Haartz top pending for this one that's gonna set me back close to $1500, but since only 150 were sold, it's worth it. When my 1977 Excalibur Roadster needs new shoes...yep,,,Sports Pilots (7 made) When my wife's 2001 Honda CR-V needs new shows.. the same. We've been maried nearly 47 years and i ain't ever gonna try to break in a new wife. Rather spend the bucks on good tires to keep her safe. Fortunately, the LS is the only one which will need new tires in '09. But I'm an MD and have seen too many bad things in the ER that could have been prevented with better quality equipment, including new tires. It just ain't worth it to save a couple hundred bucks on a set of tires. New Michelins (or any other quality premium tires) on a daily driver are well worth the additional cost.

Agreed. If you've got the coin, they're the smoothest and by far, the quietest tire out there. I have the Falkens on my '04 and the only complaint I have is the noise (when compared to my prior experience with Michelin). I got the'04 with virtually brand new Falkens, so I'm going to drive them a while. When the economy starts to look a bit brighter, I'll replace them with Michelins. Interior cabin noise is important to me and when I hear the Falkens, I know the Michelins are much quieter. Other than that, no complaints about the Falkens. In well over 50 years of driving, I've tried many different brands from the infamous Firestone 321's to Pirelli's and have been running reliable Michelin Sports Pilots for the last 10 years. They are A/S ones, so are a little noisy, but have given good service when well maintained (correct pressure, frequent balancing, rotating, and alignment).

Im also looking to purchase an LS430 for my wife this spring, but the 01 - 03 is the only model that can fit our budget right now :D which is still a nice upgrade from an 02 Honda Accord! i guess the coach edition is the one to shoot for with all the goodies? Sounds like you are really splitting hairs and haggling with yourself. Suggest you get a well kept up 2002 - 2003 (Some of the 2001's had the worst seats). Then with that experience under your belt, maybe you can make a quicker decision on the one for your wife later this spring. I've got only 84k on my 2002 and love it. BTW, we faced a real choice between the LS430 and the 2002 Avalon in 2002. You might just peek at a comparable Avalon. In most of the reviews, it compares very, very well. Especially the appointments, tightness, and rear leg room.

You quite possibly obtain the car, but most of the ones donated to a school shop are by contract supposed to be crushed after serving their purpose. But a fair number still find their way into private hands. An enterprizing guy (like you?) might be able to finagle around and end up with the car. Good luck!!

The first thing I'd do is check the tire pressures. Overinflation can cause a car to oversteer, but underinflation can cause sloppy handling and poor tire wear. I generally run my LS430 pressures on 16" Michelin Sport Pilots at 38 lbs. Next, get an opinion from another dealer/alignment/tire shop (Lexus/Toyota service facilities are not infallible). And tell the alignment technician that your car is oversteering (darty, "quick in the stays"). And ask him to evaluate your tire wear pattern. I deal with a tire shop that has a reputation that the alignment technician is one with the alignment equipment. There is probably a similar shop near you.