opie

For what it's worth, the ML isn't impressive and the amp (particularly in 2001) fails. I rented a hyundai recently that had a better stock stereo than the ML. The air suspension is nifty but wicked expensive if it breaks, which it eventually will. I'd rather have the sport suspension package. Since i rarely have people in the back, the reclining seats and other gee-wiz stuff of the UL may not be worth it given the higher maintenance costs. I'm still happy with my LS with Ultra package but given the choice, I'd rather have one without it.

Here's my closeout (hopefully).. I bought a used amp on eBay. The seller described the amp as remanufactured but when it arrived, there was no factory remanufactured sticker. I did order the p/n that ended in 01, not 0 so hopefully it will be OK (the supposedly upgraded part). Installation went well. I had some trouble with a round plastic fastener at the far front of the side panel (the piece with the pocket) and this makes access more difficult than it should be. Oddly, this particular fastener had a sticky rubber coating which made re-installation much easier. It sticks to your finger when you go to replace it. Be sure to use this exact fastener in this particular place when you put everything back together. All-in, it took me a little longer than an hour. It would have been faster had I done the procedure before. The replacement amp seems to be working fine and the sound is back. When I had finished, I opened up my old amp to see if there was an obvious problem. Although one part of the board was discolored, there was nothing else obviously wrong. I thought I'd be helpful and provide photographs for those that follow in my footsteps. Some of the photos have notes. http://www.flickr.com/photos/oparvez/sets/72157617363721873/ I hope this helps others...

Very helpful information Speedemon! Thanks. Did you drive the car without the amp installed? Other than not having a stereo - any issues?

Ok. Let us know how it goes. I'm trying to compile... 1 - instructions for removal/replacement of the amp 2 - local repair shop willing to try to fix 3 - sources of replacement amps (eBay seems most likely) 4 - I might end up trying to open and fix the amp myself. If I end trying this, I will document with photos and writeup

I'm getting a used amp, it should hopefully be here this week, I will post back here when I replace it to finish up this post. Have you tried disconnecting the Lexus Link system and all that? If so it is likely the amp, especially since it is an 01, from what I understand, all the 01's had an issue with the amp, I guess some last/lasted longer than others. I'll let you know. Did a used amp fix the problem? My 01 UL just started acting up. Damn!

When a excessive brake pad wear is sensed, a "brake wear" message is displayed on the "multi information display" (trip computer) in the instrument cluster of a 98-up LS. I looked more closely today. The ! lights up and then in the display below it says the washer fluid is low. That's simple enough. If the problem isn't resolved by topping up the fluid, I'll post back. Thanks for the responses.

I'm getting a beep and a quick flash of a warning light on the dash when I accelerate or turn quickly. The light flashing is red and is central on the dashboard, above the tachometer or maybe speedometer if I recall correctly. It has a "!" (exclamation) symbol. Does anybody know what this warning light is for? It only happens if I turn quickly or accelerate quickly.

I'm buying an 01 with 30K miles, picking it today in fact. And this was my exact question. Seems pretty unlikely that I'd need to do a timing belt but I'll have it checked in the next few months, just in case.

If it's any consolation, I feel comfortable enough with Lexus quality to buy a low mileage 01 LS430 with the Ultra Pkg. I spent half an hour with my local dealer's service department discussing possible areas of concern. I put down my deposit a few hours ago.