CJG53

Thanks, SK. I'll check the A/C codes this weekend. CJ

Yep, temp stays normal, heat and a/c work like champs. I'll test again this weekend and see if the a header is acting funny. If so, other than a malfunctioning piston, what might cause that? And if it is a bum piston, what specifically w/in the cylinder would cause the excess heat? Oh, and I just read a post about a hot ignition key which is another symptom this girl's car is experiencing! Thanks, CJ

SK -- I checked the Gen Maintenence section but the codes you listed say they are "a lexus standard since 94". This SC400 is a '92. Also, wouldn't I need a reader to see the codes anyway or are they available elsewhere like the a/c codes you listed which are retreivable via the a/c unit? (A buddy once owned a Fiero which spit out all the codes on the radio face.) CJ

Funny that you're new here and from L.A. w/ a '92 SC400 -- go read my recent post about "Heat at the Feet". Same year car and the hot key is another symptom that I totally forgot about! We should stay in touch especially if you find that you're experiencing heat at the firewall by the driver's feet. And if you wind up at a recommended shop let me know how it goes! Weird... CJ Green

I was going to say that I just got a 1992 SC400 but the truth is I just got a girlfriend w/ an SC400. It was her dad's and was well maintained. The problem she's having (and I'm hearing about often so I have to fix it) is that after the car's been running for a 1/2 hour or more hot air begins blowing at the driver's feet. What i found was that it took me 2 different test trips to replicate the situation but that it is real and it is a PITA. THe heat is not coming from the vent below the steering wheel. It appears to be coming through the firewall, specifically from the slotted plastic sheath that surrounds the steering column. Now if that's the case, why wouldn't it be doing that all the time? As it is, it takes quite awhile to start spewing this dragon's breath. (No, it doesn't smell, it's just HOT.) THe new girlfriend thought it happened after the A/C had been on for 1/2 but I was able ot feel it come on when I started the car cold w/out ever runing the A/C. Is it possible that there's a component that just happens to be located near the steering column that may be overheating or be exhibiting some other such behavior and it isn't engine heat at all? As I live in Los Angeles and wouldn't trust a dealer here as far as I could throw him so I figured I'd turn to a group like you guys. (I belong to several for both my 1992 Nissan 300ZX and my 2000 Triumph Speed Triple motorcycle and can't sing the praises of these internet groups loudly enough!) Also, some joker clipped her driver's side mirror; any good, local leads on a reputable used parts dealer for the Lexus? Or even a reputable Internet used parts supplier? Plus, where can I find a color code for her year and model -- it's a '92 in a deep green. Pretty car and fun to drive! I thank you all in advance for your help and advice. CJ Green Los Angeles, Ca.