Adam8g

Hey there. A part on my '01 GS 300 (heat shield?) broke off and I need to get a new one. It's a metal plate that is attached to the underside of the intake runner right over the exhaust manifold. (Well, I figure Lexus put it there for a reason, and that reason is to keep heat off the intake runner and I assume that without it my car will burst into flames as I cross the California desert in mid-August.) The problem is - the dealer doesn't sell the part alone. It comes as part of the Intake Air Connector Sub-Assembly. The quote for that is BIG$ and I'm not about to spend tons of money for a piece of sheet metal. I know - it looks like it would be easy enough to remove the broken tabs and somehow spot weld them back on, or to fabricate new ones, etc. But I don't have access to any welding stuff, have never done any, and don't know how to go about it. I have some simple hand tools and thats about it. So, if any of you have modified your car with an after market intake, or know of anyone who has - let me know. Thanks much for your help.

So I opened up the hood to admire my squeaky clean engine bay when my eyes spot a piece of sheet metal, about 7 in by 9 in lying on the passenger side engine mount. I notice it has three mounting points at the corners and evidently fatigue took its toll. It looks like it is a heat shield protecting the intake from the heat of the exhaust manifold. (Sorry – by camera died just the other day so no photo.) Can someone point me to the diagram showing this piece? (2001 GS 300) What are the real world prospects of driving without this piece in place? Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks - will keep an eye out for those things - especially the cable !

Sorry if this sounds trite and simple. I just bought a 2001 GS 300. Unfortunately, the car did not come with any of the factory documentation. Things like Owner’s Manual, Service log, etc. So do tell: 1 – How do I program the garage door opener buttons? 2 – What viscosity oil is the factory recommended? 3 – Where can I get a complete set of original documents? I’d like a complete set with the zipper case. Thanks much.

Looks like I’m about to get a 2001 GS 300. Two things: 1) What Should I look for (Know issues) 2) What upcoming scheduled maintenance items should I be bugeting for? Thanks ahead of time. Oh – where can I find the service schedule for this model?

Just wanted to thank the posters for the info on getting the Radio LCD fixed on my 1996 LS400. I live 30 minutes from Mikado Technology so I went there during lunch and they repaired the radio while I waited - about 30 minutes. BTW - removing the radio is SO easy. Just pry out the air vents - wedge something thin around the edges...and do the same for the center console. Four screws hold in the radio / HVAC. $165 versus $550 for a redone radio from the dealer (plus $120 fro R&R). These guys do a lot of the repair work FOR the dealers. Mikado Technology Company 1435 Huntington Ave., Suite C South San Francisco, CA 94080 Phone: 1-888-9-MIKADO Fax: (650) 615-9900 Email: mikadotechnology@yahoo.com

Thanks guys! Can't wait to try the fix.

OMG ! You guys are GREAT ! Can't wait to try ! THANKS ALL !

Hey there everyone. Have a problem that I hope has a simple solution. My 96 LS400 driver side seating memory works intermittingly with the steering column. For example – when I turn off the car, the steering wheel may move up. When I put the key in – the steering wheel MAY come back to the preset position. If not, I will push the memory button, and it MAY move some or all the way to where it belongs. Often time I need to press the button repeatedly – each time the wheel advancing a bit, or even going the wrong way. The seat and mirrors are no problem. Any thoughts? Thanking everyone ahead of tiime.

Hey everyone. I tried e-mailing individuals but I guess I just don't rank very high on the Lexus forum…. I’ll go back and try the suggestions. Wish me luck. It is SO DANG annoying - has taken the pleasure out of driving the car.

Love my LS400 - But the brakes are going to make me go MAD. Got my LS400 some 6 months ago – and the brakes were squeaky. Had my mechanic look at it and he did a brake job for all four wheels. He turned the rotors a bit (looked nearly new) – OEM pads, etc. The brakes at that time looked near new but I wanted the squeal to GO AWAY. It did – for a while – but it came back just like before. Went back once and had a ‘fix’ that lasted a few weeks. And IT’S BACK. :cries: Yes – I have searched the posts and read all I could find. Anything ANYONE can suggest beyond the 1 - OEM pads 2 – lube / grease 3 – shims ?????? Many thanks

Nearly perfect – except . . . Just got my 96 LS400 back from the detail shop and it is SWEET. DAMN nice . . perfect in everyway . . . Except for . . . 3 things 1 - Read window - Glass is dirty behind the Center high-mounted stop lamps (CHMSL). How do I remove it? I opened the trunk, looked . . .tried to pry off from the inside . . .stumped… Also . .. 2- Gold car with the gold package (emblems, front grill surround, antenna collar). Originally I wanted to change to silver, but now with the PERFECT body, chrome wheels, and all around flawless nature of the car – I think I want to keep the gold trim. It’s all in great shape – except for the front grill. The logo in the center is OK, but the surround is faded. Any idea on a ‘fix’? I searched the forums and read most but no real help. Lastly, 3- I’ve seen references to hi intensity discharge headlights and ‘clear’ style tail lights. Were can I find more info on these? Thanks ahead of time . .

Thanks BTW - mine is a '96 LS400 gold with gold trim package. interior is 2 tone with the darker tone being the floor mats. what is this color called? thanks again

Looking for new OEM floor mats. Local dealer wants $145... Any other sources that discount? Thanks :)

Thanks everyone! :D My goodness – I have found fellow car (Lexus) geeks! NEAT! Looks like I have standard suspension and I called the X-owner, I am riding on original shocks / struts. I think the dampening can be significantly improved with new units… What’s out there for my ’96 LS400 and any opinions on what to get, cost? Thanks again

Ok – really silly question. I just bought a 96 LS400 from a close friend. I picked it up in southern California and drove home to San Francisco bay area yesterday. Two things I need some help with… and some other advise First – the car in mushy and wallows some. If it has standard suspension I suppose new shocks (advise??) will manage the dampening – It seems this yr. came with optional air suspension (?) How can I tell if my car has this option? and in case it has Air Suspension - what do I do? Second – at about 80 the car vibrates….tires are good shape. About a year old, so I’ll rebalance and rotate…any other ideas? The car has 95,000. I bought from the original owner – always maintained at dealer, great shape… I want to do a thorough mechanical / cosmetic renovation. On the mechanical side, what do you suggest I do – look over? What are the know weaknesses I should be looking at? Thanking you all ahead of time… Adam