Lexus LS-400

2000 Lexus LS-400 Ignition System   

Three weeks back I replaced the battery on my LS400 due to problem with "clicking noise" when key was engaged to start motor. I've had no problems for three weeks; however, this morning I tried to start the car and received "clicking" noise when key was engaged. I tried numerous times to start the car and after multiple tries it started. Can you provide advice on what might be the problem?

Hello, The rapid clicking noise caused by the starter solenoid is usually due to a poor connection of the battery cable connections, or low voltage in the battery itself.

Different causes will net the same result:

1. A poor battery cable connection can be just a loose bolt on the cable connection, or corrosion on the cable terminal end. Clean or tighten the connections as needed.

2. The alternator may not be charging the battery properly. Once the voltage drops below the battery's capability to recover by an alternator it takes a battery charger to bring the battery back to dependability. Test the alternator output and replace if full power cannot be produced.

3. Parasitic drain on the battery exceeds allowable amount. The car has different systems that require very small amounts of battery power (amps) to maintain memory. Clock, radio presets, memory seats, etc.. If the car has something shorted to voltage it will run the battery down. If something has been left on (lights, cell phone/laptop charger, dvd player) the battery will run down. Have the car tested for excessive parasitic drains. Repair if needed.

Roger

1994 Lexus LS-400 Chassis / Suspension & Steering   

im putting 20 inch rims on,regulars struts wont work what can i do, get longer struts

answer the question

i have not recieved a answer to my question if you do want to reply just send me my money back

There should not be a problem with regular struts and they will fit.
I have installed up to 245-35-20 and have never had any problems.
If you have something different going on i have not encountered it with that model car
in the past.
I hope this helps

1992 Lexus LS-400 Engine Making Noise Happens always Always

WHAT CAN I DO TO QUITE THE LIFTERS? I HAVE HAD THEM AJUSTED.

Hello, What engine, please? Have you verified the oil pressure?

What oil are you using? Problem present all the time, engine warm or cold? Have you tried a crankcase addative like RESLONE or synthetic oil?

Please advise,

Roger

1992 Lexus LS-400 Engine Making Noise Happens always Always

I have what I believe to be lifter noises. I had the lifters adjusted and timing gear changed about two years ago. But the lifters never stopped rattling. I put in gas and lifter treatment still no change.

Hello, Tell me when this noise is most noticable. Is it at all times or on acceleration? Is it a valve "ping" like cheap fuel on acceleration or a "tapping" like metal to metal that just won't go away?

When the valves were adjusted was the engine cold? That's a requirement. Did the shop use the new and modified tool to make the adjustment? Can you determine what valve clearance specification was used? Did Lexus make the adjustments?

Do you have a fax number I can send info about valve adjustment to?

Still trying to help,

Roger

I do have a fax number, it's [redacted] .
I had the lifters adjusted at a Lexus Dealership. The noise sounds like metal to metal noise. I don't know if the engine was cold at the time the lifters were adjusted. I can't determine what clearence specification was used.

Since Lexus made the adjustment to the valves one could believe they used the new tool issued by Lexus and did the procedure with the engine cold.

I'm going back to get info from the data base concerning the clearance specifications and the number of the tool that Lexus wants used when valves are adjusted.

What does Lexus say to you about the noise that still concerns you after they took your money? How many miles on this engine?

Back today,

Roger"

The Lexus people told me to put some gas treatment in the car and drive it a-while. I did as they said but nothing happen. the car had about 145000 miles on it.

Thank you, if they are suggesting gas treatment then the problem is not likely to be valve adjustment. Valve "Ping" on light acceleration is often relative to the quality of the fuel, the octane of the fuel, and the ignition timing controlled by the car's computer. Timing is not adjustable, its up to the computer and is based on sensor feedback as to engine load, temperature, vehicle speed and more. I don't know if Lexus uses adaptive learning technology in their computers. If they do then disconnecting the car's battery for ten minutes or so would cause the computer to have to relearn your driving habits and adapt accordingly. Just a thought, no promises. It may not improve/advance the timing in your favor.

Consider having a cylinder compression test done to see how well the valves seal compression. Short term, you have an annoyance noise. Long term if the car is a keeper, it may take a valve job if the valve guides in the heads are worn beyond specifications.

Later this afternoon I'll fax to you the info I have on valve adjustment and the new valve tool set. I have to get back home to my fax machine.

Roger

Could the timming gear make a tapping metal to metal sound always (engine hot or cold) for a long period of time? I believe it has something to do with the timming gear or some part of that area.

I'd need a drawing of the chain, gears, and tensioner to see how such a tapping could come from that area. There are guides for a chain on some engines that could wear or break and allow the chain to make noise. I use a mechanic's stethoscope to listen for noises. They are available at auto parts stores for under $20.

I'll send you a drawing if I get one suitable. With dual overhead cams I expect there is more than one chain involved driving four cams.

I hope the fax got through. I'm really running late today.

Roger

1992 Lexus LS-400 Drive Train / Driveline Hesitating When accelerating No pattern

My vehicle does not seem to want to accelarate sometimes. I changed the plugs and the fuel filter. The O/D light comes on sometimes. I have been told that, the speed sensors maybe the cause of some of my problem. If so where are they (speed sensors) located and can I change them myself?

Is the acceleration problem only present when the O/D light comes on?

Does the check engine light come at any time while the engine is running?

The problem is not only when the O/D light is on. It just seem to happen every now and then.
No the check engine light is not on..

The speed sensors could cause the problem you are having. The speed sensors cost to much to replace without confirming they are bad.

When you say the car hesitates-

Are you saying the engine lacks normal power, skips, or cuts out?

Or does the problem seemingly have nothing to do with engine performance and instead be a tranmission problem? This would mean the engine revs but the car does not accelerate because the transmission slips.

I think the engine had a lack of power doing these periods. Do you think the O/D has anything to do with this problem?

Call your local autozone and see if they can check the troublecodes on your car. If they can they will do so for free. Explain to them the O/D light comes on and you wish to know if they can access the troublecode that is stored when the light comes on. Finding out the troublecode will help point to the problem (at least the problem that is causing the O/D light to come on). Then we can determine if you have one or more problems.

1992 Lexus LS-400 Engine   

My 1992 Lexus 400 LS has 230,000 miles on it. EGR, plugs, wires have been replaced. The starts and drives fine when it is cold, but once the engine has been running for awhile it starts to miss and stutter. This is especially noticeable when idling, and then moving forward again. It feels like it is grinding under my feet at that time.

Is there an increase in smoke from the exhaust when the engine is running poorly and you begin to accelerate?

Was there any black sooty deposits on the spark plugs when you changed them or were they clean for the most part?

1990 Lexus LS-400 Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When driving Always

cruise control will turn on electrically, when the main off/on button is pushed (indicator on the instrument panel lights up) but it will not engage when the set/coast lever is moved.

What exactly is the problem you are having, will the cruise work at all?
Are you saying it has power but does not activate?

Hello, If the system indicates it is "ON" but will not engage:

1. The brake light switch may be defective or out of adjustment.
2. The cruise control throttle cable may be disconnected.
3. Set/Coast function lever or it's wiring may have failed.
4. If the system requires engine intake manifold vacuum to work a hose to the servo may be split, collapsed, or disconnected.

Your thoughts?,

Roger