Xkalaba

Hey guys, I'm a new member as well as a 1998 Lexus LS 400 owner (over 100,000 miles). I've had my LS now for about a month, and I am extremely, extremely please with this car. This car is extremely luxurious as well as a female catcher!! However, just over the weekend my headlight on the driver's side went out on me. I pulled it and tried to replace it at the AutoZone, the guy said they do not carry that bulb and I could only get it at the dealer for about $300.00?!! Wow. I realized now that it is a HID bulb and the mechanic at the dealer said it was in fact $300.00 and $50.00 to install. He also said he would have to order the bulb (2to3days). WOW, what a dilemma - Is there a cheaper alterative? And also, I want to install new bulbs for my fog light - any suggestions.

Thanks

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

just google and you can find it on the net for about $100 and then install it yourself

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

First of all, its easy to install, second they can be had for much much cheaper then $350. You have to change both bulbs tho, or the color will be off, which is not very cool to look at.

Good news is, HID bulbs are now cheap. I bought 2 NEW philip 4300K D2R's (the stock ones) for $72 shipped from ebay and installed them myself. Much better lighting with the new bulbs.

Look for, D2R NOT D2S, phillips, and 4300K temp.

I just took out my signal lights last night to clear them up, and took the headlights out at the same time to polish them, didnt take long at all, and the front end looks much better now.

Good luck.

Xkalaba

Aaaah Man, thanks. $350 seems a bit much - if I had to pay it then it is what it is. But I will definitely go that route. Thanks again. Quick question, how’s the electrical system in these cars. I had an issue with my power windows (master control)., I let down the passenger rear window and tried to let it back up. It automatically on its own, let itself back down, and it constantly did it until I press the enabling main switch. Is this a concern??

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

And your welcome

These cars house GREAT electrical systems. Actually, your problem is more mechanical, then electrical. These windows have pinch protection, so there might be something in its path that makes it think theres an object blocking it, so it comes back down. Check for rubber seals that came off thier path, or any other object that could be obstructing it.

DroppedGS

Do the 95-97 LS400 have the pinch protection also?

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Nope. Only AUTO up/down featured cars, which are 98+

Xkalaba

What size fog light bulbs should be used for the 1998 LS? And I can go without HIDs right.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Fogs are 9006, and are not HID's to begin with.

Xkalaba

Hey Grand,

I followed your advice and bought a pair of D2R Philips 4300k HIDs from EBay. I got them for $102.00 including shipping. Shipping was super quick (1bussiness day) -purchased Friday, received yesterday. I installed both yesterday and I am very, very pleased. I just wanted to thank you man for your feed back, feels good to get helpful replies when you feel like there is no way out. "I love this Forum."

Preciate ya, Buddy!!!

Now if I can get that one fog light to come on.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

You're welcome bro.... glad it worked out for ya

Did you switch the two fogs to check if one isnt burned out?

Xkalaba

That's my next mission. I'll keep you updated...

Xkalaba

Hey Grand,
I had it mind to check my fogs this weekend, but a funny thing happened yesterday. I was at the gas station yesterday and as I was heading back to my car I noticed all lights were on!!!! That was weird, I must admit though when all lights are on, my LS looks great. I installed Phillips Blue lights bulbs to give me a blue look on the fogs, but they are white, no blue at all. Seems like my lighting system has a mind of its own, because as I pulled into my driveway to check them out again. That one fog light went out again???

How do I get control off my lighting system???

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

That’s very strange... Seems like a loose wire somewhere. Trying parking in front of a glass door, and fiddle with the lighting stalk/and fog light switch and see if anything changes. Then if nothings happens, try and move around some wires above the brake pedal, that’s where the fogs main fuse is located. Moreover, yes, the LS does look good with the fogs on. Actually, if anything was wrong with the interior wiring, BOTH would not turn on. Must be the exterior wiring and connection to the fog light that’s not working.

If you search in the LS forum, you will see my thread about the fog light mod, where you can turn on the fogs along with the parking lights independent of the main HID's (looks even better on cloudy days, and early evenings). Anyhow, if you read through that thread, you will find out more about how the fogs are wired… maybe it might prove useful to you.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Also, try to get some good pics of those bulbs you installed