Jasbmo

Hello,

I have a 1998 LS400. A "taillight failure" keeps coming up, when I lock the car with the lights on, all lights are on in the rear, but when I press the brake, the light in the upper right corner of the right light assembly doesn't light up. What is the problem? Also, I want to change this myself, so how do I access the area to change the bulbs....I pulled the plastic cover off, and it seems that the entire casing is metal, I'm not sure how to get into that.

Secondly, the little light in front of the tires (amber) is not working. How do I remove this? Just pull it out?

Thirdly, how much would it cost (roughly) to replace a fan belt? WHat if it snaps, what will happen?

LASTLY, are the corner lights next to the fog lights supposed to light up? Mine haven't for a few months, maybe even years hahaha.

THank you alllll.

Best,

Jason

RA40

iTrader: (6)

There are little covers on the rear tail corners on the side. Gently pry the tabs up and the screwhead will be revealed.

I dunno how the corner marker is on yours...if there is no screw on the lens side, you might be able to get it from undeneath by unclipping/twisting the connector. Same with the lower fogs.

Grand will know.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

a fan belt is about $20 at autozone and easy enough to change.if it snaps your engine will just die after a while.
the lens next to the fogs are just decoration and does not have a bulb in there

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

The corner light is VERY hard to take off; some people even rip the bumper to replace theirs with clear ones. The way to change the bulb is to go about it from underneath the car, remove the bottom cover, lie on the ground, and reach with your hand, twist the socket, and replace that way. The driver's side is even harder due to the washer fluid reservoir. (I know because I’ve changed them both).

The corner lights near the fogs are for decoration as mentioned above. They were actually supposed to be the orange corner bulbs, but were to low to pass DOT specs.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I strongly suggest a Gatorback belt... real quiet and smooth. 5-minute job... much easier then changing the bulbs. Just have to loosen the belt via tensioner with a socket (I think 12 or14mm?)

Its made by good year, here is the website for more info:
http://www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com/cars/gatopoly.html

Jasbmo

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. i just tried to take out my corner light and PULLED THE WHOLE BUMPER OFF!!!

I need to stop going to the gym, I need to turn sideways to enter doors.

Jasbmo

Ok realistically guys, I took one for the entire LS400 Forum Team, by giving back to Lexus of Glendale for sponsoring this forum.

MY Bill...........

Concern 54 Replace Fan Belt Auth 196.00
Correction Replaced Serpenteen Belt $111.00
Part No. 99366-D2230 $85.00
Factory Tech: Eddie
Total charge for concern: 196.00

MY CONCERN: Uhhhhh, did I just drop my monthly paycheck on something I could've done myself?? (while helping Lexus of Glendale pay for the putting green)

Glendale is excellent in their loaner car service, maybe only if you drop $250 for some $25 part and an oil change.

Other issues guys, Major rust under car, tech will have to dissemble to try to find, possible creaking coming from front suspension, stabilizer bar bushing, East Coast Vehicle, Undercarriage is very rusted...................If you lift my passenger floor mat, its just like in FnF 1, when for some unknown reason Paul Walker's floor panel flies up and you see the ground.

Will the rusty undercarriage/suspension issues affect my ride when I put on coilovers and wheels? What can I do about this? (what did paul walker do?)

Lastly, thanks for the quick responses guys, esp. you RA40, you've been a tremendous, instantaneous helper for every in this forum.

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

The belt on my 98 cost $86 from the dealer.
It took about 20 minutes with just a ratchet to loosen the idler and unscrewing the bolts holding the intake shroud.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

i got the gatorback from autozone for about $25 and 15 min. to change it out

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Gatorback's are the best.

lexusk8

Just curious, is the fan belt technically the same as the serpentine belt?

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

yes... The LS does not have Electric fans like other cars out there, so some call it the fan belt.

jpdavis423

I had the "tail light failure" message and could not see any lights out at the rear of the car. (No one home so I had to put a brick on tthe brake pedal).
Upon close inspection I found that the brake light inside the car, on the rear deck, has 2 bulbs and one was burned out - replacing that fixed the problem.