Tail Lamp Failure, '98 LS400 and other new owner stuff...
06-20-07, 02:38 PM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Tail Lamp Failure, '98 LS400 and other new owner stuff...
Hey Guys,
Ive been away from here for ALONG time, I was last here in 2005 actually when I had my 2002 LS430.
Anyway, I go through cars fairly quickly and yesterday I traded my problematic 03 Escalade for a beautiful champagne 98 LS400 with 65k miles on it. The car looks new inside and out but it does have a few niggling issues.
First, I am wondering how to turn off the auto exit steering wheel, if there is a way. I tried going through the menus and looking for a switch but couldnt find one. The manual is missing so I have no idea how to do this. Ive never liked this feature on any of my luxury cars (Im primarily a BMW/Cadillac guy, but for now the LS fits my needs better) because I feel it puts alot of wear and tear on the motor parts.
Second, IP issues... Most annoying, Ive got a "TAIL LAMP FAILURE" warning on the display despite the fact that as best I can tell all the lamps are working properly. The only thing I was able to find when I searched was someone looking for a diagram of the "tail lamp sensor module" for their SC 97 Tail light conversion, so if this has been covered, my apologies. I also think I have the sticky needle syndrome on the speedo, because yesterday I swore I saw it jump from 0 to 40 out of the corner of my eye, but I thought I was going crazy... apparently I wasnt.
Finally, the car rides like a dream but occasionally i get a "thwack" sound from the front end when going over bumps or turning the wheel hard. In the past this has been sway bar bushings or end links on my other cars, some guidance on the LS would be helpful. In fact, just any general guidance would be great. Im used to luxury cars with alot of known problems but its the cross I bear for being an enthusiast, Im not usually a Lexus guy but this is among the best cars Lexus ever produced in my opinion. Its nice to take a "break" from the others for a while!
Sorry for the long post and thanks, heres a couple of pics til I take some this weekend...
Ive been away from here for ALONG time, I was last here in 2005 actually when I had my 2002 LS430.
Anyway, I go through cars fairly quickly and yesterday I traded my problematic 03 Escalade for a beautiful champagne 98 LS400 with 65k miles on it. The car looks new inside and out but it does have a few niggling issues.
First, I am wondering how to turn off the auto exit steering wheel, if there is a way. I tried going through the menus and looking for a switch but couldnt find one. The manual is missing so I have no idea how to do this. Ive never liked this feature on any of my luxury cars (Im primarily a BMW/Cadillac guy, but for now the LS fits my needs better) because I feel it puts alot of wear and tear on the motor parts.
Second, IP issues... Most annoying, Ive got a "TAIL LAMP FAILURE" warning on the display despite the fact that as best I can tell all the lamps are working properly. The only thing I was able to find when I searched was someone looking for a diagram of the "tail lamp sensor module" for their SC 97 Tail light conversion, so if this has been covered, my apologies. I also think I have the sticky needle syndrome on the speedo, because yesterday I swore I saw it jump from 0 to 40 out of the corner of my eye, but I thought I was going crazy... apparently I wasnt.
Finally, the car rides like a dream but occasionally i get a "thwack" sound from the front end when going over bumps or turning the wheel hard. In the past this has been sway bar bushings or end links on my other cars, some guidance on the LS would be helpful. In fact, just any general guidance would be great. Im used to luxury cars with alot of known problems but its the cross I bear for being an enthusiast, Im not usually a Lexus guy but this is among the best cars Lexus ever produced in my opinion. Its nice to take a "break" from the others for a while!
Sorry for the long post and thanks, heres a couple of pics til I take some this weekend...
Last edited by Playdrv4me; 06-20-07 at 03:00 PM.
06-20-07, 03:23 PM
#2
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yes these are really nice cars. this lexus still has less problems than there newer ls's (04-06). but that thwack problem could be the front lower ball joints or the strut caps.
with the tail lights usually you have to look at them when you have the brakes depressed and also with the headlights on. try this with someone else pressing the brake on/off.
the auto exit feature has to be turned off with a lexus diagnostic tool. usually only at a lexus dealer.
with the tail lights usually you have to look at them when you have the brakes depressed and also with the headlights on. try this with someone else pressing the brake on/off.
the auto exit feature has to be turned off with a lexus diagnostic tool. usually only at a lexus dealer.
Last edited by greenvy2k; 06-20-07 at 04:30 PM.
06-20-07, 03:41 PM
#3
"thwack" is prolly front strut bar bushings. best off replacing the whole bar on each side as its not too expensive, should be able to get both bars for ~$240-250+labor.
taillight issue is likely a loose socket on the trunk lights, check for looseness by just jiggling them while the headlights are on at night and seeing if that stops the light from coming on.
auto-down steering wheel is an ECU controlled feature that only a dealler can change. see this thread.https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/57248-what-adjustments-can-be-made-the-dealer-on-a-98-ls400.html and scroll down.
taillight issue is likely a loose socket on the trunk lights, check for looseness by just jiggling them while the headlights are on at night and seeing if that stops the light from coming on.
auto-down steering wheel is an ECU controlled feature that only a dealler can change. see this thread.https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/57248-what-adjustments-can-be-made-the-dealer-on-a-98-ls400.html and scroll down.
gotta love lex
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
