USDM

The ECU capacitors in the 1990-2000 Lexus LS 400, along with several other Toyota/Lexus vehicles, are notorious for leaking and causing a variety of problems with the vehicle. The best-case scenario would be to replace all of the respective capacitors before they begin leaking. If left untended, leaking capacitors may cause irreversible damage to the ECU. After purchasing my 1996 Lexus LS 400, I decided to order the appropriate low ESR replacement capacitors. The replacement ECU capacitors ended up sitting in my desk's drawer for some time until my car started triggering its CEL every few days for the same two error codes, P0753 and P0420.

Before replacing any other parts, I decided to have the ECU capacitors replaced. The only issue at this point was finding someone local and trustworthy to do the job right. This was one of the reasons why I purchased my own low ESR capacitors and intended on providing them to the person who would be completing the necessary repair(s). I met Aaron, the owner of Driftmotion, at Supercar Sunday a few years ago and I remember checking out his beautiful Toyota Supra. When I discovered that Driftmotion offers a ECU capacitor replacement service, I remembered Aaron's Supra and knew I had found the right person for the job. I was finally able to borrow a car and make the drive to Driftmotion with my ECU and replacement capacitors in hand.

I mentioned to Aaron that I had brought my own replacement capacitors, but he assured me that he had the appropriate low ESR capacitors in stock. Before moving forward with the repair(s), Aaron performed a preliminary inspection of my ECU to make sure that it was repairable. Somewhat to my surprise and much to my relief, none of the capacitors appeared to be leaking, but I went ahead and asked Aaron to replace the capacitors anyway.

After reinstalling my ECU, my car fired up right away! While buttoning up the glove box, I left the engine idling so that the ECU could relearn its parameters and whatnot. It has been 21 days and almost 1,000 miles since I've had the ECU capacitors replaced and I am ecstatic to report that neither error codes have returned. Since the ECU capacitors were replaced, I have noticed an increase in my vehicle's fuel economy and engine power. I also had a low idle issue which is now completely gone! I couldn't believe what a difference such a simple repair has made. If you haven't already replaced the capacitors in your ECU, I would highly recommend doing so. If you live in Southern California and are looking for someone local to complete this repair, Driftmotion is a very affordable alternative to doing the repair yourself. You can also opt to ship your ECU to Driftmotion and they'll complete the necessary repairs and ship your ECU back to you.

If you've made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read my review! I'd also like to thank RA40 for urging me to write this post to help others out!

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Nice review, it's good to have reliable word of mouth options for all the ppl contemplating having their ECU rebuilt.

Rdrcr

Thanks for posting.

It is good to know there is another reliable option for those wanting to replace their ECU capacitors. I had my ECU rebuilt with the proper capacitors as preventative maintenance and the car has been running great ever since.

Mike

USDM

Thank you for the kind words, sha4000! I couldn't agree more and that's why I took it upon myself to write this review.

You're very welcome, Mike! Thank you for taking the time to read my review.

Losiracer2

What do they charge for the service? I too had purchased all my capacitors based on Banshee's DIY off DigiKey for about 5 bucks shipped, but I'm not confident that I won't mess up my immobilizer equipped 97' ECU which may be costly having to re-key it if I mess something up.

I'm not getting any CELs yet, although I did get a P0420 and P0430 after replacing the cat gaskets awhile back when I had to repair my EGR pipe, which I subsequently added spark plug non-foulers to trick the system for emissions purposes.

USDM

The cost of Driftmotion's ECU capacitor replacement service is $89.99. I have included a link below to their ECU capacitor replacement service webpage.

http://www.driftmotion.com/1UZ-ECU-C...e-p/dm1676.htm

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

Driftmotion is a VERY well known name in the Toyota/Lexus community and have been behind some of the most well known Supra (3 and 3), IS, and cressida builds over the past decade. They've been doing ECU rebuilding for even longer and haven't had any complaints as far as I've heard.

They're local to me and I've had work done without issue as well. +1

dashan

Thanks for the information. I will send mine for repair too

Moarpower

Thanks for sharing. Always good to know who can do the job right

dashan

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

very good info here and glad to hear someone local who can do this work. I am weary sending my ECU out and have my car sit undriveable until it returns but I understand not everyone is so fortunate. thank you for taking time to report this!

spuds

Bookmarked! Thank you,that seems a super deal in my book.