IsaacGB101

Recently bought a 1998 LS400 and worked fine until it just didn't start. Everything works normally but the engine will not start. It cranks but just doesn't start. Even tried starter fluid in the intake and there's nothing(which is really weird). It has spark, air with good compression and has fuel. Just changed the crankshaft position sensor as that had gone aswell. Anyone have any ideas?

LeX2K

If you have fuel, air, compression and spark the engine will run. One of those is missing or not working correctly. How did you know the crank sensor was bad?

IsaacGB101

We took the sensor out, put a multimeter on it and passed a screwdriver over it and there was nothing. Tested the new one and got continuity.

IsaacGB101

I got the ECU out, the capacitors with the red dot have no continuity but aren't leaking. Does anyone know if that's a problem and what do those capacitors do? Thanks for all your help🙏🏼

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

it's rare to see 98-00 model years have ECU capacitor problems but it's still possible. see the parent thread on ECU capacitors, stickied at the top of the forum.

do you have any check engine lights? scan for any codes stored. another thing is the immobilizer. when you stick your key in the ignition, the security light should stop blinking immediately even before turning the key. if it keeps blinking the immobilizer is still on and preventing the engine from firing.

IsaacGB101

No way, you're right! Just followed a procedure to bypass the immobilizer and it fired up straight away! Thank you so much 🙏🏼

Superfast1

I've heard that the immobilizer is built into the ECU as it's not a standalone unit so can't be bypassed. Just curious how did you bypassed it? Did you use another ECU?

IsaacGB101

I say bypassed it, I mean reset it really... I find this other forum to reset the immobiliser:

1996 LS400 IMMOBILISER RESET PROCEDURE https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/tu...set-procedure/

IsaacGB101

For other people seeing this, to check if it is your immobiliser, there is a red light on the dash(attached picture). If it keeps flashing when you turn the ignition, it's probably your immobiliser and you need to reset it.
Follow this link to see how to do it: 1996 LS400 IMMOBILISER RESET PROCEDURE https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/tu...set-procedure/

For reference, my car is a 1998 LS400 facelift from the UK.
Hope this helps 🙏🏼
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timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

very good, glad it was simple!