Hey, I have a 1997 lexus ls400, one night it went into limp mode, and it tends to shake pretty bad when u press the gas pedal. It also was smoking from the exhaust and smelt like gas, I changed the spark plugs, ignition wires, the 2 coils, and both the distributors were in pieces so I changed those with the caps too. But it didn’t help much, but something I noticed is when I unplug the coils from the distributor cap on the passenger side the car still turns on, so I’m thinking maybe something to do with the camshaft, just need advice on this. Also I do not have any CEL and I checked my ecu capacitors and everything looks good.

 

How did you check your ECU? Just because it isn't visually damaged doesn't mean it can't cause problems.

 

I checked the capacitors and everything else to see any leaks, I’m not sure how else to test it

 

A visual test is not definitive, the health of the QAS capacitors cannot be judged by eyes. Can you post pictures of the capacitors themselves? So we can determine if they are original, or, have been replaced.

If you want, here is how you measure the ripple voltage which is another test to determine the health of the capacitors. However, if your ECU is original, I wouldn't even bother with this and would move straight to repairing it:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-by-yamae.html

If your board isn't visually damaged, this is good news! The traces can become damaged and are much more difficult to repair.

 

Pretty bad photo but this is the only one I had from when I had the ecu out. I could take more another time but if u can get anything from this one let me know.pretty sure the ecu hasn’t been touched, got about 80k miles

 

My eye may be untrained, but those look suspiciously like the original defective QAS capacitors. But again, good news! If they haven't leaked and damaged the board, then your ECU should still be healthy and the fix is trivial.

I would get the ECU repaired before spending any further money on any other diagnosis. Let us know how it turns out!

 

I asked this question recently and the answer you provided was already somewhat misinformed so I'll ask again...
Has the ECU in your 400 been repaired/serviced?

A few more questions-
Have you ever removed an ECU from any automobile?
Have you ever opened and visually inspected an ECU (not a photo)?
Have you ever performed a ripple test on an ECU?
Have you ever repaired an ECU?

ClubLexus is a credible and reputable forum.
Members, new and old, deserve to understand where advice is coming from. Especially with something as critical as an ECU.

 

I'm quoting Yamae as the source for all of this advice, where is the misrepresentation here?

He is the world expert on this subject.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post11377414

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post11484359

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post11245674

I don't know what else to say. So far you haven't helped either of the two people, you've just censored me. Could you please tell me at least what and where I am wrong instead of just attacking me like this? This way I learn where I'm wrong (I still have no ****ing idea), and the person gets more accurate information.

As for your questions, my ECU is in flight right now getting repaired. I've removed it, and took a visual look inside. My car doesn't have the ability to perform the ripple test, I bought the capacitors and setup the test before I realized this. And no I've never done electronics repair.

 

Using a link to direct someone to information is fine.
Yes, I know who the expert is.
Does the OP know you’re “quoting” Yamae. I don’t see any mention of him until now, only implied in the links.
If you’re going to piggyback on someone else’s knowledge, offering opinions and advice, an upfront disclaimer would be appropriate.
Emphasis on upfront, so the reader can come to a properly informed decision. When you visit a Doctor would you prefer speaking with
the actual Dr or someone who is “quoting” him or her?

 

This is super common information I am passing to someone who just joined the forum, and even then, I linked to two sources in my original post. I don't know what else you want me to do. Do you expect me to post sources for every single thing I post on the forum? That is totally unrealistic.

Where was my mis-representation or misinformation I was posting? When I say a fix is trivial, I assume that's what you mean, how is sending your ECU to a company to get repaired not trivial? You have accused me of this I would really like to know why I am wrong. That is why I am here, to learn.

Listen I get what you are trying to tell me these last few posts. I made some mistakes and said things that were wrong in the moment. You don't need to hang me out to dry like this just because I was wrong. Set the record straight, educate us all and then we all can better help future people.

 

Hi Bradland- I'm pretty sure 400fanboy has good intentions & wouldn't provide ill advises to anyone on our great forum. We're all here to learn & share what we've learned so we can help one another. It's all good.

 

Ok
In the interest of future readers and also clarity please explain how your car is incapable of a ripple test.
Your car does not perform the test you would do so with a multimeter. The “ability” is your responsibility.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post11696282

P.S you still haven't told me what I've said that was wrong even though this is now the 3rd time I've asked