Hello all. New to this site and a new older Lexus owner. Recently purchased a ‘96 LS 400 which has been very well maintained. But! I’m looking for answers for a few issues.

1. steering wheel tilt works intermittently. It’s not the gear(I’ve verified by removing the cover and the gear is fine). I thought it may have been a contact issue with the connection or the switch but NO. So I’ve concluded it must be the dc motor. I’ve been unable to source a new one but did find a used one for $50. It’s also interesting that when I search for this year of car for the motor the return searches give the wrong part #(89231-50050). The correct part # is 89231-50030. For now I’ve positioned the tilt to my liking and unplugged the motor. The telescoping functions. Poor man’s fix😂

2. Right rear passenger door doesn’t lock or unlock completely when using remote or from the panel on driver’s side. I can hear the actuator working. I’m thinking a little silicone spray to the shaft will possibly work? Is there any diagram on how to properly remove the door panel?

3. Trunk lid doesn’t work from remote. The manual switch opens the trunk lid as does the key but remote doesn’t work? New battery in the remote. Still not working.

Aside from those minor inconveniences the car has no leaks, drives perfect and looks great.

Thank you in advance

Steve

 

Welcome, Steve

For (1) - I think the used motor would be your best bet, if that's what has failed on yours. See if there's a local junkyard that has one nearby, too (or just leave it as is). You can use car-part.com

For (2) - I don't have the pages on me right now, but it should be very similar to the door panel for 1998-2000. See the first 4 minutes here:

For (3) - no idea. Sounds like your remote isn't paired/programmed to your car. I don't have a 1995-1997, so not sure how to proceed.

 

for the door lock, it's normally a failing actuator inside the latch itself that is getting "lazy". it could be a straightforward fix or require a complete replacement.

see yamae's post #18
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post9001303

 

I drove a 96 for a lot of yrs and had the same symptoms from my remote, this may not be your problem but it's easy to check. I took my remote apart and the micro switches that the external buttons push on the board were cracked on the soldered legs from use and the rubber cover over them held them in the general area so sometimes they'd work and sometimes not.
My repair was just to hold the switch in place with a toothpick and put a drop of crazy glue where the switch contacted the board only and it worked until it was sold.

My lock actuators stated failing in the rear doors first and fronts later, they had batt voltage and good grounds and I just didn't repair those.