rucker67

Can anyone give suggestions on CEL on 93 LS400; CEL came on, now the enging idles low, tranny remains in high gear and have to manually shift from L to D to get the car to move. It won't move in (D) just revs high and slowly moves. Mechanics can't get a code when they hook up the ODB1 scanner, I've tried shortening out the E1 & TE1 ports to get blinking CEL but to no avail. Any suggestion will be taken into consideration...need help please thanks.

sethjon

Whatever mechanics you are referring to is doing something wrong. A code should definitely come up. My guess is a sensor, but there are several. Try a different mechanic to get the code.

deanshark

Does your engine light come on at all? Like when you turn the key to start the car. The bulb could be blown. It should blink when you connect those ports even if there are no codes. Is this what you, or your mechanic, is doing? http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/intro/codereading.html As it says in this link, to check transmision codes use the "O/D OFF" light.

rucker67

Hey thanks for the replies, I'm new to the forum....but to answer your questions, yes I've tried a couple of mechanics and they're not getting any codes when they hook up their scanners. My CEL comes on when I start the vehicle up and stays on while running, I connected the ports under the dash and under the hood and still get no blinking lights. It's also using fuel like a freaking "monster truck" and now there's a strong smell of carbon monoxide while driving. I was told that b/c the scanner can't read a code it's more likely that the ecm/ecu has gone bad. Any other input would be greatly appreciated, once again thanks guys for your responses and I look forward to other suggestions.

sethjon

Now it sounds like it could be the coolant sensor. If it is, it will not set off a code and the computer will think its cold all the time and use a lot of fuel. you can buy the sensor on line for around $25-40. I think Autozone has it too for a little more. Its a pain in the *** to remove but its not that bad.

tonyfazt

was this problem fixed mine does the same thing and the monoxide smell is toxic

lex8000

I had this *exact* same problem in a 93 LS400.

My mechanic said the code was for the ECU computer itself, but he wasn't sure it really was the issue. After resetting the ECU twice, the car worked fine. Still, I bought a used ECU and he swapped it out. Car still ran fine for two days then acted funny today (turned over slow on start with some smoke in exhaust). I posted in the ECU #s thread that I'm wondering if this is a steering pump vale leak problem that is confusing the computer when too much PS fluid burns on start up, putting the car into limp mode. Only a theory though so if anyone has fixed this please share it.

rucker67

I took my 93 LS400 to a third mechanic who specialized in repairing Japanese cars, they tried everything for like an hour or so and came back and told me what I figured it would be. It was the ECU/ECM, I purchase one at ecmexchange online for $295 w/ 1yr warruenty and now the car runs perfect!!! So I would guess that your ecm is going bad.

shoob

i too am having issues getting a code from my 93. the CEL comes on but when jumpering the TE1 and E1 connectors, it wasnt throwing any.

i came across this....

http://www.2carpros.com/questions/le...light-stays-on

basically, jumper TE2 and E1, start the car, drive it to temp, or idle to temp if the issue is idling. do not shut the car off!! leave it running, and then additionally jumper TE1 and E1 while TE2 and E1 is still jumpered. BAM! engine codes coming from the CEL.

i got 24, 31, 71 on the CEL you can also jumper TC and E1 to get trac and abs codes. i got an 18 abs, and a 43 trac,

lex8000

update for my old post - A used ECU fixed my issue