azari

So I'm looking at a '99 LS400 which pretty much meets all my criteria, except for one thing.
I ran a Carfax on it, and everything turned out clean. However, about 5 months after the car was purchased by first owner in '99, this item was performed by the dealer, as quoted from Carfax: "engine/powertrain computer/module replaced carfax."
What does that mean?? Is it a red flag, or something that could cause any problems down the line? What could cause it? Has anyone else had this done? If you guys could shed some light on this, I'd really appreciate it.

azari

* "engine/powertrain computer/module replaced."

RA40

iTrader: (6)

How many miles on car now? If the car has been running fine since that module has been fixed, you'll not likely have any problems.

Take in the VIN number to a service adviser and ask them to check car's history. If the current owner can provide work invoices you are in a good spot provided the basics have all been done for the specified intervals.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

I know they had a silent recall on the modules, but that was on the early 98 gs400

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

probably something specific, but without seeing the car's lexus service history it's hard to say. there was no recall on '98-00 ecus as far as i can recall.

If the rest of the car's solid, it's probably fine as it's been that way for so long lol.

LScowboyLS

I would run an AutoCheck on it (similar to and apparently a lot more accurate than carfax) - did you see this investigative report on accidents and other problems not showing up on carfax? - it seems they have sold out their integrity to the used car dealers!

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

What would car fax gain by not reporting the truth? Makes no sense siNce all the would get is a loss of business. The best thing to do is get both reports, look at the service at the Lexus owners web site and have a mechanic check the car out before you buy it.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Like has been said already , just get service records from dealer and if everything checks out go for it.

azari

Thanks guys,
Checked vehicle history on owners site; turns out the reason ECU was replaced was that the customer had complained of a "hesitation on acceleration" problem. Car is a 1999 with 46000 miles on it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I feel like I've heard/read about this hesitation problem on this site!

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i've heard of some ECUs being recalled but i am uncertain of what years, or if it's even true. how many miles does it have now?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

With 46K miles and 14 years later, unless it has them now, so far What's the price?

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

That's what a silent recall is. You only replace it if the customer complains.

Here is the one on the gs400

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...ulletin-1-.pdf

LScowboyLS

the bulk of carfax's business comes from used car dealers, NOT end-user customers like me & you - the used car dealers have pressured carfax in to not checking into these cars as thoroughly as they should, it comes down to the age-old problem of corporate greed almost always trumps integrity (except for Costco warehouse club and a few other companies, but these are not even 1%)

azari

I ended up with a different car. This one is a '99 with 34000 on it.

rickslexLS

You found a '99 with 34k miles!! Congrats on that man.. Post pics in new LS thread, I've got to see this