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1996 LS400 fan blower problem

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Old Feb 19, 2014 | 07:34 AM
  #16  
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My 1996 Lexus 400 blower fan doesn't come on for a looooong time after turning on. It seem to work on the front defrost a little bit.
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Old Feb 19, 2014 | 07:35 AM
  #17  
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Lately it is not coming on at all. Thanks if anyone can help
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Old Feb 19, 2014 | 10:04 AM
  #18  
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of course check both your blower fuse and relay first, however the likely failed part is the blower motor control (aka blower resistor) - this used to be a cheap part, and still is on 1994 and earlier models, unfortunately this has become a rather expensive part on '95 and newer LS400 at both the dealership and even autozone, o'reilly and advance auto parts, it is $250-$300 at any of those. - a rare case when the autozone type of store is no cheaper than the dealership.

however I did find a somewhat better deal on the genuine Lexus part at a Lexus dealership in Atlanta called Lexus of South Atlanta for $187 - they are quite reputable and a big Lexus dealership, I have ordered a lot of parts from them - the part number is 87165-50020 and here is a link below where you can order it or call them and discuss how often they replace those - it is not too difficult to install for a backyard mechanic with patience and attention to detail and focus.

Lexus Blower motor control at a discount in Atlanta Lexus dealership

this is what the part looks like:

1996 LS400 fan blower problem-ddwwb1i.png

also, if you are patient, these show up on ebay for around $40-$100 from time to time, or else you can try local junkyards who should have them available for $30-$75 used - just look for that part number at both ebay and the junkyard

Last edited by LScowboyLS; Feb 19, 2014 at 01:35 PM.
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Old Feb 20, 2014 | 04:50 PM
  #19  
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Thanks so much.
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Old Feb 20, 2014 | 04:52 PM
  #20  
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I am down to my last key. The one for your wallet. I have ordered blanks and fobs from EBay but can't anyone to lazier cut.
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Old Feb 20, 2014 | 06:02 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Mountain78
I am down to my last key. The one for your wallet. I have ordered blanks and fobs from EBay but can't anyone to lazier cut.
Just go the the dealer, should be about $40.
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Old Feb 20, 2014 | 09:27 PM
  #22  
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i've got like 5 local locksmiths that will cut them for ranging from $15-35/key.

Just call locksmiths and ask if they can do "router-cut" keys for lexus/bmw/mercedes. They aren't actually "laser cut"
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Old Mar 23, 2014 | 04:09 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by LScowboyLS
No. the p/n 87165-50020 only fits 95-97 models

the 98 and newer models use a very different part that has roughly the same function, but is completely incompatible, both electrically and physically
I purchased the part you suggested that might be the problem from the dealership in Atlanta

It didn't fix the problem. (Fan not blowing) Do you have any other suggestions?

The fan is blowing a little bit. When you change the mode you can hear a grunting or grinding sound.

Last edited by Mountain78; Mar 24, 2014 at 06:11 AM.
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Old May 12, 2014 | 10:51 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by LScowboyLS
beginning in 1995, LS400 no longer used a separate blower resistor, that is why I didn't mention it before - the blower resistor is now integrated into a very expensive part ($300+) called the blower motor control module p/n 87165-50020

I did find one used on ebay, and only one, so better grab it before it's gone, that stands a very good chance of being the problem.

on the upside, it is a fairly easy part to install
How fairly easy to install? Can you get to the blower control module by only removing the glove boxes?
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 09:03 AM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by LScowboyLS
beginning in 1995, LS400 no longer used a separate blower resistor, that is why I didn't mention it before - the blower resistor is now integrated into a very expensive part ($300+) called the blower motor control module p/n 87165-50020

I did find one used on ebay, and only one, so better grab it before it's gone, that stands a very good chance of being the problem.

on the upside, it is a fairly easy part to install
hello did you ever get the blower working
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 09:34 AM
  #26  
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hwy guys i have a 98 lexus gs400 and after removing a fuse y ac fan stop working. the funny thing is that the fuse that i removed seem like it was not connected to anything. the ac still blows cold from the outside air so the freon and everthing is ok, its just the fan that is not blowing. i took it to firestone and they said it would cost 800 dollars to fix and it was a multiplexer module that controls all of the electrical in the car. im pretty technical minded but i just could not understand what they were saying. i thought it could have been the resistor or the relay but they said it was not. im not trusting them at all with the diagnosis. can someone help. has anyone had any problems with the fan not blowing.?
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 05:24 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by lgree
hwy guys i have a 98 lexus gs400 and after removing a fuse y ac fan stop working. the funny thing is that the fuse that i removed seem like it was not connected to anything. the ac still blows cold from the outside air so the freon and everthing is ok, its just the fan that is not blowing. i took it to firestone and they said it would cost 800 dollars to fix and it was a multiplexer module that controls all of the electrical in the car. im pretty technical minded but i just could not understand what they were saying. i thought it could have been the resistor or the relay but they said it was not. im not trusting them at all with the diagnosis. can someone help. has anyone had any problems with the fan not blowing.?
$800 is a bit expensive to me too. But the part alone costs a few hundred dollars, you must know.
Sorry to say but your technical mind is not quite up to date. Many car manufacturers have started to use semiconductor modules to control the speed of fan motors more than 20 years ago. A 98 LS400 has a fan control module which doesn't generate too much heat using semiconductors. Your gs400 may be the same. It has a high current and high speed switching circuit inside and it costs much higher than those old day's simple devices as you mention.
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Old Jun 23, 2015 | 10:16 PM
  #28  
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I removed the blower motor and tested the wires that run to the blower motor and i got no voltage so i dont think its the module. I teied to trace the wires from the blower motor until i couldnt see it anymore. I dont know where those wires lead to. At point what can i do?
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Old Aug 15, 2015 | 11:29 AM
  #29  
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Default Blower motor resister for 1996 LS400

[QUOTE=whokidd;8153772] Actually there is a replacement resister for the LS400. I get all my parts from http://www.carparts.com/. They have great prices and fast service and most of the parts are direct fit.

AC Delco Relay 1996 Lexus LS400


1996 Lexus LS400 Base 8 Cyl 4.0L





AC Delco Relay-Blower motor relay


Part Number: E1749A$21.06
  • Type:
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  • Terminal Quantity:
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  • FitNote
    Oe No. 90987-04002
AC DELCO – OE REPLACEMENT BLOWER MOTOR RELAYS

The factory-original fit and lasting function of AC Delco’s OE replacement blower motor relays provide the perfect repair without breaking your budget. Established in 1899, AC Delco manufactures original GM parts and premium OE replacement parts for other brands in the automotive aftermarket.
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Last edited by Packratt52; Aug 15, 2015 at 11:33 AM. Reason: Addition to quote
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 05:40 PM
  #30  
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I had the same problem. It was the heater relay in fuse box under hood,. that was bad.1994 LS400. I hope they are the same. Good Luck
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