i just bought a 1994 LexusLS400.....i need advice/input!
 

I Bought This Beautiful Classic Last Night And It Has 199000 Miles, Immacculate interior, Original Everything.....Only Cons Are Power Steering Leak, Drivers seat Heat Doesnt Work, And One Of The Indicator Lights Says The Back Lights Are Not Working But They Are.....Do I Need To Use Premium Gas? And I Researched The Power Steering Leak But Is There Anything I Need To Know?

Welcome to CL!

You'll get the best responses from owners in the LS400 subforum :)

Welcome to CL

Welcome to CL.

The LS400 was known for power steering issues. I bought mine with 112,000 miles and had to replace the PS pump that same week. It was leaking again by the time I sold it at 129,000. You'll want to get it taken care of because it sits right above the alternator.

Can't say why the heated seat doesn't work, neither side worked in my LS but I never bothered to check it out.

The light indicator is a common problem IIRC. It would pop up intermittently with mine. I think there's a short in a wire in the trunk lid.


As far as premium gas...I'll probably get flamed for this, but I owned my car for almost 3 years. The first year or two, I ran premium, and then switched to regular. I did not notice a bit of difference in power, mpg, or how it ran.

I never run premium in my '93, the light issue is often from the wrong bulb or a bulb with high resistance, I don't wanna tell you change every bulb-but it could solve the issue. As far as seat heat goes if the light comes on on the switch its most likely the seat element, you can buy the element and install it yourself if you're handy-the seat fabric needs to be removed.

All very common problems - the light issue is due to wires rubbing on the trunk hinge, and PS leak is an air valve at the bottom of the pump.

I use regular in mine as well. Can't tell the difference in mileage and power either.

welcome. moving to right forum.

Thanks! And I Will Definately Have The Leak Checked At My Lexus Dealer!

definitely fix the power steering leak ASAP, or you will be getting a new alternator to go with it!

the previous owner replaced the alternator in March of 2012.....the power steering leak was also confirmed on the same date. they found signs of leakage around rack & pinion dust boots, some minor leakage around pressure hose to gear......the owner just topped off the fluid weekly since then. he never got it fixed or looked at. the car had 178000 miles then.....it has 199000 now so it was driven for 20000+ miles like this.....

I would say that your alternator is on borrowed time, they generally don't go 15,000 miles with PS fluid leaking on them! - generally speaking, the leaks on LS400 are NOT in the rack itself, but rather tend to be high or low pressure hose, pump, and reservoir areas.

thanks cowboy.....im taking it to thr dealer on tuesday morning....will let u know what they say!

dealer can be good for a diagnostic, but the price of labor and parts is just crazy-train :eek2:

yea the service rep said they would look at the power steering leak for free so i feel they will give me a honest assessment.....