LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

93 LS400 Engine Temp Indicator at 40%

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Old 03-04-15, 09:39 AM
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tomgadgets
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Default 93 LS400 Engine Temp Indicator at 40%

Got my LS400 a few months ago, fantastic car and drives like a dream. One question on the engine temperature indicator maxes out at around 40%, which is right at the indicator mark below 50%. It never moves up beyond that no matter how much I drive. If I drive on the freeway at 60-70Mph, the temperature needle will actually drop down to around 30-35% and when I slow down or stop, the indicator will go back up to 40%.

Does your 90-94LS do the same thing, or should I change the thermostat? I have already changed the Engine Coolant Temp Sensor and it made absolutely no difference.

Thanks in advance for your response!

Last edited by tomgadgets; 03-04-15 at 09:49 AM.
Old 03-04-15, 10:32 AM
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Sounds normal to me.
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Old 03-04-15, 11:02 AM
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2GSKaizen
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I would check to make sure you have enough coolant, but if so I don't think you've got a problem.
Old 03-04-15, 11:02 AM
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timmy0tool
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yep, normal. if it gets to 50% i would be concerned!
Old 03-04-15, 07:19 PM
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tomgadgets
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Good to hear it is normal, the coolant was changed about 2 months ago so no issues there. Was going to spend $$ to change the thermostat. Thanks for your response!
Old 03-04-15, 08:44 PM
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qewani1
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It is not normal, your thermostat is stuck open, i was having exactly the same issue 2 weeks back...
Check your thermostat and replace it if required

My problem solved by replacing the damaged thermostat!

+ Don't buy an aftermarket thermostat !

Normal temp reading would be in the middle which is = 86 Celsius

Last edited by qewani1; 03-05-15 at 12:47 AM.
Old 03-04-15, 10:35 PM
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MngreLMatt
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At highway speeds it is dropping down that much? I'm no expert but that does not sound normal. The normal for these cars or at least on our 3, is just a hair about the 40% ticker or third from the bottom.

Mat
Old 03-05-15, 09:58 AM
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tomgadgets
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Yes, when driving in the highway, it will drop down to 30% and will move slowly up to the 40% mark if I slow down or stop. Very strange as I never seen this on any of my other cars. Thanks for your input, I am going to bring it to my mechanic and have a more detail look.
Old 03-05-15, 12:10 PM
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timmy0tool
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when was the last time the thermostat was changed? usually it's done during the 90k timing belt/water pump service. if it was never done, it would not hurt to do so.
Old 03-06-15, 09:34 AM
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tomgadgets
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Not sure when was thermostat last changed. The timing belt was changed 20K miles ago in 2009. Maybe it is time for a new thermostat.
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