1996 LS 400. I just need to get my Lexus smogged. No indicator lights are on. Running good. Every place I go to their OBD2 cannot communicate. Fuses are good. My smog is already overdue. Please help.

 

You may get more responses by posting in the 3LS forum.

 

I am almost certain you will need a new CAT.

 

can you help me with what that stands for? I don't know anything about cars, but I'm trying. This car is 20 years old, I'm trying to figure out the problem without spending a small fortune.

 

1996 LS 400: I just need to get my Lexus smogged. No indicator lights are on, fuses are good Running good. Just under 160,000 miles. Every place I go to, their OBD2 cannot communicate. Smog is already overdue but the registration is paid. 😇

 

a bad cat would have nothing to do with being able to connect with the ecm.

 

In the last two years, I know of three people who could not get their OBD2 reader to scan, all three were worn out catalytic converters.

 

Here is some information. If you know nothing about cars your probably going to have to see a auto technician. http://www.mde.state.md.us/programs/...n%20format.pdf

 

This looks like a great place to start. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...capacitor.html

 

Thanks so much everyone for the info. Yes I have a technician I can consult. I had it in for a repair and he said it would read and I could get it smogged. Wrong. I'll share your ideas with him. I was just trying to avoid taking it to the dealer.

 

Welcome to CL.

I can sympathize with you, MissIrvine.....nobody likes to pay for more vehicle repairs than the minimum absolutely needed. But like it or not, even as far back as 1996 (when, by Federal law, the first OBD II computers were installed in American-market new cars)...the days of DIY (do-it-yourself) underhood electronics were pretty much gone. The average car owner, short of a professionally or factory-trained technician, simply does not have the training or equipment needed to perform anything but the most rudimentary things underhood on modern vehicles.

 

When there is no communication that says to me ECU. This thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...capacitor.html

 

The ECU is easily fixed, the thread posted above about the capacitors is a common issue with the 90-97's due to leakage. Once the ECU is rebuilt any error codes can be read-fixed as necessary.

 

If you're in socal, Driftmotion can do the rebuild and have been doing it for a long time.

Good luck.

 

just noticed my OBDII port isn't responding on mine either. prob getting close to being time for a new ECU.