New to the forum, have a couple quick (and somewhat related questions) about my 1992 SC400:

1. One segment of backlighting for my climate control LCD is not functioning. I had this problem first about 4 years ago and a nice solid smack fixed it up -- up until 2 months ago. I just tried the smack method again, and managed to put out one of my speedometer backlights. Needless to say, I'm looking for a more refined solution. Assuming I can handle removing the climate control console myself, how big a task is it to replace the backlights (and is soldering required)?

2. The backlight for my hazard lights button is out. Any easy fixes for this, besides the smack method?

3. One segment of my tach needle regularly flickers. I understand this is a common problem -- is there any easy solution?

4. Aftermarket (but factory lookalike) spoiler is far, far too heavy and thus requires that the trunk be propped up with an umbrella or other short stick when open. What are some more permanent fixes for this problem I might consider?

5. My center vent has FOUR cracks in it. I understand this is a common problem. Assuming I can figure out how to get to it, is it possible simply to replace the plastic facade?

Any and all help is appreciated.

 

i have most those problems except the trunk falling, i fixed that already. i got new trunk shocks, and problem solved.

Problems:

tach needle light is out
speedo needle light is out
center vent is cracked
lower control arm bushing
pass side power seat button doesnt work
rear view mirror gets cloudy when hot
tear on driver seat
some consol lights are out

Problems/repairs/maitanece done since i got the car a MONTH ago:

T-belt, pulleys, water pump, tensioner etc.
serpentine belt
02 senser
low coolant senser
drilled/slotted rotors
head lights where buffed
rear deck spekers replaced (alpine 6.25")
AC compressor replaced
all kinds of signal lights were replaced
replaced driverside headlight and high beam assemblies
engine main seal
transmission front seal (behind the torque converter)
coolant
pass side door handle
pass side window wouldnt go up or down
trunk shocks

all these things i fixed myself in the past month or so, the car only has about 1000 miles since i got it. all the work was performed by ME all by myself.

 

Havok, welcome to the forum...

1) You can also try a junk yard for a newer LCD...I believe it's the same up to '96...

2) Dunno, never seen that one.

3) Nope. Replacement is the only solution...like $500+ for the speedo/tach combo (the fuel and temp needles are actually seperate gauges)

4) Sounds like your trunk shocks are dying. Replace them. My '92 SC400 had them replaced at 54K miles.

5) Replace...ask your Lexus dealership's parts department to look up that piece.

 

My center console light is out too. It just went out a few days ago. I heard its a solder on bulb and there are 4 of them. I also was told you cannot get the bulbs from radio-shack. Why is everyone down on radio shack. If you need bulbs or fuses or anything crazy you can go to a company called "digikey" they have eveything electronic parts related. I think they have a webste www.digikey.com. Once I have it open I will let you know what bulbsize and all that good stuff. I think I am goin gto go with Red bulbs if I can. Its going to be few weeks before I can do this since I have my securities principle's test comming up in 2 weeks.... study study study. I will for real keep you guys posted.

 

My center vent is cracked also. Too many air fresheners being put in and out on both sides. Also the left side of the center vent frame is cracked (came with the car). Any idea how much the vent and the frame is and where I can order them for cheap?

 

What symptoms does a bad O2 sensor give? What would cause the car to spudder every now and then?

 

I don't know if a bad O2 sensor gives you a warning. you will know once it fails. Once it fails your TRAC will not function and you will get a TRAC warning and Engine check light. What do you mean by spudder?

 

my car feels like there is a vacume leak when driving, but not when in neutral. The car like to die sometimes when coming to a stop with the air conditioning off. Pisses me off

 

I would check timing, spark, wires and compression.....

 

Teal...my SC300 does the same thing sometimes...except mostly when cold. At idle, any time, warm or cold...it chugs somewhat...sounds like I have some big cams or something. It stalled on me once. Twice has it dropped the idle down to 400rpm or so. I dropped it off at the mechanic, and the first time, my distributor was cracked, so I replaced it. Then, it did it again a month later...but it hasn't done it since.

I have a feeling that I didn't give the car time to warm up at all, and the ECU somehow was fooled, and dropped the idle. I don't know though, because it hasn't done it since...

 

If your idling is dropping off, the problem could be your Throttle Positioning Sensor. The unit usually fails after 10 years or 120,000 miles. On my SC400, the main TPS was $90. Checks for codes, first.

 

Have you guys replaced your fuel filters recently? It solved a lot of my idle and driveability issues. As for the dash needles, climate control backlights, and wooden dash trim, those are hard fixes without paying an arm and leg. For the backlight on the hazards, you have to remove the dash and replace bulb. You might as well replace the 9-10 other bulb back there.