Just bought a 99 SC300, 93k on the clock.

Not bad so far, but got a few qs/issues:

1. Throttle seems a to vibrate a bit, sometimes at idle. What could be causing this, and is this normal?

2. The AC Screen lighting is off for half of the screen. How can I fix this?

3. How heavy is the steering supposed to be, in comparison to a GS or ES? It seems heavy right now, I will check the PS fluid.

4. Ride quality: Suspension wise it was stiffer than I was expecting (I have an ES and a GS430). Is this expected, or should I check the shocks?


All in all though, happy to have a reliable commuter now.

 

Welcome to the SC community.
The backlighting is a burnt out bulb.
The throttle could be a number of things.
Check the power steering and report back with results. Maybe the rack and pinion bushings or the rack itself going out. Should turn quite easy. Maybe need a flush.
Let us know..

 

Steering is VERY light on this car

 

Mine is a bit heavy as well and so was my 95 sc300 so I thought it was normal?

 

Yeah, I've had a few lexuses, so I felt a little odd on the steering.

I have a 3G GS430, steering is pretty light in comparison, so something seems up.

What could the throttle thing be? My googling suggests transmission mounts or TPS.

And, pics to come soon. I hope to have a 2din navi in a week as soon as I decide on one and get the metra kit.

 

does the car have different wheels that stock? are they wide? when i got my wheels the car drove a tad different but it was a good different

 

Welcome! post some pictures!

 

wheels are stock. gonna take it in tomorrow to get checked out. may replace the tranny mounts.

 

welcome in! deff post some pics, as for just getting it, id do a tune up and flush fluids that way you know its all good and go from there, parts get expensive good luck

 

Yes the ride on a stock SC is stiffer than a stock ES300 (im assuming) and stiffer than a GS430 for sure.

 

btw if your in need of a TPS i have one for a sc400, idk if itll fit the sc300, its from a 94 sc400 if it matches u can get at it

 

Brakes seem really soft too after a bit more driving today.

Previous owner said the pads were were changed around 70k, I wonder whats up with them.

 

Man why'd u buy it with these problems, or did it come at a good price?

 

Price was decent, I'm also pretty nitpicky. It's not even something I noticed after test driving.

If theres the smallest thing wrong with my car I want it working. It will annoy the hell out of me if its not.

 

Well i'd check what suspension it has and if thats ok, mine has KYB shocks under it i found that out later, you might have a bit firmer upgraded / replaced suspension from a previous owner. And the PS pump is a common problem to die. If it's leaking check the seals or better yet rebuild / get a rebuild one.

The LCD sadly means either getting a replacement or getting it repaired by an electronics guy (unless ofcourse you can do it yourself) cause the internal stuff needs to be replaced.

The idle problem sounds like the TPS.

Hope you're having a good time with it apart from these small things.