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Lexus LS: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

2081 messages,  Last post on Oct 30, 2006 at 10:56 AM

You are in the Lexus LS 400/LS 430 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus LS 400, Lexus LS 430, Sedan

Messages Page 197 of 209

#1953 of 2081 Re: LS 400 Starter / ignition problem [paul29] by raop

Mar 13, 2006 (10:07 pm)

Replying to: paul29 (Dec 14, 2005 1:51 pm)
Hi,
 
  I have 1999 Lexus LS 400. I have similar problem starting my car. It does not start (it runs OK once it started) right away. This problem started about 3-4 months back and I put a new battery. Problem still happens once every couple of weeks. After trying 10 times or so, it starts. Independent mechanic near my home says it could be starter problem (guessing) and asking for about $450 where as dealer (he is also guessing it is a starter problem) is asking for around $1200.
 
  Any suggestions? I am not sure it is really a starter problem.
 
Thanks for your help...
RaoP

#1954 of 2081 Re: LS 400 Starter / ignition problem [raop] by wwest

Mar 14, 2006 (9:44 am)

Replying to: raop (Mar 13, 2006 10:07 pm)
Engine turns over but doesn't start.....?????

#1955 of 2081 The Answer to Many Challenges is with Independent Lexus Service Shops by slexy1

Mar 14, 2006 (2:03 pm)

I have a 1990 LS 400 and a 2001 LS 430, and I have found that going to the dealer is not only a waste of my time, but a lot more expensive than going to an independent Lexus service shop that is owned by former "ASE" Master Mechanics who have been treated badly by the dealer they used to work for.
 
My question is: Who has found the same very positive experience going to an independent Lexus service shop like I certainly have?

#1956 of 2081 Re: The Answer to Many Challenges is with Independent Lexus Service Shops [slexy1] by wwest

Mar 14, 2006 (2:09 pm)

Replying to: slexy1 (Mar 14, 2006 2:03 pm)
Same is true of Porsche independent shops. But the best Lexus independent shop seems to be in my garage at home. No serious enough failures in the Lexus to require going elsewhere.

#1957 of 2081 Re: The Answer to Many Challenges is with Independent Lexus Service Shops [wwest] by slexy1

Mar 14, 2006 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Mar 14, 2006 2:09 pm)
Totally agree, wwest, if you know what you are doing (I'm sure you do) in every eventuality, as the Lexus gets older.
 
I just love the "average cost of ownership" over the long lifetime of ownership that I'm striving for.
 
Frankly, I believe my 1990 LS 400 will start to go up in value in 4 years from now. Then, the overall average yearly cost of ownership will be even lower than it is now! With the new more firm suspension system I put in it, I am really enjoying it. It is almost like my 2001 EuroSport LS 430.
 
I just love the fact that I have a Nacamichi stereo (can't get that brand anymore) in it, and an air conditioning system that has real freon in it, which I believe is about 10% to 15% cooler than the new refrigerants.

#1958 of 2081 Re: LS 400 Starter / ignition problem [raop] by paul29

Mar 15, 2006 (6:34 pm)

Replying to: raop (Mar 13, 2006 10:07 pm)
Hi: Others and I covered almost all the situations which would arise on a difficult or no start scenario in which the starter motor was at fault . If you follow the posts on that one , it should either point to or rule out the starter . When you say it won't start do you mean the engine doesn't turn over or the engine turns over and does not start . Need a little more detail of what you are hearing and observing ?

#1959 of 2081 Re: The Answer to Many Challenges is with Independent Lexus Service Shops [ by bildow

Mar 16, 2006 (11:39 pm)

Replying to: slexy1 (Mar 14, 2006 2:03 pm)
I have found a couple of guys here in Orange County Southern CA called Vtech in Lake forest just behind the car dealers where the 405 and 5 freeways meet. They did my timing belt water pump and all necessary parts and the car have been perfect since. I do a lot of my own service work and the big stuff I leave to Vtech. These two guys Jeff and Jim are Ace certified and all my friends rave about the service they give them. There are several good independent service shop across the country just look at the shop and if it's clean and you see several lexus's there you have found a good one.

#1960 of 2081 GREAT INDEPENDENT LEXUS SERVICE IN DFW AREA by slexy1

Mar 17, 2006 (4:43 am)

I personally have had great "lower cost" with "quality, clean work" experience with Pratt Automotive ( 817-249-0800) in the Fort Worth area of Texas, and Davenport Motor Company (972-612-3377) in the Dallas area of Texas.
 
These Lexus Service & Repair independents were started by former Master Lexus Mechanics, and are sorely needed in the DFW, Texas area, in my opinion. Daniel Davenport and Jerry Pratt=(Jerry has 16 years Lexus experience) both let you go out by your car and get an education, while watching and talking to the mechanics as they work on your car. For me, that's a "value added" experience.

#1961 of 2081 Re: LS 400 Starter / ignition problem [wwest] by raop

Mar 17, 2006 (5:48 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Mar 14, 2006 9:44 am)
I have to click few times before it starts(it happens once evry 2 weeks or so). I got a friend who is a mechanic and he double checked and he said it is a starter problem. He said he could replace it for 40% of Dealer's price. Hopefully it will work once he does it.
 
  Thanks for all your help.
 
RaoP

#1962 of 2081 Re: '01 LS430- New Engine Needed [erinfaulk] by sargeusmc57

Mar 17, 2006 (7:52 pm)

Replying to: erinfaulk (Feb 06, 2006 2:06 pm)
Bummer. I used to own a 01 Toyota Avalon. Shortly after purchasing it, I found out about the Toyota sludging problem with their V6's. I didn't know that there was such a problem with the V8's also. Did you buy the car from a Lexus dealer as a certified vehicle? If you had, you probably would qualify for a better deal than Lexus paying half. I still think that you can get a better deal than that. Are they offering to pay half on a factory rebuilt engine or are they talking about you getting the engine anywhere and they will pick up half the tab? It makes a large difference because Lexus is going to overprice the engine so that when you pay your "half" you are really paying for the whole thing. I would shop around some reputable engine rebuilders in the area just for chuckles to see how much a rebuilt engine can really cost. It will probably be half of what the Lexus dealer wants; get the picture. Good luck!

Messages Page 197 of 209

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