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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Lexus LS400

Lexus LS400 Models:

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Lexus LS400 Problems

Noise From Front Suspension

Suspension & Steering -- Verified

Higher mileage cars can develop creaking and groaning noises in the front suspension, particularly when coming to a quick stop. Inspection and replacement of any worn parts should correct this concern.

Automatic Transmission Shutter Code P0770

Miscellaneous -- mrbankee and 1 other

The problem was that when coming to a stop, I would get the sensation of letting a manual transmission car stop without engaging the clutch; i.e. a shuttering sensation. The diagnosis was that the shift solenoid "E" encased in the transmission was faulty (PO770). The problem is that this part has been replaced twice within a 12 month period leading me to believe there is something really wrong with the diagnosis, treatment and possibly the t...

Power steering "growling", leaks around P/S pump and white smoke when car is first started in morning.

Suspension & Steering -- kbconv and 1 other

If your power steering pump is making noises or leaking, get it fixed ASAP or you will likely be replacing your alternator too. The alternator is located right below the P/S pump and if fluid drips into it it will short out the alternator, this has been occured many times.

Also, if you get a puff of white smoke in the morning it may be a bad speed sensitive steering solenoid, which screws into the power steering pump and has a vacuum line ...

fan clutch hub

Engine -- celticfan

bearing frozen

Clunking noise in rear suspension when starting or stopping.

Suspension & Steering -- kbconv

Clunking noise coming from rear when stopping and starting. The bushings in my rear carrier arms (I think, it's been awhile since I replaced, crawl under car and find the arm that moves around significantly when pressure is applied) were COMPLETELY worn out, the rubber was missing and the metal housings were just flopping around.

Use aftermarket bushing ADUS 505 (about $35 each, search online) to rebuilt each arm. Repair isn't too bad if...

Lexus LS400 Recalls (Recent)

Lexus LS400 Recall 98V016000

Electrical & Lights, February 9, 1998

Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR IF ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE LIQUID, SUCH AS ROAD SPLASH WITH DEICING SALT, ENTERS THIS AREA.

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Lexus LS400 Recall 89V212000

Electrical & Lights, December 5, 1989

Summary: LAMP HOUSING OF CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP COULD BECOME DISTORTED AFTER PROLONGED ILLUMINATION, PARTICULARLY UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES.

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Lexus LS400 Questions and Answers

garydarkinssr, 1990 Lexus LS400, Houston, TX

power steering fluid is vaccumed into the exhaust manifold and smoking out of my tailpipe, which part need replacement?

davirokker, 1990 Lexus LS400, Austin, TX

where and what is the timing mark

dablock, 1990 Lexus LS400, Kinston, NC

my lexus make noise when hit a bump or rocky road

PopeyeLoco, 1990 Lexus LS400, Victorville, CA

if is a recall wont they fix the issue ?

tattoodcolorist, 1990 Lexus LS400, 4.0L V8, Modesto, CA

my power steering fluid needs to be replaced weekly, and i get a blue/white smoke on start up.

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Lexus LS400 Reviews

this car cost Mercedes Benz lead engineer his job! (due to panic decisions) and for good resin, it is better than any Mercedes of the pre-2000 era

Owned this auto for 12 years. Have had 2 problems, most of all it is important to continue to keep maintenance up, which is what I do.
About 3 years ago replaced alternator and battery. Having to replace the starter today on 10-8-12. Overall this is the best auto I have owned. This is a low replacement auto. Runs exceptionally well.
When I do get another auto I want a Lexus.

We have a 1990 ls400, 160k miles, the power steering pump leaks fluid into the alternator causing it to go out. We're replacing both items but, the instrument panel light is going haywire while this is happening. Does anyone know or have had similar issues & did the replacement of the alternator & power steering pump fix the problem with the instrument panel? Thanks for the feed-back.

my transmission shift fine without turning on my headlight switch.But
at night when i turn on my headlights on my transmission doesn"t shift
and my radio lights comes on also when i step on the brake.does anybody no the problem.

I bought this car at a car auction in 2000. It had 86,000 miles on it. I now have over 259,000 miles on it and it runs like a champ. I use a full synthetic oil combined with Lucas Oil Stabilizer, a K&N Oil Filter and I change it approximately 8000 or so. I want to milk this bad boy over 300,000 miles ! The only issues that I have had in the past 11 years or so was the power steering pump and lines, and the alternator. This is an interference engine so I have had the timing belt/water pump replaced twice already. You will also want to drain the transmission and replace that filter as well. I have done that twice too. The body is great (I wax it regularly and use a clay bar) and it is very nice and roomy for long family trips !

Lexus LS400 Model Years
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