Buying a '98 GS400 w/ Speed Sensor Issue
08-09-13, 08:36 AM
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Buying a '98 GS400 w/ Speed Sensor Issue
What's up CL,
Just like the title says. I'm about to buy this car and according to the owner, the check engine light is on due to the speed sensor being bad. Will that be an easy fix? Is there an easy way to clear the CEL before replacing the speed sensor? I'm in California and I will have to get it smog before I can transfer it to my name. I need your input asap before I pull the trigger.
Thanks!
Just like the title says. I'm about to buy this car and according to the owner, the check engine light is on due to the speed sensor being bad. Will that be an easy fix? Is there an easy way to clear the CEL before replacing the speed sensor? I'm in California and I will have to get it smog before I can transfer it to my name. I need your input asap before I pull the trigger.
Thanks!
08-09-13, 09:37 AM
#2
First, NEVER take the seller's word on such as why the CEL is on; take it to an Autozone or such parts store to get the codes read for free. The seller is trying to sell the car, and if dishonest he will tell you it's an easy fix.
Second, I would think that a faulty speed sensor should also trigger the ABS, VSC, and VSC OFF lights as all those depend on speed information at each wheel to function.
Thirdly, if it is actually the speed sensor, I believe it's about $250 for the part and you could DIY with information on this forum.
Fourthly, to read and clear codes related to ABS is not as easy as it is to read and clear the CEL, it requires a special scanner which places like Autozone do not have for the free CEL scanning.
Second, I would think that a faulty speed sensor should also trigger the ABS, VSC, and VSC OFF lights as all those depend on speed information at each wheel to function.
Thirdly, if it is actually the speed sensor, I believe it's about $250 for the part and you could DIY with information on this forum.
Fourthly, to read and clear codes related to ABS is not as easy as it is to read and clear the CEL, it requires a special scanner which places like Autozone do not have for the free CEL scanning.
08-09-13, 09:53 AM
#4
Also, on that subject, the lower ball joints are notorious for failure on these cars with age and when they do fail it's at lower speeds since at higher speeds the force of the car speed keeps everything bound, but even though it's low risk of being life threatening it can still cause damage to the suspension and fender, and could rip-off the speed sensor wires. Ask him about the other lights if they are on, and ask him why he thinks it's a speed sensor, or what went wrong.
Good luck!
08-09-13, 10:08 AM
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Don't get me wrong, if that's all it really needs and the price is right you should consider getting it. The speed sensors are touchy on these cars, and they tend to fail when there is suspension work being done, e.g. lower ball joint replaced, etc.
Also, on that subject, the lower ball joints are notorious for failure on these cars with age and when they do fail it's at lower speeds since at higher speeds the force of the car speed keeps everything bound, but even though it's low risk of being life threatening it can still cause damage to the suspension and fender, and could rip-off the speed sensor wires. Ask him about the other lights if they are on, and ask him why he thinks it's a speed sensor, or what went wrong.
Good luck!
Also, on that subject, the lower ball joints are notorious for failure on these cars with age and when they do fail it's at lower speeds since at higher speeds the force of the car speed keeps everything bound, but even though it's low risk of being life threatening it can still cause damage to the suspension and fender, and could rip-off the speed sensor wires. Ask him about the other lights if they are on, and ask him why he thinks it's a speed sensor, or what went wrong.
Good luck!
He said two lights are on, CEL and VSC. He also said the VSC button next to the shifter isn't functioning. He also said that it does not affect drive ability.
NOTE: The car has 204xxx miles, he owned it for 4 years, and the t-belt and w-pump hasn't been replaced since he owned it. He also doesn't know if it has been replaced by the previous owner before him.
It worries me because I feel like it's a ticking time bomb if they are still original. How much will it cost to replace cooling system (w-pump, idlers, tensioners, coolant) + t-belt?
08-09-13, 10:48 AM
#6
Spoke with the owner.
He said two lights are on, CEL and VSC. He also said the VSC button next to the shifter isn't functioning. He also said that it does not affect drive ability.
NOTE: The car has 204xxx miles, he owned it for 4 years, and the t-belt and w-pump hasn't been replaced since he owned it. He also doesn't know if it has been replaced by the previous owner before him.
It worries me because I feel like it's a ticking time bomb if they are still original. How much will it cost to replace cooling system (w-pump, idlers, tensioners, coolant) + t-belt?
He said two lights are on, CEL and VSC. He also said the VSC button next to the shifter isn't functioning. He also said that it does not affect drive ability.
NOTE: The car has 204xxx miles, he owned it for 4 years, and the t-belt and w-pump hasn't been replaced since he owned it. He also doesn't know if it has been replaced by the previous owner before him.
It worries me because I feel like it's a ticking time bomb if they are still original. How much will it cost to replace cooling system (w-pump, idlers, tensioners, coolant) + t-belt?
08-09-13, 11:57 AM
#7
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08-10-13, 09:18 AM
#8
Bad speed sensor likely would disable VSC and have a CEL, makes sense.
Propose to the guy that he fixes it and then you would be interested in buying the, keep him on the hook for the repairs, not you taking the chance.
It COULD be just that simple. But let the seller take the risk of fixing it.
Concerns arise on the timing belt too.... Talked my friend who works at Lexus, he hasn't seen any break, but he has seen some that were pretty scary. Mine's due now, I have to get the parts to do my rubber band and water pump. He said he wouldn't do the pump on his own car, but he would wait, but on a customer car he would always recommend the pump due to the cost of doing the same work twice. Long run saves $.
Propose to the guy that he fixes it and then you would be interested in buying the, keep him on the hook for the repairs, not you taking the chance.
It COULD be just that simple. But let the seller take the risk of fixing it.
Concerns arise on the timing belt too.... Talked my friend who works at Lexus, he hasn't seen any break, but he has seen some that were pretty scary. Mine's due now, I have to get the parts to do my rubber band and water pump. He said he wouldn't do the pump on his own car, but he would wait, but on a customer car he would always recommend the pump due to the cost of doing the same work twice. Long run saves $.
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