Hello all, great to find this forum. I purchased a 2006 LS 430 about a year ago and have been very happy with it. I have a few issues/questions:

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
-The owner's manual states that when the ignition switch is turned "On" that there is a system check and that the system lights "will turn off after the engine is started or after a few seconds." When I turn the ignition "On" the system check goes fine, except that the "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" stays on until I start the engine at which point it goes off. I may be a bit overly paranoid, but does this suggest any problem? I would think the warning light would stay on if there was a problem...but, the OM says it should go off after a system check when the ignition remains in the "Start" position.

Front Parking Sensor
I read a few threads on this issue. When turned on, I am getting a "check parking sensor" warning for the driver's side sensor. The paint is chipped off the front of that sensor so I was wondering whether it is the actual sensor or related to the paint that has come off. If it's the sensor, any suggestions on best place to buy a replacement?

Thanks!

 

The MIL (aka Check Engine Light - CEL) will light if any diagnostics fail. Even if the problem disappears and it goes out, a Diagnostic Trouble Code will be stored and can be read out later. Many auto parts stores will read the codes free of charge and let you know what the failure indication is. The indication does not always give the exact cause, but will narrow it down.
For example, you can cause your own fault by loosening the gas cap, and the MIL will turn on after driving for a while. I forget what the DTC is, but I think, it says something like "bad Evaporative System" or some such.
After you then tighten the cap, the light will go out, but the code will be stored for later readout.
So, the light will go off if no faults are detected by the Engine Control Unit.

 

OK thanks for your reply.