LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Owners experience with PCS errors, costs?

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Old 03-05-18 | 06:10 PM
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Default Owners experience with PCS errors, costs?

New owner of a 2005 UL, with that fresh PCS message on the dash. I’m wondering what your experience has been with what your Indy found, and what it cost for your repairs?
Old 03-05-18 | 06:45 PM
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You might try googling "PCS Errors LS430". This will bring up some links to past articles on others with this problem. I'd have to think that the percentage of owners on this forum with this system is rather low.

Please report back what your findings are to close the loop for others in the future.

Good Luck...
Old 03-05-18 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Gronemus
You might try googling "PCS Errors LS430". This will bring up some links to past articles on others with this problem. I'd have to think that the percentage of owners on this forum with this system is rather low.

Please report back what your findings are to close the loop for others in the future.

Good Luck...
Thanks for the search tips. I still have much to learn in here. My key words were far too general, and the results were related to almost all other models, Sounds like ECU Distance computer are the most common. I’ve been lucky to get a complete service history and it was not a previous repair, so it’s likely the original ECU. These are now around $750 plus shipping.
Old 03-06-18 | 04:43 PM
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The ECU Distance unit is now $1100 at dealership prices, labor will be another $400. They will recalibrate and relearn the sensor after installation. I noticed prices were from many years back in most of the history posts. I thought this may be useful to others, should you have to go the same route.i would have considered doing this myself, if it were not for the Lexus specialty tools required for aiming and calibration.
Old 05-30-18 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Davidsofia
The ECU Distance unit is now $1100 at dealership prices, labor will be another $400. They will recalibrate and relearn the sensor after installation. I noticed prices were from many years back in most of the history posts. I thought this may be useful to others, should you have to go the same route.i would have considered doing this myself, if it were not for the Lexus specialty tools required for aiming and calibration.
I had the same problem shortly after buying my 77K '06 UL model from its original owner last year. Fortunately, I have an independent Lexus specialist who was the lead tech at the dealership here and my previous LS430 mechanic for several years. He inspected my car before purchasing and detected a few minor issues which I immediately had him repair after purchasing the car. The dreaded PCS Warning light came on within a couple of months and I took it to him to inspect. He recalibrated the system and it worked great until yesterday when i was driving and it came up again. He told me he can get me a replacement ECU unit for $750 (maybe his cost?) but thought he could do better shopping around for a good used one if available. As most of my driving is on our freeways, I gave him the OK to let me know when he wants me to drop off the car for him to take care of the problem. And like others, I'm having a hard time finding information about the PCS system on this car as there were not many built with this option. In fact, after purchasing my '06 I learned they only made 100 of this model during its last year of production.
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Old 05-30-18 | 06:38 PM
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The tech at the Lexus dealer told me if you look for a used unit, find the ones with the Blue label/tags. He suggested the first generation were “known problems”, but the replacement were very hardy. Replacements had the blue labels, if I recall correctly. I sure some of our members with more knowledge can clarify if I have these mixed up.
Old 06-04-18 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Davidsofia
The tech at the Lexus dealer told me if you look for a used unit, find the ones with the Blue label/tags. He suggested the first generation were “known problems”, but the replacement were very hardy. Replacements had the blue labels, if I recall correctly. I sure some of our members with more knowledge can clarify if I have these mixed up.
That's very good information in looking for a used ECU. I found an eBay listing (332610630250) for a OEM new ECU part # 88240-50151 for $704.98 including shipping. I will confirm the part number with my Lexus tech and ask him about the blue label. I've read the new units took care of the problem that caused all the problems with their original part. Why Lexus won't stand behind their flawed product is still a mystery to me.
Old 06-05-18 | 10:30 AM
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I too am a new owner of an '05 UL. Similarly, I have seen the PCS light appear 3times. Two local mechanics kindly hooked up their diagnostic machine free of charge, but neither found a code. They admitted that their own universal diagnostic won't be as thorough as the Lexus dealer-specific diagnostic. Still not sure what to do, as the above quoted price is not worth it to me.

I am also wondering why the light only came on a few times. If I shut off the engine and re-start, it does not appear. Can I trust that PCS is then operational?

I also have a faulty front right parking sensor that sounds off (there was a frontal accident with a deer by the previous owner, and subsequently repainted bumper). Do the parking sensors work in tandem with PCS?
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