Newbie questions: Please help
07-04-03, 12:38 AM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Newbie questions: Please help
Hi all,
I am a very excited and proud new owner of a 93' SC400. The car's got about 168k miles but is still running strong and fast.
The previous owner has replaced the following items:
1. Timing belt at about 100k miles.
2. Power steering pump at 120k miles.
3. Antenna mast
4. Instrument cluster at 149k miles (it's all lit up now)
5. Battery
6. Radiator at 140k
7. Left front lower control arm at 153k
8. Driver side window regulator
9. Windshield
10. Spark plugs
11. Transmission seal
12. Fuel pump (might have been replaced, not sure)
The tires and brake pads on the car appear to have been replaced recently (within the last couple years) and the LCD screens on the A/C and stereo all work perfectly. However, other than some minor cosmetic imperfections, there are a few flaws as well. For example,
-Sometimes transmission gear indicators on dash would not light up.
-Faded driver side leather seat.
-Memory seat function does NOT work even with the key in the "on" position and
tranny engaged in P. The funny thing is, the 1 and 2 memory buttons DO work and
remember the old settings for 30 seconds with my driver's side door open after I
pulled the key out from the ignition. But even so, the "Set" button does not work no
matter what I do. This is pretty weird, considering that all memory seat functions
worked properly on the 1st day the car was purchased. But malfunctioned soon
after. Any ides?
-Sometimes the transmission jerks in PWR mode when I shifted to different gears.
For example, when I shift to R from P, the car would jerk a bit as if someone applied
the throttle.
-Some slight whiny noise coming from belts after the car's started (especially audible
with the A/C on).
-Fogged/moistured front headlight covers.
-Slightly quickened blinking on the left turn signal even though no bulb has burned
out.
-The outer bulbs in the headlights do NOT light up. Are these bulbs supposed to
work with the inner projectors?
Does anyone know if any of the previously address problems is serious or needs to be addressed soon? If so, is there any quick fix to these problems?
Also, the previous owner states that he's used Shell Premium gas most of the time throughout his ownership. Could anyone please recommend a good gas brand that I should switch to for this car?
Sorry for such a long post. I love the Lexus but I am just a bit worried because I'll be taking it on a 500 mile trip in two days.
Could anyone let me know if there's anything else that I should know?
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Jon
I am a very excited and proud new owner of a 93' SC400. The car's got about 168k miles but is still running strong and fast.
The previous owner has replaced the following items:
1. Timing belt at about 100k miles.
2. Power steering pump at 120k miles.
3. Antenna mast
4. Instrument cluster at 149k miles (it's all lit up now)
5. Battery
6. Radiator at 140k
7. Left front lower control arm at 153k
8. Driver side window regulator
9. Windshield
10. Spark plugs
11. Transmission seal
12. Fuel pump (might have been replaced, not sure)
The tires and brake pads on the car appear to have been replaced recently (within the last couple years) and the LCD screens on the A/C and stereo all work perfectly. However, other than some minor cosmetic imperfections, there are a few flaws as well. For example,
-Sometimes transmission gear indicators on dash would not light up.
-Faded driver side leather seat.
-Memory seat function does NOT work even with the key in the "on" position and
tranny engaged in P. The funny thing is, the 1 and 2 memory buttons DO work and
remember the old settings for 30 seconds with my driver's side door open after I
pulled the key out from the ignition. But even so, the "Set" button does not work no
matter what I do. This is pretty weird, considering that all memory seat functions
worked properly on the 1st day the car was purchased. But malfunctioned soon
after. Any ides?
-Sometimes the transmission jerks in PWR mode when I shifted to different gears.
For example, when I shift to R from P, the car would jerk a bit as if someone applied
the throttle.
-Some slight whiny noise coming from belts after the car's started (especially audible
with the A/C on).
-Fogged/moistured front headlight covers.
-Slightly quickened blinking on the left turn signal even though no bulb has burned
out.
-The outer bulbs in the headlights do NOT light up. Are these bulbs supposed to
work with the inner projectors?
Does anyone know if any of the previously address problems is serious or needs to be addressed soon? If so, is there any quick fix to these problems?
Also, the previous owner states that he's used Shell Premium gas most of the time throughout his ownership. Could anyone please recommend a good gas brand that I should switch to for this car?
Sorry for such a long post. I love the Lexus but I am just a bit worried because I'll be taking it on a 500 mile trip in two days.
Could anyone let me know if there's anything else that I should know?
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Jon
07-04-03, 01:48 AM
#2
Could anyone please recommend a good gas brand that I should switch to for this car?
-Faded driver side leather seat.
-Some slight whiny noise coming from belts after the car's started (especially audible
-The outer bulbs in the headlights do NOT light up. Are these bulbs supposed to
Most of these questions you are asking are FAQ...It may help to check the FAQ and previous posts...
07-05-03, 11:42 AM
#3
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Thank you for your prompt reply. I appreciate it.
Excuse my ignorance. I tried searching around the forum but I could not find the FAQ section. Could you provide me a link to that section?
Does anyone else have other inputs regarding this vehicle I purchased?
Thanks again.
Jon
Excuse my ignorance. I tried searching around the forum but I could not find the FAQ section. Could you provide me a link to that section?
Does anyone else have other inputs regarding this vehicle I purchased?
Thanks again.
Jon
07-05-03, 01:59 PM
#5
Pole Position
most of the info you need can be found on here..i would run a few bottles of complete fuel system cleaner through your car before you go on the trip and use the highest octane gas you can find....it will also help you out with the mileage...but most of all your car seem pretty normal minus the seat settings...and i can almost promise you she will be fine on your 500 mile trip...slowly begin to restore her to new before you start adding all of the mods...
CEO
CEO
07-05-03, 02:24 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Thanks again for the helpful info.
Hopefully, this Lexus will last me another 5-6 years as a daily driver. I'll take good care of her and give her regular maintenances as much as I can.
As far as mods. go, I hope I'll never get bitten by the mod bugs again. One of the reasons that I chose to buy a SC is that I've already dropped too much $$$ on my bimmer in mods. (more than $25k) and made that car unsuitable for long distance commuting. Unlike BMWs, I think the SC looks good as is, even when it's stock.
So far, I am very happy with my Lexus and again, I appreciate all the help from you guys. It's a great message board for me to learn from!
Regards,
Jon
Hopefully, this Lexus will last me another 5-6 years as a daily driver. I'll take good care of her and give her regular maintenances as much as I can.
As far as mods. go, I hope I'll never get bitten by the mod bugs again. One of the reasons that I chose to buy a SC is that I've already dropped too much $$$ on my bimmer in mods. (more than $25k) and made that car unsuitable for long distance commuting. Unlike BMWs, I think the SC looks good as is, even when it's stock.
So far, I am very happy with my Lexus and again, I appreciate all the help from you guys. It's a great message board for me to learn from!
Regards,
Jon
07-05-03, 02:35 PM
#7
Pole Position
not a problem John. Welcome to Club Lexus!
CEO
CEO
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