Repair And Fix it

The Lexus GS is a mid-size luxury sedan that has been in production since 1993. The 2002 model is a second generation Lexus, which includes the 1997 through 2005 models. The 2002 Lexus GS 300 has a six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine with a double overhead camshaft. This type of engine uses a timing belt to synchronize the rotations of the crankshaft and camshaft. The timing belt should last at least 60,000 miles before requiring replacement.

Instructions

1

Remove any components needed to access the upper timing belt cover. Disconnect the eight mounting bolts on the upper timing belt cover with a socket wrench and remove the upper cover.

2

Turn the crankshaft clockwise with a hex wrench to align the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley with the timing mark on the crankcase. The timing marks on the camshaft pulleys must also align with the timing marks on the lower timing cover.

3

Disconnect the timing belt tensioner and its dust cover with a socket wrench. Remove the lower timing belt covers and the guide for the timing belt. Rotate the pulley for the right camshaft clockwise slightly to relieve the tension on the timing belt, and detach the timing belt from its pulleys.

4

Replace the lower timing cover and fasten its mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Turn the right camshaft pulley clockwise to align its timing mark with the corresponding timing mark on the lower timing belt cover. Turn the left camshaft pulley clockwise to align its timing mark.

5

Place the new timing belt onto the crankshaft pulley. Align its installation mark with the edge of the lower timing belt cover.

6

Place the timing belt on the left camshaft pulley and align the left camshaft timing mark on the timing belt with the timing mark on the left camshaft. Align the timing mark on the left camshaft with its corresponding mark on the lower timing belt cover. Repeat this step with the right camshaft.

7

Place a plate washer between the engine block and the timing belt tensioner. Press the push rod for the tensioner into its housing to align the hole in the push rod with the hole in the housing. Insert a 0.05 inch Allen wrench into the holes to hold the push rod in place.

8

Replace the dust cover for the tensioner, and install the tensioner. Tighten the mounting bolts for the tensioner to 20 ft- lbs. with a torque wrench. Remove the Allen wrench from the hole in the push rod housing to apply the correct tension to the timing belt.

9

Turn the crankshaft clockwise two full turns and align the timing marks once again. Replace the upper timing belt cover with a socket wrench. Install any components removed in step one to access the timing belt.

You can reset the Lexus trouble codes at home in your garage, saving yourself time and money. If you dont have an OBD scan tool, you can reset the codes using just a wrench and about a half hour of your time. The Lexus comes standard with an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer that stores the trouble codes and alerts you via warning and service lights on your instrument panel. Only reset the codes after you have had the vehicle serviced or repaired. Resetting them prematurely will only result in the service and warning lights turning themselves back on.

Instructions

1

Park on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake. Shut off the engine and pop up the hood.

2

Look for a retaining bolt on the negative battery cable clamp. Loosen this nut with a wrench and slip the clamp off the battery post. Make sure the clamp doesnt touch the positive side of the battery or any metal surface.

3

Wait for 30 minutes for the electricity to drain out of the computer.

4

Put the negative cable clamp back onto the negative battery post and tighten the bolt. Lower the hood and start the engine. Notice that all service and warning lights are off. Drive for 45 minutes or longer to allow the computer to reprogram itself.

If your air conditioning malfunctions in your 1999 Lexus LS400, prompt servicing is the best way to protect your Lexus investment. Any automotive mechanic can recharge your air conditioner, but damage to your air conditioning system requires Lexus service technicians, certified by the Lexus Commitment to Excellence program, if you want your warranty to stand. Mechanical or electrical air conditioning problems may mean replacing the entire system, the compressor, condenser, accumulator, evaporator, blower motor, control unit, fan and clutch.

Compressor Specifications

The Lexus Part Store sells new and urbished used air conditioner compressors for the 1999 Lexus LS400. The remanufactured compressors come with a core charge. The LS400 compressor has six grooves, a 1.65-inch line, a mount manifold, a tangent mount, a 4.5-inch pulley, a speed sensor switch and a clutch. The urbished compressor carries a two-year or 24,000-mile warranty. The new compressor cost $442 in 2010 and is under warranty for one year. The urbished compressor cost $395 in 2010. A core charge of $61 in 2010 was imposed on top of the part cost; the core charge is unded to the purchaser upon receipt of the old compressor.

Condenser Function

The condenser collects filth and oil from the compressor. Refrigerant may carry this filth through the condenser to the expansion valve, clogging the valve or tube. If oil cannot flow through the condenser, the compressor cannot receive oil, and the compressor will lack lubrication. If the condenser is dirty, it may be necessary to replace it. Flushing the compressor definitely moves sludge through the system. The sludge may form a blockage or damage the compressor. If you damage your air conditioner by flushing it, your warranty will be void, at least for the air conditioner.

Condenser Specifications

The Lexus Parts Store website lists two condensers for a 1999 Lexus LS400. A new first-class condenser with a clutch, manufactured from high-quality materials for extended reliability, cost $235 in 2010. A limited 1-year warranty covers manufacturers defects in the compressor. A second aluminum parallel flow condenser cost $139 in 2010. It is guaranteed to fit without leaking. Both condensers reduce noise and vibration. A chrome-plated compressor gasket or trim ring fits most cars and trucks with 7-inch radial compressors. The gasket costs $29 from the Lexus Parts Store in 2010 and comes with a 90-day warranty.

The 2002 Lexus LS430 came with a 4.3 liter V-8 engine that produced 290 horsepower at 5,600 r.p.m. The fuel economy EPA highway mileage on the 2002 LS430 was 23 m.p.g. and 16 m.p.g. city mileage. The 4.3 liter engine is capable of creating 320 foot-pounds of torque. Checking the coolant on your 4.3 liter LS430 will keep the engine cooled to its proper level and maintain the life of the engine.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your LS430. Stand in the front of the vehicle facing the radiator.

2

Place your hand on the radiator cap momentarily to see if it is hot to the touch. If the radiator cap is hot, do not open it or attempt to break the seal to depressurize the radiator.

3

Remove the radiator cap once you have verified that the engine is cool, or the car has sat without running for over one hour.

4

Visually inspect the fill hole at the top of the radiator. If you can see the metal fins inside the radiator, and you dont see any coolant, then you need to add some.

Introduced in 1991, the Lexus GS entered the midsized luxury sedan market and competed directly with models such as the Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 5-Series. While competing with prominent German made automobiles, Lexus inherited the respect attained from Toyota. Though the 2001 Lexus GS300 is a luxury sedan, it does succumb to the same problems inherent in other automobiles through regular wear and tear. Even with regular maintenance on a 2001 Lexus GS300 problems can arise that would have an out-of-pocket expense if a warranty plan is not available.

Instructions

1

Check both the air filter and fuel filter if your Lexus GS300 engine has difficulty starting. A dirty or clogged air filter or fuel filter can easily be replaced and may not only correct an engine start problem but will also increase fuel efficiency.

2

Inspect the power steering belt in your 2001 Lexus GS300 if you experience difficulty when turning the steering wheel. Power steering belts wear down over time and eventually must be replaced.

3

Inspect the heating core of your Lexus GS300 if a rank odor can be smelled while sitting in your vehicle. Mold and mildew can form from an antifreeze or coolant leak that deposits into the floorboard of your 2001 Lexus GS300.

4

Inspect the distributor cap of your Lexus vehicle if you experience a loss of power while driving. The distributor cap is a device in the engine that manages the wires from the ignition to spark plugs. The distributor cap may be loose, worn out or otherwise damaged, which leads to the spark plugs misfiring, firing out of sequence or not firing at all.

5

Inspect your Lexus GS300s carburetor if the engine undergoes stalling problems while driving. The carburetor may be improperly positioned, dirty, faulty or simply worn out. If the carburetor is dirty, it does not necessarily have to be replaced but can be cleaned instead.