Faulty Speedometer

[Gonzo]

I have recently bought a 1995 LS400 Singapore import. It is in very good condition but has a few small problems.

The speedo and also the tacho do not operate at times. This applies more to the speedo lately. It seems to correct itself during a decent drive - 1 hour ish. Any body know what could be causing this?

[hkgs300]

probably there is some condensation/ bad electronic contacts?

Try to take it out and clean it.

[KY350]

I don't know what the problem is with your tacho and speedo. However, if you go to the LOC of America, you can do a search and find out the answer to your question. The USA is Lexus' biggest market and the forum there is very active.

BTW, I also suspect a contact problem and if this is the cause, you will find how to repair this on the LOC USA forums.

Good luck.

[KY350]

FARK - just realised that know one's been here for about a year!!!!

Back to the USA forums for me.

[1LS400]

This is a well document fault that exists in early model LS400's right through to the late 90's model. The tacho and speedo needles appear to stick at the 'zero' position but will bounce into life after a short while driving.

The issue is that there becomes a small build up of lubricant/grease on the stop. In hot/humid weather, it becomes sticky and the needles tend to stick to it.

In the 1994 and earlier models, dismantling the instrument cluster and exposing the meters allows you to clean off this sticky gunk with a fine ear bud. But not in the 95 model and newer, as the meters are an enclosed unit and you cannot get to the stop to clean them.

One word of caution, the alternative fix is to firmly tap the top of the dash above the meter. The needle will free itself and you're right to go however next day same issue. I did this and one day after one tap too many, the temperature gauge needle jolted from it's home position and started to point directly down (6 o'clock). Bugger.

So after reading the forums and referring to my workshop manual, I thought I'd attempt an inspection. There was nowhere on the net that described how to remove an instrument cluster from a 95 LS400. Earlier models yes but not the 95.

My workshop manual described it, but getting the unit away from the dash was not well described, in fact wrong as far as the clip removal was concerned. After patiently working on the job, I managed to free and disconnect the cluster and completely disassembled it right down to the meters. This is when I realised i couldn't rectify the sticky needles, but I did manage to fix the temperature gauge. The needle had simply jumped over the stop, so it had to lifted back into position.

So, for 95 LS400 owners looking to remove their instrument cluster or combination meter as it is technically known, I documented and photographed the whole exercise. I hope this helps other 95 owners (especially the Australian models) who may wish to replace a warning light, or cathode ray tube, or even a gauge. I look forward to hearing any feedback for those who have used these instructions to perform this task.

Good Luck.

Removal of the combination meter - 1995 Lexus LS400

Disassemble the combination meter - 1995 Lexus LS400

PM me if you'd like me to email these PDF's to you directly.

Paul

[drgtr]

Yes common problem. If you smack the dash board it unsticks and works again. Happens in the warmer months. Colder months are fine. there is a fix for it.But to me its not worth it