I purchased this 1996 Lexus LX450 a few weeks ago thinking I’d make it a run around rig to keep miles off my truck. What I’ve come to find out is there are a lot of small things that need to be addressed to bring it back to its former glory. Now that’s I’ve figured out what I’ve really got I might as well go all in and make a hunting/camping rig. First order of business is addressing all mechanical issues and getting it ready to go explore. I originally posted with wiring and tune-up questions, but might as well combine everything to this one post.
Current mechanical condition is it needs wiring fixed from PO, tune-up and replace/repair problem areas. The rig is having a hard time starting during the initial start for the day. After starting and running for the day, it seems to start fine for a bit only to have a hard start the next day. During the initial start, it’ll crank for awhile and try to kick over a few times but die. When it it does finally stay running, it coughs and kicks for a minute before idling right and running right. This is about all I know at this point.
Short term plans are taking care of mechanical issues to gain a sense of dependability. Probably add a few gadgets to breakup the repair work and see a few small wins.
Long term plans are the normal items, bumpers, lift, tires, etc... Once all complete, I’ll add do-dads to make it personalized for hunting and camping. Goal is to use it for extended hunts and be able to navigate rough terrain.
My first order of business was to go through the fuel system. I replaced the fuel pump, pump screen and fuel filter. Fuel filter was a lot more difficult than expected but got it done. I also replaced the spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. This did help it run better, but had no effect on the hard start. I bought two fusible links, installed one and have the other as a backup in the glovebox. Added new hood struts, no other reason than the hood kept closing and needed to work under it. Added a dual cup holder, one alone doesn’t work for a dipper, not to mention if the passenger has a drink.
Where I’m at now:
Still have a hard start and CEL is on bought a scan gauge to pull the codes and got
P0115 - coolant temp sensor
P0335 - crankshaft position sensor
P0340 - camshaft position sensor
Plan is to located these sensors and check the wiring. While changing the fuel filter, I could see that a PO made some wiring repairs to the sensors on the drivers side of the engine. I’ll start there by sorting those out. I’ve been doing some research and located where the crankshaft sensor is, but can’t find anything showing where the camshaft sensor is. Does anyone know and have a picture of what I’m looking for? Any tips and tricks and how to go about checking the wires and sensors? I’ve ordered a FSM and hoping it can shed some light on working through all of this.
Current mechanical condition is it needs wiring fixed from PO, tune-up and replace/repair problem areas. The rig is having a hard time starting during the initial start for the day. After starting and running for the day, it seems to start fine for a bit only to have a hard start the next day. During the initial start, it’ll crank for awhile and try to kick over a few times but die. When it it does finally stay running, it coughs and kicks for a minute before idling right and running right. This is about all I know at this point.
Short term plans are taking care of mechanical issues to gain a sense of dependability. Probably add a few gadgets to breakup the repair work and see a few small wins.
Long term plans are the normal items, bumpers, lift, tires, etc... Once all complete, I’ll add do-dads to make it personalized for hunting and camping. Goal is to use it for extended hunts and be able to navigate rough terrain.
My first order of business was to go through the fuel system. I replaced the fuel pump, pump screen and fuel filter. Fuel filter was a lot more difficult than expected but got it done. I also replaced the spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. This did help it run better, but had no effect on the hard start. I bought two fusible links, installed one and have the other as a backup in the glovebox. Added new hood struts, no other reason than the hood kept closing and needed to work under it. Added a dual cup holder, one alone doesn’t work for a dipper, not to mention if the passenger has a drink.
Where I’m at now:
Still have a hard start and CEL is on bought a scan gauge to pull the codes and got
P0115 - coolant temp sensor
P0335 - crankshaft position sensor
P0340 - camshaft position sensor
Plan is to located these sensors and check the wiring. While changing the fuel filter, I could see that a PO made some wiring repairs to the sensors on the drivers side of the engine. I’ll start there by sorting those out. I’ve been doing some research and located where the crankshaft sensor is, but can’t find anything showing where the camshaft sensor is. Does anyone know and have a picture of what I’m looking for? Any tips and tricks and how to go about checking the wires and sensors? I’ve ordered a FSM and hoping it can shed some light on working through all of this.