written on 25 July 2002 and links updated on 30 June 2014written on 25 July 2002 and links updated on 30 June 2014
List of Answers 26 - 50
| 26. | What are the differences in suspension systems in various Soarer models? |
| The Soarer GT (UZZ30) has a coil spring suspension system. The LTD (UZZ31) is fitted with electronically modulated air suspension (TEMS) and the 4WS (UZZ32) has an actively controlled hydraulic suspension with yaw sensor controlled four-wheel steering. | |
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| 27. | Can you supply parts or at least part numbers for 6-cylinder twin turbo Soarers? |
| For updated answer please refer to Q30. | |
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| 28. | Can you help me to import my own car as I have never done this before? |
| No. Far too often people ask this question after hearing that cars can be bought cheaper overseas. Some fail to understand the risks involved in buying a car "sight unseen" if they cannot supervise the purchase in person or with a help of a reliable agent and also the importance of following the right procedures. The business of importing cars to Australia is not terribly complicated but, still, it takes knowledge of relevant procedures to make it work. We welcome everybody to import their own car but our services start after the car was imported. We will assist with compliancing V8 Soarers (UZZ) and getting the cars ready for registration. | |
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| 29. | What about supercharging Soarer/Lexus V8 engine (update to Q24)? |
| A supercharger for 1UZ engine is available in Japan by company C'S Comrade. For the Celsior (Lexus LS400) it is priced at Yen730,000. We have a picture of the company's advertisement but the graphics file is too big to show here. We can e-mail it to interested parties on request. | |
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| 30. | Can you advise Toyota part numbers for spares I require or even obtain the original spare parts? |
| Yes. We now have the capacity to find out the OEM spare part numbers for virtually all parts and components used in any Toyota model ever made for the Japanese market. This database is about 2Gb in size and we will charge for this service. We require the full model code and chassis number of the vehicle concerned and a very detailed description of each part in terms of its function, location, marking and any other useful information. We also have a connection to Toyota Japan so that we can get nearly all OEM parts when the part number is known. If it sounds too good to be true, there are disadvantages in terms of time required to get the parts (usually about 4 weeks) and the high costs as spare parts in Japan are expensive. In any case, this may be one way of sourcing the hard-to-get parts for Japanese imported cars. I suggest you inquire to us about parts only when you found it difficult/impossible to get them from other sources. | |
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| 31. | Are English instructions available for the Electro Multivision (TV) screen? |
| Yes. The Soarer EMV screen manual is now available for sale. It contains colour screen shots with explanation of all functions, including operating instructions for setting maintenance periods, using trip functions, fuel reading etc. It is a translation of the original Japanese EMV manual. | |
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| 32. | Is it possible to install the Electro Multivision (TV) screen in Soarers not fitted with it originally? |
| No. | |
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| 33. | Is it possible to install a conventional radio console in place of the existing Electro Multivision (TV) screen? |
| This is an updated information. Replacement of the EMV screen by a Soarer non-EMV audio setup may be possible but definitely not easy. Both types of consoles are bolted to the dashboard in the same places and it would be physically possible to install either in a Soarer. The electrical connections are a different matter. Fred, who has replaced his EMV screen setup advised that it was easier to install an aftermarket audio system. Important information concerned the need to install a Soarer GT ventilation/air-conditioning controller after the removal of the EMV screen. Unfortunately, the EMV harness is not compatible with the GT controller but it was possible to make a new short harness for its connection to the EMV car wiring. | |
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| 35. | Are Lexus/Soarer new floor mats available? |
| Yes. We found a local manufacturer of new floor mats for the Lexus SC400/Soarer. They come in sets of four (2 front and 2 rear mats) in five colours and the word LEXUS embroidered on the front mats. They are A$295 for the set plus shipping. Check "floormats" selection. | |
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| 36. | Is there a known problem with leaking power steering pump destroying alternator? |
| Yes. We heard about it severel times in recent months. Apparently, leaking power steering fluid from the faulty pump can drop on and into the alternator, located right under the pump, and damage it by creating an electrical short inside. It pays to check the steering pump for leaks and repair it quickly before serious damage is caused to the alternator. Power-steering re-seal kit is available. | |
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| 37. | Do you know that Soarer has got a windscreen washer system with two functions? |
| After driving a Soarer GT for over a year I finally discovered the purpose of the container located near the front bonnet release. I long suspected that it was for a windcreen washer fluid but I also noticed that the fluid level in this container never changed and the windscreen washer bottle was in the left front guard with a separate filler. Well, when the windscreen washer control is operated in the usual manner, i.e. by pushing the switch at the tip of the windsceen wiper lever, the windcreen washer pump delivers water from the main windscreen washer bottle in the left guard. Now, when the windscreen wiper lever is pushed away from the steering wheel, another pump is activated that draws fluid from the front container. I gather that the front container is to be filled with a detergent or a windscreen cleaning solution and the main washer bottle is to contain just water to rinse the windcreen. | |
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| 38. | Why do some Lexus from Japan (SC400-Soarer or LS400-Celsior) have very harsh gear changes? |
| Some cars imported from Japan to U.K. are fitted with an aftermarket conversion of the speed indicator to show speed in mph rather that the original kmph. Apparently, some types of these conversion kits change values of the speed signal to the engine/transmission control computer with resulting harsh gear changes. Removal of the offending speedo conversion often resolves the problem. | |
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| 39. | When removing the key from ignition sometimes the warning chime sounds when the driver's door is open and the remote locking does not work. Why is that? |
| The ignition lock contains a switch for sensing when the key was removed. Sometimes this switch is worn out and remains open even when the key was removed. In such a condition the car "thinks" that the key is still in the ignition and when the door is open warns the driver by the chime sound. Also, the remote locking is disabled to prevent the driver from locking his key in the car. Simple help is to pull out the key from ignition quickly. The switch in the ignition lock then gets closed and the problem is avoided. | |
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| 40. | What can be the cause of a spongy brake pedal feel? |
| Apart from the usual air in the brake system that requires bleeding (note that there are up to 3 separate bleed screws on the brake master cylinder alone for master, ABS and TRC if fitted), a corroded and seized sliding pin in the front disc brake may not allow the brake calliper to slide as designed. A tell-tale sign is when the first application of brakes feels spongy and the next application immediately after the first has a firmer feel. (New dust boots and sliding pins for early LS400 do fit early SC400 and Soarers). | |
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| 41. | How can I enquire, check prices and order from your site? |
| By using the new Enquiry, Prices and Order form. | |
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| 42. | Is it possible to repair a single in-dash CD-player (as found in Soarer GT) that skips on bumps? |
| Yes, we have now developed a repair for this problem. Check "Skipping CD-player" outline repair procedure. | |
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| 43. | Is it possible to repair cracks in the side door trim above speakers that appear in many Soarers? |
| Yes, the cracks can be repaired either by just plastic welding the outside trim near the speakers (the door trim is not leather) or, more properly, by fixing the real problem inside the door trim and then finishing the outside trim repair by plastic welding and re-spraying. Check "before and after" pictures. | |
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| 44. | Do you have any advice for simple engine trouble-shooting on the road to uncover the source of problems, even if quick repair may not be possible? (UPDATE). |
| Engine diagnostics can be run by placing a jumper in the engine diagnostics connector between E1 and TE1 terminals (for location of terminals see the label inside the diagnostics connector cover). A straightened up paper clip can be used as a jumper but must be inserted very deep in the terminals. In case of Soarer GT or LTD without the EMV screen, when ignition is switched on error code/s will be displayed in the combination meter on the LCD screen normally showing the time. At first a Japanese message appears indicating the diagnostics mode and when SCROLL button is pushed repeatedly, condition of engine ECU and transmission ECT will show as either Good or N/G (no good). If N/G appears, wait for up to 2 minutes for the display of the actual numerical error code/s. If more than one error code is stored, all will be shown in succession with breaks between them. For example, Code 78 shows problem with the Fuel Pump Control Signal. For cars fitted with EMV screens a more detailed diagnostics procedure is available through "Enquiry, Prices and Order page. List of all engine error codes is included in the second edition of the Startrade Manual supplement. All stored error codes can be cleared by removing the EFI (30A) fuse in the engine compartment for at least 10 seconds. Note: radio and clock will need to be reset. | |
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| 45. | Can you confirm that V8 Soarers have a two-speed electric fuel pump? |
| Yes, the pump is designed to normally operate on 9V with a switching mode power supply (fuel pump ECU) increasing the voltage to 12V in case of increased fuel demand, e.g. when accelerating or under heavy load conditions. | |
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| 46. | Is it possible to by-pass a faulty fuel pump control circuit (ECU) in order to get home? |
| The fuel pump can be forced to operate in the high voltage setting by placing a jumper in the engine diagnostics connector between FP and +B terminals (for location of terminals see the label inside the diagnostics connector cover). A straightened up paper clip can be used as a jumper but must be inserted very deep in the terminals. This function is useful for checking that the fuel pump is not faulty (it can be heard running with the ignition on) and also to make the car mobile in case the fuel pump ECU is faulty. We strongly advise against driving the car for prolonged periods with the jumper inserted as the current draw of the pump in its high setting is about 7.3A and the pump may not have been designed to handle the load permanently and may overheat and seize, creating more (expensive) problems. At idle and under light loads the engine may be running rich due to increased fuel pressure. | |
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| 47. | Is there an easy way to extinguish the flashing air-bag warning lamp? |
| Yes, by using our Air-bag light switching box. It is available for sale or hire (against a deposit). For details see the Repair/Service Equipment section of the "Enquiry, Prices and Order page. | |
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| 48. | Do you have any used spare parts for sale? |
| Yes, just a few. They are listed in the Spare Parts for Sale section of the "Enquiry, Prices and Order page. | |
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| 49. | What if an "Australian compliance" of an imported car is being done in one State for registration in another State? |
| Once an imported vehicle is "complianced", i.e. modified and fitted with the Low Volume (or Personal Import) Compliance plate, theoretically it is then registrable in any State. For practical reasons it is easier to arrange compliance in the home state. One reason is in case of difficulties with the state registration authority not passing the vehicle for registration it is easier to resolve problems if the compliancing firm/company is somewhere near, rather than in another state. The other (and in my view more important) reason for selecting a compliancing company carefully is that all compliances are not equal and the level of workmanship varies widely. The cost of compliance can differ by thousands of dollars between companies and basically you get what you pay for. If you buy an imported vehicle in Australia you should always select a car with the Compliance Plate already attached so that you can inspect the complinace work before you buy. If you agree to buy a vehicle before it is "complianced" it is then open to the seller to select the cheapest quote for compliancing as he would be paying for it from his own pocket. Sometimes there is cheap compliance for Soarers available in one state and dealers from other states are able to ship imported cars there and back by road transporter and still save money. This may be indicative of the expected quality of work. NOTE: I inspect modified and imported cars on behalf of the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority as a Recognised Engineering Signatory. I inspect many cars each year and see how workmanship varies. I am also involved with compliancing V8 Soarers. | |
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| 50. | Will the audio and A/C controls fail if the EMV screen stops working one day? |
| Faulty EMV screen will not affect the operation of audio and A/C - ventilation systems but will make it near impossible to control these systems. When the illumination of EMV screen fails you cannot see the colour squares on the touch screen and have to operate the systems as a blind man, trying to recall where the squares were and their function. When the touch screen feature of EMV screen fails (either on its own or in combination with the illumination) it is impossible to change the default settings. Radio stations/bands can be set to individual stations by manual tuning but without knowing what station/band is selected. The same for the CD player, it will play but you will not know what CD/track is selected. The A/C - ventilation will be selected with default settings (e.g. face vents) without any chance to control other settings (foot vents, manual selection of fan speed etc.). However, the A/C system will respond to changed settings of the auto A/C temperature control, as these are not selected through the EMV screen but a rotary knob to the right of the screen. Note: If the EMV screen is removed (e.g. for repair), the car can still be driven but none the above systems will work at all. | |
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