9 Most Common Problems / Issues with the Lexus SC400

[@frankandfrankauto]

Thank you everyone for your comments! Please support my channel and subscribe :)

[@crabman823store9]

Doing my timing belt my self when it warms up literally going to write down a step by step checklist done this for everything I was scared to do and has not failed also doing the cam seals and it’s the vvti makes that job just as much work as the timing belt🫠 Wanting to do a long roadtrip or GT event in mine eventually so going the extra mile.

[@harryvanhoo7235]

I had a power steering leak in my Land cruiser. Very common. Topped it up maybe twice a year. Bought some new power steering fluid with an additive. Less than half the reservoir and it stopped leaking and never started leaking again. Got it from SCA. Can't remember the brand.

[@koomo801]

For power steering fluid, I switched to using Valvoline MaxLife ATF in our '92 SC400 and it drastically reduced leaks right away. Drastically, as in going from having to add ATF every 500 miles or so to only needing to add it every few thousand miles. I doubt if the original specs for ATF use in Toyota power steering systems are as refined and as specific as the ATF specs needed in their transmissions.

[@savvy6310]

I got a 1996 white sc400. Had to replace the compressor, power steering hose, lower control arms, gauge cluster, left door panel, and fix engine oil leak. I still love it though but those repairs killed me. 😂

[@deimosphob]

I got my starter out in 5 hours. Not "easy" I did cut my arm trying to get behind the coolant passage/wiring harness when I dropped a wrench. But when you disconnect the starter completely and get that bit of the harness out of the way along with that unfortunately placed 12mm bolt, a ratchet with a deep socket can get both bolts fairly easily as long as you have a decently long handle. Main things to keep in mind is not to remove the double flare-nut for the fuel line, they're very easy to damage and will require the whole line taken out from tank to engine if you damage it, instead remove the fuel line directly from dampers and just replace the crush washers, there will still be a 10mm bolt holding the bridge between the fuel rails on with the vvti models with the ACIS manifold, but you lift it out you get fairly easy access to that and its a non-issue. Keep in mind, I had a large break in the middle of this searching for the ratchet that fell behind that coolant passage into the trans tunnel, this job could very easily be a 4 hour job if I did it enough. Also keep in mind since you are in there, if you have a VVTI ACIS manifold, replace the damn VSV on the bottom of the intake, it is incredibly common for those to go bad. The other big one you will probably notice when you do this job is that the valve seals leak on these engines, even under 100k you will see the carbon buildup and evidence for valve seal leaks and even under 100k you will have starter issues at the age of the car, consider when you're doing big jobs like this or the timing to get in there, reseal each valve with the cylinders pressurized and reshim your valves ontop of that. At this age its a small price to pay for futureproofing, those kinds of jobs could last you 30+ years as they already have from factory.

[@frankandfrankauto]

Great write-up! Thank you!

[@frijolero6411]

How much would a dealer charge 😢

[@frankandfrankauto]

For?

[@KingLexus]

Cmon don’t tell people to stay away from it, that’s not fair to the Sc400. The Japanese are very detailed and overtly built this beautiful Lexus which is a curse and a blessing. It’s so old and complicated some don’t even wnna work on it ha no joke ! Local mechanic told me to get a new car cause of all the leaks 😂🤦‍♂️! But I have a personal mechanic with over 40 years working on my cars so my resources are different than others which does come into play cause labor for these are very demanding plus the rare parts but loving something isn’t always easy 💪🏿. Not to mention it’s a V8 supra 🤷‍♂️, that fact within itself is totally worth some of the headaches.

[@frankandfrankauto]

Haha I think that there are just certain jobs where unless you have the knowhow or funds, it's best to stay away from that car. 100% agree it's an overengineered masterpiece! Just findings things outside of the engine are starting to become headaches to fix. Glad you have a guy to work on it, hope it serves you well!!

[@RezSoxBaseball]

I’ve rebuilt a 1uzfe using KZbin videos, a pdf manual. Easy car to maintain

[@69GIGACHAD69]

I got 325,000 on my SC400 and the only things that have ever gone wrong were the AC, window motor and steering rack bushings.

[@lincoln4536]

Coming from a 1991 3000gt vr4 I feel like it won't be that bad lol, I've had every mechanic turn me down for work

[@TM-fx5le]

If you want them to last, tell people not to buy em ;)

[@koomo801]

There was a good mod someone once did where they took a sheet of thin, bendable metal and applied it under the power steering pump in order to divert and ATF drip coming from the power steering pump and/or connections in order to prevent the drip from landing onto the alternator. Does anyone have a reference to that, please?

[@TherealGM4NN]

How do I know if i cruise control is working

[@frankandfrankauto]

Get up to speed, click it on, then set it and your car should maintain the speed until your brake or turn it off.

[@TherealGM4NN]

@@frankandfrankauto and the icon on the cluster should pop and say cruise control on

[@cinema6r845]

If you know what youre doing its easy to work on. The main issue with these cars are the bad capacitors to the ECM/ECU and the faulty Fuel ECU. Other than that a pretty solid v8

[@GloriaArellano-ur6lv]

Where is the smogsc400 on a 1993 Lexus

[@TONELOWthaWRITER]

On the topic of control arms, get mk4 supra ones, they will fit. The sc300 control arms are $900, mk4 supras are like 274, your welcome

[@ikennaihegbu7692]

Do you have a link to where i can get it?

[@TONELOWthaWRITER]

@@ikennaihegbu7692 goto ebay and type in 93 supra front lower control arms and look for the best price, i just got 2 for 900 shipped, i still saved like 6 - 700

[@frankandfrankauto]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Real1yfer]

I’m looking into getting an SC400 and all these problems don’t sound major man, with all of these issues I’m sure you can still get to your destination comfortably😅 just a little power steering fluid will do the job until you save up to replace the parts..

[@kevinbates3575]

I haven't done a starter yet but the power steering , timing belt , water pump , alternator , hoses and belts really are not bad to replace.

[@fredjones554]

Heater core, coolant overflow tank, power steering leak, window regulators, dash blinking. I've had em all. Great vid. Good summary

[@frankandfrankauto]

Thanks!

[@Jordanjuggin]

How did you fix the heater core

[@rawinc.7010]

Thanks for the vid Frank.. :) , and thank you for the time and effort you putted into it..

[@frankandfrankauto]

Thank you!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Awesome video dylan! Need to see more from your channel! Keep up the good work!

[@frankandfrankauto]

Thank you! That means a lot :)

[@NotTheRealAutomator]

Hi would you be able to make a video on how to replace an IACV in a ‘97 sc400? I see tons of info on cleaning the iacv of older models but for this year it seems the iacv needs to just be replaced completely

[@frankandfrankauto]

Unfortunately, I sold my SC400 in 2022 so I no longer can create how to videos 😭

[@KaiPonte]

Nice video! Having recently acquired a '99 SC400, I'll take all this to heart. My son had done the starter swap on his '93 - that is a pain.

[@frankandfrankauto]

Thank you! What colour '99 did you get and how many miles? You're going to love it!

[@KaiPonte]

@@frankandfrankauto oh I enjoy it. Got a black with tan interior ‘99 with only 170,000 miles. Needs paint but not much else. I had a reliable shop (the owner has a GS) take care of needed work.

[@frankandfrankauto]

@@KaiPonte right on! Wish you best man

[@rchadney1199]

I'm looking at getting into the SC game, so I really appreciate this informative & concise video! I will be saving this video for reference as I continue to peruse the car market. Is there a specific year/model you would recommend for a first time lexus owner?

[@frankandfrankauto]

1998 to 2000 of you can find one!

[@KingLexus]

1992-1995 way more robust , im not a big fan of vvti essentially Vtec on a V8 that can and could cause the engine to kill itself pretty much ! Just Stick with less complicated early models.

[@frankandfrankauto]

@@KingLexus I think the body style and extra HP make it more of a collectable long term value hold. I think the 92-95 is better for a daily though or heavy use.

[@KingLexus]

@@frankandfrankauto well mostly everything is the same besides some options like heated seats and the oem body kit, which can be bought btw. People seem to like that tranny and Vvti combo.

[@KingLexus]

@@frankandfrankauto i agree , heavy use for sure. The early models can take more boost off the bat.

[@AverageNeighbor]

Have a 97 sc400, great tip on the heater not working bc mine isn't, but some other things I'd mention is my thermostat stuck and overheated the aluminum engine leading to a radiator replacement thankfully heads are good, and the door hidnges suck, they are over enginereed and dont work properly after a while and can literally rip your front fender apart opening, honestly the previous owner messed some things up and I'm thinking about selling it and getting a gs430

[@Steavethefish3]

It was hard for me finding one with a back seat that’s hasn’t been cracked up by the sun

[@stunnamanmar9495]

I have an sc400 with 258k miles and it still runs great no leaks maybe a a little power steering but It comes with all cars but if you maintain all fluids it will run just fine the the radiator hoses are easy to get to and reach and all the parts are cheap I love Lexus\Toyota cars

[@nyacoustics8373]

I have a 1995 Lexus sc400. It looks like it has wires running to the spark plugs. It has been sitting for 4 years. So I drained the old gas and put 5 gallons of fresh new gas. My car is having a hard time starting. It cranks and cranks before it turns over. Sometimes it takes several tries. It started and ran perfectly fine for 30 minutes or so at normal operating temp. Shortly after, the temp gauge started to rise slightly and the car just shut off. Hard to start again, would crank but not start. do you know what it could be?

[@TonyRomeNewMoney]

I’ve done the starter and timing belt on my SC400. The timing belt really wasn’t hard imo. The starter would have been much easier if the wiring harness that’s above the starter was easy to move out of the way.

[@bimmysleeps]

One time when I opened the door on my dads sc400 the passenger doorhandle broke off and he got mad and told me I gotta “watch my strength” ( I ain’t even that strong ) but then he comes to my 2 weeks later and said that he accidentally broke the door handle on the drivers side, so touché 💪🏻

[@frankandfrankauto]

hahaha happens to the best of us

[@EverybodyLovesMoe]

Thats a pretty honest assesment of the issues with these cars. I have had my 92 since 2006 and am very aware of most of these issues. One thing that should have been mentioned was that the power steering failure is typically due to the 2 power steering solaniods on the steering rack getting blocked as they have tiny screens in them. This creates undue pressure in the system. Clean them and no issue. Fortunately I have had no issue with the starter as of yet. One must remeber the age of the any car will have issues for sure. One advantage of older cars is one can be aware of the problems. It also definitley helps a lot to be able to do work youself.

[@alancaX]

I started learning how to work on cars with my SC400 and I maintain it. It's really an easy car to work on compared to most FWD garbage. There was no mention of the ECU and how it's capacitors need replacing at this point. Also; the inner tie rods are why the steering has play or dead band in most cases. I like how much hate a 30 year old car gets for not having 100% perfect sub-systems like windows and power steering. It, like *any other car* does need maintenance. But; what you get left with is a car that gets compliments and is a lot of fun to drive and really is a proper RWD JDM car. It's the Supra's less radical cousin with a roaring, versus a screaming engine. I imagine the SC300 has basically all the same problems by the way as the engine and transmission weren't brought up at all; which is the only difference. The 1UZ was approved by the FAA- that never happens. The A340e 4-AT was also used on the Supra; if not the 5 speed A341e. It's a Toyota- it's easy to work on and it's cheaper to fix than most other imports...It's a tank that will probably outlast any 2021 Kia / Hyundai / Genesis I could buy LOL.

[@frankandfrankauto]

Hi Aaron, To address the SC300 being barely different, you're totally right. I would love to make a video for it mostly to work on some of the suggestions in the video aspect, to make it more clearer for the viewers. And I 1000% buy an SC over a Hyundai/Kia today :) Thanks for bringing up the tie rods and ECU, will incorporate them next time. I am not sure if you were referring to my video, but I have 0 hate for the SC, including the electronic system. It's way ahead of its time and very impressive! On a car with very few issues when properly maintained, they are a common issue though. The Sc was my first car to work on as well, and I've had some great rides and not so great rides since, and it's still one of the my favourites, but not without some flaws. All the best! Dylan

[@alancaX]

I appreciate the kind words and love for the SC.I'm probably too attached to mine. If you ever do another video let me know I'll help you if possible. I'm imagining this video in it's next version with a few more things covered and some footage of the car to go with it. I would've definitely watched it before buying my SC! Cheers!

[@frankandfrankauto]

@@alancaX that's awesome thanks man! I'll reach out, I want to start it this weekend and would love your input.

[@bennett2684]

hey are you still active on here i need your help

[@alancaX]

@@bennett2684 I am idk if frank & frank is

[@jamarparker1]

This is very accurate 👍🏾

[@KidLofi]

I’m looking at a 400 with 255k Lexus dealer maintained and garage kept.

[@frankandfrankauto]

did you get it?

[@KidLofi]

@@frankandfrankauto yes sir! Absolutely didn’t regret it one but

[@frankandfrankauto]

@@KidLofi love to hear it!

[@smal1393]

I have a question on #2 & #5, the HVAC control. I sent my HVAC control unit to Tanin for new bulbs. When I reinstalled it, the unit would not power up. I checked all the fuses, and tried another control unit with no change. Any idea what to try next? Great channel, thank you.

[@frankandfrankauto]

Hmm I will have a look tomorrow through some documentation but if its not getting any power and fuses are all good, my best guess either both control units are bad or wiring is damaged.

[@johnoigreen3802]

I can’t seem to find a video of a nss removal on a 94 sc400

[@frankandfrankauto]

Hi man! Do you mind elaborating a little bit on what you are trying to do? Might be able to provide insight

[@johnoigreen3802]

I can’t seem to find any videos removing a Neutral safety switch on a 1994 sc400

[@frankandfrankauto]

@@johnoigreen3802 tranny swap? Or no start?

[@johnoigreen3802]

No start

[@frankandfrankauto]

@@johnoigreen3802 You're sure it is NSS? Only no start in park, but starts in N? email me at [e-mail], I can send you diagrams I have but NSS is pretty rare imo. never done one.

[@ugotpassed7241]

Holy fuckin mint thanks buddy!!! Changed my thermostat and still nothin later that night i seen this vid and it works now thanks!

[@frankandfrankauto]

Cheers!

[@fernandosandoval4614]

1st gen (non-vvti) 1uz's are non-interference engines, impossible to bend a valve. You can snap a timing belt (not ideal) but the engine will be fine, but for vvti and newer uzs snapping a belt is certain death to the valves, heads ,and pistons

[@frankandfrankauto]

Hi Fernando, you are correct for VVTI. However, I do believe 95 - 97 are also interference engines. It is hard to confirm online as there seems to be debate on forums and I seem them listed as interference some places and not on others. However, I can tell you that the repair manual for my 1997 specifies to be careful as pistons and valves can come in contact but the same warning is not present in the 1992 manual. There a few other differences which lead me to believe 95 to 97 are interference. In any case, I should've specified that the first years of the sc400 are exempt from what I said in the video. Thanks for the comment!

[@fernandosandoval4614]

@@frankandfrankauto You are right, I meant to say first gen "thick rod" motors from 89 to 94 (early 94) production years. Cheers on the video I have definitely encountered some of the common issues on my old bucket :)

[@pushhrodd01]

@@fernandosandoval4614 how can you tell? i have a 94 manufactured october of 93.

[@fernandosandoval4614]

@@pushhrodd01 billet fuel rails, coil plug pointing up, large breather on valve cover, (LSS) but I advise u see the 1UZ doctor, kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH29nIOCaa9oobc ^^^This channel has a ton of knowledge on the uz line of motors, Cheers

[@ernestspriggs5701]

You are spot in with everything because I had to do it all especially that damn starter 😒, its a freaking nightmare and now I'm doing the window regulator. The electrical issues are ridiculous. I'm so deep into her with money it won't be worth me pulling out and selling her!🤭🤣

[@frankandfrankauto]

Haha I feel you!

[@slurr4588]

I jus did the starter myself yesterday and it was a pain there was a lot of work out tubing technical bolts to get too mine being a 97 so u got to go from between the firewall and engine and use a 3/8 swivel jus cus the 3/8 is thinner then a 1/2 so it allows u to get back there eight the swivel jus be careful of the get valve the can bend and break off the base pretty easy which is what I’m fixing today lol and it’s gonna be a pain to get it off I might jus seal it with some high heat atv the bolts are 2 14s and a 12 for the wiring bracket that lays on the starter also the 97 have a bolt on the right side of the starter in the bracket that’s usually yellow or whitish it has to be opened to get to the bolt I broke my off cus I didn’t see the bolt but it made it easier to get to the bolt a 12 I believe also don’t bend your fuel rail it will be a pain to put back in I broke my seals on the injectors because I didn’t see they weren’t lined up on both sides and went to tighten down and it broke the seals so be careful for the closer to the front of car black metal tubing on the rails those are important.also should get some heat shrink tubing before starting the job jus as a safe measure , good luck guys everything else for the starter should be easy this was my experience for the starter on a 97 sc400

[@frankandfrankauto]

Ditto for the fuel rails, I also had to change all my injector seals when I did the job. Probably was best to do though. Thanks for watching, too bad you found it as big of a pain in the butt as I did though 😄

[@CantHideSecretz42]

My SC is at 165k and starter is original. My old SC had original starter over 180k. 1uz starters can easily last up to 200k. If you’re a car enthusiast changing a starter shouldn’t be a reason to sell the car. Like people saying the SC400 isn’t reliable just because it has a v8. When the 1uz is basically bullet proof. Whatever car has a UZ type engine, buy it, fix it and drive it until you’re retired. It’ll take you there

[@frankandfrankauto]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@TheDarkOfKnight007]

Thank you for this video! But it would be better if you put more pics of the thing you talking about. After all great movie :)

[@frankandfrankauto]

Definitely will keep that in mind for the next one, thank you for the feedback!

[@fatheadmeetoo2891]

you hit most I had to deal with lol,,, yupp.

[@frankandfrankauto]

The struggle is real XD

[@peterk4134]

Time out, time out. One picture reference inset is not enough

[@soulechristopher]

Did you sell itbuet? Im interested

[@frankandfrankauto]

Not yet, its sitting right now

[@soulechristopher]

My 17 yr old son crashed my 93 with 66k miles

[@frankandfrankauto]

@@soulechristopher wow so sorry to hear that, hope he's ok. Mines a 97 with 111k miles

[@soulechristopher]

@@frankandfrankauto where are you located? Im in So Cal

[@frankandfrankauto]

@@soulechristopher im in BC in Canada, 2 hours from the border

[@greenbaypackers7097]

I've had 90% of these problems already

[@thacheifrocka339]

Do SC300 next

[@frankandfrankauto]

You've got it boss! I've got 2 final exams this weekend and then I'll get started :) look for it in about a week!

[@liblib54]

Are those even problems?. It’s cosmetic.

[@AshleysRainbow]

Damnnn he said sell it.. If I had to I would have bought mine with a bad starter and replaced it myself or just paid the idk 600 TOPS quoted from mechanic but hey supras ain't for everyone.

[@CloudyB_MT]

I wish these issues scared me, really. My ignorant ass still gonna keep mine for as long ass I can just because I love mine too much and still haven't been convinced by any other cars lol. I do have a mechanic that specializes in all the uz platforms so I'm set for awhile. On the plus side, I live in California, so I don't have to worry about the weather on this sensitive ass car.

[@frankandfrankauto]

California is perfect, im sure yours will last for years to come. Canada is not so kind to cars haha

[@mmf9765]

Where at in Cali ? I’m thinking about getting one

[@CloudyB_MT]

@@mmf9765 I'm in Fresno Cali, but I bought mine in Vista. There are actually plenty of Lexus sc scattered all around Cali, but I see more in central Cali.

[@tafarispringer1082]

I did my stater it’s not as hard as u say it is definitely time consuming but not impossible u complain bout everything then telling people to sell the Sc if the stater goes u definitely don’t deserve to have a classic car like this sell it to someone that will appreciate it I just unsubscribe to this weak ass page ‼️

[@frankandfrankauto]

Lol sorry to hear that buddy. It is a very difficult job. I had 2 master mechanics take a stab, the starter bolts are not easy to reach and the rear water bypass pipe has a bolt thats rear facing and none of us could reach it. I'm glad your experience was easy but it would be misleading to tell people it isn't hard. This is a 9 most common issues videos, not my 9 most favorite aspects video. I love the car, it's a timeless drive ahead of its time, but its not perfect. All the best :)

[@gios4677]

This gives me all the reason to swap an ls in it 😩

[@frankandfrankauto]

The 1UZ is still mean though!!

[@andresramirez8760]

There’s a local one near me for $2,900, but it needs a new fuel pump😩

[@thatcarpage707]

Easy fix

[@andresramirez8760]

@@thatcarpage707 just bought a car today! Lmao

[@Charles_Kos]

Thanks but you are SOOOOOO negative!

[@frankandfrankauto]

Its a problems video! It is inherent to the content :) I actually love my sc400 and just took it off the market. Got offered a few trades (miata, aristo, g35, cash) and decided to keep it and just put more money into it. Cheers

[@fabiano7638]

Audio sucks

[@frankandfrankauto]

Yes I agree :( I have a lapel mic but for whatever reason the audio file corrupted from my voice recorder so I used the camera one. Probably should have just re-rerecorded

[@j-deezy321]

Lol you just described every problem with every 20+ year old car lol come on man What a waste of time

[@frankandfrankauto]

Hi J-Deezy, Im going to have to respectfully disagree with you here. Yes they are all issues that can happen to any car, but no they don't happen commonly to all cars. 20 year old VWs suffer from headliner sag, electronic door and window issues, brake light switches. 30 year old mustangs have issues with heater cores going out constantly. E90s have leaky oil filter housings. Etc etc. Anything can happen to any car, there's just things that happen to some more frequently than others. What would you have on the list?

[@j-deezy321]

Frank and Frank Auto Repair Whatever you say brother