1990 Lexus LS 400 Reverse light comes on w/ hit brakes, car

TOMBLIN854

MEMBER
1990 LEXUS LS 400
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
197,000 MILES

I just bought this car; we've driven it for almost 2 weeks w/ no problems--I took it on my first over 100 mile trip with no problems. The next day, I drove it 15 miles to work, parked, no problems. Went to drive home at the end of the day, only to have the reverse light indicators on the dashboard light up when applying the brake to shift from park. When driving, the car is now feeling like you have slammed on the brakes if you so much as touch the brake pedal to slow for a turn or a stoplight. The car lunges forward, the reverse light indicator comes on when touching the brake, and the rpm gauge jumps up slightly. The car has been running at the "1" mark on the RPM gauge, but when you apply the brakes will now 'jump up' to around 2 and then go straight back down. Can anyone tell me what's going on?

4 Replies

FROSTEKZ

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I just recently encountered the same problem where my burned out light indicator is constantly on. I have replaced the bulbs but the problem persists. Have you had any luck with your vehicle?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, December 8th, 2008 AT 11:45 AM

TOMBLIN854

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Actually I don't have the car anymore, my husband totalled it out in October. Anyway, this might help you, it solved our problem.

For whatever reason, there are some wires in the trunk that will eventually separate and cause all kinds of weird problems. It's a five minute repair job, really. Get into your trunk and under the hinge (I can't remember if it's on the right or left side) you'll find a wiring harness. If any of the wires are not properly connected, reconnect them and secure with electrical tape. This should automatically fix all your crazy weird problems. It did ours.

Not sure why such a a little thing can cause such craziness, but I was surprised to learn that it really does cause a whole wide mess of crazy problems. I hope this helps you, let me know!

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, December 8th, 2008 AT 11:59 AM

TOMBLIN854

MEMBER
5 POSTS

By the way, if you need one, I have a brand new manual for this car that we bought and no longer need. For some reason I took it back out of the dashboard before the insurance company came to take it away to the salvage yard. You can have it if you want it, no charge. Just send me your address. I have no use for it anymore, we didn't buy another Lexus and don't intend to. :)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Monday, December 8th, 2008 AT 12:01 PM

FROSTEKZ

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ok, thank you for the advice. I did find the electrical harness you speak of, but I just took a look at it and shook it. It did not help. I will need to give it a further inspection.
As for the mannual, I already have one. But thank you for offering it to me.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 AT 11:21 AM