First and foremost: repairing electronics is my hobby where I share my skills and knowledge about the first and second generation LS400. I try to keep as many of these cars up and running, and prevent them from being scrapped. I started repairing electronics out of necessity and I got pretty handy with it.
I hope you understand that I cannot warranty my work, but until now, all repairs have been succesful. I use quality components (yes, Panasonic and Nichicon are the way to go, only Japanese parts should be in your LS400) and I use quality equipment. As such, I only charge a small amount for my work in comparison with larger repair companies.
The process
Before I accept any work, I would like to see the part and the problem. Just send me an email with your contact data and photos / videos of the part and the issue. With that information I can asses what needs to be done and if I’m capable of fixing it. After that you can send the part to me, making sure that it is carefully packed. Especially instrument panels need to be very carefully packed with lots of bubble wrap / foam peanuts. ECU’s are best packed in an antistatic bag and plenty of bubble wrap. If you’re not sure how to pack / send it, just ask me for tips.
As soon as I receive your package, I get in touch with you to let you know that I received your component and in which state it is (to make sure nothing was damaged during shipping). I document every step of the process with photos and additional information, like measurement data and damage assesment. Before I start the repair, I’ll let you know what I can fix and what I would like to do. There are several ways to fix several problems – they all work, but one is more time consuming than the other. This is especially the case for trace repairs.
I label all components that have been replaced and I apply conformal coating where it was used originally. Every unit that I repair is marked and labeled to make life easy for the next guy that repairs it. Every unit gets carefully packed before it is returned. I can send it via courier (at your choice and your cost) or you can pick it up at my adress.
The best way to test a component, is to test it in the car it came from. I can only perform partial tests with my equipment, so I would like to hear from you if everything works as expected when you receive the component.
Payment and shipping
Replacement of capacitors is fixed rate, for both the engine ECU and instrument panels. Further work, like cleaning and trace repair require additional fees, but these depend on the amount of work. I can only assess this when I have the component in my workshop. Shipping is at your own cost, I recommend to insure the shipping because the parts are rare and very expensive to replace if they get lost. Keep in mind that I have had no issues with any shipping company so far.
Once I know what needs to be done, I send you a quote for the repairs. Once I receive the payment, I start working on it as soon as possible. Usually this is the same day, but it can take a bit longer when I need to order parts. Quality parts are in high demand and sometimes it takes a week before they arrive. I don’t have LCD’s in stock for the climate controls since they come in different versions and they are relatively expensive. As a result, this repair may take a couple of weeks.
If you want, you can also deliver and pick up your component at my adress. You get a free coffee when you stop by 🙂