# 1996 Lexus LS 400 runs badly when it’s wet out

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-lexus-ls-400-runs-badly-when-it-s-wet-out/138173>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** ls400, lexus\
**Created:** [April 8, 2019, 7:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-lexus-ls-400-runs-badly-when-it-s-wet-out/138173 "2019-04-08T19:59:21Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JamieDean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ed8c4c/32.png) [@JamieDean](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JamieDean)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 7:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-lexus-ls-400-runs-badly-when-it-s-wet-out/138173/1 "2019-04-08T19:59:21Z")

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I have a 96 Lexus Ls400 that runs very badly when it’s wet out have replaced both plugs and wires And I have no clue what is wring with it

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**Author:** ![tcmichnorth](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tcmichnorth/32/25126_2.png) [@tcmichnorth](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tcmichnorth)\
**Post date:** [April 8, 2019, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-lexus-ls-400-runs-badly-when-it-s-wet-out/138173/2 "2019-04-08T21:17:41Z")

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In the dark, using a spray bottle, mist your engine with water while running and look for arching.

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**Author:** ![JamieDean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ed8c4c/32.png) [@JamieDean](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JamieDean)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2019, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-lexus-ls-400-runs-badly-when-it-s-wet-out/138173/3 "2019-04-09T00:18:33Z")

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I’ve tried that but no visible arcing also seems to happen when the car refuses warm up

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**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2019, 5:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-lexus-ls-400-runs-badly-when-it-s-wet-out/138173/4 "2019-04-09T05:20:44Z")

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If the engine is misfiring when it is damp you might consider replacing the distributor caps.

There are two distributors, one on each cam gear. I remove these when replacing the timing belt on these cars and they are usually very dirty inside.

> [@JamieDean](#):
>
> seems to happen when the car refuses warm up

If the temperature gauge does not reach the normal temperature position after 5 miles the thermostat might be leaking.

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**Author:** ![JamieDean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ed8c4c/32.png) [@JamieDean](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JamieDean)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2019, 7:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-lexus-ls-400-runs-badly-when-it-s-wet-out/138173/5 "2019-04-09T07:22:58Z")

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Ty it doesn’t happen all the time it only really refuses to heat up when it’s damp outside after heating up it runs perfectly fine