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coltonb

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  • Lexus Model
    ES 300

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  1. Let me start by saying i'm biased - I hate cords. Wireless will _always_ win with me. That said, get yourself an iPod, and an iTrip. It broadcasts through the radio, and should solve your problems. they're $25 on ebay. mine works great, and doesn't drain the battery that much.
  2. I just went through this with Lexus. If you cannot show that the oil has been changed at least every 5,000 miles since the car rolled off the assembly line, you have very little chance. You may want to speak with the previous owner and see what they can provide, or where they had it serviced. Oil change places keep pretty good records. If you can't get your hands on actual receipts or service records, your time is probably better spent elsewhere.
  3. Thanks SK, but Lexus disagrees. They say there is absolutely no known correlation between the engine gelling and cat failure. I'd like to make that correlation clear to them. And it sounds like they replace very, very few of these, ever. So... 1 - what are possible reasons for catalytic converter failure? 2 - is there anyone else who's had this problem?
  4. A lot of you will recall that I just had the engine in my '99 ES300 w/125,000 miles replaced due to sludging. Many thanks to you all for your advice on that one. Well, now apparently I'm told by the dealer that I need a new catalytic converter, though I'm not sure they've got their story straight. Here's the facts: CEL & Trac Off lights came on (yesterday), 4,500 mi after engine replacement. Brought it in this AM, and was initially told by dealer that the code was P0130. Replacement = $1,300. When I pressed for more detail, they brought in the tech who diagnosed it, who said, sorry, it was actually code P0420. Sounded squirreley. This may have no impact, but I had my first oil-change on the new engine 200 miles ago - and changed to synthetic. I always use 89 octane gas, usually from BP. My questions are: 1 - Is catalytic converter failure at 129,000 miles abnormal? 2 - Is it possible that I only need to replace the sensor (as a p0130 would indicate), instead of the entire catalytic converter? 3 - Could the exhaust smoking associated with engine sludging have accellerated the demise of the catalytic converter? Your thoughts and input is much appreciated. - CNB
  5. There has been a lot of sludge traffic - (a lot of it mine :cries: ) - but bottom line is that if it becomes a problem, Lexus will take care of it at little or no cost to you. To cover yourself, make sure they say in writing that upon delivery the car is sludge free, and make sure you do change the oil every 5k and KEEP THE RECORDS.
  6. which raises the question: what info does the computer store about my driving habits? I've been deliberately dribiving at a less consistent speed than usual. I should just drive normally then?
  7. don't know - phone conversation only. This was at the dealer though so I'd expect they'd be "up to date."
  8. For whatever it's worth I just had several quotes (in western MA) for engine replacement in a '99 ES 300: Toyota dealer: used engine $3,200 + labor $1710; new engine $5,119 + labor $2,375 Independent mechanic: used engine $2,500 + labor $900; new engine $5700 + labor $900. Moral of the story: get an independent to look at it. Could save 50% + on labor....
  9. With the new engine in and running like new (thanks all for your help, especially steviej) i followed up with the dealer to see how i should break in the engine. (eg: oil change after 1,000 mi? no high speeds? no long distances?) they had only one suggestion, "do no under any circumstances use cruise control for the next 5,000 miles" as they report that the engine must not be run at a consistent speed for even relatively short periods of time. this won't be a problem for me to do, but the question is: why? any thoughts?
  10. Lexus forum post: How do I add cupholders that actually work?
  11. Picked the car up friday night - runs like a champ. very sweet indeed.
  12. NP. I'll hold on Hexxagon... Wish me luck - I pick my car back up today. Note that they ended up doing a full long block replacement. head and all. A whole new engine, including all new filters, belts, and (at my request) a transmission oil change: $210. Sold - to the lucky gentleman in the front!! :D
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