2001 Lexus Es300 Wiper Blades Don't Retract!

[nsarin]

I just recently bought a 2001 ES300 ...beautiful car!

I have a 1996 ES300 as well with 274,000km on it and to date, absolutely NOTHING has gone wrong with this car! The only time it's ever been in the shop was for oilchanges, brakes..regular maintenance.

Anyway, the question I have is...my 1996 ES's wiper blades retract in under the visible pane of the front windshield to give a nice clear view...but in the 2001 model, they apparently no longer regtract? Also, my 96' has front spray nozzles for the headlights...very handy feature and again I noticed in the 2001, there are none.

Does anyone know if/how the wiper blades retract? And does anyone else feel like Lexus slightly cheapened out on the newer model design?

Thanks,

Nav.

[nsarin]

just recently bought a 2001 ES300 ...beautiful car!

I have a 1996 ES300 as well with 274,000km on it and to date, absolutely NOTHING has gone wrong with this car! The only time it's ever been in the shop was for oilchanges, brakes..regular maintenance.

Anyway, the question I have is...my 1996 ES's wiper blades retract in under the visible pane of the front windshield to give a nice clear view...but in the 2001 model, they apparently no longer regtract? Also, my 96' has front spray nozzles for the headlights...very handy feature and again I noticed in the 2001, there are none.

Does anyone know if/how the wiper blades retract? And does anyone else feel like Lexus slightly cheapened out on the newer model design?

Thanks,

[steviej]

first off, nsarin, I have merged your two identical threads. There is no need to post the same thing twice.

second, if the 2001 ES is anything like my 2002 ES, you have to move the wiper arms into the retracted postion youself. you only do this once and they will shut off in the retracted (under the trailing edge of the hood) each time. You phyically move them in to the exposed or winter position again when you want. Then they will not retract under the hood when shut off.

I would tell you to grasp the wiper arm, not the blade, firmly and push to the retracted postion. the other arm will move simultaneaously. But I am not sure if the 2001 is done this way.

This is all covered in the manual. If you do not have a manual you can go to www.lexus.com and register under the OWNERS section. It may take 4-8 weeks from the time of purchase to when lexus corporate knows of you purchase. Usually you can't register online until lexus knows about it. Give it a try.

Or you could call the customer service line at 1-800-25-LEXUS and reguest the owners manual and supplemental owners manual free of charge.

Last place to look is ebay. Sometimes you can get both manuals and the leather binder for short money.

Lastly, become familiar with the search button as it will help answer alot of you questions before you even have to post them. This site is very informative and most likely you question has already been asked and answered.

Welcome to the best Lexus owners site on the web.

steviej

Edited January 16, 2005 by steviej

[amf1932]

Actually, to change the retracted position of the wiper blades in the older ES's was done by repositioning the electrical connector on the wiper motor. It was never necessary to do this by taking off the wiper arm for this repositioning.

Alan

[steviej]

Alan, I stand corrected, thank you. I was thinking of a different car.

My post has been edited.

steviej

[nsarin]

Thanks both of you for your replies...yes I am new to this site and already quite impressed...

So to reposition the electrical connector...I assume can be done by purchasing a mechanics guide to my 2001? I'm not sure if they would have it in the owners manual as I didn't get one with my purhcase unfortunately.

Physically pushing the arms down looked like it would break my wiper arms...it did not budge.

Does anyone know how to reposition the connector?

Regards,

Nav

first off, nsarin, I have merged your two identical threads.  There is no need to post the same thing twice.

second, if the 2001 ES is anything like my 2002 ES, you have to move the wiper arms into the retracted postion youself.  you only do this once and they will shut off in the retracted (under the trailing edge of the hood) each time.  You phyically move them in to the exposed or winter position again when you want.  Then they will not retract under the hood when shut off.

I would tell you to grasp the wiper arm, not the blade, firmly and push to the retracted postion.  the other arm will move simultaneaously.  But I am not sure if the 2001 is done this way.

This is all covered in the manual.  If you do not have a manual you can go to www.lexus.com and register under the OWNERS section.  It may take 4-8 weeks from the time of purchase to when lexus corporate knows of you purchase.  Usually you can't register online until lexus knows about it.  Give it a try.

Or you could call the customer service line at 1-800-25-LEXUS and reguest the owners manual and supplemental owners manual free of charge.

Last place to look is ebay.  Sometimes you can get both manuals and the leather binder for short  money.

Lastly, become familiar with the search button as it will help answer alot of you questions before you even have to post them.  This site is very informative and most likely you question has already been asked and answered.

Welcome to the best Lexus owners site on the web.

steviej

←

[amf1932]

The simplest way to find out the correct way to adjust the position of your blades is to make a phone call to a Lexus dealer and speak to somebody in the service department. I'm sure they could tell you this information over the phone. :)

[Lexusfreak]

I use both positions.....the bottom for the good weather months & the 'winter' mode in the cold months. I do this manually (which is explained in the owners manual). I do it on the passenger side wiper arm which moves both arms (the passenger side is longer so you have more leverage). B)

[nsarin]

And this is for the 2001 model? How to adjust wiper settings?

Is it that easy? Could one of you explain basics?

I'll contact Lexus anyway tomorrow..

Nav

The simplest way to find out the correct way to adjust the position of your blades is to make a phone call to a Lexus dealer and speak to somebody in the service deptartment. I'm sure they could tell you this information over the phone.  :)

←

[Lexusfreak]

And this is for the 2001 model? How to adjust wiper settings?

Is it that easy? Could one of you explain basics?

I'll contact Lexus anyway tomorrow..

Nav

The simplest way to find out the correct way to adjust the position of your blades is to make a phone call to a Lexus dealer and speak to somebody in the service deptartment. I'm sure they could tell you this information over the phone.  :)

←

←

Just to clairify, you mean to change them from 'summer' mode to 'winter' mode which means instead of having the blades sit slightly 'under' the hood to over the hood to make it easier to clear snow & ice off correct?

[amf1932]

Just to clairify, you mean to change them from 'summer' mode to 'winter' mode which means instead of having the blades sit slightly 'under' the hood to over the hood to make it easier to clear snow & ice off correct?

Exactly. :)

[nsarin]

Yes...but the opposite of that. Presently, they sit in 'winter mode' which does NOT retract back into the 'hood' as you put it! And it's quite annoying really as the passenger blade sits somewhat high up and actually limits some of the visibility (slightly)...retracted blades (under the hood) make for a much more visibile front pane and well...if I wanted blades to be seen, I'd have purchased a Camry..but it's a Lexus dammit!

I checked my 1996 Owner's manual and it suggested an electical connector on the engine which changes the setting. I tried finding the similar plug in the 2001 and it has changed...not sure where to find it!

Nav

And this is for the 2001 model? How to adjust wiper settings?

Is it that easy? Could one of you explain basics?

I'll contact Lexus anyway tomorrow..

Nav

The simplest way to find out the correct way to adjust the position of your blades is to make a phone call to a Lexus dealer and speak to somebody in the service deptartment. I'm sure they could tell you this information over the phone.  :)

←

←

Just to clairify, you mean to change them from 'summer' mode to 'winter' mode which means instead of having the blades sit slightly 'under' the hood to over the hood to make it easier to clear snow & ice off correct?

←

[steviej]

I use both positions.....the bottom for the good weather months & the 'winter' mode in the cold months.  I do this manually (which is explained in the owners manual).  I do it on the passenger side wiper arm which moves both arms (the passenger side is longer so you have more leverage). 

←

nsarin, an owner of a 2001 ES is telling you that the wiper arms are repositioned manually. I know on mine it does take a little more force than you would like to think, but it will move. I don't think you will find an electrical contact.

I would seriously think about getting an owners manual......Look back at my initial post as to where to get them for free.

steviej

[Lexusfreak]

I use both positions.....the bottom for the good weather months & the 'winter' mode in the cold months.  I do this manually (which is explained in the owners manual).  I do it on the passenger side wiper arm which moves both arms (the passenger side is longer so you have more leverage). 

←

nsarin, an owner of a 2001 ES is telling you that the wiper arms are repositioned manually. I know on mine it does take a little more force than you would like to think, but it will move. I don't think you will find an electrical contact.

I would seriously think about getting an owners manual......Look back at my initial post as to where to get them for free.

steviej

←

nsarin, Stevej is correct on both points....get an owners manual for your ES as for little things like this, it's worth it's weight in gold. Also it does take some 'force' to move them & it's best left to do on the passenger side which will move BOTH wipers to the desired setting. Having said that, I know what you mean about it just dosen't look right when it's in 'winter mode........however, there IS a reason Lexus designed it like that & it makes perfect sense considering were both in the Toronto, Ontario area & with a bad snow & / or ice storm, it make scraping the windshield that much more easy because the wiper will up & out of the way right off the windshield so you can clean everything properly including by the 'cowl' area so your defoster will not be blocked as well. I leave mine in winter mode during the cold months & the beginning of april I switch it back in november. B)

[nsarin]

I use both positions.....the bottom for the good weather months & the 'winter' mode in the cold months.  I do this manually (which is explained in the owners manual).  I do it on the passenger side wiper arm which moves both arms (the passenger side is longer so you have more leverage). 

←

nsarin, an owner of a 2001 ES is telling you that the wiper arms are repositioned manually. I know on mine it does take a little more force than you would like to think, but it will move. I don't think you will find an electrical contact.

I would seriously think about getting an owners manual......Look back at my initial post as to where to get them for free.

steviej

←

nsarin, Stevej is correct on both points....get an owners manual for your ES as for little things like this, it's worth it's weight in gold. Also it does take some 'force' to move them & it's best left to do on the passenger side which will move BOTH wipers to the desired setting. Having said that, I know what you mean about it just dosen't look right when it's in 'winter mode........however, there IS a reason Lexus designed it like that & it makes perfect sense considering were both in the Toronto, Ontario area & with a bad snow & / or ice storm, it make scraping the windshield that much more easy because the wiper will up & out of the way right off the windshield so you can clean everything properly including by the 'cowl' area so your defoster will not be blocked as well. I leave mine in winter mode during the cold months & the beginning of april I switch it back in november. B)

←

Thanks to everyone for their help...I went out and 'manually' adjusted them downwards...it seemed almost to the point of breaking the arm, but then it just flipped down. I apolgize for wasting everyone's time with it...just a newly excited owner without a manual! I've called Lexus this morning to order one asap...

Thanks again,

Nav

[steviej]

I apolgize for wasting everyone's time with it...just a newly excited owner without a manual! I've called Lexus this morning to order one asap...

Thanks again,

Nav

←

You did not waste anyone's time. This is what the site is here for, this is how we learn, and this is how you will be the one to help the next newcomer with the same question.

Welcome aboard.

steviej

[Lexusfreak]

I apolgize for wasting everyone's time with it...just a newly excited owner without a manual! I've called Lexus this morning to order one asap...

Thanks again,

Nav

←

You did not waste anyone's time. This is what the site is here for, this is how we learn, and this is how you will be the one to help the next newcomer with the same question.

Welcome aboard.

steviej

←

Well said Steve! B)

Welcome Nav, it's really nice to see another fellow Torontonian join the club! :D How many Kilometers on your ES & where did you purchase the car from if you don't mind me asking? What equipment package did you get? ;)

[nsarin]

I apolgize for wasting everyone's time with it...just a newly excited owner without a manual! I've called Lexus this morning to order one asap...

Thanks again,

Nav

←

You did not waste anyone's time. This is what the site is here for, this is how we learn, and this is how you will be the one to help the next newcomer with the same question.

Welcome aboard.

steviej

←

Well said Steve! B)

Welcome Nav, it's really nice to see another fellow Torontonian join the club! :D How many Kilometers on your ES & where did you purchase the car from if you don't mind me asking? What equipment package did you get? ;)

←

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I purchased my ES from private dealer in Toronto. Kilometeres are 140K (nothing compared to my 96' w/273K)...yes it's high, but checked all service records and the car has been maintanied meticulously all the way through. Bought it for $16,500. Black on Black. Even rustproofing was done every year. The car was originally purhased in Ottawa and the 1 owner drove btw Ottawa and T.O constantly...justifying the higher mileage. Package includes adaptive variable suspension (AVS), HID's, VSC, leather trip package, heated front seats, in dash - 6 CD changer, psunroof and autostart. Came with brand new tires (Yoko's V rated) and brand new brakes all around (Lexus discs/pads). Tranny is so smooth I'm hardpressed to find the shift points! The one thing I did notice however is that my 96' ES has more of a Euro feel than the 01'. I think when Lexus decided to differtiate the IS and ES, they gave the ES a slightly more Camry'ish feel to it. The 96' is incredible for 'point and shoot' accuracy in steering, while the 01' is slightly tempered to the regular american roads style. When I put the AVS in Sport mode, it seems to respond a bit better to aggresive turning.

The interior is so clean it's amazing. The previous owner had absolutely no one sit in the rear seats...virtually untouched. As is the trunk. The leather is still soft (no cracks) as if never sat in. The floor cloth is clean with no spots etc. Very well maintained.

My father used to have a 90' Camry which we owned until 383,000km and was still working great. My 96' responds incredible and to date, I've been out of the shop for about 99% of my driving time. I sincerely hope the 2001 follows suit...

Nav

[Lexusfreak]

I apolgize for wasting everyone's time with it...just a newly excited owner without a manual! I've called Lexus this morning to order one asap...

Thanks again,

Nav

←

You did not waste anyone's time. This is what the site is here for, this is how we learn, and this is how you will be the one to help the next newcomer with the same question.

Welcome aboard.

steviej

←

Well said Steve! B)

Welcome Nav, it's really nice to see another fellow Torontonian join the club! :D How many Kilometers on your ES & where did you purchase the car from if you don't mind me asking? What equipment package did you get? ;)

←

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I purchased my ES from private dealer in Toronto. Kilometeres are 140K (nothing compared to my 96' w/273K)...yes it's high, but checked all service records and the car has been maintanied meticulously all the way through. Bought it for $16,500. Black on Black. Even rustproofing was done every year. The car was originally purhased in Ottawa and the 1 owner drove btw Ottawa and T.O constantly...justifying the higher mileage. Package includes adaptive variable suspension (AVS), HID's, VSC, leather trip package, heated front seats, in dash - 6 CD changer, psunroof and autostart. Came with brand new tires (Yoko's V rated) and brand new brakes all around (Lexus discs/pads). Tranny is so smooth I'm hardpressed to find the shift points! The one thing I did notice however is that my 96' ES has more of a Euro feel than the 01'. I think when Lexus decided to differtiate the IS and ES, they gave the ES a slightly more Camry'ish feel to it. The 96' is incredible for 'point and shoot' accuracy in steering, while the 01' is slightly tempered to the regular american roads style. When I put the AVS in Sport mode, it seems to respond a bit better to aggresive turning.

The interior is so clean it's amazing. The previous owner had absolutely no one sit in the rear seats...virtually untouched. As is the trunk. The leather is still soft (no cracks) as if never sat in. The floor cloth is clean with no spots etc. Very well maintained.

My father used to have a 90' Camry which we owned until 383,000km and was still working great. My 96' responds incredible and to date, I've been out of the shop for about 99% of my driving time. I sincerely hope the 2001 follows suit...

Nav

←

I'm just shy of 90,000 kms on my Cashmere beige ES. I have the AVS suspension & the HID's as well (HID's were standard equipment) but the AVS was an option. It's important as you know to make sure all maintenance records are up to date which is awesome! B) You might want to consider switching to synthetic oil at some point & if you ever need the BEST rustproof guy, I have just the person for ya! ;) B) Enjoy your new ES & this Lexus Club, it's awesome! :D

[nsarin]

I apolgize for wasting everyone's time with it...just a newly excited owner without a manual! I've called Lexus this morning to order one asap...

Thanks again,

Nav

←

You did not waste anyone's time. This is what the site is here for, this is how we learn, and this is how you will be the one to help the next newcomer with the same question.

Welcome aboard.

steviej

←

Well said Steve! B)

Welcome Nav, it's really nice to see another fellow Torontonian join the club! :D How many Kilometers on your ES & where did you purchase the car from if you don't mind me asking? What equipment package did you get? ;)

←

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I purchased my ES from private dealer in Toronto. Kilometeres are 140K (nothing compared to my 96' w/273K)...yes it's high, but checked all service records and the car has been maintanied meticulously all the way through. Bought it for $16,500. Black on Black. Even rustproofing was done every year. The car was originally purhased in Ottawa and the 1 owner drove btw Ottawa and T.O constantly...justifying the higher mileage. Package includes adaptive variable suspension (AVS), HID's, VSC, leather trip package, heated front seats, in dash - 6 CD changer, psunroof and autostart. Came with brand new tires (Yoko's V rated) and brand new brakes all around (Lexus discs/pads). Tranny is so smooth I'm hardpressed to find the shift points! The one thing I did notice however is that my 96' ES has more of a Euro feel than the 01'. I think when Lexus decided to differtiate the IS and ES, they gave the ES a slightly more Camry'ish feel to it. The 96' is incredible for 'point and shoot' accuracy in steering, while the 01' is slightly tempered to the regular american roads style. When I put the AVS in Sport mode, it seems to respond a bit better to aggresive turning.

The interior is so clean it's amazing. The previous owner had absolutely no one sit in the rear seats...virtually untouched. As is the trunk. The leather is still soft (no cracks) as if never sat in. The floor cloth is clean with no spots etc. Very well maintained.

My father used to have a 90' Camry which we owned until 383,000km and was still working great. My 96' responds incredible and to date, I've been out of the shop for about 99% of my driving time. I sincerely hope the 2001 follows suit...

Nav

←

I'm just shy of 90,000 kms on my Cashmere beige ES. I have the AVS suspension & the HID's as well (HID's were standard equipment) but the AVS was an option. It's important as you know to make sure all maintenance records are up to date which is awesome! B) You might want to consider switching to synthetic oil at some point & if you ever need the BEST rustproof guy, I have just the person for ya! ;) B) Enjoy your new ES & this Lexus Club, it's awesome! :D

←

Good advice...the dealer changed the oil just prior to me picking up the vehicle..but i brought my own synthtic oil and had him change it again...2 changes never hurt..helps flush it out! I always use synthetic for Lexus. For gas though, I'm varied on whether to use mid-grade or top gas...I never saw any improvement in gas mileage whatsoever btw the two...

Also, when I turn the engine off I notice that I have to get out and hit the lock button 'twice' before the headlights turn off...I assume that's normal? Again, it will probably all be in the maintenance guide.

Ciao!

[Lexusfreak]

Good advice...the dealer changed the oil just prior to me picking up the vehicle..but i brought my own synthtic oil and had him change it again...2 changes never hurt..helps flush it out! I always use synthetic for Lexus. For gas though, I'm varied on whether to use mid-grade or top gas...I never saw any improvement in gas mileage whatsoever btw the two...

Also, when I turn the engine off I notice that I have to get out and hit the lock button 'twice' before the headlights turn off...I assume that's normal? Again, it will probably all be in the maintenance guide.

Ciao!

←

Once you have had a chance to put a few thousand clicks on your ES to see if it burns any oil or not (if it does, you might want to cinsider switching to a 10W30 grade since you have higher mileage).

As for the gasoline, I use nothing but Sunoco Ultra 94 gasoline....I personally have tried the Sunoco regular 87....if you do the math on it, the mid-grade is a bad buy compared to the 94 so I never put the mid-grade in. Sunoco of all the big 4 gas companies (Shell, Esso, Petro-Canada & Sunoco) is by far the cleanest gasoline as they use Ethonol in their gas (which makes it a natural gas line anti-freeze) & has the lowest sulphur content PPM of all.....Esso is the absolute worst not matter which grade is used, followed by Petro Canada as the second worst. Any grade Sunoco is best for your car to burn & the environment.

Not sure about the headlight issue you mention. You should however notice that when you leave the headlights on & shut the engine off, when you go to get out of the car, many other cars have an audible 'chime' or 'beep' that warns you that you left your lights on.......the ES does not & I believe after several minutes (not sure exactly how long) the car will shut the lights off automatically so not to run down the battery. B)

Was the timing belt &/or water pump replaced yet do you know? ;)

[nsarin]

Good advice...the dealer changed the oil just prior to me picking up the vehicle..but i brought my own synthtic oil and had him change it again...2 changes never hurt..helps flush it out! I always use synthetic for Lexus. For gas though, I'm varied on whether to use mid-grade or top gas...I never saw any improvement in gas mileage whatsoever btw the two...

Also, when I turn the engine off I notice that I have to get out and hit the lock button 'twice' before the headlights turn off...I assume that's normal? Again, it will probably all be in the maintenance guide.

Ciao!

←

Once you have had a chance to put a few thousand clicks on your ES to see if it burns any oil or not (if it does, you might want to cinsider switching to a 10W30 grade since you have higher mileage).

As for the gasoline, I use nothing but Sunoco Ultra 94 gasoline....I personally have tried the Sunoco regular 87....if you do the math on it, the mid-grade is a bad buy compared to the 94 so I never put the mid-grade in. Sunoco of all the big 4 gas companies (Shell, Esso, Petro-Canada & Sunoco) is by far the cleanest gasoline as they use Ethonol in their gas (which makes it a natural gas line anti-freeze) & has the lowest sulphur content PPM of all.....Esso is the absolute worst not matter which grade is used, followed by Petro Canada as the second worst. Any grade Sunoco is best for your car to burn & the environment.

Not sure about the headlight issue you mention. You should however notice that when you leave the headlights on & shut the engine off, when you go to get out of the car, many other cars have an audible 'chime' or 'beep' that warns you that you left your lights on.......the ES does not & I believe after several minutes (not sure exactly how long) the car will shut the lights off automatically so not to run down the battery. B)

Was the timing belt &/or water pump replaced yet do you know? ;)

←

Right now, using a 5W30 for winter...considering also 0W40 as it's used extensively with german and japanese high performance cars..but will do more research as time goes on. As for oil burning, there is a slight bit of black inside the exhaust tailpipe...nothing major though...looks like regular longer term mileage caused it.

For gas, yes I've always knows that Esso is the worst. Shell Gold isn't too though bad...94 Ultra is the best there is I know, however is it what this engine requires?

I use Shell 'silver' in my 96' ES for god knows how long and had absolutely no issues whatsoever...but perhaps I should consider going back to Sunoco 94' eh?

I used to have a 96'Prelude SR-V about 6 years ago (last of the true sporty model) and used sunoco 94' for that one as honda recommends it for high performance '4 bangers'. But for Lex?

As for timing belt/water pump...no, not been replaced. That is the 1 service job that the previous owner did not do out of all of them! So I'm taking my car for service this or next week. I use a mechanic up in Markham...the owner used to be the head mechanic for Don Valley Lexus. Started his own shop many years ago and basically knows every single thing about Lex/Toyota. His rates are much cheaper than Lex or Toy anywhere. He fixes his cars based on finding the solution and fixing instead of just simply 'replacing' defective parts for new...as done at dealerships. Much cheaper overall and never seen another mechanic so meticulous with his work...he will not let your car leave unless he's fully satisfied that it's 100% fixed and never charges you for extra time even though he often spends way more on it than most would...

[SKperformance]

Welcome

The headlight issue should be if you only pressed lock once it shuold be on an adjustable timer and will shut the ilghts off by itself but you can overide it by pressing it X2

[Lexusfreak]

Good advice...the dealer changed the oil just prior to me picking up the vehicle..but i brought my own synthtic oil and had him change it again...2 changes never hurt..helps flush it out! I always use synthetic for Lexus. For gas though, I'm varied on whether to use mid-grade or top gas...I never saw any improvement in gas mileage whatsoever btw the two...

Also, when I turn the engine off I notice that I have to get out and hit the lock button 'twice' before the headlights turn off...I assume that's normal? Again, it will probably all be in the maintenance guide.

Ciao!

←

Once you have had a chance to put a few thousand clicks on your ES to see if it burns any oil or not (if it does, you might want to cinsider switching to a 10W30 grade since you have higher mileage).

As for the gasoline, I use nothing but Sunoco Ultra 94 gasoline....I personally have tried the Sunoco regular 87....if you do the math on it, the mid-grade is a bad buy compared to the 94 so I never put the mid-grade in. Sunoco of all the big 4 gas companies (Shell, Esso, Petro-Canada & Sunoco) is by far the cleanest gasoline as they use Ethonol in their gas (which makes it a natural gas line anti-freeze) & has the lowest sulphur content PPM of all.....Esso is the absolute worst not matter which grade is used, followed by Petro Canada as the second worst. Any grade Sunoco is best for your car to burn & the environment.

Not sure about the headlight issue you mention. You should however notice that when you leave the headlights on & shut the engine off, when you go to get out of the car, many other cars have an audible 'chime' or 'beep' that warns you that you left your lights on.......the ES does not & I believe after several minutes (not sure exactly how long) the car will shut the lights off automatically so not to run down the battery. B)

Was the timing belt &/or water pump replaced yet do you know? ;)

←

Right now, using a 5W30 for winter...considering also 0W40 as it's used extensively with german and japanese high performance cars..but will do more research as time goes on. As for oil burning, there is a slight bit of black inside the exhaust tailpipe...nothing major though...looks like regular longer term mileage caused it.

For gas, yes I've always knows that Esso is the worst. Shell Gold isn't too though bad...94 Ultra is the best there is I know, however is it what this engine requires?

I use Shell 'silver' in my 96' ES for god knows how long and had absolutely no issues whatsoever...but perhaps I should consider going back to Sunoco 94' eh?

I used to have a 96'Prelude SR-V about 6 years ago (last of the true sporty model) and used sunoco 94' for that one as honda recommends it for high performance '4 bangers'. But for Lex?

As for timing belt/water pump...no, not been replaced. That is the 1 service job that the previous owner did not do out of all of them! So I'm taking my car for service this or next week. I use a mechanic up in Markham...the owner used to be the head mechanic for Don Valley Lexus. Started his own shop many years ago and basically knows every single thing about Lex/Toyota. His rates are much cheaper than Lex or Toy anywhere. He fixes his cars based on finding the solution and fixing instead of just simply 'replacing' defective parts for new...as done at dealerships. Much cheaper overall and never seen another mechanic so meticulous with his work...he will not let your car leave unless he's fully satisfied that it's 100% fixed and never charges you for extra time even though he often spends way more on it than most would...

←

nsarin,

if you wouldn't mind (Brenden is my first name btw), could you give me the name, address & phone number of that shop in Markham & the owners name (I live on the Scarborough / Markham border at Mc Cowan & Steeles)? You can PM me or send all the info to my hotmail : Rivmaster91@hotmail.com Let me know how much an hour he charges for labour (I like to bring my own fluids when I have them changed as I get some of them wholesale). I'd appreciate it! B)

sk, I have to check my owners manual about what you described.....thanks! B)

[steviej]

nsarin,

with regards to your oil, stay within factory recommended specifications.

That means 5w-30 or 10w-30 if the temp doesn't go below 0°. Don't start messing with those thin grades to get a few ponys or mpg out of it. You may set yourself up for more damage than your gain.

The headlight off with the double click thing is a C-BEST setting. It is normal and a nice feature. Again, covered in the manual. Many of these C-best settings can be user definable as to what happens and length of time it takes to happen. talk to your dealer, they have a checklist that you can go though. If not under warranty, they may get your with at least an $80 service fee to change them to your liking.

I find it easiest to leave my headlights in the AUTO position. One less thing I have to think about.

steviej