Need Lots Of Help On '92 Es300

[joshy0077]

Hey all,

I'm not too handy with cars so please try to speak in layman's terms when replying. I've got a few problems...I've got a pretty good ES300 in my possession, only about 140k on her. However, she has her issues:

1.) Lights behind dash and a few of the needles in dash are out, where and how can I get these replaced? Any good recommendations?

2.) My DC outlet doesn't seem to be functioning properly. I've tried plugging many different things into it, i.e. radar detector, cell phone charger, cigarette lighter, ect. and for some reason it doesn't seem to work. Occasionally some things will work, but there is no consistency. I thought maybe if I plugged certain things in a certain way they would work, but it seems like I can plug something in, have it work, turn the car off, and then when I turn it back on the unit won't work. So I am really stumped as to what the problem is. Could it be loose wiring/a disconnection. I don't know how to remove the DC outlet to check so instructions on that would be useful as well as any tips.

3.) I am getting condensation buildup in my driver side headlight, any do-it-yourself solutions to this?

4.) The suspension on the car seems to be shot all around. Hitting any form of pothole or bump feels like a decent sized earthquake. Also, there's a rattling noise coming from the back of the car when going over mildy rough terrain, it sounds like a problem that was posted earlier involving a "sway bar bushing", but I wasn't sure if it was the same thing, nor do I have much of an idea of what a sway bar is. Makes like a "hollow" sounding noise, I don't know how else to describe it. Sounds like when you push the side of a milk jug but louder and more frequent. I plan on getting some money together in the summer, will I have to just buy shocks or more? Any do-it-yourself guys in here can help me from going to a mechanic?

5.) Trunk lock seems to be seized up? I can't open it with the key, it just won't budge side to side. Sprayed some liquid wrench in there quite generously to no avail. Any advice?

6.) I think my car has keyless entry, but the lexus key I have doesn't have a button on it. Where and how can I get ahold of the remote, and how can I tell if my car is indeed equipped with keyless entry?

7.) Car has trouble starting sometimes, and when driving at night I notice that when stepping on the brake, the headlights dim. Some time ago I had to jump the car and ever since then it's been giving me these problems. I ran it up to Murray's and had them test it, the guy said the battery was good, but couldn't check the alternator without taking it out of the engine...any other less serious problem that could cause this? $135 a good price for an alternator from Murray's?

8.) Last but not least, power antenna has ceased to go up and down any longer. The motor sounds like it's still trying to push/pull it, and it used to work-sort of...I'm wondering if the cable inside came loose? I tried taking off the nut on the outside that holds it to the exterior of the car, and removing the mast, but I couldnt get it to come out. I turned the car on and still it would not "eject." Any tips? I see they sell new antennas on ebay for fairly cheap but I'd like to try and fix this one if possible.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm a very broke college student so if I can do any of these things myself without having to spend big bucks at the dealership/shop, I'd like to take that route. Thanks a lot in advance to everyone out there.

-Josh

[SKperformance]

read the faq

2 change the fuse and make sure their isn;t a dime stuck in it

3 if you are not handy i wouldn't advise trying to open the headlights in an oven to reseal them

the rest take it to a tech

[joshy0077]

No dime stuck in the outlet, is there a fuse separate from the one in the fuse box under the dash? How do I take apart the outlet?

Thanks for the quick response!

[yoji6365]

6. The remote came on a Master Key. Im waiting on a guy to come up with the equipment he claims will be able to provide me one.

8. You'll have to at least get a new mast since the plastic gears are probably stripped out.

[joshy0077]

Talked to a Lexus dealership today...estimated cost on a OEM Remote for my car is $252 to be programmed and everything. Would it be better to just buy a remote entry system?

Hey SKperformance, I would be interested in resealing the headlight if you know how.

Still trying to figure out the DC outlet, checked the fuse in the electrical compartment today...I didn't see a blown fuse.

Also found out today that in order to open the trunk, you need the master key, not just the "Subkey" so scratch the seized up trunk lock.

Can anyone tell me how to take the mast out of the assembly? Like I said, I tried to take it out how I thought I had read (Unscrew nut on hood, turn car on and antenna should extract itself), and it didnt work.

Checked the FAQs a few times and didn't see an answer that explained anything in the depth I need for my problems.

Any advice on the suspension? I checked ebay today and saw some suspension kits for around $330 for a tokico set...but I don't know if this is my only option.

Also, what are my options as far as new rims...the stock alloy ones looks very crappy, and the middle caps are starting to flake and are discolored. I've checked www.tirerack.com, but wasn't sure if I could pick up a newer set of lexus rims on ebay, ect.

+++Thanks again for everybody's help!+++

[steviej]

joshy,

ALL of your questions have been experienced, discussed and almost solved by many a thread before you.

take some time an use the SEARCH function

1. lextech.org

2. get someone that knows electronics and use of a volt ohm meter to diagnose. Maybe a broken wire, may be a connection, my be corrosion.

3. read the "pinned" thread at the top of the ES forum about clearing corners. There are instructions about how to remove, separate and reseal the headlight lamps.

4. tons of suspension problem threads and suggestions, just use the search function.

5.

6. I think your year car had an additional key fob that had the buttons.

7. $135 is a good price from anyone, but keep in mind it will be a rebuilt or remanned. It should come with at least a year warranty.

8. The stalk is a cheap item and an easy fix. Search on antenna replacement, directions have been posted several times.

welcome to the club and enjoy the ride.

steviej

[joshy0077]

Looked around through other threads regarding the antenna mast, I forgot to mention that I have an aftermarket CD player...so I wasn't sure if that will change anything. Last time I tried to remove the mast, I removed the nut on the trunk, turned the cars power on, then ran to the back of the car in order to try and assist the motor in removing the antenna. I didn't pull as hard as I could, but I gave it a good tug and it still didn't come out...any suggestions?

I am planning on running my car up to autozone or somewhere in order for them to check the DC outlet, but I still wouldn't know how to put a new one in...I know they sell them.

Thanks again!