amf1932

The AUTO position will make the AC compressor light come on. This will happen whether the compressor is operating or not. Below a certain temperature the compressor will NOT come on, even though the light is lit.

Yes, this is normal.

A complete flush wouldn't hurt and possibly might help your problem. Basically, the hesitation problem was on the 5 speed transmissions from '02 up. A lot of people feel that in this case it was caused partially by the electronic linkage to the accelerator. I think this, Drive-By-Wire control was used starting with the '02 ES. When do you feel this hesitation? downshifing? slow acceleration? fast acceleration?

Years ago when I worked on New York City taxicabs that had mucho miles on the engines we removed the crankcase & valve covers on OHV type engines, before and after using the solvent that I spoke about previously. The sludge(gel) was almost completely removed after this treatment. Toyota engines are basically the same as engines manufactured years ago, so I don't know why they would react any differently to this internal cleaning procedure. ;)

It seems that the gelling is not a new problem and is something that ALL engines have had ever since the advent of internal combustion. I remember when you could flush out most of the gelling with a product that was called Cisco Solvent. You'd fill your crankcase with it, run the engine for about half an hour, flush it out and fill the crankcase with new oil. It worked great, but I don't know whether this product is manufactured anymore. I'm sure they have other products on the market now though.

In the future when I fill up my tank I'll note the exact mileage that my trip computer reads. I'll also see if this mileage on the computer varies from one fillup to the next. ;)

I have found my trip computer to be fairly accurate in all respects, but you have to use your head when it comes to the range area. When I fill up it reads approximately 385 miles and I constantly compare it to the level on the fuel gauge. I don't know what determines the reading on the computer when I fill up the tank though.

"Rides" on TLC on the East Coast is on Sunday, Feb 1st at 3:00PM. The scheduled program this Sunday is: "A Cadillac Coupe De Ville is converted into a full-size, drivable version of the Hot Wheels Deora 2, but the car must be cut in half to accommodate the modifications. Host: Jason Priestly. I've never seen this program, but I'll be sure to watch it in the future. Thanks :D

I believe that you have a defective ignition switch.

Maybe I'm stupid, but I don't understand why the battery has anything to to do with a stalling engine, unless there is a tremendous power drain or short circuit when shifiting into reverse. Something else can be causing this problem.

FYI: The stock size wheels & tires for the '96 ES are: 15 x 6.0in. alloy wheels. 205/65R15 V-rated radials. I read this right out of the 1996 Lexus ES300 catalog. ;)

Most certainly the tire & wheel size will not change. They'll probably use a different type wheel to distinguish this new model plus other cosmetic changes like they did on Coach versions in the past.

You left absolutely NO information in your profile......especially the year of your car! Also, how many miles on your 2 year old car? :chairshot:

I agree that doing this repair yourself will save you bucks. In fact I did this same type of fix on a Honda Accord by putting in new solenoid contacts and cleaning out the buildup of crap on the plunger.......it worked out great! The big problem today is that many repair shops don't want to do this type of rebuilding because it takes too much time, and time is money. They just want to throw in a new starter. It's simpler for them, and they make more money. Also, the possibility of the starter gear being chewed up from years of mis-engagement is another factor to be considered, so that's why I said to throw in a new or rebuilt starter. ;)

Quote: "marginally legal pieces "......Hee Hee Hee......that's very funny!

Steve, When did you get your Lexus Magazine in the mail? I haven't received mine yet. Hmmm :(

I feel it's more likely the starter solenoid more then anything else that is causing this problem. The contacts get burned up due to the heavy current. I would change the starter & solenoid. Do this and your problem will go away. IMHO ;)

Could this noise possibly be from the brake wear indicators? Maybe it seems louder when, "just cruisin about 15 down the alley".

I'm almost sure that they used some sort of copy protection like Macrovision. If they didn't then they'd stand to lose lots of $$ to computer freaks like us. LOL

Hey, I'm not THAT cheap! I always loved the way the Lexus logo lights up on the screen when you first start up the car. I couldn't stand it if a Camry logo jumped up instead. Would you do that? I don't think so. LOL So far the cheapest price I found for this disc is $288......but I'm still working on it. ;) http://www.lexus-parts.com/partdetail.asp?...ubCategoryID=73

Thanks Steve.........I know that sooner or later I'll probably get this upgrade, but I'll do a little more research to see if I can shave a few $$$ off the price. ;)

I don't know the first thing about replacing the DVD disc. A few questions: -How do you remove the computer cover? Is it bolted on? -Is there a tray similar to a home DVD player that opens and closes with a motor? -Does the new DVD come with any kind of instructions?

I believe that if you use any "name" brand gasoline with the octane rating that your car calls for, then you should be in good shape. ;) You can read this about Techron, but naturally it sounds great because it was written by the Chevron company http://www.chevron.com/prodserv/fuels/tech...s/history.shtml

I used this product on a few cars with great success. Check it out: http://www.car-odors.com/

After calling Lexus headquarters and telling them that the salesman that sold me this car told me I could get a free first time upgrade they contacted my dealer and discussed this situation. I got a call back from Lexus headquarters today and they told me that they would not give out this upgrade, free! So, as of now I have to decide whether it'll be worth the price to do this upgrade. I'm afraid if I decide to do this that I won't get the same girl with the pretty,sexy voice that announces directions......I'd miss her terribly. :D I'd like to hear from anybody that has done this upgrade, and what are the noticeable advantages or disadvantages? Also, do they give you directions how to do this upgrade with the new DVD disc or is it better to have the dealer do it? I don't want to screw up the NAV system.