amf1932

When I purchased a 1994 Lexus ES300 in 1994 they offered the Nakamichi Stereo system as an upgrade. I think that Lexus started using the Nakamichi units in 1992, but I'm not too sure of this date.

Are you sure ALL the lights are working? The sensor has detected something is awry. Check your lights when it's dark outside or in a dark area.

It sounds like you need an oil & filter change! When you have new oil you can hardly see the oil level on the dipstick because it's very clear and transparent. ;)

bartkat: When I said, "Electrically, the speed of the flashing is dependent upon the resistance in the circuit so the lower resistance on your right flasher causes it to flash faster." I wasn't talking about the resistance that can build up between the socket and base of the bulb. When this resistance is high the flasher circuit will have lower resistance, hence a rapidly flashing turn signal. ;)

Retired now. I was a color photographer and scanner operator. I did beta testing for Eastman Kodak, Dupont, Fuji and other various manufacturers for their photofilm products. Worked also as a consultant for graphic arts companies using new techniques in photo reproduction.

I do worry 'cause I'm going to be in Santa Monica soon. heehee

H8R Proof, The majority of drivers are considerate road users and will move over to allow traffic to pass where possible. I think if you're driving very leisurely in your "sanctuary" you should move over to the right lane!! I'm sure there's a reason that other drivers are giving you negative responses. You might be causing road rage because of this statement you made in a previous post, The fact that you said that leads me to believe that you're an inconsiderate driver!

I suggest that before you buy this car you have a certified mechanic or a Lexus dealer check it out. It'll cost you some $ to have this done, but in my opinion it's worth it! ;)

Hey, Great, man!!!! I'm glad I could help you out. :D I sure was surprised that you did this job so quickly, but I'm the same way.....gotta start the job immediately! You sound like a very capable mechanic. Enjoy your new ride.

Gee, thanks for the kind words. :D A thought came to mind though........How do you know that the struts you got from the junkyard are any better then the ones that you're replacing? <_<

Sorry, I forgot to mention that a torque wrench is needed.:( I didn't use one when I changed the struts on the Camry though. The torque specifications are as follows: Strut upper mounting nuts.........29 Ft-lbs Strut-to-suspension support (damper shaft) nut.........36 Ft-lbs Strut-to-axle carrier nuts/bolts..........188 Ft-lbs

Actually when I said special tools I meant that an assortment of sockets(½ inch drive), and open end wrenches was necessary to do this job. Yes, I have replaced rear struts on a Toyota Camry so the above procedure should be similar to your Lexus. BTW: I was in Mayville, WI a couple of weeks ago visiting relatives.......too bad, I could have helped you do this job. heehee ;)

I don't suggest putting in any kind of stop leak stuff in the engine. If tightening the bolts don't help than change the gaskets. ;) P.S. The cars that I worked on used cork gasket material, but the Lexus's probably use some other type of material. I would give this a shot first, otherwise get the new gasket material from Lexus parts and replace them. You could always give your Lexus dealer a call and ask this question.

Are you talking about the transmission fix for the '02-03 ES? If you are, this has been discussed in another thread on this board: Click this>My Webpage

JPI, When I worked as a mechanic for the Cadillac Motor Car Corporation we received many complaints about oil leaking from the valve cover gaskets. We were able to stop these leaks by tightening the valve cover bolts. Why is the Lexus's any different?

Replacing struts is a pretty straighforward operation, but it's not for the average backyard mechanic since it requires special tools to remove them. If you insist on tackling the job yourself here is an idea of what's involved: 1- Remove the rear seat and trim panel. 2- Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it on jackstands. Remove the wheel. 3- Detach the brake hose from the strut. Detach the ABS sensor wire from the strut. 4- Disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the strut. 5- Support the axle carrier with a floor jack. Place a block of wood between the jack head and the carrier. 6- Loosen the strut-to-axle carrier bolt nuts. 7- Remove the three upper strut-to-body mounting nuts. 8- Lower the axle carrier with the jack and remove the two strut-to-axle carrier bolts. 9- Remove the strut assembly. 10- Reverse these directions to replace the strut. 11- A 4 wheel alignment should be done. 12 - Good Luck :)

Here's what supposedly happened: www.msnbc.com/modules/exports/ct_infobeat.asp?/news/952578.asp

I agree with steviej 100%!! But in the meantime until you change the belt(s) you could wet a cloth with brake fluid and apply it to the belt(s). This won't hurt them, but do it when the engine is NOT running!!!

Yup, I was hit yesterday at exactly 4:11¾PM. I didn't get my power back until this evening until about 7:00PM. I live in a top floor apartment so it got pretty hot...90º. I was more worried about the food in my freezer spoiling, but luckily it was OK. A couple of times I walked down 6 flights of stairs and got in my car to cool off with the air conditioner.

Generally they change the valve cover gasket when there is oil leakage, but sometimes you can get away from doing that by tightening the bolts on the valve cover. The oil near the oil pan could be from the leaking valve cover that drips oil down to the oil pan, and it looks like the oil pan gasket is leaking when in reality it isn't.

Hmmmm.....it sounds like its acting like an '02-'03 ES! That's what all the fuss is about with the 5 speed transmissions. I was wondering whether the '99 uses a mechanical linkage or an electronic linkage(Fly by Wire) from the accelerator pedal???

I'm not going to bother doing that since the original ECU was lousy also. Since I read that this hesitation happens across the board with ALL current Lexus models, from the SC430 to the LS430, why bother? I'll just keep test driving other manufacturers models, and when I see one that gives me what I'm looking for I'll sell the ES and move on to better pastures. I really love this car, if only this quirk could be fixed I'd be 100% happy.

Yes, the '03 has the AC filter behind the glove box. The Owners Manual explains how to change this filter. It seems unusual that this filter would have to be changed so soon since it's an '03 car. Auto supply stores usually sell products that eliminate these smells.www.ultrashield.com/odortreatment.htm

My dealers Service Manager claims that the new electronic throttle control is the crux of all these problems with the transmission. I don't whether he's right, but it gives me something to think about.

No, It's not worse, but different. Here's a couple of recent posts about Lexus's 5 speed transmissions that are used in different models. It seems that all models have this afflication: "In one of this month's car mags (C&D or MT), the reviewer states that the RX330 transmission is very sluggish when hitting the gas hard. I guess it means that the trans problem will not get fixed for 04." " Lexus may have a general problem with their 5-speed transmissions across the board. In an evaluation of the Lexus flagship LS430, Consumer Review praised the car (naturally), but said, "Alas, the transmission is sometimes slow to downshift for passing." And of the $62,000 SC430, Road and Track said, "Automatic shifts are seamlessly smooth, but there's a bit more delay in the kickdown than we'd like." Ironically, Toyota's 4-speed automatics have always been praised as among the best in the business (along with GM's).