VicES3002002

Thanks a LOT folks for GR8 responses. I did switch to Valvoline full synthetic 5W30 @ NTB. Later realized that changing oil @ NTB was a mistake since they put a CHEAP Pennzoil filter MZ1. I have decided to buy Mobil 1 M1-102 Extended Performance Oil Filter and will use this filter for the next oil change(s). So far, I have NOT noticed any leak........in fact.........the ride is pretty smooth. Last time, when I switched transmission oil (from conventional) to full synthetic AMSOIL, I had leak under the carriage after couple of days but later the leak stopped automatically. Per auto mechanic, who did drain the transmission oil pan and refill, these leak develop soon after you switch from conventional oil to synthetic after a few days and usually stop after a few days unless there is a major problem. So, here are a few more questions......... 1) Since they put a really cheap filter when (after how many miles) shall I replace the filter (ONLY)? Is it possible to replace filter only? 2) Is NTB (National Tire & Battery) a good/reliable place for an oil change or shall I switch to independent shop? 3) Do you think it may leak later? So far 2 weeks (I did oil change on Aug 9th) have gone without any leak. Thanks a LOT.

I just inquired at nearest NTB what kind of filter do they use if I want to do engine oil change using Valvoline Full Synthetic SynPower SAE 5W-30 engine oil. And, to my surprise they said they use PZ-21. I know it is cheap brand. So, my ONLY option is to buy the filter myself and use this one instead of PZ-21. What brand of oil filter will you recommend to use with Valvoline Full synthetic oil? I have Lexus ES300 2002 year model bought in Oct 2001 with 101206 miles. Also, at what interval should I do next oil changes going forward. They (NTB) said 5000 miles or 6 months. My guess, is I can go twice of this duration. Am I right, what you think? Thanks a LOT.

Thanks. I will do search on "switching".

Hello Folks, I have 2001 (model year 2002) ES300 with approx. 101000 miles. I have been doing oil changes at regular intervals using traditional motor oil( I think I am using 5W-30...though not sure). Now, I am thinking of switching (why ??? Uh.....good question)to either fully synthetic or may be blended oil. My questions are 1) Is it safe to switch now? 2) Which one is better - Full Synthetic or Blended oil? 3) What brand will you recommend and at what interval? Thanks a LOT.

Hello All, I got "check engine" light on yesterday, so I took my vehicle to the nearest Autozone (as suggested on this forum . I want to thank for this great advice. It also saved me a few $.) for free OBD II scan code using Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader. The scan code came out to be P0456 - Evaporative Emissions System - Small leak detected. One of the probable causes mentioned on the print-out was "loose/faulty gas tank Cap". So, I replaced with a new one and drove the car 20 miles or so. Now.....I am getting conflicting advice (such as "go back to Autozone and ask them to reset" - they(Autozone) flatly refused to reset the code stating their official policy to "disconnect the battery for 1/2 hr to reset everything" etc.) as to what to do next. Hence, I decided to get help on this forum. PLEASE HELP ME. Thanks Vic

Hello folks ........... Finally, I got the estimate from another indie shop. Here it is : PVC Valve $12(P),$47.50(L) = $59.50 (NOT SO CRITICAL) Real Main Seal $84.84(P),$1140(L) = $1174.81(CRITICAL) I MUST admit both of you (kashi125 & camlex) are GENIUS for being right on the target. HATS OFF TO YOU SIRs. :cheers: Now, the question is !) How long can I postpone WITHOUT FIXING/REPLACING "REar Main Seal" ? One member mkeeney suggested and I quote "Our '97 ES300 has leaked for the past 100,000 miles (230k now) from the rear main seal. It's a tiny drip that doesn't even cause the oil level to be low between changes. It sometimes drips on the exhaust pipe and causes a burning smell. As long as it stays small like it is now, I'll never fix it because the cost is too great compared to the inconvenience it causes. I just check the oil more often to keep an eye on it. Yours sounds similar." 2) Shall just replace the PCV valve and see if the situation improves as suggested by kashi125? Sounds like a good idea and cost-effective idea to me. I will wait for the estimate from the indie shop near my house and will ask if we can just change the PCV valve & grommet and see if the situation improves. Thanks a lot Folks ..............You HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY HELPFUL :cheers:

You wrote "Our '97 ES300 has leaked for the past 100,000 miles (230k now) from the rear main seal. It's a tiny drip that doesn't even cause the oil level to be low between changes. It sometimes drips on the exhaust pipe and causes a burning smell. As long as it stays small like it is now, I'll never fix it because the cost is too great compared to the inconvenience it causes. I just check the oil more often to keep an eye on it. Yours sounds similar." I think AFTER getting the estimate, I will REACH THE SAME CONCLUSION AS YOU ............Great mind ALWAYS think alike :lol: The smell is very obvious in the my garage,since it a closed space with little/no air circulation. Thanks a Again.......... :cheers:

You asked "You didn't recently have your oil changed, did you? Sometimes those guys get sloppy." YES, I did In fact, I did both the oil change and drain the pan and refilled with 4 quarts of AMSOil (Not at the same time, though. 01/22/10 oil & 02/04/10 drain the pan ). The mechanic DID notice some leaking of the transmission oil (I would NOT say dripping ....BUT, just minute traces of oil. When the car was on the lift for draining the pan, this leak DID NOT even gotten bigger into a droplet either). At that time, he told me the AMSOil being 100% synthetic should soften the seals and the leak should stop. I did NOT take any pictures - Now , I wish I should have. Lesson Learned. When I get the estimate , I will run by you again. so Long ..................... :cheers: Thanks

Hi, I, recently (for last 2 days) noticed burning smell coming from under hood when I parked the car in my garage. So, yesterday,I took the car to the indie shop near my house. Just from the smell, the master mechanic suspected some plastic bag (probably got sucked into under carriage of the car). However, after inspecting on the lift, he noticed some oil was/is leaking (NOT dripping BUT just the minute quantity. The oil was visible when the surface was wiped with a piece of paper) and causing the burning smell. There were a few spots where oil was burned to dark brown color. He said the problem is NOT that serious when asked how safe is it to drive the car (I am MORE worried about the car and the passenger(s) going up in flame). However, I NOT quite sure so here the questions : # 1 How serious is the problem and do you recommend driving? He said, I can still drive. # 2 Is it the engine oil or transmission oil or BOTH are leaking? # 3 Shall I get it fixed immediately ?. I asked him for the estimate and he said it can be QUITE A BIG JOB. I have NOT received the estimate yet. # 4 What do you think the job actually involves when he said it is a BIG job and can you please give me a ballpark figure to fix it? Once, I get the detailed estimate I will post it again. :cheers: Thanks a LOT

Hello, You wrote " i purchased oem parts eg belts/tensioners from pembroke lexus." I have from many folks telling me including one of the member on this board, to buy OEM parts form Pembroke Lexus. based in FL. I think, I will buy directly from them and will find out if this indie shop near my house will install for me (for same labor charges they quoted me earlier for complete job). $100 for just Timing belt - sounds good to me. Take Care .............

Mods ........................... Will you PLEASE KINDLY lock down/close this thread ? This is getting UGLY and INSULTING ............... Gee ...... I never heard something put like this before OR Did I " You have 19 posts and I have 16000+. So, that makes me KING and you are a just a piece of xxxx. Almighty gave me right just because I have NO OTHER work but to post and insult people". Sounds like "Bigger is Better" mentality or some other mentality. Dear Sir .................I respect you and will continue to RESPECT YOU ...................BUT ................. not if you keep commenting like this. MY 2nd Rule in the life LEARN TO RESPECT OTHERS IF YOU WANT OTHERS TO RESPECT YOU. MY 3nd Rule in the life ............" If you can not say good thing about somebody........PLEASE NEVER say bad things......... NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN". I am NOT going to get into arguments on this ANY MORE............I have a VERY THICK SKIN............... that brings to my 4th Rule in the life "Never get into FUTILE arguments with idiots (note ..... I am NOT saying/implying you are an idiot.). You win and I loose. Feel Happy now? Have a Nice day" Bye You still dont get do you, well you seem like your entitled to say whatever you want on here, without sounding like a jerk, because you post so often!... well congratulations, you win. he was absolutely right in calling you out, your a very rude jerk. DONT post anymore if your not interested. its not an excuse for you to act entitled and almighty because you post 6 times a day! Yes unplugging battery will rest the range, wow we couldn't have figured that one out on our own!! And just maybe, someone ALREADY did that, but you wouldn't know that. So keep running your mouth almighty one.

Just my $0.02 and I am NOT a white knight and NOT trying to take sides. Having said that ............I SINCERELY think your reply/comment "Well then why are you posting on here asking for advice if you have no intention of listening to our advice?" is NOT WARRANTED and WAY OUT OF LINE. Again, one does not know who is in the cyberspace and what intention/agenda/motive they may have in giving any advice. Unless, you are an Lexus employee (are you ?) (and there are forums where manufacture's authorized representative are allowed to reply/rebuttal/counter argue etc. to resolve the dispute), I think you have ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS asking such a question. It is up to us, whether to listen/heed or just ignore any advice given on this forum. It is our vehicle ..............is it NOT? I hope I did NOT come TOO STRONG ........ If I did, I profusely apologize. Again ............I follow a VERY SIMPLE RULE ...................Trust But Verify ...........Trust, but Verify was a signature phrase of Ronald Reagan. He used it in public, although he was not the first person known to use it. When Reagan used this phrase, he was usually discussing relations with the Soviet Union and he almost always presented it as a translation of the Russian proverb "doveryai, no proveryai" (Russian: Доверяй, но проверяй) - Trust, but Verify. At the signing of the INF Treaty he used it again and his counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev responded: "You repeat that at every meeting," to which Reagan answered "I like it." Thanks a LOT you might want to read my response again. Througout this entire topic, ive asked what others ranges were, and was very grateful for the feedback. My problem(once again stated above) seems to be more than just a fuel range computer being off, but getting bad mileage, which Id like the dealer themselves to look at. And, once again as I stated above, i have an EXTENDED WARRANTY through lexus, which covers such a thing. I didn't pay this extra money to simply disconnect the battery. My service advisor had mentioned he has a guide that provides him guidelines for whats considered defective and not. So i'm going to let the man do his job. So no need for you to post such a foolish comment like that. Clearly, you dont know everything related to my car. But once again, I do appreciate everyones input regarding my car.

Just my $0.002 A Food for thought ............please consider this BEFORE BUYING A trickle charger, on the other hand, will charge no matter whether the battery is fully charged or not, so it needs to be connected and disconnected periodically. If left in place too long, it will eventually boil the electrolyte out of the cells or damage the plates. Trickle chargers will work to keep the battery charged, if used once a month or so for a day or two, but the float chargers can be left connected indefinitely without potential harm to the battery. Vic

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-0...yota08_ST_N.htm NHTSA warned about Toyota, Lexus models in 2007 DETROIT — As Toyota grappled Sunday with reports that it was recalling its Prius hybrids in Japan and may do so in the United States, evidence continued to beg whether the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration responded quickly enough to reports of sudden acceleration in some of its other models. The Prius concerns center over braking delays, but insurer State Farm told USA TODAY that it notified NHTSA in late 2007 that it was seeing an increase in sudden acceleration trends with other Toyota and Lexus models. The automaker has undergone several investigations about such concerns starting in 2004, when complaints began filtering in about 2002 and 2003 Toyota Camry and Lexus ES models. And NHTSA opened a file on Toyota in 2007 to look into acceleration issues on Lexus models, but closed it seven months later. It wasn't until this fall, though, after the death of a California state policeman and his family in a Lexus incident that was recorded on a 911 call, that the automaker reacted with recalls. It has since recalled 5.2 million Toyota and Lexus models in the U.S. for floor mat issues, and 2.5 million in January over sticky gas pedals. State Farm said it "has received numerous inquiries about alleged unwanted acceleration problems in Toyota and Lexus vehicles in recent years." Other major insurance companies either did not respond to USA TODAY, declined comment or said they did not track such information. "Information from State Farm may help confirm a trend NHTSA is already aware of, or help identify a new one," State Farm spokesman Kip Diggs said. In the late 1990s, State Farm was a key contributor to identifying the increasing trend of tire tread separation, which eventually led to major recalls involving Ford Explorers and Firestone tires. Congress is also studying Toyota's and NHTSA's reactions. On Wednesday, the House committee on Oversight and Government Reform is holding a hearing on the gas pedal issues. On Feb. 25, a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee is holding a hearing on whether Toyota and NHTSA acted swiftly enough. "The whole thing got brushed over," says Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., subcommittee chairman. "We think it may go back to 2004." On Friday, Akio Toyoda, CEO of the automaker, publicly apologized for the recalls. "We will do our utmost to regain the trust of our customers," he said. Japanese newspapers reported Sunday that Toyota would soon announce a recall to deal with Prius brake problems. In a letter to U.S. dealers over the weekend, Toyota said it will inform them of the fix to the Prius problem this week.

Hello............... Thanks a LOT for quick reply. Do you have any SPECIFIC brand / Kit in mind for Timing Belt & Water Pump? ( A few days back, I got a PM from one of the board member "kashi125". He told me, he bought the OEM kit (I forgot the name of the kit but if I find the PM, I will post it here.) from some Lexus dealership in FL) Let me know. Please remember that this shop IS NOT an independent LEXUS ONLY shop - they serve all kinds of autos - hence, lower labor cost and also due to fact that, I know the owner since he opened the shop near my house 10 years back.

Hello All, I got an estimate from the nearest local independent shop which performed "ATF drain the pan and Refill with 4 Quarts of AMS ATF" on my 2002 Lexus ES 300, mileage 80175. Parts Labor Timing Belt 44.24 308.10 Labor - Why so much? Water Pump 122.25 79 Timing Belt Tensioner 55.87 23.70 Toyota Rev/Coolant 30 Cleaner 6.95 Total 670.11 - $41(discount) + $22 (tax) I think these are GOOD prices........... but .........again ......... I am NOT a 800 pound Lexus expert Gorilla. Will you PLEASE comment on this and HELP me in deciding whether to proceed or not? Thanks

Thanks a LOT pberku, You did a good job on this one. Clarification from them will HOPEFULLY clear this issue once for all. I am NOT doubting the posts in this forum and their content. However, due to the very nature of cyberspace, you do NOT know who is out there and what interests they may have giving you biased/ erroneous advice. You have to decide how much to trust. I ALWAYS trust BUT VERIFY ( or try to) from some other independent source. ---- My rule # 1 in life. I was also thinking pf sending them email and asking for clarification. I, also, thought of sending email to Lexus also - I may do so later. I did speak with ASE certified Master mechanic who was doing drain and refill on my Lexus with AMS ATF and he told me that mine is NOT Interference engine. Sounded like an HONEST guy - again, rule # 1 applies Vic I sent an E-mail earlier today to Gates asking for clarification on the Interference issue. Will post if/when they reply Phil

Hello, Thanks a LOT. I will tell my mechanic as exactly suggested by homemechanic - he gonna think I am a smartaxx - but I am OK with it , it is my car after all. Both of you are TTTTTTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEEEEEEEROFIC. Vic

Hello, Pardom me if this question was asked before. I did some search but did not find the suitable answer (perhaps, my search criteria was wrong). Any way...........I asked the local independent mechanic shop to give me 2 quotes(but, he gave me 3). Here are the prices........... # 1 "Drain the Pan" & Refill With appropriate Toyota fluid (type IV) $65(approx.) # 2 "Drain the Pan" & Refill With AMSOIL fluid $90(approx.) I want to do this --------again,Thanks a LOT .........Lexusfreak for GREAT advice # "Drain the Pan" & Refill With AMSOIL fluid + Replace the filter $165(approx.) I thought, the Lexus 2002 ES 300 has NO filter , just a mesh or screen. Do you think I MUST also change this filter/mesh/screen NOW? . Please NOTE that my car has 80000 miles and I NEVER did drain & refill. After this, I will do MULTIPLE drain and refill as suggested by LexusFreak. Thanks a LOT .........Lexusfreak for GREAT advice . Thanks a LOT. Vic

Hello Folks ............... VVT-I ( I stands for Intelligence and NOT Interference) Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) - VVT-i continually optimizes intake valve timing over a broad range of engine speeds. It increases torque at lower speeds and horsepower at higher speeds to improve engine performance and fuel economy, as well as help reduce emissions. http://www.lexus.com/models/ES/detailed_specifications.html Looks like jury MAY STILL out there on this issue. Any way .................. I will ask my Lexus Dealer about the type of engine. Vic

Hello, you wrote "I hate to tell you this but the Gates chart has lots of errors and the errors are not limited to which engines are, or are not, interference." Don't you feel like saying "Daxx, You just can NOT believe anybody these days. Can you ? :cries: How can a company like Gates can put erroneous information on their site? Pathetic, is it not ? So, if this the case. is there any RELIABLE source (other than Lexus manual) to find out if 2002 ES 300 has "Interference" or Non-Interference engine? what is your opinion ? Thanks A LOT Vic

Hello Folks , The big issue, Interference Engines… If your timing belt breaks, the engine will continue to turn, but the camshaft stops. If any of the valves are open, and your engine is an interference engine, the piston will slam into the open valve and cause some real expensive damage. Most modern engines are built with very close tolerances, and to squeeze every last bit of power into a small package, engine manufacturers sometimes create issues with clearances. The easiest way to find out if your engine is an interference engine, is to look at the following guide published by Gates, a manufacturer of timing belts. They include the replacement interval and whether you engine is an interference engine or not. http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure...rchGatesPopular Based on this, my 2002 Lewxus ES 300 DOES NOT have an interference engine - contrary to what has been said/claimed on various forums . I hope this is helpful. Vic

Hello LexusFreak, You recommended "drain & refill" to my previous query and I clearly acknowledged that by writing "recommended earlier when I posed question about ATF". This question was directed to homemechanic. I ,sincerely thought, the question will be directed to him when I replied to his answer . I, should have mentined his name at the top. Any way, my mistake. Again ..................thanks for the input. Vic Not sure what you mean about there are MANY ways of changing ATF...? I only know of two....a 'drain & fill' or a total flush which is not recommended due to possible damage which could result from the high pressure of the machines that are used. As mentioned in previous threads, I do regular 'drain & fills' every two years or 30k miles (some here do them even more frequently). If you have never done any tranny service, I would highly suggest you do....that fluid has been in there for 8+ years now & I would do several drain & fills over the next month or so...not a total flush.

Hello May I ask a few quick questions .........................? Do you RECOMMEND total flush ever or just do drain-&-refill (recommended earlier when I posed question about ATF) with T-IV or Amsoil @ every 30K or 50K and do not worry about total flush at all?. The reason I am asking because I have NOT done neither since I bought my 2002 ES 300 in 2001 and the last time ATF was inspected(yesterday), I was told it is GOOD. If you RECOMMEND total flush, will you use chemical such as BG ? I know, there are MANY ways of changing ATF and NOT quite sure which one to use? Thanks a LOT.

I think they are of the same size. I checked on the Interstate Battery web site BEFORE ordering. http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eSto...2858-2147384742 I hope this helps ........... Vic