LennyF

I’m thinking of going to 87 octane in my ’08 ES but wondering about the long term effects of that.

I bought my ’08 ES with just over 37K miles. It now has just under 40K. Can I take it to a Lexus dealer and get a CPO cret preformed on it? it runs flawlessly.

Can anyone tell me where the USB connector is, if one exists, on an ’08 ES350.

maybe it’s programmed to come on at 58K. Does seem like an odd number though, 60K would make more sense.

I thought I read somewhere that there was a USB connector in the 2008 ES350 to connect an mp3 player.

Am I mistaken?

I also have an aftermarket remote start. It locks the doors when it starts the engine and have to stop the engine before I can get in the car.

I’ve given up on using it.

“Mandate“ from who?

hope this isn’t a dumb question, but where in the oil filter located on an ’08 ES350? On my ’97 ES300 the filter was right there in plain view. I cant find it in the owner’s manual either.

Just happened to me thats why I knew to suggest that ;)

that did it. Spare only had 26 lbs. Thanks

wow, never thought to check that, thanks

The tire pressure light “icon” appeared on the dash. All the tires are up to the correct pressure. How do I reset this light?

it’s certain the Nav or the VR systems were not one of them.

Update: Re programming a used remote.

OK I called another Lexus dealer and talked to a “service writer“ and asked him about programming a used remote.

His reply was to say the least confusing. He did confirm that the car is programmed to match the remote, but if the remote was “used” the car could not be programmed to match that remote. I’m not sure I understand why.

Dozens of these used remotes are bought & sold online every day, so people are somehow able to make these remotes work.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

I has an 08 Nissan and Bose system, and the VR worked quite well, compared to my 2008 Camry, now my ES350 2011 is as bad as it was in 08, so not much improvement, with all the complaints and so on about the nav system, and VR, you would think they would try someone else for this Very, Very expensive equipment. $3800.00 in Canada extra. I can but 38 TomToms for that and they also warn about red lite cameras.

Over all I like my ES350, but it's interesting about the competition offering so many new hitec gadgets, like a tire pressure gauge that actually shows pressure and what wheel?? Merry Christmas to all.

Let's not forget that the current ES was originally designed before 2007--6 or more years ago. That's when the decisions were made at Toyota as to which systems would be included in the vehicle. I'm not at all surprised that your 2011 NAV system works the same as the one in your old 2008 Camry, as they are likely identical. Since the 2012 Camry is a redesigned version (a new generation?), I wonder if Toyota bothered to upgrade the NAV system with some new technology? Anyone seen the NAV in the new Camry, as that's likely to be the system that is in the next gen ES.

Also, with the world's economy still in the tank, car manufacturers will do virtually anything to save money (improve profit), and keeping some technology bits around longer than they should is surely saving them money. Both Honda & Toyota have made a science of "de-contenting" their vehicles, which can help explain why some systems/parts are kept in production waaaaay longer than we owners think they should be.

I believe all 2007-09 ES Nav systems are DVD based. The whole car does not need to be re designed in order to upgrade (or fix) the Nav system. Just a new DVD.

I wouldn't pay for the nitrogen tire fill, but my car came with it. I can't vouch for any increase in gas mileage which is sometimes touted, but I have noticed that the tires do maintain their pressure better during temperature changes. I rarely if ever have to add air to them.

The air you breath is 78% nitrogen. I suggest that you check your tires at least monthly and more often if the temperature changes more than 20 degrees. Tire pressure changes about 1 psi per 10 degress of temperature change - whether the tires are filled with 78% nitrogen or 100% nitrogen.

100% nitrogen is touted for two reasons that i’ve hears. One it had no moisture like air does and also the nitrogen molecules are larger then the other gas molecules in air thus holding the pressure better.

As an example, I filled several balloons once with CO2, they deflated in an hour. CO2 molecules are tiny and pass right through the rubber balloon.

Also ask the dealer to replace the air in your tires - that tire air wears out pretty fast.

Hahahaha..Bingo!!

Actually that’s not a far fetched as you might think. Dealers and repair shops in this area are offering a nitrogen tire fill.

They let out as much air as they can and re fill them with compressed nitrogen. Pricing ranges from $10 to $25 for 4 tires.

All dealers, including Lexus need to keep a steady cash flow coming in. This is how they do it. Some services are totally unnecessary, others are important. You have to decide what right for you and your car.

Its certainly routine, assuming that you have a new OEM smartkey, and the appropriate smartkey for your model. The second dealer likely doesn't want to be left holding the bag if you have an incompatible part.

I'd take it to the first dealer, $65 sounds reasonable.

it’s a used remote.

using very short, one syllable words might work better, like you would talk to a baby. Try something like, “call air line”.

Best way to find out what the dealer will charge to program the remote is to call a dealer and see.

Its not something you can do yourself, the dealer needs to do it so the system will recognize the new smartkey.

OK I contacted the dealer about re programming a remote. One person there quoted $65 and made it seem quite routine. A second person in the service dpmt quoted $125 and that there was only a 25% chance that the reprogramming would work, but the $125 would have to be paid if it worked or not.

Does anyone have any experience on this?

any current es owners thinking seriously at all about trading for the new 2013 gs which apparently will be available in feb

definitely gonna drive that one when it gets to the dealers

TOUGH competition at that price that is for sure, but curious to check it out

Not quite yet for me. I’m just getting used to my “new“ ’08 ES350......love it

My right side (passenger side) brake light recently went out on my '07 ES350. I cannot figure out how to access it to change the bulb. Does anybody know?

Thanks,

MW

Access is through the trunk. There’s a small plastic door on each side to get to the bulb.

We took possession of an 08 ES350 yesterday and are very impressed.

I have been reading this site since we started looking for a Lexus but this is my first post.

My question concerns section 6.2 Customization in the Owner's Manual, can I access this change function or is it only available to the dealer?

If I can make changes,how do I do it?

Thanks for your help, we are looking forward to many Kilos in the car.

The first sentence in the manual has your answer: “Your vehicle includes a variety of electronic features that can be personalized to your preferences. Programming these preferences requires specialized equipment and may be performed by an authorized Lexus

dealership”

Good luck with your new ES

Best way to find out what the dealer will charge to program the remote is to call a dealer and see.

I contacted two dealers about this, (programming the remote). One said over the phone that there’s a 75% chance he might not be able to program it, but there was at least a $65 charge either way. The second dealer, which is actually a Toyota dealer, said to bring in in & he’d try, (no charge if he couldn’t). He could not.

With all the used Lexus and other brand remotes sold online every day, I’m sure re programming of used remotes is possible.

Any help welcomed.

OK then does anyone know a web site where i can dowload the programming directions?