rtyson

I have a 98 ES 300 with 145,000miles on it. I did successfully download the zipped FSM manuals for the 97 year but it prompts for a PASSWORD when I try to extract file(s). Can anyone comment on this please. Rick-In-Missouri

Thanks, I will attack this next weekend when I install new plus in the rear. RTyson-In-Missouri

OK, so what I'm hearing is that you guys replaced the rear bank plugs without moving a thing. Yes, it would definitely have to be from the passenger side because I can't even see them nor could I ever reach them from the driver side although I did look to see if there was a better view! So don't remove anything, just bite the bullet and get my arm back there in the rear and 'Gitter Done' ! That's what it sounds like you guys did even though the working area is quite awkward and restrictive. Thanks, I will do this. This hopefully may be easier then the TB cleaning and PCV replacement I did 2wks ago, well not the PCV. I also want to replace my front struts but this is getting ahead of myself and yes I am aware that this has "been covered already" SKp... ! kdawglex04, you indicated that you have a 98 ES300 as well. I removed my MAF inorder to clean it. But when I removed the MAF it was a plastic enclosed piece. I did not seen any exposed wire, since you have a 98 as well can you explain what I should clean on this MAF since I see no exposed wire? Thanks all, while doing some of your own maintenance can be time consuming I do enjoy knowing that I performed the work myself. It is self satifying and yes I am a newbie when it comes to maintenance. Rick-In-Missouri

Hello all, I have a 98 ES300 with 142,000 miles. The last time I had the plugs replaced was at 82,000 miles. At this time I have replaced the front bank plugs which was fairly easy. But I have located the rear bank plugs but can someone tell me how in the hell do I replace these plugs??? Can somebody walk me thru what needs to be done to gain access to these rear plugs, with pics would be great but I'll settlr for whatever I can get. Thanks all, Rick-In_Missouri

Thanks for the oil pan removal info, I don't want to risk bending my frame! But in many books & manuals they do call out jack points at the front and rear so what's up with that if possible bending is an issue ???? My ultimate goal is to check for any sludge in the pan. If I jack it up wheel by wheel, then using the Hydraulic placed at the wheel-jack-groove point will prevent me placing the jack-stand in the proper assigned wheel-jack-groove since the Hydraulic currently occupies that position. So, it's not that critical to get the jackstands in those grooves but as long as it is very close to those grooves and importantly along the side of the frame ? By the way from the info on this website & Haynes manual I replaced my PCV valve & grommet and took off the TB and gave it all an excellent cleaning. I was not sure what I should have done to the ISC valve on the underside. What should I have done for that valve ( a cleaning as well ? ). I can do it next time. Thanks Guys rtyson In Missouri

Hello all, I recently have been trying to perform some minor maintenance on my 98 ES300. I currently do not have any problems with my vehicle. I removed the MAF sensor but this piece looks like an enclosed plastic piece and not clean-able. Is this just replaceable ? I am looking for the jack lifting point underneath my 98 ES300, to be specific, I want to put my 3-ton jack in the middle (not on the side), so that I can lift the car in the air with 2 wheels at one time and place in the jackstands. I do see a protruding iron bracket right next to the exhaust pipe towards the front end. Does anyony have pics showing this exact location ? Note: I have a Haynes manual but it does not indicate this point. I also tried to drop the oil pan this past weekend but after removing all the screws/2 nuts I still could not break it loose with a mallet. It seemed as though it was still bolted on. Can anyone tell me what I'm missing ? I have located the PCV and will attempt to remove and clean/replace grommet for that as well as clean the TB this coming weekend. I'm learning as much as I possibly can about my ES300. To bad they don't have 'Auto Clincs' you could attend for specific cars. Has anyone knowledgable of the ES300 ever thought of doing something like this !? rtyson In Missouri (Any good ES300 Mechanics in the area ?)

Thanks for the response, great info at this forum, I did do a search on this site and found the location of the EGR Valve, still looking for the O2 Sensors. You mentioned cleaning the MassAirFlow sensor and getting a MotorVac. At 82K miles I did have a 'BG Fuel System Induction Service', for give my ignorance but what is this service doing (flushing the fuel system ????? rtyson-in-Missouri

:D I have a 98 ES300 with 128K miles on it. I currently do alot of highway driving and would like to keep good maintenance on my vehicle. I currently do not have A-N-Y problems with my ES: Platinum plugs replace at 85K, timing/Acc belts and waterpump was replaced at 101K and I regularly service the rear diff fluid/coolant/oil-of course/air filter, tire balance/rotation, brakes. I'm going to look into having the Front&Rear struts replaced. But my question is should I just go ahead and replace the O2 sensors and EGR valve? Where are these 3 O2 sensors located as well as the EGR valve? Also the 98 ES300 just has a conventional strut system (No AVS)? I have been totally satisfied with the reliability and performance of my vehicle, this lexus impresses me so far. I'm a Toyota man anyway, I also sport a 2000 TLC that I've owned for 2yrs, excellent vehicle so far. Anyway thanks in advance rtyson-in-Missouri

:P Hello All, I thought I'd let you know that I just had the Belts and Waterpump replaced on my 98 ES300. The mileage was at 106,400 clearly over the time recommended for these replacements. But it's done now. I'm working in Grand Rapids, MI and I had the work performed by the lexus dealer here 'Harvey Lexus' for $690. I thought that was a decent price relative to the price quotes I received from other places. I live in St Louis and was going to get the work performed there. But the Lexus dealer there quoted me a $1200 price, even the toyota dealer said they would do the work but they quoted me approx. $700,800 - and up. So I feel I got a decent price, not to mention the RX330 loaner car for the day, but to me this is really nothing. I may also have them replace the front end struts and components, they quoted me a price of $550 for the front end portion. What do you folks think about these prices ? RTyson

1998 ES300, Gray, Purchased with 63K miles for $15K. I currently have 98K miles on the vehicle and have not had any problems at all. I had the 70-75K mile service performed on it by Lexus. Cost $900 and they gave me an RX330. Beautiful automobile but much to small for me when it comes to SUVs. At 98K miles on my ES I will try to plan on having the 90K mile service (replace Timing Belt and all other belts and also the recommended water pump). Will try to get pricing on having the shocks replaced although as I have learned via this informational site this may be costly. Rtyson InStlMo

Hello All, Ive been reading thru the postings(currently up to page 11) and they have been quite interesting. I have a 1998 ES300, gray, purchased for 15Kwith 60K miles, I have had no problems with it at all at 98K miles. The next service I will eventually have to have done is the TimingBelt and Water Pump sometime soon. Does anyone know of a good lexus mechanic in the St Louis, MO area ? I could take it to the dealer but I know that it will cost an arm&leg. The lexus dealers are extremely over-pricing for their service. Would a Toyota dealer be able to perform the same maintenance on my 98' ES300? rtyson InStlMo