Lex3486

1992 ES300 (totalled) 1993 ES300 (transmission died)

So I assume this applies to the SC3 too? Cause I noticed all you guys have SC4's....

How do you check the diagnostic codes on a 2000? Is there an onboard diagnostic check like on the 92-96 (that is, you cross two terminals in the diagnostic unit under the dashboard and the CEL will flash a code), or do you have to have a computer?

I'm guessin by what I've read that it's probably your front end lower control arm bushings. They're apparently a very common problem on SC's; in fact, mine are totally shot as well. Hey, I noticed you live in Knoxville. Me too! I tried to send you a PM but it didn't work...? Anyway, I bet I've seen you around. We should start a sub-club...call it LOC Knoxville chapter

Okay, I've done some research on the CD changer and I ran across a couple points of interest. 1. First off is the one I quoted above; what is this "upgraded eye" and where might I find one? 2. Second off, I heard some discussion of swapping out the first gen. ES300 CD changer for the Panasonic 12 disc...one person said it's plug and play. Any second opinions? Hard to believe, seeing how you'd be going from a 12 disc to a 6 disc... 3. Perhaps my most basic question, what goes bad in these things that makes em misbehave?? I'm referring to the erratic skipping...is the lens just dirty or what? Oh, and how the hell did anyone get the thing apart?! I started to but decided I better quit while I was ahead once I got the top and bottom covers off and couldn't see anything still... <_<

Alright I'll have to admit that I forgot about this post haha. Anyway, first thing's first; final outcome was that we finally got it back and it seems rock solid now, but has no warranty left (biggest reason we decided to get outta it now). As for paint, I just washed and waxed her regularly; I'm pretty sure that it has been painted sometime between 1993 and now but it was an EXCELLENT paintjob if in fact it had been painted. That is definitely one thing that attracted me to this car in the first place, since my 92 ES was so beat up. I used Meguiar's Caranuba Wax and Turtle Wax car wash with wax in it (although I wouldn't recommend it cause it leaves a film on your windshield that's a pain in the rain...). And as for the $5k and the SC...I didn't see any of that money cause it went straight to mommy's 2000 ES payment, but I did however get $150 to tint the windows for Christmas and there's rumors of some financial assistance to be credited towards either IS300 wheels or instrument cluster repair-whichever I choose to put it towards, so we'll see....See, the cool thing is that dad's really into the SC as much as I am so that's an advantage when it comes to me wantin to polish out the rough spots hehe

Would it be too much of a pain to post an updated list of what you still have? Cause it gets confusing as to what's still availabe when you start PMing and emailing people personally. Thanks!

Well my friends, I sold the problem child of the family. She left my driveway for the last time last night as I stood there with $5000 in my hand. I'll miss her...but it's on to new things with the SC. All just part of growing up I guess, but I still wish I was Jay Leno and could keep every car I've ever owned B)

Hmm...funny but I seem to recall some pictures of your 97 ES at a dragstrip. Anyone else remember that?:whistles:

I'm pretty sure the only place to fill it is through the dipstick tube. I had this same problem back when I was still having mine in/out of the transmission shop. I had to get it towed; didn't matter what I did, that sucker wasn't moving at that point. I think mine was leaking from the housing; they hadn't sealed it off well or tightened it up or something. Hell, there's no telling with that stupid shop. I wanna burn that place to the ground after all I've been through with them (including me selling the car now....)

Okay, why do we have to be so bullheaded around here? All I asked was if the 96 has a cabin air filter; simple yes or no. What's the deal? Why does everyone always have to be stubborn and say "search" when they could just as easily say "yes" or "no" in the same time it takes to make a post that says "search". C'mon people! Alright, I'm done complaining. : ) I don't care anymore anyway; I'm not keepin the ES, I'm takin the SC. B )

That's about too cliche to be real. Are you sure that's not "ready made" lol?

I know I'll probably get someone saying "search" but does the 96 ES have a cabin air filter?

There's always the option of FM modulated CD changers; don't require any "kit" to install-plugs right into the antenna jack for your stock stereo, and only requires minimal electronic knowledge to get it hooked up. Plus, you can have multiple CD's (if you're into that). Depending on where you mount it, this can be a blessing (glovebox) or a sin (trunk)....

DEFINITELY don't cheap out on major repairs like transmissions...you'll probably end up selling your car out of expense and frustration.

But what is "dead"? Would you guys call my car dead? I mean, at what point must you draw the line and say to yourself "yeah, it was a good car and I still love it but....this is ridiculous" I think I just got gipped-I expected this car to last me through college. Instead, it didn't last even through high school! Thing is, it's not the car....it's the shop. grr....

Well...that's been my mentality for the past year, dealing with first the head gaskets (which was no problem in the end-fun even!) but then the transmission has pretty much changed my mind. I've put at least half what the car's worth into it in the past year trying to get the transmission repaired correctly, and to no real avail. Sure, it drives like a champ right now, but that's how it's been every other time that I've gotten it back. I'm afraid to give it another few thousand and see what happens. Therefore, I'm turning over a new leaf. It's hard, but it's the best thing to do. Parents recently bought a 2000ES and are buying a 2004 Dodge Ram Hemi today SO, we gotta move some metal outta here. Hence, I'm selling the 93 ES (which I've has been a labor of love through and through) and taking over my mom's 96 ES (it's ugly now...but just wait hehe). The worst thing about all this though is that we're also selling the 92 SC that I've recently fallen in love with. But....the 96, with a little money and aftermarket, will be very nice for college, and ultimately, I'll have my dream SC when I graduate. That's the plan anyway. B)

Not much longer :cries:

Well, I don't own an LS400, but I have driven a 94 LS and quite frankly wasn't as impressed with the acceleration as I thought I'd be for a 250hp V8...but, also consider that I was highly new to the car and only drove it for a very short while PLUS I didn't know about the button under the pedal so...but anyway, just by looking at the video, I notice something peculiar right off. Unless he's brake torquing, then the car seems to take a very very long time between the rpm jump (flooring the throttle) and any change in speed. It's almost as if it were a manual and he were engaging the clutch! (except the RPM's remain constant). I'm not familiar with this engine, but I know that in all my ES's and in my SC, this hasn't happened. The SC is a little sluggish if you slam the pedal down, but nothing like that, and the ES's will just bark the tires and GO. If in fact the car isn't moving, and he doesn't have his foot on the brake, this obviously accounts for why the time is taking so long; that's probalby close to 1.5 seconds right there! Has anyone else not noticed this? Personally, I think that 0-60 testing relies heavily on 3 factors; the conditions in which the car is tested, the condition of the car itself, but perhaps most importantly, the driver. I've seen ordinary cars do some amazing things at the hands of the right driver, and others that are capable of MUCH more do terribly b/c of driver error. I guess just a simple observation, and perhaps a consideration for everyone here. B)

Good job

Good Job B)

May I be the first to say bravo. Good photoshop work my friend hehe. j/k

I hope that you removed the cover on that timing belt. I mean, I know that Ford probably doesn't make the BEST car around, but not even covering the timing belt?!

Sounds like we're in the same boat...do I continue fiddling with the transmission, or cut my losses and move on? Well, actually, regardless of what I think, dad has decided the latter option is what is gonna happen. I'll hate to see that car go...but then again...it's been gone for over a month...at the shop anyway

Well, we bought it. It's a truly awesome car. And, I noticed someone was talkin about the rims bein 16's...they're 15's. The 16" 6 spokes that somewhat resemble the 92-96 wheels were actually an option, not standard. Our car has the 15" 5 spoke wheels typically found on most 97-99 models. Still sharp wheels, and I doubt mom will be trying to hit 118...myself on the other hand...haha, j/k. I get all the speed I need in the SC nowadays.