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Yep, the black on black 2001 ES300 is a beautiful car. Its too bad that today's mechanics don't trouble shoot -- they have packaged electronic components at their disposal. I just received a call from the President of the Automotive Company who says that the NEW alternative installed -- this time -- is an NEW ACURA alternator and not a Lexus alternator. and he ate the cost difference. Well, I still don't trust the car and won't be stalled out in the Texas heat again! I'll pick it up today but have made plans to replace the beauty by the end of the week!

Thanks SK. Well, the Service Advisor says he was aware of the pulley change and has been ordering new replacement alternators straight from Lexus. After installing the 5th alternator, he wanted the car to sit for one day without starting. Today he drove it -- no report yet. Nonetheless, when I pick up the car this week, I'm throwing in the towel and heading straight to a dealership to replace this sick puppy! Regards to all. Verna

SK; Since my car is a 2001 model, is the '97 pulley change applicable? Verna

Thanks all. This AM, I sent this entire discussion thread to my Service Advisor. He is currently forwarding your input to the mechanics. At this point, another Lexus alternator is being ordered – the 5th alternator. The Service Advisor will drive and observe my car for a few days before returning it to me. Camlet --Below are responses to your question: In Washington State, I drove the Lexus 20 to 120 miles a week or average of 70 miles a week (gas up 1-2 times a month). In Texas I’m driving an average of 25 miles a week (gas up once a month). I don’t like driving and choose to live new the places I volunteer, work, and worship. I’VE ONE FOLLOWUP QUESTION: (If this question seems like a “total female question, please forgive.) The first 4 responses to my post indicate the problem as electrical. Well, my car cables & wires have been load tested, multiple times. Can faulty wiring pass a load test? There are a ton of relatives, acquaintances and even my warranty company & and mechanics curious about this Lexus problem. Most think it’ll be a simple electrical problem. It’s a pain being stranded, with a stalled car, in the Houston Area heat. During the recent hurricane evacuation, I was stranded on I-45 (100+ heat index)! I found that ALTERNATORS IN MY CAR DON’T CHARGE IN AN IDLE STATE! But I haven’t found the cause. Thanks again to all. Verna

:cries: I leased my 2001 ES300 NEW in the State of Washington. In 2003, before relocating from Washington to Texas, my ES300 was recertified and I purchased it. Now I'm having battery and alternator problems. Since June 7, 2005 my mechanic has replaced the battery twice (Interstate Batteries) and replaced the alternator 4 times (Lexus Premium Alternators). He has conferenced with Lexus and a Forum for Foreign Cars and no one seems to know what's causing the alternator and battery failures. Monday, this week, I picked up my car after the 3rd NEW alternator was installed. Two days later, my car was back in for a 4th alternator!! Including the original alternator and battery, my car has been through 3 batteries and 5 alternators. I'm retired and don't put many miles on the car. To date, it has about 30,000 miles. I read - on this forum - the theory of low mileage Lexus cars having alternator/battery problems and the need to drive the cars more frequently. Well, my mechanic and the shop owner don't buy into this theory. They feel that something is spiking out the alternator. They have checked cables, wires, connectors. Has anyone heard of this problem and found a solution? I need a dependable car ... maybe I should trade this car for a Chevy! Please Help! Verna