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My thanks as well. My 98 LCD display has become black. I appreciate the $95 tip for the replacement part. I expected $400 or more. Thanks a lot folks, Bill

I have a 98 ES300. When it's cold in the morning, I notice that when I put it into reverse, it makes a sound like there's sand or a milder "grinding" sound in the trans (almost sounds there's a lot of dirt or something swimming around) . It's not a loud noise, but definitely noticeable. It's especially noticeable as back out of my driveway while braking. The noise is there in forward as well, but it seems like it's not as loud. If I put the car in neutral the noise stops. If I let off the brake and let the car rolland start to take off the noise lessens and then goes away once I hit 10-15 MPH. It doesn't do it once the car gets warm. 1) Any idea if I might have a serious problem or is this something a transmission flush (or something like that) will take care of? 2) My Lexus dealer offers a special trans flush where the keep pumping trans fluid through the tranny until it comes out clean. Anybody know if the is A) safe (won't blow any seals) an B) is it really effective? Thanks all, Bill

Thanks everyone. Bill

I have a 1998 ES300 with tan interior. I need all new floor mats. Anyone have a source for these at a good price? Thanks, Bill

Hi all, I had a new alternator installed in my 98 ES300 and now my A/C is making a whirring (whistling) noise. In a previous message I posted here, a couple of replies sugessted the belt may be too tight. I checked it (by hand) and it's pretty doggone tight. I talked to the dealer who installed the alternator and they will look at it to see it they adjusted the belt too tightly. However, I would like to know if there is a Lexus spec that the belt is to be tighted to. Also, any ideas where I might find a place that can measure the tightness or a place where I might rent the tool. I'm afraid the dealer is going to say the belt is fine and I'll be stuck replacing the A/C. I would like to have some evidence on my side before I let them touch it again. Thanks, Bill

98 ES300 only 103K 91 ES250 178K

I'm not a mechanic per se, but I've worked on cars many times (water pumps, heads, etc.). Does anyone think I can replace the belt myself or is it too difficult? Also, how do I know if the belt is the rubber kind or not??? Bill

I have a 1998 ES300 that I bought used with 49K miles on it. It now has 102K miles on it. I see that it's recommended to replace the timing belt. I've had Toyotas for years with over 100K miles on them and never had a belt go out. I'm wondering.. is it just a dealer money-maker or should these belts be replaced? I would appreciate your feedback/experiences. Bill

In my 98 ES300 I recently noticed it making a high-pitch whirring (whistling) noise when the car is cold and the A/C is on. Once the car warms up, the noise goes away. If I turn the A/C off when the car is still cool, the noise stops. Any ideas what might be causing this? The alternator was just recently replaced (if that matters). Thanks in advance, Bill