TTCDave

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I'll take it all under consideration. Hope I can help someone in the future. Dave

Hi, I am having two unusual problems with my 2002 ES300. Can anyone help me? I would appreciate any leads. TYIA. Problem 1: The front end never felt right. Always a little shaky at highway speeds despite alignment, balancing, etc. While doing a brake job, I noticed that there is noticeable play while torquing the left tire/wheel (hands at 9 and 3). I followed this play through the tie rod and into the rack and pinion. At the wheel, there is less than 1/4" of play. The passenger wheel is solid. Is there a play adjustment in the rack/pinion? Is this a tie rod or other repairable problem? Is this a problem at all? I would think so as this seems excessive play to control wheel alignment and shimmy. Problem 2: We had the car repainted as all the factory clearcoat just peeled off. The body shop said they'd never seen anything like it. Not good considering this is a Lexus. Well, we bit the bullet and had it painted. When we get the car back, several of the "idiot lights" in the dash are on. Traction control, check engine, headlight leveling, etc. The traction control no longer turns on/off (no clunk when I press the button). The headlights just come on and don't do that cool scroll up when they turn on, etc. The body shop swears they did nothing to cause this other than disconnect the battery for a few days. Yet, it was all ok when we took it in. Is there some way to re-enable these functions and turn off the warning lights? We had Autozone put the OBD box on it and do a reset, but the lights are still on. What can we do? Thank you for reading this long message. Sincerely, Dave

Hi, I am having two unusual problems with my 2002 ES300. Can anyone help me? I would appreciate any leads. TYIA. Problem 1: The front end never felt right. Always a little shaky at highway speeds despite alignment, balancing, etc. While doing a brake job, I noticed that there is noticeable play while torquing the left tire/wheel (hands at 9 and 3). I followed this play through the tie rod and into the rack and pinion. At the wheel, there is less than 1/4" of play. The passenger wheel is solid. Is there a play adjustment in the rack/pinion? Is this a tie rod or other repairable problem? Is this a problem at all? I would think so as this seems excessive play to control wheel alignment and shimmy. Problem 2: We had the car repainted as all the factory clearcoat just peeled off. The body shop said they'd never seen anything like it. Not good considering this is a Lexus. Well, we bit the bullet and had it painted. When we get the car back, several of the "idiot lights" in the dash are on. Traction control, check engine, headlight leveling, etc. The traction control no longer turns on/off (no clunk when I press the button). The headlights just come on and don't do that cool scroll up when they turn on, etc. The body shop swears they did nothing to cause this other than disconnect the battery for a few days. Yet, it was all ok when we took it in. Is there some way to re-enable these functions and turn off the warning lights? We had Autozone put the OBD box on it and do a reset, but the lights are still on. What can we do? Thank you for reading this long message. Sincerely, Dave

Thanks Everyone! I think my initial questions have been answered. I'm sure I'll be returning for more help. Everyone have a great day! Dave

Hi, I have an owner's manual, but all it said about the keyless entry issue was that it can be done, but that I should go to the dealership. Did you mean a "Service" manual? Re: the little square, I didn't see any reference to that. Thanks. Dave

Hi, I just joined this forum as I only recently bought my very first Lexus. I absolutely love it even though it's several years pre-owned (Black 2002 ES300 loaded with everything incl nav, Levinson, etc.). I have a couple, hopefully easy to answer, questions for the experts here. I appreciate any advice you have to offer. 1. When I lock/unlock the doors with the remote key, the lights flash, but the beeps do not occur. I want the beeps. The owners manual says this is reprogrammable and to see my dealer. Well, I'm a computer tech and live to learn these "tricks". Besides, my dealer is a 40 minute drive away and it's such a petty request. Anyone know the method to change this? Any other "Preferences" tricks? 2. I assume there are charcoal filters for cleaning the interior air. Is this user replaceable or do I, again, have to go to the dealer? Where are the filters located? 3. On the shift console, up by the "Park" position, there was a little square "hole" (when I bought the car). Looking in, it seemed as if there was a switch or something inside and the "button" had maybe vanished. The dealer put a "cap" on the hole and this is basically what I see on all the cars at the showroom. What is the purpose of this square "hole"? That's about it for now. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I become more familiar with my baby. Thanks, Dave