jbeidl

If you have the full size spare tire, make sure it was not damaged. It also has a sensor that can trigger the warning light.

John

I think the idea is to initialize the TPMS sensor on the spare. Does anybody know if the TPMS system also monitors the spare?

I remember seeing threads about low air pressure in the spare causing the tire pressure warning light to turn on. The 2008 Owners manual describes this in section 5-2 Steps to take in an Emergency.

The TPMS is one of my few disappointments with our 2008 ES. The system does not display tire location and pressure even though it has the information. My other 2 vehicles (Corvette & Silverado) both display tire pressure and location.

John

[My appologies! I'm not sure why you don't notice the lights turning because it is quite evident on mine. There is a couple of buttons under the steering wheel that control the mechanism, maybe it has been turned off?

If the AFS button is set to turn it off, there will be a warning displayed on the instrument panel. I tried using the button on my wife's ES350 because I didn't think hers were working either. I don't drive her car at night very much, if the AFS is working it is not obvious to me.

I read in some document that they turn more to the right than they do to the left, but I don't remember where I read that.

John

Shouldn't a luxury car like Lexus tell which tire is low? Even Chevy does this.

What about when the tires are rotated? Does the sensor then sense the distance from the sensor to the tire to decide which tire is low? How about the spare which is usually between the two rear tires? It would seem that the sensor would have to be able to sense radio waves within a couple of inches if the sending unit is inside the tire.

Yes, I agree. I have a Corvette and a Silverado (my cars) in addition to my wife's Lexus and they both read out the pressure by location. I complained about this on our first service visit and I was told that only the LS series does this.

The receiver for the Lexus is in under the headliner just in front of the rear window.

On the Chevy's, if you rotate tires you must train the TPS system as to where each tire is located otherwise the Drivers Information Console will display the wrong location.

John

Has anyone had the Lexus Factory iPod cable installed? Must the connector go into the glove box or can they wire it to the center console? Or maybe even into the small ashtray compartment? Please advise before I get this done. TIA.

I installed one in my wife's 08 about a year ago. You can place the iPod anywhere the cable will reach. I don't remember if it is long enough to reach the center of the console. Installing one is not a 15 minute job. It took me several hours as some of the console parts must be removed as well as trim on the dash so that the radio can be removed.

Really? Mine charges the ipod and keeps the battery at full. I put the plug in the glove box and I just keep my ipod in there and forget about it. It turns itself on and off, and when I wanna take it out with me it's always fully charged. What interface do you have? I thought they all did that.

I agree, the one in my wife's ES350 does the same. The battery is never dead.

John

I just bought a used ES350 and am in need for a front license plate bracket. It had one at one time by the unsightly holes drilled in the bumper. The dealer did not give me one and I called the parts department and they want $50.00 for one.

I wonder if there is someone on the forum who received one when they bought their car but decided they had no need for it or their state does not require you to mount a plate on the front.

If someone has one they want to get rid of please email me.

Thanks

If you cannot obtain the Lexus bracket try searching the Web for Skene Front License Plate Bracket. They offer one for about the same price that does NOT require holes in the front of the bumper.

A photo of one mounted on my wife's 2008 is attached. I have no affiliation with Skene, just a satisfied customer.

John

The "Auto" feature to allow outside air in or not, as it was explained to me, is to only allow "clean" air into the cabin. If the air quality all of a sudden is bad because of exhaust or what have you, it switches to recycle mode. But when the air is clean it will default to outside air. There are filters and sensors for this built into your ES.

The following is an extract from the 2008 ES350 Electronic Repair Manual - Air Conditioning System Description

Automatic Recirculation Control

Automatically changes the air inlet mode to fresh air or recirculation air mode in accordance with the

level of harmful elements in the outside air, the cabin temperature, and the ambient temperature.

This is in line with the information provided by AZ08LexusES.

Note that the switch is also dependent on the difference between cabin and ambient temperature.

John

I don't think thats true...

I agree! The Lexus Web site still lists the Ultra-Luxury Package as a 2009 ES350 "Build your Lexus" option and in includes the Panorama glass roof.

John

Yesterday a transit bus backed up in my front bumper while my car was parked. I was able to buff out the scuff marks with Nu-Finish Scratch Remover. The paint is perfect but there's a slight impression mark in the plastic. It's barely visible and most people wouldn't notice it but... as you can imagine it's a magnet for my eyes. (the car only has 3000 miles and it's my baby's first scratch.) Anyway do you think the dealer can make the surface perfectly flat again? I'm thinking that the plastic can be pushed out from behind after heating with a heat gun. Thoughts?

Cheers

If you are speaking of the two dimples near the center of the bumper, all ES350's have them. They are used as locating points for the front license plate bracket (that is where the two screws go).

John

1-) side mirror auto tilt - Place the side mirror adjustment switch off the neutral setting so leave in left setting , when reversing the mirrors will tilt down automatically to let u see the lines u r backing into---they will move up when u go forward--gr8 for parking in reverse like i do when i go into my garage!

That is a cool feature, I never knew it was there. I did a search of the Owner's Manual and it is described on page 59 but I never noticed it.

Thanks for these tips.

Maybe they should be FAQ that is a "pinned".

John

I am trying to use an older version of the navigation software since the passenger is unable to make any adjustments to the nav or phone once we have started driving. I did not know this before I purchased the vehicle, otherwise I may not have gotten the nav and just used my garmin. If you are at all familiar with this, I would greatly appreciate some help.

NJ

I can't help with the NAV, I don't have one. I have an in dash NAV in my Corvette and I vowed to never get another one. The only saving grace of the Corvette NAV is the superb integration with the Heads Up Display (HUD), you never have to look at the NAV once you set your destination. I also like my Garmin and it is a lot cheaper to update.

John

there is nothing labeled tv or entertainment in the driver fuse area. the problem is i can't get the cover off the fuse box in the hood. there is the cover over all of the compartment except the engine, and i can't get that off without breaking the 7-8 snaps that hold it in place.

You don't have to break the "snaps" to get them off. If you look closely at the top of the "snap" you will notice the center pin is separate from the body. Use a small screwdriver or knife blade to pry up the center pin and pull it up about 1/4", this releases the three fingers on the body and the entire "snap" can be removed. When putting it back in, be careful not to break off any of the fingers and push the body down all the way. Once the body is seated, push the pin all the way down and this locks it in place.

What problem are you having with the NAV? I don't have the NAV, but I assume it is built into the radio (at least the display). I think Radio No. 1 (fuse 25 in the engine compartment is the dash mounted radio fuse.

John

Hi,

Just bought an '08 ES350 and I wanted to get the XM radio option. Dealer told me that installing XM was "on-hold" pending resolution of the merger between XM and Sirius. Using Google, I can't find any reference as to Lexus suspending this option. Perhaps dealer BS?

As a sweetener, the dealer threw in XM radio for free once the on-hold status was resolved. Now I'm not sure if I was fed a line, or if there is some truth to what they said. Anyone else hear of anything like this?

I don't know if this on-hold business is just for XM or if it includes Sirius too. The Lexus web page still shows XM as an option so I really don't know....

Any info or opinion would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I would do more research on the Internet, it is possible that your dealer was looking out for you (hard to believe!). XM and Sirius use different satellites. I remember when the merger was first announced there was talk about new receivers being designed with the ability to receive both XM and Sirius signals. I don't know it that ever happened or not, worth checking.

John

Hi John,

I understand the dilemma of the expense of Toyota and Lexus Factory Repair Manuals. I have opened a store on ebay specializing in Toyota, Lexus and Scion Factory Repair Manuals under the name of "Sunshine Car Manuals." I'm preparing to sell new and used manuals at heavily discounted prices. I currently am stocking the store, and invite you to stop by and take a look, you may find what you're looking for at an acceptable price to you. You can read the feedback that my customers say about doing business with me. I hope to meet you and others there!

sunshine80388

http://stores.ebay.com/sunshinecarmanuals

Thanks for the information.

I have given up on hard copy Toyota/Lexus manuals as they are far too expensive. I purchased a one month subscription for Toyota Technical Information Services (TIS) and I was able to download the information I thought I might require. I also found an electronic service manual on Ebay for about $30 and purchased that as well.

I like the ability to browse and search the manuals on my computer and only print out the pages I require.

John

My 2007 ES 350 has a slight engine knock (?) when cold, goes away in about 5 Min, dealer said it was normal. What do you think??

Do a forum search for "Piston Slap" and you should find some information.

John

In Canada the base model no longer has heated/ventilated front seats. The US base model is not available in Canada.

Are the base model seats heated but not ventilated? I had read that heated only (no ventilation) seats would be available in 2009.

John

I picked up my '08 ES350 teo days ago and the dealer was just getting in the '09s. There is no difference in the car. Matador red is a new color that was added that previously was available on the IS and GS.

I think the only differences between the 2009 and the 2008 are the change in the red color and elapsed time added to the Multi-Information display.

If you look at the current Lexus Web site ES350 pricing information you will also notice the the price of the 2009 ES350 with the Premium Plus package is $1000 less than an equally equipped 2008. (Base price increased $200, Premium Plus package reduced $1200.) I sent a note to Lexus asking if this pricing information was accurate. The last reply I received indicated that the Web site pricing is accurate.

John

I own a 2007 ES350. How do you access the cabin air filter. I know it is behind the glove box. I see a plastic panel on the back wall inside the box. Is the filter behind this panel, and if so how do you remove the panel? It doesn't seem to be removeable.

Yes, that panel is removable. I do not have a 2007 ES350 Owners Manual but the procedure is described on page 332 of the 2008 ES350 Owners manual. You might want to check that area in your manual.

John

Hello everybody,

I am new to the forum and new to Lexus. Before posting I browsed the forum but could not find an answer to my question.

I am thinking of buying ES350 (My Acura TXS is coming to an end). I like the exterior and the interior of the car. I just love it. ES 350 has everything I'd like to have in car but the only thing - I'd like to have a little more stable and sporty ride. Something like German cars provide.

For this purpose, I am thinking about changing the original wheels and tires for wider tires and steel wheels. I closely examine every ES350 I see on the road but never seen a single one with swapped tires or wheels.

May be somebody has experience in that? Any opinions and experience about such a swap would be asppreciated.

Thank you.

The ES350 is for the crowd that likes a very smooth and quiet ride and does not care about sporty handling (like my wife). I believe that the IS250 and IS350 have more appeal to people seeking better handling. I had my wife drive an IS250 before we purchased our ES350. She thought the IS was a little too small coming from an ES300.

You may want to drive both an IS and ES before you make your purchase.

Good luck,

John

John..thanks for the info on the DIC, I never knew that it would display something like that. As for the spare, yes I did. In fact, I took the car to a Tire Kingdom so that they can properly measure and inflate (or deflate) all the tires (including spare) to the factory settings but still the light is on.

As I mentioned before, I tried to reset the light but its not blinking 3 times and therefore, not resetting itself.

I hope I did not add confusion with information on the DIC. The GM cars have the DIC that display air pressure for each location. The Lexus ES350 does not have this feature for some unknown reason.

Do you have the tires inflated to the recommended pressure? The Tire Pressure Warning System ECU uses the recommended pressure for the threshold. Note - the dealer can adjust this threshold.

You might also try rotating the spare in the trunk so that the valve is closer to the back seat (the Tire Pressure Warning System Receiver is located under the headliner by the rear window).

Make sure the Tire Pressure Warning Select Switch (under the dash on the passenger side) is set to the main position (button should be protruding - Owners Manual pg. 321).

Hope you resolve your problem.

John

How do you reset the warning light? I tried following the instructions in the manual but I can't get it to reset. Any advise out there?

Have you check the pressure in all 5 tires (don't forget the spare).

The tire pressure warning system is one of my few complaints about our 2008 ES350. My two GM vehicles do not monitor the spare, but they display the actual pressure of each tire along with the location on the vehicle. There is also a indicator to let you know there is a problem and the Drivers Information Center (DIC) can be used to display the pressure in all four tires.

John

I was hoping not to file a claim and get it done for less. The glass is a big piece, but $2700, that is outreageous.

MA

I have State Farm insurance and Comprehensive claims do not increase my rates. I hit a deer with one of my cars and did over $5000 in damage. I have no deductible on my Comprehensive and it did not cost me a penny. It happened about 1 1/2 years ago and my rates have not increased.

I would check with your insurance company before you proceed.

Good luck,

John

We broke the panoramic sunroof on our 2007 ES 350 this weekend. I called the dealers and the cost to replace including labor and parts is $2,700. This is crazy and I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation of how to fix it for less or who would fix it other than a dealer. I called the auto glass shops, but they don't do panaormic roofs. The roof does not slide, but rather acts as the roof on the car and allows back seat passengers to have an overhead view and sunlight. You can see it @ http://www.autoweb.com/content/shared/arti...cle_id_int/1256

Help anyone please..

THX

MA

Is the roof not considered glass and covered by your Comprehensive Insurance? The price being asked is actually less than I would have expected. That is a BIG piece of glass.

John

Just picked up my '08 ES 350 UL today and already used the outbound and inbound handsfree calling. The phone I have is a Motorola V3 Razor through T-Mobile. The service technician paired the phone with no problems. Made several inbound calls with no problem. Taking any inbound calls wasn't an issue.

However, when I recieved a call, it did not display the incoming phone number and/or any other identification. I checked the Lexus website and looked up my phone/carrier. Of all the options listed, it does indicate "Handsfree system displays incoming caller identification" as 'Yes' meaning I should be able to see the incoming phone number/name on my Nav screen.

Anyone have any experience with this issue and/or suggestions on how to resolve? I'm hoping it's not an issue with a software version difference on my exact V3 versus what Lexus says should work.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

First off, glad to see you finally got your car. Hopefully it was worth the wait.

I just saw this post so I gave it a try with my phone. I have a V3 RAZR also, but with Cingular (now AT&T). I have two phones paired with the car, mine and my wife's (this is her car). I was surprised that the car did not automatically detect and use my phone - it was the only Bluetooth device within the vacinity of the car. I had to go into the setup menu and select my phone by name. That will be a pain if you have to do this each time you start the car. I hope this is just an artifact of the battery being disconnected to install the iPod adapter. We will see!

I had my wife call my cell phone from the house and the phone number of the house phone was displayed. There was no name displayed, only the number, even though the home phone number is in the car phone book.

John