Russ450

Here is my favorite way of mounting a portable GPS: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...si&img=1349

This is in a 2000 LS400 but something similar could be done in an ES. The Pro.Fit Legend bracket is really nice and has a built-in swivel to perfectly position a GPS so both the driver and front passenger can see and use it. I used a Pro.Fit Legend model MV-50-03-L which I think would fit on any year ES even if it is not listed in the application chart: http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/lexus

The Pro.Fit brackets have an "AMPS" hole pattern. You can find an AMPS adapter for your Nuvi by Googling "Nuvi AMPS adapter" - like this one -- http://www.semsons.com/ganu4hoamadm.html

If if was doing an install today, I would tap into the car's power by using an "add-a-curcuit" fuse adapter at the underdash fuse box rather than tapping into the car's accessory outlet wire; like this one http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cf...tnumber=071-580

The Nuvi 760 is very nice. I wanted to buy a 770 recently when it was on sale at Costco for $399 but I lied down until the feeling passed. Garmin is a great company too ... just down the road from me ... some of my friends work there.

Thanks... very nice installation. I appreciate the info.

Multiple random misfires can be caused by excessly lean mixture, commonly caused by vac leaks. So a good place to start is checking all hoses for splits, crackes, and other leaks. Low fuel pressure can also cause a lean condition, but you need a fuel gauge and correct fittings to check this.

I would be surprised if it was bad gas, but when was the last time that you replaced the fuel filter? While you are at it, I would buy a tank of good gas, ie Cheveron, Texaco, or one of the other name brands, and toss in a can of fuel injection cleaner.

PS. I would recomend not disconnecting components while the engine is running. Some componets will generate a voltage spike when unpluged or plugged in. It is possible to cause additional damage while you are troubleshooting.

Thanks, I'll check the hoses. I've never replaced the fuel filter, so I'll do that too.

Last week the car began running rough and the check engine/TRAC lights came on. The same thing had happened in February and at that time I took it to a shop where they diagnosed/replaced a bad coil on #4 cyl ($250.00). This time, since I did not have a diagnostic tool, so I checked the coils the old fashioned way by disconnecting them while the engine was running to see if it made a change. On 2 of the cylinders there was no change, so even though I thought it unlikely 2 would be bad at the same time, I replaced them and the car ran fine for 2 days. Today the lights came on again and the car stumbled during acceleration. I borrowed a diagnostic tool and it reads 6 codes... 5 for faulty ignition on specific cylinders and 1 for general random misfire. Any ideas what could cause this? I don't think it's a bad batch of gas, but who knows? Thanks...

I have ordered a Garmin nuvi760 and am trying to figure out the best way to mount it. I live in California, so the windshield suction cup is not an option. This is my first GPS and I would appreciate hearing your favorite method before I buy something. Thanks...

Any advice on how you actually restore the finish of the woodgrain?

Stephen

I just finished using the Minwax Wipe-On Gloss Polyurethane varnish with very good results. It probabloy will take 2 or 3 coats if you have any scratches on the wood that need "filled"(4 hours dry time between coats). A couple of tips... The directions on the can say to use "fine" grade steel wool to prep before each coat, but use either "very fine" or "extra fine" and apply very light pressure. Its easy to scratch the finish deep enough that it requires extra coats of varnish. Also use a cloth with absolutely no lint...every speck shows up in the high gloss finish (although you don't really notice them once the piece is in the car).

All in all it was pretty easy and the wood looks like new.

Any advice on how you actually restore the finish of the woodgrain?

Stephen

I plan on using a product I've had good luck with on some small cabinet making projects. Minwax brand "Wipe-On Poly" polyurethane varnish (gloss). You simply rough up the finish with fine steel wool, then wipe it on with a rag...no worries about brush strokes. Dries in 2-3 hours. You can build a very deep rich finish with multiple coats. I'll be doing this in the next week or so, and I'll post the results.

Russ

Yep, it should come off just like in the pic below (taken from my previous ES when I was tooling around with the gear shifter).

Thanks lexusk8...(and also to VT FIJI)...I was hoping it would be something that simple. Believe it or not, at first I was planning to varnish it in place after doing a very careful tape job. Luckily, I thought of asking the forum...

The previous owner of my 2000 ES300 must have carried their cell phone behind the gear shift lever on the center console wood trim. It is scuffed up. I want to remove the piece and apply a coat of wipe-on high gloss polyurethane varnish. Does anyone know the steps to remove the wood trim section that surrounds the gear shift?

Thanks

The noise is the expansion valve, normal noise.

Thanks...that's what I suspected.

I have the same problem on my car. I'm certain it is not a belt issue because it still happened even after having the timing and serpentine belts replaced. This is the only car that I've ever seen that in.

Seems to be normal on that year/model. Thank you for confirming.

Hi,

I just bought a 2000 ES300. Very nice car except- when the A/C is on there is a soft hissing sound occuring about once per minute lasting for appx. 10 seconds. I assume it is occuring as the unit is shuttling in and out of cooling mode and sounds like air / refrigerant being released somewhere in the system. In a fairly quiet car like this it is quite noticable. Before I have a dealer tell me it is working as designed, I thought I would see if anyone else experiences this.

Thanks