Lexusfreak

Also hummin, you might want to check out the recent thread on the ES forums entitled: "Tranny fluid change". There is some intresting info on that thread as well. B)

Very good points monarch! :)

I think the fact your mechanic was a former Toyota tech is a good thing for sure! :) The reason why I suggest to do a "complete" fluid change is simple (but I understand why you are doing it the conventional way), just a regular "drain & fill" only gets about 1/3rd of the total fluid out & the rest is still in the torque converter and such. The transmission screens don't need to be replaced regularly like an oil filter, but I'm sure every 5 years or so if you wanted to change it (sooner if that's what you prefer), I was just making the point that they are infact re-usable & it can be cleaned hence the reason why the Lexus dealers I contacted (4 of them) didn't carry that part in stock but could order one if they had too. Proper fluid type when changing is vital as well. I'm just wondering if your tranny filter is different than my 01'? or the same type of deal? As I don't think you need the same tranny fluid as me (I need Toyota type IV & I think you need Dexron II or III), maybe consider to switching to a synthetic tranny fluid for better shifting & a more durable overall fluid to prevent foaming at higher temps in an older transmission. Just a suggestion. Mobil 1 synthetic ATF is one of the best out there. I've heard too that the spark plugs can be a pain in the butt to change (3 at the back of the engine compartment), I let the Lexus dealer take care of that only maintenance item (with the exception of the timing belt when it's time) since they have all the proper tools (a general mechanic might have difficulty if they do not change plugs on that engine very often) & expertise. Depending on the type of plugs one uses, it is wise to put some anti-seize compound on the plug threads as well so when it comes time to replace them again down the road, they should come out nice & easy. :)

After checking with several Lexus dealers (they all told me the same thing), it is not a regular thing to "replace" the transmission screen mesh (filter as some call it). If you do a complete fluid change or repairing a leak, they suggest to replace the tranny pan gasket & while the pan is dropped, to clean out the mesh screen, not replace it......as according to the service guy's, it should last the life of the car. None of them stocked one in their parts department either & they thought it was odd that one would ask for that part to start with.

lol steviej, fair enough B)

I think if you have all reciepts for everything you should be fine unless something catastrophic happens, then I have no idea. If your not comfortable DIY, then try the reliable mechanic route that was suggested as they should be quite a bit less than the Lexus dealer & get a bill should there be any issues.

I agree with 99, if it hasen't been done in quite a while, I'd do the entire system. It's fairly routine maintenance (one should do this item every 2 years at the minimum) so a good reliable mechanic should be able to do it no problem. I'd stick with the Toyota Long Life Coolant & get two 4qt jugs & some distilled water to bring to your tech (use the remaining coolant for future top up's down the road if needed). It's important to have an efficient cooling system for keeping your proper engine temperature & it helps your heater & air conditioning to run at it's best with good coolant. The Toyota long life stuff is very close in price (withing a buck or two) to the other popular brands in auto parts stores like Prestone so I'd go with the Toyota/Lexus stuff to be on the safe side.

Very intresting steviej. Too bad the dealers won't (usually) give anymore on a trade though. Same goes for most mods like tint, wheels/tires or stereo systems etc. BTW, your Red Sox are doing great so far!! :D Damn Jays are 3 & 10 and have yet to win at home yet!!! :cries: So far, the yanks look average at best!

Thanks amf :)

Thanks SW! :D I'll keep that in mind. What else do you suggest vinegar be used for when cleaning the car? Anything specific? Thanks again! B)

Toyota Long Life coolant is a good idea. When was the last time you had a cooling system flush? Just trying to save you from possibly doing things twice if your do for a flush. If it's fresh coolant in there, top it up & yes a 50/50 mixture is what is recommended. If you need to do a complete flush, I would suggest you use distilled water for best performance as opposed to just tap water. Check your owners manual for capacity amounts & keep your eye on the level to make sure you don't have any leaks in the system every so often. If the level is always down even after top up's, something is wrong.

Agreed! :) That's good advice branshew! Put the ball in their court.

That must be a feature on the older ES models I assume? I've never seen or read about it on mine. What exactly is ti suppose to do?

You & your wife enjoy Allen! It's a georgous machine! B) :D

I never called anyone specifically "stupid". I refered to it a total blatant stupidity there is a difference. My point here is there is nothing as uncommon as common sense. ;) I agree it is a shame that people don't seem to take the time to properly read their owners manual from time to time when it comes to basic car maintenance. It could end up being a hard & expensive lesson to learn.

Double check your owners manual & make sure you use the correct fluid & not just any ATF. Not 100% sure about your 97', but my 01 is only recommended for Toyota type IV fluid & nothing else. I agree with steviej because of the milage on the car in regards to the possible pressure problems, but maybe change the fluid more frequently and do several "drain & fills" over the course of a year or so to get as much new fluid in there as possible. If you do decide to go with a complete tranny flush (100% fluid change) down the road, I'd replace the transmission pan gasket & clean out the mesh screen at the same time to get rid of any metal shavings. B)

Like byo mentioned, it depends on the vehicle......my 01 Maxima looked sharp with the factory spoiler as it is considered a "sports sedan" the ES however (at least in model year 97 - 01 form). The ES is considered an "entry level luxury car" & IMHO cheapens the asthetics of the vehicle that's why a spoiler was never offered from the factory to begin with (specifically for the ES) at least the brochures I've seen ( both an American & a Canadian 01 ES brochure) & one can only get one via the aftermarket. :whistles: To each their own yes & whatever floats your boat. If I had a 02 or newer ES, I think I would put a spoiler on as it compliments the styling of the car (steviej has the one that looks the nicest & most classy I think), but not on the previous generation, it's not that kind of car. One can only do so much to a vehicle like the ES to "enhance" the appearance of the car & there is a fine line doing that & !Removed! it up completely. There is a reason why Lexus does DOES offer a spoiler on other models like the IS, GS & SC & not the 97 - 01 ES. Would you put a spoiler on a car like a Buick Park Avenue or Lincoln Town Car? Yes you would stand out but not in a good way as it just wouldn't look right. :whistles:

The spoilers (at least in my opinion) I think look much better on the 02' & newer model years. Steviej, yours looks awesome!! B) I'm not a fan of the spoilerdepot's one for the 97 - 01 ES's however, kind of ruins the car. Maybe if they had a more classy one available that accented the back end as opposed to destroying it, I might be more inclined to getting one for mine.

Well it's not against the law to be a stooge I guess.....I heard a simular story when I bought my 01 Maxima......a woman had it towed in cause the engine blew. Turns out she never changed the oil ever since she bought it & she put 33,000 miles on it. These people should not have a drivers licence in my opinion. Total blatant stupidity. :chairshot:

Me! :D :D :D B) :whistles:

Not crazy about the style of the car (the magnium looks pretty sweet however). It's about time Mercedes started using more of their components in Chrysler products but I still won't buy one cause of Chryslers aweful reliability history. I use to work at a Chrysler dealer and have many horror stories.......one of the tech's that worked there for over 20 years said he would never worry about being out of a job cause of the problems owners have & he also said "if it's a Chrysler, shoot it!" lol :chairshot:

Hey it's up to 9 now! lol :chairshot:

If programmed correctly, you should have no problem when travelling to our Nation's capital in Ottawa Ontario (not Ottawa, Canada lol you wouldn't say Houston, America would ya? ;) ). It's a fairly large city with over a million people. Have fun! :)

Hey gav, nice idea! :D Why not just get the entire passenger side welded shut & then problem solved :whistles: :P j/k

I can't figure out for the life of me how anybody can neglect "regular maintenance" & especially on vehicles like a Lexus!! :chairshot: They design these vehicles to run efficently on minimal maintenance as it is & are people just too lazy or don't give a ? One of the only things I can think of is the fact that most of these cars are leased when they are new so they might not be as attention to detail as if someone purchased one to own for many years.....but even still, they have to get regular oil changes & many don't. What a waste! :chairshot: