lexusk8

OK here's what happened: It all started about a few days ago when the outside temps have gotten close to freezing numbers, and I began to hear a faint buzzing sound under the hood in my '01 ES (w/ roughly 98,500 miles right now). This buzzing sound can obviously be heard from even inside the car when started up, and the sound would grow louder when driven upon each gear change shift points (i.e. idle to 1st, 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, etc.) To be honest, it really sounds like I'm running a supercharger or turbo in my ES Anyways, this behavior continued on like it until the middle of today, when the transmission starts hesitating as I downshift when I come to a stop light. The braking is perfectly fine, but when I accelerate, the RPMs would reach higher numbers (around 2K) to get to 1st gear, and then 2nd gear sometimes could not be caught at the right RPM (the needle would climb higher). I'd have to let the foot off the gas pedal just a little bit until the transmission can "catch" that 2nd gear. This is obviously not normal transmission behavior at all! Much as I hated for it to happen, the check engine and TRAC OFF lights came on about 50 miles after I noticed the transmission hesitation :o So unfortunately, that's what's going on with the transmission in my ES right now, and I can't believe this is happening on just a freakin' 3 to 4-year old car, aaargh! I plan to go to Autozone first to have the CEL error code checked out before I take it to the dealership. If anyone could pitch in and provide any feedback on what could be causing the buzzing sound under the hood AND the transmission hesitation problem, that'd be much appreciated. FYI, so far, my "car buddy" friends have said that the timing in the engine computer could be off, or that the transmission filter could be clogged up. I had the tranny fluid changed (drain-and-fill method) about 22,000 miles ago at Lexus, and when I checked it, the fluid is darkish but still has a slight hint of red in it. It doesn't smell burnt either. They have told me that it could be a multitude of possible problems when the transmission acts up like that :( Dying for help, Doug P.S. I do have extended warranty that covers up to 100K miles, so that is my only savior at this point. Still, I really want to find out what exactly the problem is before I walk into the dealership (as they too often employ a "trial-and-error" method on problems like this)

I'll take a stab at your Q's: 1) I've also seen IS 300 rims on a 2nd-gen ES ('97-'01), and they look OK to me. However, proper fitment won't be as easy as simply slapping the wheels/tires onto it. You will probably need spacers for the rear, from what I'm told. 2) It sounds like Toyota charged you for 2 hrs labor time, even though you said that you waited exactly 1 hour for your car. I don't remember reading that the ECU had to be re-programmed when changing out the MAF sensor, but I guess from Toyota's perspective, it makes sense. Maybe someone else here can put in their $.02 worth. 3) Yes, generally when you add in aftermarket lowering springs, the factory struts are not designed to take in the new forces provided by the lowered suspension, so you will need new struts like KYB or Tokico. 4) Front strut bars from a Camry/Solara of the same year will fit into your ES since it is designed under the same chassis code (MCV10 I believe). Hey, I notice that your profile says you're from Danbury, CT. I'm from the same area as well (I live about a minute away from the mall along Park Ave). I have a black/grey '01 ES w/ tint, '03 ES wheels and PIAA lighting. I've only seen less than a handful of hooked-up Lexi (mostly the usual riced-out crowd). It'd be cool to get together sometime this winter :D

I like to also add that the AVS (adaptive variable suspension) option for the '97-current ES is usually available for the ES in the Western portion of the US, and not in the Eastern side. That has a lot to do with the climatic differences between the geographic locations.

Only way to get it is at the parts counter in your dealership (cost $60).

When you got your front tires balanced, did you have them road-force (computer) balanced? There are different methods for tire/body shops to balance wheels. I would go back and question the balancing work they did on your car. Vibration as a result of warped rotors only happens when you brake at medium and highway speeds. Vibration during acceleration is usually attributed to balancing problems.

I should probably contribute into this topic since my '01 ES was driven hard prior to the purchase date of last year (one of the main reasons why I bought the car). It had 64K miles when I bought it, and it was originally used as a company/business vehicle. I was disappointed it did not run thru the mandatory 60K service according to Lexus National, but the ES has had no major problems ever since the day I purchased it. No oil gelling problems or any of that sort, other than a charcoal canister fix. I completed the 90K service several months ago (incl. timing belt and all fluids), and now I'm edging 98K miles. Still drives as smooth as ice :D

Your '93 ES looks gorgeous, esp. seeing no yellowing or hazing on your headlights (which is a common problem for the older ES's). I see for the interior that you have the cloth (no leather) version, and that you have a couple nice additions (radar detector and compass navigator). Keep her sparking clean!

Since you're at the 85K point, you mind as well schedule service for the 90K as soon as you can. You can do that at either a Lexus or Toyota dealership. I prefer Lexus for the quality of the work, all backed up on a one-year warranty should anything go wrong. You also get a free loaner vehicle for 2-3 days, depending on how long it takes for Lexus to finish servicing your car. Besides the typical fluid changes, the 90K service includes the all-important timing belt and water pump replacement, the most critical items in a Lexus. Be prepared for a large bill in the end, at least 2 grand.

In the US, the '99 ES was the starting model year with the DRL feature being standard. I believe the '97 and '98 models have that as an option.

Not sure if this will help anyone, but my '01 ES at the time of purchase only came with one master key I had to order a spare valet key (non-remote) from Daryll of Lexus-parts.com, one of the few Lexus dealers who sell OEM parts at discounted prices (I highly recommend them, great service!). I got the key, then followed the programming instructions that can be found in this forum (in my case, I went by the instructions on ClubLexus.com). The valet key worked successfully so it can open doors and start the car :D

Nice and rare mod for your '97 ES. I see that you also added a '00-'01 ES grille. Cool touch! Can you take a snapshot of the ES front end straight on (just so we have a better angle of the OEM HID headlamps)?

You may need to pull up under the master window switch assembly and lightly clean the master lock actuator with some contact cleaner, or a little of WD-40.

Are you talking about the red 'BRAKE' light keep going on and off irregularly? If so, you need to check the level of your brake fluid, or check the condition of the ABS sensor. The 'BRAKE' light has nothing to do with your brake pads.

When I switched to Mobil-1 10W-30 SuperSyn several months ago, I did not notice nor expect any improvement to performance, but I did see a more consistent and slightly better fuel economy (MPG). I do mostly town-to-town driving where the avg speed is 35-45 mph, and I have gotten avg fuel mileage of 24-25 MPG on my '01 ES. I can probably easily get 27-28 MPG if I do 80-90% highway driving. When I was running conventional oil before the switch, I was getting about 1 MPG less than the present. My driving habits and A/C use have not changed, and I don't keep a lead foot while driving.