lexusk8

Go to an Autozone store and have the error code(s) retrieved. The warning lights could mean a number of things, but your car is actually operating in "safe" mode, meaning it's driveable for a certain amount of time.

A friend I know around my town used to have a '97 ES w/ the factory 17" IS300 rims. They looked especially great w/ the suspension drop :D

I remember this too as well, but this is for 1996-1998 ES300 models only. I know this because I received a letter from Lexus Corp regarding my '96 ES that I used to own.

I had mine done at the dealership for my '01 ES. Although I was pushing for the extended warranty to cover this work but to no avail, they were nice enough to charge me for the labor only. The retail quote for this fix would be about $550 from the dealership, and I only paid almost half of that :D

How about the 9-spoke factory rims from the '02-'04 ES? Their size is 16" x 6.5", and fit perfect with my '01 ES. My original wheels are 16" x 6" and 3-spoke design, but I wanted a better look yet retain the original suspension and ride. It's working out well thus far :D

I also lost the wheel lock key, and had to go to the dealership and get a brand new wheel lug and lock key set for about $52.

I remember this was discussed long time ago. If I recall correctly, it's either a sensor/transmitter piece for your remote master key fob when locking/unlocking doors, or something related to your climate control system.

It was from Lexus of Westport. I have gone there for service work for the last 5 years, and they've provided nothing but excellent work :D So are you also experiencing some tranny-related problems in your ES?

the dealer replaced it ? ← Yeah the dealer did it. They gave me a loaner ES to keep for about one month, which was probably the longest I've kept for a loaner ;)

Check out this link here. I know it's for an LS400, but the procedure should be the same. Hope this helps :)

Let us know how it turns out. At what mileage on your '98 ES did you see this problem? I'm beginning to hear more and more about the solenoid failures in the '97-'01 ES, thus affecting the functionality of the transmission. I had to get the tranny replaced in my '01 ES several months ago just around the mileage of 98K. It's a remanufactured transmission off of another '01 ES, and I paid around $1,100 after all is said and done (original cost was going to be around $3,300 but my extended warranty footed a portion of it).

mrsel3, does your '02 ES have height and width adjusters for each headlamp? It might be noted in your owner's manual (just thumb through the index and see if "headlamp adjustment" or similar can be found). All ES prior to the 2002 model have the height and width adjustment capability for the headlamps (just need a wrench or Philips to do the job).

I too am picky about the intimate details of the exterior and interior of a car, and seeing the condition of the driver's seat makes me want to run away from this otherwise fantastic looking ES I don't think a simple leather cleaning and conditioning do-over would bring back the original look of the seat!

sunman, it could very likely be either the upper strut seat, strut mount, or the bearing that sits between the mount and seat. You have to take your car to a shop in order to get a better view of what's going on in that left strut area.

Welcome to LOC sir, and you have yourself a sweet silver beauty. How many miles are there on your '02 ES? Did you get the navigation package included?

To remove the radio from your ES, just follow the first 10 pages from the attached PDF document (need Acrobat Reader to view). Lexus_2000_ES300_OEM_Radio_Removal.pdf

I don't think they're adjustable, but I understand your concern of the nozzles spraying lower than from the original nozzles. Here's a tip: If you want the fluid to be sprayed in the higher region of the windshield, you can turn your fluid and wipers on while driving at 30-40 mph. One thing you'll notice with these relatively "new" nozzles is that they cover a wider region of the windshield, and the fine spray pattern from the nozzles is certainly an advantage :)

You shouldn't have a problem interchanging the nozzles on your ES. I switched my nozzles to the ones from an '03 ES, and didn't need to bring them to the body shop for paint since my car is black (universal color for all ES's). To remove the old nozzles, I used a business card and wedge it underneath the nozzle on either side. The nozzle will unclip from the hood, and you just untwist the nozzle from the windshield fluid piping. Reinstallation of the new nozzles is a snap, and only took me 10 min. A subtle but worthy mod for sure :D

Dan, look into the 1999 ES300. That's when the engine is updated to VVT-i (variable valve timing w/ intelligence), and Lexus added an extra 10 hp compared to its predecessor 1998 model :D

Yes, they are a direct bolt-on.

I don't have a problem with paint chips in my black '01 ES. If you're indeed saying that chipping has occurred on all portions of your vehicle (top and bottom, front and back), it sounds like the primer was not properly applied on the car. Did you notice the chipping when you purchased the ES used? Was this car ever involved in an accident? In order to really remedy the problem, a repaint of the whole car would be a viable yet expensive solution. You're looking at maybe in the range of $3000-$4000 for a decent job from a professional body shop (not Maaco-style).

I too like to wash my car by hand and by myself, but if circumstances don't allow so, I take my car to a touchless, brushless place. There are 2 of those places not far from my home, and I use them more often in the winter. exdotcomer, sorry to hear about the mishap with your car wash place. It sounds like they really want to make ends meet with you and your car. I guess this shows you that not all people/businesses in CT are bad and dishonest :D

Nice going sunman. I've enjoyed reading the progress and details of your mods, and I especially look forward to seeing the pics too! B)

Oyster, I'm down for it as well. I'm about an hour and 15 min away from that part of Jersey. Would love to check out that car/motorcycle show as well! :)

Be cautious about purchasing your K&N filter. I installed one long ago in my '01 ES, and about 15,000 miles later, that led to a malfunctioned IAC valve and a dirty throttle body, causing startup failures and low idles. Had to ditch the K&N filter soon afterwards as that unfortunately allowed more air and dust particles to flow into the intake and the TB