Paul A C

;)

1st post...haha newbie here! Hopefuly some of you Lexus guru's can shed some light here...OK, just got a 1998 ES300 with AVS and wanted to know if I could replace the stock springs with Eibach models for the Camry? Also, when I do repalce the struts...can i do away with the AVS (electronic shocks) and use the non-adjustable struts?

Anybody running the eibachs for the Camry on their Lexus ES300?......how about Koni's for the Camry on the ES?

I know nothing about Eibach or Koni's but have just replaced the electronic struts on my 98 ES with non-electronic ones and now have a problem with the ABS and TRAC warning lights that have come on (see my post of a few days ago). I suspect that there is a low cost fix for this but have not been able to find it yet.

I have a Haynes Repair Manual that lists the trouble codes and attempted to check it out by shorting the two contacts as instructed. The light just stayed on (rather then flashing) which the book indicates to be an "ECU" malfunction.

Paul

I am new at this and need some help!! I posted question on this topic on April 18 and have 49 hits but no responses. I have seen several references in the forum to ABS light on and flashing TRAC light after strut replacement but nothing specific to my question regarding the replacement of elctronic struts with non-elctrronic. I'm sure there must be someone out there who has had the same experience and would like to know if there is a fix at a reasonable cost. I couldn't justify spending more then $3500 to replace struts on a 10 year old car!!

I have checked all the ABS wheel sensors and non apperar to have been damaged or loosened during the instalation of the struts so I can only assume that the problem is that the ABS/TRAC system requires some signal from the elecrtonic struts. If this is the case, then the possible solutions would seem to be to either reprogram the ABS system to indicate there are not electronic struts on the car (if this is possible), or to in some way simulate the presence of electronic struts by adding resistance/reactence between some of the open contacts.

Another question, does the ABS light and flashing TRAC light definately mean that those systems are not functioning?? It is hard to test on dry pavement and hopefully it will be a long time before we get snow/ice again.

Would appreciate thoughts, experience from any of you smart and loyal Lexus Owners.

Thanks,

Paul

I have replaced the electronic struts im my 1998 ES300 (120k miles) with regular ones and find that the ABS and Traction Control System warning lights are now on. I see from the wiring diagrams that there is a connection between the ABS/TCS and the Electronic Modulated Suspension System and so I suspect the problem is that the wiring plugs to the 4 struts are now disconnected.

Does anyone know how resolve this problem. I feel there should be a way to simulate the presence of electronic struts by jumpering the contacts in the empty plugs or adding a resistor etc between them. Any thoughts would be welcome.

By the way, the new Gabrial struts make a world of difference the car drivability - seems like a new car.

See subsequent post on April 25

Thank

Paul