steviej

if the hood won't stay up on its own, then one or both of the gas cartridge supports have crapped out. The supports go for a bit of change from Lexus dealers but can be had for less money from internet Lexus parts suppliers like www.irontoad.com or www.lexus-parts.com. There have been some posts by people that have successfully obtained aftermarket supports form Autozone or similar neighborhood auto parts stores. You just have to look for the one that fits the same year Toyota Camry. Some manipulation of the fasteners may be involved. Replacement lift support brand names are Strong Arm and Mighty Lift. I hope this helps. steviej

that's a carraige top. It is not a functioning convertable roof, I do not believe. I think it is an overlay to look like a rag top. i have seen this before on things live Buicks and Caddys. But never an ES.

Were they Toyota OEM pads or aftermarket pads? Did the person put "brake quiet" on the back of the pads? Were the brake shims reinserted with the new pads? steviej

I have a mil. silver 02 ES. There are rock chips but no more than what I would see on any other 45k mile 02 car. Sorry if this doesn't help. I will see my aunt this weekend. She has a black 02 but drives very little. She does live near the beach so I will take a look at her's and let you know if she has a reasonable amount or more. steviej

I only use it (drop the tranny into 4 or even 3) when I want to slow down and not let the cop who is holding up the radar gun see my brake lights. steviej

it is the volume control for the "bleep bleep" sound you get when you lock the vehicle from the outside with the remote. steviej

find a tire store that has the Hunter (brand name) Road Force balancing machine. This balancer puts a force on the tire while spinning to simulate road pressure. It may not be the tires, you may have a bent rim or two. The Road Force machine can also instruct the technician to rotate the tire on the rim to the high spots and low spots to aid in balancing. If you have to pay for it, bring the reciept to the place where you keep going and ask them to reimburse you for your cost since they could not do an adequate job. Consider this to, it may not be your tires. It could be your alignment, suspension or even a bent axle shaft. Is the vibration you speak of in the car or in the steering wheel. If in the car, then try this: Move the rear wheels to the front and the front wheels to the rear. If the vibration then is in the steering wheel you have isolated it to the front two tires. If it is still in the car and not the steering wheel, then start looking bigger. Keep us posted. steviej

on a completely level surface, running and with engine at normal operating temperature. it is split as to doing it in Park or in Neurtral with the e-brake on. steviej

my air box has a flat but wide mouth that is atop the radiator. This then directs air to the bottom of the box, up through the filter and then down the tube to the TB. The mouth of the inlet tube is behind the grill so it would be very hard for leaves and debris to get there, but yes, possible. steviej

guys, this is a very interesting debate, let's keep it that way. Try to maintain civil tones please. Eliminate the name calling immediately. It is immature, reduces your credibility and above all is against LOC rules! If the discussion does not continue on a mature level, the thread will be closed. steviej ES Forum Moderator.

there is a bracket attached to the back of the cover that holds some wires and tubing. One screw unattaches the bracket and the cover is freed up a little more. steviej

The 1MZ-FE (at least 2002 and up) have a metal bracket/funnel to direct the minimal oil that exits the filter into a stream that should go right down into a catch basin. Don't be discouraged, some will get on the shroud. It will drip for a day or two. lexusk8 has a good description. Look with a flashlight as the filter is black. steviej

the big 4 0 , and having more fun than when I was 20. steviej

you don't need to remove the shroud. Go from the top of the engine bay. Not up from the bottom. steviej

I always like to have and extra key and an extra lock lug around "just in case". Never had any problem or delay ordering them as long as I have the code. steviej

Sharad, the car looks absolutely amazing. Especially the lights. I really like the compliment of the eyelids. I also want to compliment your initial post, not one mis-spelled word. :D I am very impressed on both accounts. steviej PS, is that you sitting under the canopy behind the IS?

stand in front of the car, look just below the front exhaust manifold. You will see the bottom end of the filter sticking up at you. many a thread has been written on removal techniques. (hint, let the manifold cool a little.) steviej

Read the guidelines here. The info I was taliking about are things like your name (at least first name), shipping costs, where you are (MN is a big state), a way to contact you, etc. steviej

the area covered on the rear rotors is definately less than on the front rotors. here is a picture of the OEM pad area coverage on stock rear rotors on a 2002 ES. I hope that helps. The only thing I would watch for is the amount of noise the new pads may make. Metallic or semi-metallic may squeal louder than OEM pads upon very slight pressure on the pedal. steviej

I am insured with Plymouth Rock. When my car went into the shop for repair of the damage from the drunk driver, the Plymouth Rock van went to the body shop, assessed the damage, discussed it with the shop, agreed on a total price and generated a signed check right on the spot. That is the only claim I have had with them so I can only base experience with them on that one instance. 2002 bank financed ES, excellent history/rating, full coverage, highest security allowance, moderately low theft area: $1100/year. steviej

If you have the code for the lock, you can usually go through the manufacturer. My 02 came with McGard locks. The card with the code was in a ziplock bag in the glove compartment. The card also had the info for ordering extra keys and locks directly from McGard. The locks lugs were ~ $8 and the the key was ~ $10. If you don't have the code you could replace the entire set (if you felt necessary) ~ $40 online (from www.lexus-parts.com). steviej

in addtion to jragosta's list don't forget that the rate is also dependent upon whether or not the car is bank financed. (at least in MA it is). steviej

P01101: Not listed in the chart I got off the web, but P0101 is MAF Circuit Range/Performance. P0100: MAF Malfunciton P0300: Random Misfire Detected steviej

I believe it is 5 x 114.5 steviej

I'm with you on that one Alan. Never had a problem with or without the washer. steviej