steviej

are you changing the O2 sensor: 1.) just to change it or 2.) cause you got a faulty one and the CEL is being triggered? If it is 1.) then there is no reason to reset because the ECM doesn't know anything is wrong. If it is 2.) then replacement with a functioning O2 sensor should remove the faulty code from the ECM (it will remain in memory but the CEL will go out) when the car is turned back on. I don't think you have to disconnect the battery. Of course that will work, but you will have to reprogram all your presets (radio stations, seat position, mirror positions, etc). If your ultimate aim is to just reset the ECM so that it will relearn your driving with a fresh O2 sensor, it may be easier just to pull the engine fuse and not disconnect the battery, saves all the reprogramming of the radio, seats and mirrors. steviej

I got them, but haven't done anything with them. 1. it's too darn cold outside 2. the garage ain't heated 3. it's too darn cold outside This will be a spring time project before the first Lex meet of course. steviej

I download the New York Times to my PDA and read it on the commute to work. Today there was a story about Hybrid hitting the SUV market and my answer was there. Lexus is breaking in to the market with the RX400h. Supposedly 270 hp and some other stuff, including the hybrid technology. Ford will enter with a hybrid version of the Escape and Toyota will offer a Highlander version (same platform as the RX). They did say that the price will be considerably more than the non-hybrid versions. It figures. steviej

In a recent car mag. I saw a Lexus advertisement that talked of a new car coming this summer from Lexus having to do with the 8th letter of the alphabet. Am I to assume that Lexus is making a play in the Hybrid market? anyone? steviej

the new car warranty is not voided. steviej

I think the black bird's eye maple (whatever it is called) would look good against a total light charcol interior like in my ES. But so does the reddish color that I have now. The wheels, they blew it here. I don't like wheels that incorporate shades of the car in them. The wheels would look pretty decent if they were totally brushed aluminun, or satin silver, or even chrome. I'm not a fan of two or three tone wheels. I also don't like the fact they are mixing two types of emblems. Chrome and black pearl. go all one or the other. personally, I don't think I missed anything, but that is just my tastes. steviej

sw, I have an opinion on everything, I just don't voice most of them. 18's will look real sharp and will improve the turn stability of the ES. but.......there is always a but.....there is a major tradeoff. you will loose some of the smooth ride and will increase the road noise that is so incredibly quiet with the stock 16's. 18's and 19's will severely decrease your sidewall of the tire if you stay within the same overall diameter specs. The diminished sidewall will leave your larger wheels prey to potholes and road crap.....bottom line is that you have a higher chance of bending an expensive modification. NAV and speedo won't change if you stay within recommended tire sizing. I run a 235/40-18 from May or June to October and have no change in the speedo or mpg that I get. Shop around. Whatever you do, don't get rid of the stock tires. Store them and keep them for winter use. here's a pic of my 18's. steviej

struts for the same year Camry should fit with a slight modification that you will be able to figure out upon matching the new Camry one up with the one on your ES. The Camry ones are available at Autozone and the like for easy money. steviej

looks awesome. I guess you could say switching to Siverstars was a bright idea. ok, ok, I know.....I went there. couldn't resist. :chairshot: steviej

hern, it is a piece of cake, but fair warning: the oil filter is just under the exhaust manifold in the front of the engine. You get to it by standing in front of the car, not by going under the car. Wear a long sleeved shirt so as not to get burned when removing the old one. You will need to become a very digit maneuverable mechanic to be able to upright the filter and then withdraw it from between the engine block and the back of the radiator and out from under the manifold. You just have to do it once and you will become a pro. The filter is mounted at a down angle so you will get spillage when removing the old one. There should be a plate mounted just below the filter that directs the spillage to a trickle, place your catch basin under that point. The previous Toyota OEM were very good but Toyo/Lexus switched manufacturers in Dec. 2003. Their filters are now made in Thailand and the jury is still out as to whether the quality of the now offered "D" filters are comprable to that of the previously offered "B" filters. Mobil 1 filter is M1-102 and is excellent as well. I am going to try the K&N Gold oil filter next. The K&N oil filter has a molded nut in the case. This will make removal and replacement less hectic. good luck, steviej

SW, no sulfur smell with either Mobil or Exxon here in MA. I've had the car for almost two winters and one full summer and have not noticed any difference between winter and summer blends either. steviej I have noticed that in MA, Sunoco no longer offers Ultra 94. Sunoco used to be 87, 89, 93 and Ultra 94. Now they are 87, 89, 91 and Ultra 93. Very odd.

I am averaging 22-24 mpg with around town driving. I use premium Mobil and Exxon cause of the convenience of the SpeedPass. When I have had to use alternate brands, I haven't seen any drop. Think about switching to synthetic oil before the trip. That will get you about 1 mpg more, too. steviej

I have seen several attractive dedicted dashboard mounted aftermarket GPS's (not handheld) that run for around $1000. Check into them. If you want OEM mounted in the dash, you gonna dish out some ducats. steviej

been there, had that happen. The noise is the scariest part. Hope all is fixed now. sj

sorry i can't help you with the problem, just wanted to say welcome back. haven't seen you post in months and I was wondering where ya been. steviej

these O2 sensors can be had on the web for alot less, but you have to know which of the 3 is the bad one. There was a web site that offered OEM sensors for around $100 each. you can try lexus parts wholesalers, too, like www.newlexusparts.com, www.lexus-parts.com. You also might try contacting member JPI. He is and authorized dealer on this site and other sites. They are easy to replace once you get at them. The car will drive with a faulty O2 sensor, but you gas mileage may suffer and ultimately the cat will fail prematurely. Those ain't cheap either. Not to mention that the CEL will become an eyesore. steviej

I noticed tonight that Sunoco gas (at least in MA) has changed the octane numbers on the pumps. They used to be: 87,89, 93 and Ultra 94. Now they are: 87, 89, 91 and Ultra 93. Very interesting, but why? They still are the most expensive gas in the northeast. steviej

awesome, welcome to the club. Let the modifying games begin!!! steviej

I have the best radar detector and have yet to get a speeding ticket with it. It is called the speedometer!!!!! :chairshot: It comes with an added option.....cruise control. I like that for the flat out runs. If the cops are on every corner, why tempt fate? Radar detectors instill a false sense of security and are not full proof (ie. instant on laser guns, false positives from surrounding sensors) Generally I ride 5-10 mph over the speed limit and don't dash in an out of traffic. Read the traffic further up the road and be careful. okay guys, go ahead flame the heck out of me for this post. :whistles: ;) steviej

2002 ES and up have a filter cartridge behind the glove box. It is covered in your manual. This filter seems to get stagnent over time, but the smell is of dirty socks or old potatoe chips. These filters barely make it though the year. They are easily replaceable and go for about $30 from several mail order lexus parts wholesalers. Pre-02 ES's have the filters but they are much harder to locate and exchange out. Do a search, as this particular filter topic has been covered extensively. Sulfur smells are definately coming from the exhaust fumes. I don't know if the cabin filter will remove that type of odor completely. Try varying your vendor of gas. Find the brand that produces the least amount of sulfur fumes if possible. steviej

as stated in my responce to your similar thread in the General Discussion section, a 17" or 18" tire may help you handling, but you will also increase your chance of damaging the new wheels due to the construction condition of the roads in that area. Larger tires mean less sidewall which leave you open for more chances to bend a nice rim on whatever may be in the road. I struggle with this and my 18" wheels every time I venture to Boston and the famed "Big Dig". steviej

me too! :D steviej

There is a software upgrade (if you can call it that) for the tranny. Read the pinned post at the top of this forum. As for the noise/rattle. There is a TSB about heat shield rattles. If may be one of yours is a little loose. Have the dealer look at it. I have an 02 (same thing) and have never had this kind of noise. go to www.alldata.com to get a print out of TSBs (technical service bulletins). steviej

simmer down popimp, it was only one person. I think you will find that the majority of people in this forum are not bothered. Let it go, and enyoy the rest of this forum. nice pics, by the way. steviej

At Autozone it cost me a smile, a please and a thank you. At Lexus, the car is still under warranty, so it cost THEM 2 cups of coffee, 1 mochachino and a muffin. steviej