duffyboy

Hi all! I have a '97 ES300 that has an annoying problem and am wondering if it can even be fixed. It has to do with the lights for the stereo controls. Some of them have burnt out and I'm wondering if they can be replaced. Specifically, on the lower half of the center console, the lights for the balance, bass, treble, etc. no longer work. I've called several Lexus dealerships in search of an answer and have received conflicting answers including, they can't be fixed because these lights are fiber optic and are embedded (Wow! I used the 2003 Word of the Year in a sentence!) in a way that they can't be reached to, they can be fixed but the cost is prohibitively expensive (note that the dealership did not disclose the cost so I have no basis for coming to a conclusion on my own. I think they just wanted to get rid of me.). Anyways, I'd appreciate hearing form anyone that has the same problem or might know how to deal with it, even if it's possible. And if it's not possible to fix, it leaves me wondering just what Lexus would do if a car still under warranty had the same problem. Thanks all!

Hi all. Duffyboy again :D. You might remember me with my brake issue. I still haven't taken it to the garage yet for the service I was talking about. But in advance of doing that, I have another question. I'm wanting to tow a jet ski (approx 600lb.) to FL with me this year (Pittsburgh to Sarasota). My GF and I will also be loaded down with luggage, fishing equipment, coolers and everything else we can think of. We're wondering about the towing capabilities of my 97 ES300 (57,000 miles which, after the 60,000 mile service will have all new belts, fluids, brakes ,etc.). Does anyone have suggestions on how to do it. We don't want to put a permanent tow-hitch on the back of the car and are worried that, although it has a pretty niffty 6-cyl. engine, we'll be sending it to its premature grave by straining it too much. Is what we're asking too much from this car?

Hi all. Thanks for the responses. To answer a couple of the questions...I bought the car new in July 1997 and it has never been driven hard. The car actually has 57,000 miles on it and I had the rotors cut at 54,000 miles. But I've not had them replaced before. For reasons I'm not sure why, I don't use the parking brake at all unless parking on a hill. I'm not sure if the shim kit has ever been replaced but I doubt it. Regarding when the problem occurs, it starts only after driving for a few miles so I suspect it's more heat/rotor related. The reason I'm going the warranty route is the TSB indicates that "This repair is covered under the Lexus Basic Warranty and repairs will be made under warranty based on customer's specific complaints." I just figured enough people were complaining about the problem that it caused them to issue a TSB. It's quite specific about what vehicles are affected (it covers 1997 through 1999 ES300's built before VIN Tsutsumi: JT8BF28G**0179640) and instructs the dealerships to make the fix under warranty. And I've been complaining about this since January 1999. I'm taking it in this week for the 60,000 mile service (not sure what that costs elsewhere in the country but it's $1,095.00 here in Pittsburgh...ouch!) but will also ask them to give me their diagnosis on the brakes . I'll post the outcome. John.

Hi all. I'm new to this site but am having a problem I hope someone can help me with. I have a 1997 ES300 which I love except for one annoying problem. The front brakes make the loudest, most annoying grinding noise when applied. I've had them changed a couple of times to try and correct the problem and have used the best ceramic pads I can get but the problem persists. I came to discover at Edmunds' website (http://www.new.edmunds.com/products/maintguide/index.html) that Lexus issued a Technical Service Bulletin (number BR001-99; NHTSA number 604676) titled "Brakes - Groan or Grinding Noise in Front" on this problem in March 1999 and will correct the problem if pressured. Has anyone had a similar problem or have a story to tell about how Lexus fixed the problem on your car (hopefully for free). My car is up for its 60,000 mile service and I intend to try and convince the dealer that they should fix the problem for free even though the car is out of warranty. I've complained to them about the problem three times since January 1999 (all during the warranty period) and each time they say they can't replicate the noise (yeah, right...PLEASE!!!...are they stone-cold deaf ?!) or find anything wrong with the brakes. They must have hearing-impaired techs at this dealership because people literally turn their heads and look when I come to a stop sign or redlight. Any feedback would be most greatfully appreciated :P .