riz1

Thanks steviej! I actually was able to figure that out too. I used 2 screw drivers to gingerly pry the cover from the back corners and was able to pull out the cover after sliding it across. It was too easy! Thanks for the response. Riz

I've been searching for instructions on replacing the high mount brake light on a 2002 ES300 and have so far been unsuccessful. Any input would be appreciated. I tried to use the older model instructions but could not grasp the cover to pull it back. I did find a diagram of the assembly at a parts website but all it shows is 2 clips on the windshield end. Thanks.

I have a CPO 2002 ES300 (purchased at 30K miles) and am about to hit 40K. I'm trying to figure out whether I need to go through the Lexus-prescribed 40K service or whether I can just get an oil/filter change followed by the 45K service in the future. I called Toyota and they are actually charging more than Lexus for the same service! When I inquired about the details the word "inspection" was used very often. It seems like they'll just do the standard $25 service and give the car a once over and charge me almost $150. However, if this is something important I would appreciate some feedback. Keep in mind that when I purchased the car at 30K it had gone through the CPO inspection process and I got new Tires, brakes etc. Thanks!

Thanks steviej! I will try taking a look at the lights with the back cover removed since your instructions seem quite straightforward. I have actually had someone press the brake while I examined the lights (at night) and did not notice any bulbs that were out. The light on the dash remains lit even when I am not pressing the brake. i.e. it stays from first press (even while parked and on) till I switch off the car. There is one area of the light panel that seems darker than the rest: its a small piece on the side of the car that looks like a reflector. Is that supposed to be a light? Riz

As soon as I press down on the brake pedal on my 2002 ES300 the tail-light out icon on my dashboard lights up. However, I cannot seem to find the light that is out. I have checked (visual inspection) the brake, turn and reverse lights and they seem to be fine. What can I do to find out which light is really out or if it is some electrical problem. Note: When I first start the car that icon is off. As soon as I press the brake it appears and stays on for the duration of the trip. Any advice would be appreciated.

Visit to Dealership: Lexus of Lehigh Valley I had mixed results today. They did not have my appointment in the system but took me in anyway. The attitude was courteously professional but not endearing. The service agent I talked to was quite nice. She understood my needs and tried to help out as much as possible. As far as the pulling problem is concerned they switched the front two tires and asked me to let them know if the problem presists. It seemed to work but I will give it a few days to see if it comes back. The issue of a loaner did not even come up. I told them I had one hour to spare and had to get back. They were unable to get the car ready within that time so I had to wait a little longer. To be fair they were quite swamped with work. I can appreciate the fact that these issues should have been resolved by the selling dealer. However the reality is that the car is here now and I should not be the one stuck in the middle... Overall I give them a B for effort.

I'm about to head out for my appointment with dealership. I will post as soon as I get back and let you know how things turn out. Its nice to see examples of dealers going out of their way to maintain relationships. Everyone wins in that situation. While I am hopeful my initial negative experience was just an exception today's meeting will be the deciding factor. I don't want to give this dealership a bad reputation if it is not warranted. I'll mention the name when I get back so they at least have a chance to save face :P I can't thank you guys enough for the input and advice. The lessons I have learned: 1. Be confident (as any Lexus owner should be). 2. Be respectful but persistent. 3. If all else fails call Corporate and have them take care of things. 4. Lexus Owners Club ROCKS! I almost forgot: Corp. called me back to follow-up with my complaint. I mentioned that the service manager had called me in person to set up an appointment and was told that someone from the Customer Satisfaction department had "talked" to him.

lol! It sure seems like someone got a talking to. I didn't want to tempt fate by bringing up the loaner issue but my appointment is in the afternoon and I'll demand one if they want to keep the car for more than an hour or so. According to the service manager they might be able to resolve these while I wait. I asked Corporate about the loaner and was told that for the most part it is at the discretion of the dealer. However, repairs under warranty require a loaner if they will take longer than 8 hours. My fear is that this dealer will make me wait while the easy problems are fixed and then ask me to come back for the A/C and pulling, thereby getting out of the 8 hour clause. I suppose I shouldn't pre-judge but the first impression has really left me wary. As far as the veering is concerned he suspected it might be as simple as a single tire being oriented incorrectly and rotating it might fix the problem: the dealer in Albany provided 4 new Potenzas and brakes (per the terms of the CPO program).

Thank you all for the insight! It makes it so much easier to deal with these situations knowing that other people have gone through this before. I was really surprised by the original response from the service department. After reading through so many positive experiences on this forum I was expecting an easy process. I cannot express how much I enjoy driving this car. I had always dreamt of owning a lexus since the late 80s and did not think it would be possible for some time to come. It certainly has an addictive quality to it. Here's the latest: I just got a call from the Service Manager. Talk about a 180. He made me go over the list of issues again and asked me to bring the car in after next week. I reminded him about the original assessment that this would not be covered and he just said "well, bring it in and we'll see what we can do. I don't know about the chirping in the A/C but the others seem like minor issues." I wonder if Lexus Corporate called him about this. I probably should be cautiously optimistic and not get too excited. This brings me to my follow-up question: Is there anything I should do/not do when I take the car in? e.g. should I get anything in writing, not give them credit card info etc. I have never been through this process before and have no idea how repairs under warranty work. Thanks again for all the input. I'll post a follow-up after my visit to the dealership.

I recently purchased a CPO ES300 2002 with 29,800 Miles (my first Lexus!) from a dealer in Albany NY who was recommended by family. The purchasing experience was quite positive and the dealer turned out to be straightforward and accommodating. However, on the way back to PA (where I live) I noticed a few minor issues: A/C makes a high pitched chirping noise after a few minutes of driving, panel behind driver's seat is loose from one end, column between driver-side doors is coming off making it impossible to adjust the seatbelt height and the car was pulling slightly (but noticably) to the left. I called the purchasing dealer and he reassured me that there were all covered under the CPO warranty and the only issue might be the veering which would come under maintenance if it was alignment. I explained that a CPO vehicle should not be sold with an alignment problem. He agreed and said he would pay for it if my local dealer refused. I called my local dealership today to schedule a date for these issues to be looked at. First of all the service agent I spoke with stated that I would not get a loaner vehicle as those were only offered to individuals who buy vehicles from that dealer (even if the work would be > 8hours). Moreover, after talking to his service manager he said that none of the items I had mentioned would be fixed under warranty and I would have to go back to the dealer in Albany. I called up Lexus customer service and they are going to look into the situation as well. I was hoping someone in this forum could provide some advise as to my rights. Can my local dealer refuse to fix these problems under the terms of the CPO warranty? Also, can they refuse to give me a Loaner vehicle even though the CPO policy states that one should be provided for any work that could be more than 8 hours. Purchasing a Lexus was a huge decision for me and the biggest investment I have ever made. I was hoping the after-sale part of this would be as smooth as the purchase itself. Any information would be greatly appreciated.