bfx2460

Just bought my 2001 ES300 but found out it had a rear main seal leak. Also owning an 2001 RX300 for 2+ years, I knew it would cost me a small fortune to get it repaired at Lexus dealer, so I called Toyota dealer and was quoted $650 ($30 part, $620 labor). For my peace of mind, I also ordered pretty much a 90K service to do the following:

Replace timing belt
Replace drive belts
Replace front crank seal
Replace cam seal
Transmision fluid flush + clean trans fluid screen
Coolant flush
Oil change
Replace wiper blades
New front fuel/air O2 sensor

The total is around $1350 including the leak repair...I can't imagine how much it would be at Lexus dealer. One thing really odd is when the service consultant was test driving the car after the service, he called me saying the check engine light would stay on even after they reset it. They checked my O2 sensor and found nothing wrong with it, but once they put in a new sensor the check engine light went away. So after bargaining with the dealer, they agreed to install the new O2 sensor at half of their cost ($70+). I think the car should be good to go for a while and it drives beautifully.

superpats

Just got my B-pillar molding shipped yesterday. Looks great, but I'm going to wiat until we get some nice weather up here in the Northeast to put it on. I just cant take this snowing every week anymore.

bfx2460

Just wondering how to remove the B-pillar molding...I guess it was glued on so do you have to carefully tear it off? Mine on the driver side is bubbled up so I'm looking to replace it as well. Thanks!

lexusk8

Use a flathead screwdriver to pry out the molding (from top to bottom or vice versa, it doesn't matter). The molding is actually held on by 4-5 white plastic clips into the ES body. You may end up breaking one or more of the clips while removing the molding, but your new molding will already have new clips in it, so don't worry about it.

Easy to remove, easy to install... all in 5 minutes or less

bfx2460

Thanks lexusk8 So I assume there is no glue...just the clips. I will order one of those and get it replaced.

superpats

Just as Lexusk8 described there is no glue it just clips right into place.

OceanView

MY 98 ES300 has been pretty reliable with only 1 problem.
About 2 years ago it would not start even though the starter was cranking.
Took it to the dealer and they said it was a Idle Speed Control Switch.
They replaced it for about $400. Lately I have started to notice the same problem again.
Does anyone know if this is something that I can do or is it something that I have to take to the dealer everytime?

By the way, the car has 171,000 miles on it.

khhoang

hi, welcome to the club. it's probably best for you to start a new thread to troubleshoot your specific problem. this thread is just a poll for common problems on the ES. good luck.

Lexbox

Here recently my Emergency Brake warning light stays illuminated despite fiddling with it. Any tricks for the EB light you guys know of? My seatbelt sensor in the drivers seat has recently proven itself flaky. I can wiggle it and it will change the status light. GD...Unfortunately I had to hit the cluster to remedy the problem.

mtraum

I have a 92 ES300 and the corner of the front bumper spoiler (plastic molding just under the bumper) fell.

This has been a major pain. All of the bolts were rusted out, so taking it apart lead me to breaking the heads off of every single one. So, I've had to drill out a bunch of them. These bolts must be crazy-hardened, because dilling them out was making the wood plank I had underneath smoke from the friction generated heat. A lot of good hardened steel does if it's not rust proof.

Then, I had to order these annoying special plastic fasteners. Also, there are 4 speednuts which were all rusted out and I could find nowhere and actually had to order them from the dealer as well.

Hasn't Lexus heard of stainless steel???

juan01

probably not in 1992

Move Over Rover

96 ES 300 with 107k miles

Fixed problems:
1. Reconnected loose cigarette lighter plug wire at ~62k miles
2. Replaced battery at ~55k miles
3. Unable to open door from inside- Replaced passenger door handle "snap clip" at ~88k miles
4. Replaced master power window switch pod at ~88k miles
5. Replaced antenna mast at~105k miles
6. Fast blinkng left turn signal- cleaned out contact on left front turn bulb at ~105k miles

Existing problems:
1. One light bulb seems to be out behind speedometer
2. Driver side visor won't stay up, always dangles half way down
3. Trunk release switch on driver door doesn't work
4. Both rear speakers no sound
5. "Check engine" light just came on- 107k miles

juan01

My sister has that same problem in her 95 ES... It drives me crazy when I have to drive her car.

lexsterES

Has anyone had a problem with their clock changing time or reseting it self?? It happens to me every once in a while but has been an issue ever since i've had the car. I have taken it to the dealer numerous times but still have the same problem. I think it might be a lose wire or something.

Move Over Rover

I borrowed a code reader from Autozone, came up with a P0441 Code. Thought I'd reset it, and if it were really a problem, it would come back on again. Well, it has been two weeks and no sign of the CEL. Probably just due to a gas cap loose.