mick_foley

My car is an '02 ES300. It's 90k time, actually about 3500 miles over that. Do I need a tune-up? It wasn't included in the service manual but it was suggested by the Toyota dealership I called. Thanks.

JSM1284

The timing belt is due at 90k. When I did mine, I did the T-belt, h20 pump, t-stat, and spark plugs.

mick_foley

So a tune-up isn't necessary but you suggest it as well?

And what is t-stat?

JSM1284

The plugs have a service life of 120k, might as well do them at 90k, it wont hurt a thing and your car will thank you. T-stat = Thermostat

mick_foley

OK....so this is my check list for 90k service


Replace cabin air filter (I'll do it myself after I inspect the existing one)
Replace brake fluid
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine coolant
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Replace timing belt
Re-torque drive shaft flange bolts
Rotate tires (if necessary)
Road-test vehicle
Inspect various items
And possibly look at getting a tune-up now

Any other advice?

JSM1284

That should do it

mick_foley

Can spark plugs be physically inspected to see if they should be changed?

JSM1284

Not really. If you pull them out, might as well replace them

mick_foley

How difficult would you say a spark plug change would be if I tried to do it myself?

JSM1284

got small hands?

mick_foley

Not exactly....not large either though

mick_foley

I was advised about a tranny flush before they even looked at the car. I didn't see any specs in the service manual involving when and whether a tranny flush should be done. So I declined. I did however tell them to make sure they inspect the fluid. I was under the impression that a tranny flush should be done about every 60k miles, if at all. JSM, any thoughts on that?

JSM1284

A trans flush should be done every 30k. If it goes over 60k and never been done, our policy at my job is to not do it. But Lexus actually states that it is not neccessary to ever replace the transmission fluid.

mick_foley

So I guess that means change or flush at your own risk.

JSM1284

Thats correct.