onslaught

Hello everyone!

Here's my history:

In 2003, I bought a 1993 GS300 for really cheap and ended up losing it due to a hit and run accident. In 2004, I got a 1997 ES300 and did a fair amount to it. Lights, sound system, tint. Absolutely love the 97-01 ES300s. I got into an accident on the highway with a truck and lost that car. I wanted to stay away from Lexus for a bit and bought a Mazda Millenia in 2006. This car was pretty awesome, did a LOT to it. LED dash, rims, HID headlights/foglights, TV, subs, tint, awesome sound system....the works. Sold that car and now I have a Infiniti G coupe. I work in the city every so often so I got me a commuter car. Like I said I LOVE the ES, so I got me a 98. I'm thinking I may give it a 00-01 facelift.

Anyway, I use to be a CL member back in the day when I had my GS and ES, forgot my password, so I created a new account and I'm back!!!!!

I know a good amount of information about this car. However I have a few questions.... I got this car for reallllly cheap, so there's a few things I need to fix up with it:

- ABS light keeps blinking
- Traction light won't turn off
- The AM, FM, TAPE, CD buttons on the stereo don't light up.
- Rear bumper needs to be repainted
- Trunk has a little leak...so a little water gets into the trunk when it rains.
- Doors squeak when I open and close them (all 4)

Also, this car doesn't have the 6-cd changer option as my 97 ES did...so I'm using a cassette adapter to play an iPod (which sounds worse than radio stations...wtf?!). Is it cheap/easy to install the CD changer or any other CD options. Maybe an iPod radio transmitter (iTrip or Monster or something) may help sound quality...

Seems like quite a few problems, but I am determined to fix it all, maintain it and love it as if it was my only car!! So any insight for me at all having to do with the above issues? I was able to find an old Toyota Camry remote and program it to lock/unlock my doors and open the trunk, since it didn't come with a remote.

I've bought a 00-01 grille and wheels so far. Plan to get the taillights and bumper soon. I need to get the windows tinted too.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any help.

ralfuller

Congrats on getting another Lexus, as far as the ipod cassette adapter issue; try switching the direction of play by pressing the radio preset #1 button while in tape mode.

onslaught

Thanks!! I tried that, doesn't work. I even got ahold of another adapter and its the same issue. I might try a iTrip or some other sort of FM transmitter to test and see how that works out.

tomstep2

Try a cassette head cleaner. That worked on my 93 ES. Sounds almost as good as a direct line input.

MrGalione9

1 dont do the fm transmitter, they are succy for the money you pay, the tape adapter plays it real well, especially if you have low - high quality music files...

but yeah a tape deck cleaner should do wonders for that... how many miles on the 98?

onslaught

I'll need to go get a tape head cleaner. It has about 98k miles now.

jimmyjay

Try this link from this forum on installing an iPod input. With no CD changer you wont need a switch or the relays. There's lots to read there so you might try searching for the advice on just the ES.

Ipod input