Bedore

Hello all,

I recently acquired a 1997 Lexus ES300. Really liking the car. Figured it would be a good time to introduce myself as well as post up about a couple issues.

The first is the A/C. If I put it on Auto and turn the temp **** to COLD, it doesn't blow cold and the A/C light blinks. If I manually select A/C and fan speed, it will sometimes blow cold (real cold) then stop blowing cold. I have done some research and saw that a magnetic clutch relay was to blame, but it appears to be on later models (02 + I believe). would my 97 be subject to the same issue?

Secondly, the engine appears to have some valve noise. It runs great, and doesn't stall or anything like that and I assume it to be some valve/lifter noise consdering it has pretty high miles. Is this something to be concerned with? The check engine light came on when I was driving it home, so I have to get the code read...soon.

Anyhow, thanks in advance and I hope to find much information here to help me during my ES300 ownership.

wbudna

hello and welcome, Im new to the forum myself as i just purchse a 96 es300 with over 250000k miles and im having the same valve noise im going to have it check out next week will keep you posted on the results

Bedore

Please do! I would be interested to see what you find out as the source of the noise.

The check engine light that I mentioned was P0141, the post-catalyst o2 sensor. Got a new one on the way for replacement.

I also was able to fix the A/C. But I do have another question. I will have to disconnect my negative battery cable to clean it and to clear the check engine light once I install the new sensor. Does anyone know if that will affect my radio function? I have read it will, and I have read it will not. My radio LCD is broken so I can't tell if it's secure coded or not.

Thanks.