does the sportdesign ES have like a different suspension setup or anything? just wondering because of the name?

 

Same as the regular ES, except for the trim and leather, and possibly the wheels.

 

Here's what an '04 ES SportDesign looks like.

 

The original post has been updated to include the most current information on a transmission software update for the '02-'03 ES300 and '04-'05 ES330.

 

There seems to be a discrepancy in the revised post.

quote: "If you would like this software update, go to your local Lexus dealer service center and request TSB # TC004-03 be done. This update is covered under warranty."

TSB # TC004-03 is the same # update that I had done in August 2003. I'm sure that the new TSB would NOT have the same number if it was considered a new update!

What am I missing?

 

You missed the sentence before that:
It makes sense to revise the original TSB than come up with a new one when the process and goal are the same.

Do you still have access to AllData?

 

I went to AllData and the TSB is now: "TC004-03R" , So what I said was correct. The new TSB upgrade now has an "R" suffix.

This time I'll wait until some of the other guys tries out this upgrade before I rush right over to my friendly Lexus dealer to have this done. You know what they say, "Once bit, twice shy".

Personally though, I'm a little suspicious that it'll work.......I hope I'm wrong.

OK....Who's going to be the first Guinea Pig???

 

R stands for Revised, and this is the 2nd revision. The TSB # is still TC004-03, as listed in the actual TSB. But we're just nitpicking now...calling it TC004-03 Revised on April 1, 2005 would probably be the clearest.

 

So once again I say, "Who's going to be the first Guinea Pig to do this upgrade"

I see there are no takers so far.

 

I'll have it done on my 2005 ES330 this Saturday. Incidentally, I would suggest that this thread is renamed, since the revised TSB now applies to 2004 and 2005 models.

 

All taken care of.

To all those planning to utilize the revised TSB to have the transmission fixed in his/her '02+ ES, as an act of courtesy please report back here with results and feedback

 

I spoke with my service advisor and the service manager. If you remember from the first page of this thread over 2 years ago, they suggested I not go with the first flashover for the hesitation.

They reported to me that they have done several of the revised programs and so far no complaints. (for what that means).

Both the SA and SM suggested I do this one. They said it was a major improvement over the previous one. So, I have scheduled a service appointment to have this done on May 22.
I asked them, that since my car is out of warranty, will Lexus pick up the tab. they said absolutely, they would do it as a "good will" TSB upgrade. I can't complain with that.

steviej

 

This update is covered under the Lexus Federal Emissions Warranty, which is 8 years or 80K miles (whichever comes first). No "good will" coverage needed for this update unless you have a very high mileage ES.


Thanks. I had edited the title previously to " '02-'05 ES Transmission Software Update ", but it only changed in the thread itself and not in the forum's topic listing.

 

Initial impression with about 100 miles of highway, backroads, and city travel.

I am very impressed with the most recent reflash (#TC003-04R).
The major problem we all hate, the push the pedal to the floor-watch the tach skyrocket and wait for the car to catch up is gone.

If I hit the pedal to the floor the tach goes up and the car accelerates accordingly. However, don't get hesitation and slow acceleration mixed up. The tach doesn't skyrocket as previously and the car does pick up speed rapidly. But guys, we are not in a turbo or supercharged ES, so the pick up is not gonna get you in the NHRA. It did get me in an out of traffic, on ramps and intersections like I expect.

I also noticed that upon rapid acceleration, the tranny found/dropped to the gear I would have chosen if it were a manual. Another plus.

As for shifting, 1st gear duration is very quick, you are there for seconds if that.
2500 rpm and it goes to the next gear under normal acceleration. 4000 rpm when I hit the floor quickly with the pedal. The gear changes are as smooth as before the reflash.

Red-lining is also possible, but the speed of the car is comensorate. I managed this when I was doing about 30 and smashed it. I was doing 60 in an instant. The roads were slick to so I don't know if the rpms went higher due to the tires slightly breaking traction. It barely gets over the begining of the redline and then the tranny drops to the next gear (putting you far from redline again). I am comfortable with that, if I ever have to stomp on it.

The joggle that I used to get at 40mph when it couldn't make up its mind for 4th or 5th is gone (or at least not noticed today).

Now, mind you the ECU is learning at step 1 again and the car only has 100 miles on the new program. I can say that the shifting is changed and from what I have seen today, for the better......MUCH BETTER.

I cannot make any prognosis as to what the operation or performance of this reflash is for the long term, but I will most definately keep you posted as to the what I see with my ES.

Lastly, as for driving the way that I previously adapted.........that still works as smooth as ever, too.

steviej

 

Stevie-

Your findings are good enough for me......I'm calling my dealer to make an appointment tomorrow! Thank you for your complete take on this new upgrade.

Alan