anh2lua

Hi all
I just bought a used 2004 lexus es330 from an old couple with 150k miles. However, it came with only one key without keyless entry.

Should I get a master key with keyless entry from the dealer or install an after market remote start + keyless entry?

Anyway I can tell if the timing belt and water pump have been replaced?

Anyone replaced the stereo with aftermarket HU? I want bluetooth.

Thanks

JetsonES

Calling Speedkar9. ....calling Speedkar9. ....

Look up Speedkar9. Some of his most recent posts should have videos attached, follow the videos to his YouTube channel. He has a video for everything you just asked about.

Also, if they serviced the lexus at the dealer, the dealer will have records as to what has been done to the car, you can verify the timing belt that way.

808mcv20l

I got my spare key from mylparts.com they even cut it for me for free I provided them the keycode from my local dealer.

I heard that the aftermarket keys w/fob on ebay have bad range.

BTW, I believe for a 02+ you need the OBDII Smartkey maker, you can't do the foot dance method to program the transponder.

for the Remote portion you can do the usual programming for that, fiddling with door open/close door locks etc.

ask MMatheny, he just went through this whole process recently without going to a dealer.

Corkman

I just bought my first used Lexus this summer an 05 ES330. I joined this site https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...-lexus/home.do and put in my Vin# and was amazed at the info on my cars service records.
Mike

JetsonES

Corkman, that is awesome! Thanks so much, I was thinking "why don't they have it online" apparently they do, cool!

anh2lua

Thank you all.

I checked the service records online and there were very few 'til end of 2006. So, there is no record of the timing belt and/or water pump.

I am tempting to replace the factory HU with an aftermarket: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KWR9...KW-R910BT.html
All accessories including wiring harness, steering wheel control, dash kit and 3 yrs extended warranty on the receiver = $230

Re: keyless entry. I called a local audio shop and they wanted $350 for CompuStar - Remote Start Kit + keyless entry installed. I might go this route instead of getting a master key from the dealer.

Oro

It's a crying shame the "search" function was maliciously disabled on this forum.

Zacharias

Can you expand on that? I see a 'search' button at the top of the forum page.


Thanks

JetsonES

No chance the old couple will find the key? By the way, 1010 keys on ebay is an awesome vendor and will cut you new keys from photos or from the key code. I just picked up two of the flip keys from them and they are decent for the money.

http://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?sid=101...&isRefine=true

speedkar9

Is your current key a valet or a master key without a remote? If its a master key, you can purchase a key from eBay and program it yourself. Stay away from the aftermarket keys and get a used OEM key and a new key blade. My dealer cut mine for $20. Here's how to program it, you will need a techstream cable:


I'm going to call you out on the aftermarket stereo. I think it will look hideous on the ES's plush interior. For my ES330 I bought an ipod/AUX kit from GTA car kits. It plugs into the stock radio and I can still use my steering wheel controls. They also have bluetooth modules available:

http://www.gtacarkits.com/product/le...phone-aux-kit/

Its easy to install yourself too:


As for the timing belt, if service records don't indicate it you can sometimes see the telltale signs of TB/WP replacement under the hood. Look for a crank bolt pulley that looks slightly stripped (i.e. an impact gun was on it), or a sticker under the hood or the door jambs indicating the service was done.

If you want to open the timing covers yourself (half the job right there) you can inspect the belt. an 11 year old 150K mile belt most likely won't have its original timing marks and brand name printed on the belt. The water-pump has a date of manufacture stamp on the casting from which you can determine if its been replaced. Here's the timing belt procedure, with the exception of the power steering bracket and tensioner, its the same on the 3.3L V6. Skip to 7:45 to see the date stamp on the pump:


Hey....I made it! Sorry haven't been on the forums for a week. But yes I'm glad my videos are being helpful to everyone. Thanks

mmatheny

Not me, I did for my '01 ES300 about 3 years ago, but not recently.