davee300

Hi,

I am a new 2000 ES300 owner w/64k miles, and this is my first post to the forum (My old car was a '93 Camry I4 w/185k)

I've got a couple of other question too, but I'll make a separate thread for them.

Basically, the car seems quite clean/nice, but it was sitting for a long time before I purchased it. (Tires a bit dry rotted.)

The engine runs smooth, but often upon sudden moderate/hard acceleration, the car hesitates and, if you listen closely, it almost sounds like the engine is 'gasping' for air or gas.

Kind of like a deadspot at the start.

Even at higher speeds, it seems to lack a bit of pickup compared other 00/01 ES300's I've driven.

I checked the air filter and it looks clean.

My local (non-lexus) mechanic said the computer was also showing some sort of emissions code, but is not sure if the problems are related. He said that the code might just be since computer needs a 'reset' after sitting for while. I am not clear on how to do this, though.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
David

Choas

Try doing the seafoam treatment.

ssmoked

you can take it to discount auto parts and ask them to check and reset your codes for free

lexusk8

^^ follow what ssmoked said about taking your car into an auto parts store like Autozone or Advance Auto Parts. Error code checking is one of their many free services offered to customers. However, considering what you have said so far about the transmission behavior in your car, I would also check the transmission fluid and note its quality. If it's dark colored, the fluid should be drained and refilled, but if it's cherry red, the fluid is OK.

Pheonix

Do the kinds of tune-up items we always talk about here & get use to drive-by-wire.

AzNMpower

I thought this hesitation thing was a common Toyota thing.....it's not an electronic throttle issue on my '96 since well, I dont have it. But every Toyota/Lexus I've been in, if you hit the gas moderately hard from 5-15mph, the transmission jerks pretty hard since it's confused whether to pick 1st or 2nd. Very annoying in traffic, especially when just have to dart into that lane

Ugh don't get me started on Toyota automatics.........I will rant on for pages.

Pheonix

^There is no electronic throttle on a '96 engine.
Adjust your kick-down cable until it shifts like you want it. It's most likely stretched some in 10 years. Change the fluid, and reset the ECU.


The old (87-98) 4 speed automatics are one of the best transverse A/T's that have ever been on the market. They don't break down insessantly like a Honda. Neither do they constantly hunt for the right gear, or keep the torque convertor locked & stall the engine on inclines like domestics.

AzNMpower

I know it doesnt have the electronic throttle.....I said so in the post

I thought torque converter lockup was a good thing. Less efficiency loss and a more direct feel to it. I don't think mine locks up until top gear. By comparison, my X3's automatic usually locks up in 4th (5-speed auto), but can do it in any gear; and the new high-perf. automatic in the 335i coupe locks up right after take-off. I test drove one and it felt really cool........I wish all automatics were that way now!

(An automatic can stall an engine? The last time I knew about that was when my friend stalled his Avalon by improper shifting technique.)

platinumLS

it sound like the mass air flow is going but not bad enogh to trow a code but before that try a full tune up