ES330/300 DIY (do-it-yourself) & technical tips
 

I decided to place this thread for the purpose of making common issues and methods readily available for all ES owners. These include often-discussed topics like "How do I clear the headlights?" and "Where can I get the instrument cluster lights fixed?". This will NOT include debatable topics like "Can 20's fit in my ES?" or "Will a K&N air filter be OK for my ES?". Remember that as far as this thread is concerned, we are looking for factual answers, and nothing opinionated.

When posting in this thread, please include a brief description of the topic or issue, and a valid URL (it can be CL-related or non-CL related). Only post here if you DO have a topic AND a URL(s) to share.

Hopefully you guys will find this thread useful, and not have to rely on making new threads within the ES forum and asking infinitely repeated questions ;) Don't forget to use the search engine too!

Master list (constantly updated)
 

1992 - 1996 ES300

How to fix backlighting problems

How to access and replace a front turn signal bulb

How to access and change/replace instrument bulbs behind the center console

1997 - 2001 ES300

How to remove the stock stereo unit (Adobe .PDF document)

How to install aftermarket HID assy

How to access and replace instrument bulbs behind the center console

How to install aftermarket stereo head unit, subwoofer and amplifier

How to access and replace tailight bulbs

How to access the door panel

How to change the A/C filter

ALL ES300s

How to access and replace a fog light bulb in a '97-present ES

How to repaint large chips on your car

How to de-badge the rear emblems on your car

How to access and replace the 3rd brake light bulb in an ES

How to change your oil and filter on an ES

How to change your brake rotors and pads in an ES

Clear corners...

Click Here

Black housing headlights

Black housing headlights part 2

How to do a simple tranny drain and fill on an 02+ ES

steviej

XM Installation
 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=131951

It was only a 1.5hr job!

Just recently added (thanks to bigguppy) :)

How to install aftermarket stereo head unit, subwoofer and amplifier in a '97-'01 ES

Center console ashtray removal
 

Courtesy of a13n0rma1:

How to remove the center console ashtray from a '97-'01 ES

Doug....great posting...I know I'm probably so late to this party but ....

we've met at a couple NE meets early this year (april 25 - Tri brand meet and also Alley pond park in fall of last year) but I've been MIA since so you may not remember me.....
I am glad you found that posting i did of the aftermarket HID install that was years ago..... I know it has help a few people ....Ive gotten PM's on it...


Nice to see that wiring diagram of the radio....for the 2000 ES...boy that would have come in handy when I was doing my system....lol...but to have it all condensed here in one thread was an excellent Idea!....and great write up and pics on the bulbs....i know w couple ES guys who had that minor issue..

Fog light mod for '97-'01 ES (thanks MASH835) :)

thirdmotio wrote up an excellent how-to on accessing the door panel in a '97-'01 ES (may be different procedure on all other ES, use caution).

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...94&postcount=6

I noticed some are on a first name basis here. My name is Mark. I doubt the Bass Improvement Project would qualify to be stickied so here goes.

Cupholder Fix (92-96)

2-Din to 2.5-DIN Conversion (92-96)

How to change the steering wheel in your ES (courtesy of mcelligott)

How to access and replace the cabin filter from the '02-'05 ES (courtesy of miltonlin)

How to clean and soften leather seats w/ pics
 

Not really a repair procedure, but doing this once a year will keep your seats soft and prevent cracking for years

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/automotive-care-and-detailing/93591-fast-orange-and-leatherique-experience-pics.html

Reset Maintenance code on '98 ES-300
 

Does anyone know how to reset the maintenance interval code on a 1998 ES-300?

Thanks ~
Marty

Maguires clear lense ploish
 

Try Maguires Clear Plastic lense cleaner and polish. I've had really good results from their product.

To my understanding, I have never heard of such a maintenance interval code on a '98 ES. I believe that feature was implemented, starting with the 2002 ES300.

Just taking a wild guess, but do you really mean the Check Engine light (i.e. the yellow warning light with an engine icon and the word 'CHECK' underneath it)?

Rear strut install
 

I came across a very informative write-up on a DIY rear strut assembly install for the '97-'01 ES. Looks like this can easily be done in your driveway with just a floor jack and a set of socket wrenches :)

http://michalscheck.com/lexus/struts/struts.html

Thanks to Woogie for his recent DIY write-up :)

How to replace the radio LCD on a '92-'96, '97-'99 ES

Does anyone have a diagram for a 1993 ES300 power steering hoses?
 

You guys are right regarding using a 97-01Toyota Camry repair maunual from Haynes or Chilton, they are completely usless. After looking at my ES300 P/S pump, I'm scratching my head because the Camry P/S pump and hoses look a look more simple.

I converted from Honda guru to now Lexus newby. Whew, there's not much space to work on the P/S hose from underneath.

Does anyone have any pictures or a diagram showing how all the lines fit together? There should be 3-4 hoses.

Thanks guys.

A couple annoying things from my car that i haven't been able to figure out.
1. An annoying tap when the turn signals are on for a long time.
2. Vibration somewhere under the hood when I close the doors (not the license plates)

Thank Lexucan for this DIY
 

How Do You Change The Lexus Es300 Brake Pads? Step By Step? Thx If Anyone Can Help Me?

I spent somethin like 5 bucks on this via eBay but i figured I'd post it on here for free in hopes you guys might be able to return the favor with my GPS installation!


Remote Keyless Entry Programming Procedure
(Customer Program Method)


1. Sit in the driver's seat and lock all the doors.
2. Unlock and open the driver's door.
3. Insert the key into the ignition and remove it (don't turn it...just remove it).
4. Using the MANUAL lock switch on the driver's door, lock and unlock the door 5 times.
5. Close the door.
6. Open the door.
7. Lock and unlock the driver's door 5 times (with the power switch).
8. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position.
9. Remove the key.
10.The driver's door will now lock and unlock itself one time.
11.Press and hold the "LOCK" button on the key fob for at least 1 second.
12.Close the driver's door.
13.Open the driver's door.
14.Press and hold the "LOCK" button on the key fob for at least one second.
15.Close the driver's door.
16.Press and hold the "LOCK" button on the key fob. The door will lock.
17.Press and hold the "LOCK" button on the key fob again. The door will unlock.

Trans drain and fill on 98?
 

Anyone have a trans drain and fill DIY they would like to post? I'm asking since the only other one in this thread is for '02 and up and that every person I ask locally has a different answer on how much fluid this takes. There are two drain plugs also.

I'll bet Phoenix has some info.

How to install an auto-dimming rear view mirror in a '97-'99 ES
 

Courtesy of miltonlin:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=227026

spark plug change 2nd gen ES300
 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-4th-gen-1990-2006/96186-successful-1992-es300-spark-plug-change.html

Use this helpful link if you have questions about a spark plug change on the 2nd gen ES. Nice Write up and PICS!!!

How to repair ES300 power antenna
 

I found the following link extremely useful

http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereor...S300PwrAnt.htm

since it provides detailed instructions and great pictures of how to install a new antenna mast or repairing the power antenna unit inside the trunk. I just went thru replacing the old mast with a new on my '94 ES300. Didn't even have to open the trunk and everything was done on the outside of the car. The most important tool to have is a pair of small angled (bent) needle-nose pliers to remove the slotted nut.

The above site also contains tips on how to remove/install stereo on just about any makes including all the Lexus models.

Courtesy of blide1,

1997-2001 ES300 door handle fix

Was wondering if anyone might know how to take apart the entire centre console of a 2002 es300. The reason being is that i use my ash-tray as a change box and often it over flows and my change falls into the little crack behind the ash-tray and it falls down there somewhere... and over time i probably have close to $100 in change which fell. haha. Can anyone help me through this, to open it up?

Follow this link for ashtray removal instructions (actually an instructional for installing XM radio in a '02-'04 ES):

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=131951

It suggests to just pull the panels and ash-tray off... i'm not too fond of that idea. Won't they crack or break?

Dropped my keys behind the little cup left of the steering wheel of my ES330. Can anyone tell me how to remove the cup in order to get the keys out. Thanks for the help.
Linda

Thanks to Lexucan for writing this up:

How to replace the instrument cluster lights in a '92-'96 ES

This was mine after using Novus by hand. Nevermind the front bumper :)

Can anyone help...How can I fix my driver's side door lock every other door works with and without the key except the driver's side of my 93 es300

DIY: Seat Belt Replacement 97 ES300
 

Anybody have a step by step and tool selection list for replacing the driver's seat belt with automatic tensioner? I bought the belt (Lexus) and have read some posts that indicate a torx socket or two is involved. I don't want to open it up to find out that I need to go buy another tool. Anybody ever do one of these? Please advise, thanks!

Seat Belt Replacement - Step One
 

Oh well, I started to replace the seat belt and there's a tiny snag...you need a special T-40 torx socket with a female center. Can't say that I've ever seen one. Went to Sears, Advance Auto Parts, and Lowe's. Must be a Snap-On or something. Any ideas where I could find one of these whizbang gadgets??