ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

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-   -   New to Lexus (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-6th-gen-1990-2018/896242-new-to-lexus.html)

Atcdan13 Aug 7, 2018 04:25 PM

New to Lexus
 
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Hi, I’m brand new to this forum. I just bought a very nice 2003 ES300 with excellent service records and 97k miles. It looks mint inside and out. I have 2 issues maybe someone could help me with. I tried to search for them but had no luck.

1. The mode and reset buttons on the steering wheel do not perform any functions thatI can see. Under the speedo it always shows current MPG. I assume it’s supposed to change that display. Has anyone experienced this?

2. Whether the engine is running or if the ignition it just in the on position, I have a noise that seems to be coming from behind the gauge cluster. The best thing I can compare it too is like the noise an old analogue clock makes when it’s running crappy or a quieter version of the noise an ice make motor makes. It’s not too loud but I know it’s not normal.

Hopefully I can find this thread again after I post it but if not my email is atcdan13@hotmail.com if anybody has a good idea.

daredeil95 Aug 7, 2018 08:52 PM

Hi, nice car and welcome. I think mode is for the stereo and display changes the mpg screen....if my memory is correct. The noise could be anything and will probably require taking out the cluster and searching for the noise, I have not encountered that issue. Good luck and let us know what you find making the noise?

Brownd3max Aug 7, 2018 10:15 PM

"...or a quieter version of the noise an ice make motor makes." The Ice maker option wasn't available on that model. LOL! Seriously, I personally would first do the "contortionist trick" and get my head down on the top of the brake pedal area to possibly narrow down the noise.

Atcdan13 Aug 8, 2018 02:52 AM

This mode button isn't for the radio. I just found it in the book. It's for the multi information display under the speedo. I wish I could get it to work.

Atcdan13 Aug 8, 2018 10:24 AM

I got the mode button to work. I disconnected the battery for a few minutes and reset the ecu. It brought it back to life. No clue on the noise though.

Oro Aug 8, 2018 05:31 PM


Originally Posted by Atcdan13 (Post 10273583)
I got the mode button to work. I disconnected the battery for a few minutes and reset the ecu. It brought it back to life. No clue on the noise though.

Read this thread and see if it sounds like this could be your problem:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-03-es300.html

I am at a loss as to what else would make mechanical noise there when sitting still (steering column is known to need grease on some models, but that doesn't seem to apply here).

Atcdan13 Aug 8, 2018 06:01 PM


Originally Posted by Oro (Post 10274036)
Read this thread and see if it sounds like this could be your problem:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-03-es300.html

I am at a loss as to what else would make mechanical noise there when sitting still (steering column is known to need grease on some models, but that doesn't seem to apply here).


Thanks. I found tgat thread too. I think that is what the problem is. Hopefully I can fix it. Once I do, this car will be about perfect.

Oro Aug 8, 2018 11:42 PM


Originally Posted by Atcdan13 (Post 10274075)



Thanks. I found tgat thread too. I think that is what the problem is. Hopefully I can fix it. Once I do, this car will be about perfect.

Yes, it looks really nice. I appreciate the interior picture, too - It reminds me I need to refinish the front seats to erase some creases and wear. One odd detail is if the auto cc unit ever acts a bit wonky a flashes at you, there is a known bad relay that you just swap out of the engine fuse box (perhaps yours was done). You can find the info by searching should that arise. There are $8 ones on ebay so this is not a pricey thing.

Be pro-active about maintenance and you can postpone things - I would drain/fill the transmission and ps reservoir every 20k, and use Lubegard Red in both (9oz in one and 1 oz in the PS of a 10oz bottle). The engine and transmission with good care can go a very, very long time.

Atcdan13 Aug 9, 2018 05:13 AM


Originally Posted by Oro (Post 10274269)
Be pro-active about maintenance and you can postpone things - I would drain/fill the transmission and ps reservoir every 20k, and use Lubegard Red in both (9oz in one and 1 oz in the PS of a 10oz bottle). The engine and transmission with good care can go a very, very long time.


Something nice about this car is the service history I received. This car was serviced religiously at Metro Lexus in Cleveland. If the owners manual said tobdo something, the original owner did it. It appears to have never been worked on by anyone except Lexus. The timing belt was just done 7k miles ago as well and the dealer I bought it at put 4 new Goodyear Assurances and all new brakes on it when they took it in on trade. I’ll rack up miles much quicker than the original owner did but I keep my stuff real nice.

Atcdan13 Aug 9, 2018 04:22 PM

Added some better photos
 

acarapella Aug 10, 2018 05:21 AM

Welcome to Lexus!!! I have the exact same car.... silver. Mine was "saved" from an end-of-life scenario and isn't as nice, but for $3,000 I can't complain. Hopefully you love the ownership experience... these cars, if cared for, will preform better at 250,000 than many other luxury brands around 60,000 and thats not an exaggeration. There is a gent on here fixing to crack 1,000,000 miles on an old LS400 on a road trip. Its all about proper maintenance with the original parts (not necessarily from the dealer, but the original manufacturer like Denso, Aisin) and original fluids (radiator, transmission). Unless you are after high performance, you've purchased the best car in its class, by a long shot, and found the best site for support, equally so.

Welcome!

Atcdan13 Aug 10, 2018 09:51 AM

Thanks. That is good to hear. I do about 20k a year so this should last me a while.


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