Lexus ES 350

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  • ljk1000ljk1000 Member Posts: 10
    I had this problem last week. We had our first freezing weather. When I started my car after it sat outside all day at work, the light came on. I was driving out of town that afternoon, so I rushed over to the Lexus place and they checked it out. It definitely was the cold weather. There were 3 other people there with the same light on.
  • omniskyeomniskye Member Posts: 4
    Does anybody know if the annual Lexus December to Remember Sale generates the lowest prices all year? or is it just a special financing and leasing promotion? In other words, is the actual selling price of the car the lowest during this sale?

    I wonder how it compares against prices a few months AFTER this sale due to depreciation, seasonality, etc.
  • jkossjkoss Member Posts: 9
    I know of four other people that have purchased the 350 premium plus package in the Houston TX market during the last two months and the premium plus cars are apparently coming with the side body mouldings directly from the factory. My salesperson told me that the Lexus dealership would remove them if I did not like the appearance.
  • arcee98arcee98 Member Posts: 3
    I picked up my ES350 with Premium Plus, Nav, etc. last Thursday and it didn't have body side mouldings I live in the Chicago suburban area, so don't know if it's a local thing or not but I haven't seen any with the body side mouldings. By the way, so far I'm loving it.
  • jkossjkoss Member Posts: 9
    Excellent post...thank you for the information. You are correct about the JL Audio Clean Sweep SSI. It is available now in the Houston TX market. I was lucky enough to visit a local high end audio store and witness the sound that this device produces. The customer had one installed in a new ES premium. It is an effective solution for factory stereo systems and will reproduce quality high end sound that you would hear from an expensive higher end. This difference is sound and clarity is very clear and very noticeable. It is running about $500.00 installed. The customer also had a 300 watt 4 channel Rockford Fosgate AMP stealthy installed in the trunk. He changed out the subwoofer to a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer and the entire system sounds fantastic for about $1200.00 with everything installed. I am hoping to have a system installed by Christmas and will update the post then. I am going to take a look at the same equipment but I may consider upgraded speakers. I will spend no more than $1800.00.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    I have started to encounter this same issue now that the temperature has started to drop here at night. Did the kit installed on your car correct the problem?
  • ronwynronwyn Member Posts: 16
    No it has not. I am very dissapointed in this car. The shift problem is not as pronounced but it is still there. It now seems to slam into the gear during the 2-3 shift. I only have around 3,000 miles and continue to drive it to put some more miles on before I return to the dealer. The last time they had it three weeks because they had to wait for the part. I am also having a problem with the drivers side headrest. It starts out in the down position and after a few miles raises up about an inch to an inch and a half. I did not expect this with a Lexus. Traded in a 2000 Avalon and loved that car. My other vehicle is a 2004 Honda Pilot and I have had no problems with it, only the dealership.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    I actually am experiencing the shift problem between second and third gear. The problem seems worse when the car has sat all night and the temperature has dropped. It is most noticeable when I am going through school zones in the morning. Slowly accelerating to school zone speeds seems to make the problem very evident. I'll get this 500-600 rpm jump as the car shifts from second to third gear and then get a lurch when third engages. Very annoying for a car of this cost.

    As luck would have it, I scheduled an appointment with my dealer to take a look at the problem Friday, but the temperature warmed up here to the point that when I drove the car Friday morning, the problem was barely noticeable. I'll take the car to the dealer when the temp drops and I can recreate the problem at will.
  • ricwilliricwilli Member Posts: 10
    I have been a long time reader of this forum, and followed the thread on the tranny problems. I took my car in for the 5k service and mentioned that I felt a little jerk between gears, but it was hardly noticeable, and also my tire light had come on. They checked out everything and said that they had ordered me a new tranny as cars in my vin range had been having problems (06-06 production). They adjusted my tire pressure up to 36 and re-set the light. I have had no further problem with the tire light and they just notified me that my tranny had arrived. I am getting it installed right after xmas and will update after it has been in a while.

    Thanks for keeping the info rolling!!

    Ric
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    I have an 09/06 production car. We'll see how things go if and when the temperature drops around here as the problem seems to be more evident when the temps are lower. I think the temp today here in Dallas is in the upper 70's.
  • ryguy1ryguy1 Member Posts: 10
    Hi,
    I am quite concerned about this tranny issue. My car was also built in 06-06 but my dealer has not notified me of a tranny replacement. I can't exactly say I am having a problem but have noticed occasionally a very slight jerk between gears. I'm curious who your dealer is -- I'm in the NYC area and wouldn't mind getting my srevice there as they seem quite conscientious.
  • lexusguy3lexusguy3 Member Posts: 12
    I received a new transmission and the problem still happens in cold weather with the first run through of the car. It is then fine. I can live with that but still not happy. I had the same problem with the tire inflation light with a cold spell and found the inflation at 25 #. The manual says 30# not 35# for the tire on the car and the ride is a bit rougher but the light went out. If I was a suspicous guy I would suspect the dealer kept it at 25# to make the ride smoother.
  • ronwynronwyn Member Posts: 16
    I am still having the shift problems even after the shift flare kit was installed. It is like yours, most noticible during slow acceleration. If you press on the gas and go it is not evident. I am not always on the highway but in a city, driving between 25 and 35. That is when it is most evident, no matter if it is cold or hot. Today, I watched the tach over rev 1000 rpm's during the 2-3 shift. Needless to say I went to the dealership and spoke to the service manager as opposed to the service writer. Service manager hopes to have the new transmission in before Christmas but I am not banking on that. When asked why my car sounds like it has a diesel motor he stated it could be because of the transmission. I shall see if the new trans is a cure for that. When exiting the dealership I had a 4000 rpm spike and the trans was warmed up by then. Over all I am not impressed with my purchase of a new Lexus. I have had nothing but new vehicles since 1971, American mostly and some Japanese, and have never expierenced anything like this.
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    Toyota, as has Hyundai, Honda, and Nissan among others, has adopted the use of chains in lieu of textile reinforced cogged rubber belts per owner complaints about the frequency of routine timing belt replacements to drive the camshafts. While more durable long-term, chains are inevitably noisier than belts as they negotiate their various guides and sprockets. Chain noise may be responsible for what you percieve to be diesel-like clatter.

    (The old Volvo "B" series inline automobile and marine engines had the best solution - real he-man, silent spiral-cut gears from crankshaft to camshaft that were constantly exposed to an oil stream in operation.)
  • jaspalbjaspalb Member Posts: 84
    ES350 manual tells (page 20 or so) that user can change four lock/unlock options (i.e. all locks open when shift moved to Park, speed depeedent locking, etc.) wor make it work one way or the other, by manipulating shift lever and Lock/Unlock buttons on the driverside door. I tried that, but nothing happens. Has anybody tried it? Thanks.
  • redcar07redcar07 Member Posts: 3
    To(larrymit) I know how the air bag system is suppose to work, and I have read the owners manual. This has nothing to do with a child or a child seat. This is an adult woman weighing 118 pounds. Also we have no children or grand children. With her properly restrained by her seat belt, sitting properly according to the owners manual. The air bag light show es OFF,which means the air bag system will not work in case of a bad accident. The factory rep. tells me it has to do with the computer and they are working to fix the problem. For the remark, YOUR KIDS ARE OUT OF CONTROL IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. Sir again I have NO CHILDREN at all. Just my wife and I. YOU HAVE FAILED TO UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION THAT I HAVE ASKED.
  • gkoffgkoff Member Posts: 36
    I have the ES 350 with the standard headlights. Is there an aftermarket HID bulb available?
  • larrymitlarrymit Member Posts: 80
    Ray_h1,

    I was just explaining how my system worked: the air bag sensor in my car seems to react to about a 70 lb. load.

    As for the children control comment, I didn't make that comment, someone replying to me made it, and I took some offense myself.

    I agree you have a problem and hope you get it fixed soon.
  • larrymitlarrymit Member Posts: 80
    Actually, I should have addressed my reply to redcar07.

    Gosh, it's easy to get confused, isn't it?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Yeah, it sure can be! ;)

    One thing that's helpful is that we have about 30 minutes after making a post to edit it or even delete it.

    You actually did use the reply link to redcar07's post, though. So you pretty much did what you wanted to do. :)
  • decondecon Member Posts: 56
    I'm trying to decide which to get the ES350 or IS350.

    Can someone chime in and tell me what's the real difference?

    It seems the ES350 would be a better choice for all around low maintenance, quiet ride.
  • colorfulyearscolorfulyears Member Posts: 11
    The difference is that IS 350 is a truely sports car while ES 350 are more comfortable to ride on. The major thing is that the rear seat of the IS350 is so tight that even my 10-year-old child feels that she does not have enough leg room. ES350 has more cup holders and more high-tech options. If you have a family, I strongly recommend ES 350 over IS350, although IS350 has more horsepower.
  • ronwynronwyn Member Posts: 16
    As I stated in my last post I did not believe the dealer would have my new trans replaced by Christmas, I was right. It is at the dealer now and I have been told I might have it by Wed 1/3. I would like to pass on some information on that I learned at another Lexus web site, Club Lexus. There is a site to go on that gives all the TSIB's for the Lexus product line. You have to sort through them to find the ones for the ES 350. The address is http://www.alldata.com/tsb/lexus/index-issue.httm.

    The Club Lexus site states that there are a lot of ES 350 buy backs listed on an E-bay site. I am hoping the transmission replacement will cure my vehicle of its problem and I do not have to pursue this with Lexus anymore. I hope the information provided will help some of you with the issues you are expierencing.
  • greasykid1greasykid1 Member Posts: 336
    ES---Front wheel drive. IS--- Rear wheel drive. Also tires on IS will ride like a tractor and sound like one too.
  • jaspalbjaspalb Member Posts: 84
    greasykid1,

    Link you gave for TSIB's on ES 350 does not work.
  • ronwynronwyn Member Posts: 16
    Sorry about that, messed up at the end of the address.

    http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Lexus/index-issue.html
  • jaspalbjaspalb Member Posts: 84
    A couple of months ago, one of us posted a link where interior additional custom wood paneling for ES 350 could be ordered. Could that site be reposted please. I am considering some additional wood over air vents and/or glovebox, etc.
  • bobbassbobbass Member Posts: 34
    Here's one from Sherwood Dash:

    link title
  • jaspalbjaspalb Member Posts: 84
    Thanks bobbass. Has anyone tried these aftermarket dash wood pieces. There are 32 pieces shown (some don't apply to the non-nav version I have). I am considering only a few, e.g. above the air vents and around the glove box
  • jaspalbjaspalb Member Posts: 84
    I believe some have used the aftermarket dash wood kit? How does it look? The whole kit costs around $200 for all 32 pieces. I would like some feedback from users before considering it further.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    I wanted to post a quick message regarding a dash rattle I had on my ES350. The rattle in the dash appeared to be in the area of the dash right behind the instrument cluster. The rattle was worse or louder when the car was cold and seemed to lessen after the car heated up. The rattle was quite annoying for a car that is very quiet with the exception of this rattle coming from the dash every time I drove over a rough patch on a road.

    I finally couldn't take the rattle any more and took the car to the dealership earlier this week and asked them to look into the problem. Amazingly, the technician was able to identify the rattle and correct the problem. The part installed to correct the rattle, as listed on the service invoice, was a "INS PANEL SAFETY PAD SUBASSY". Whatever the part is, it took care of the annoying rattle and the car is quieter than ever. I was very pleased with the results.

    If you have a similar rattle in your dash, you might investigate the installation of the part mentioned above to see if it will correct the problem. Since a part was installed, it leads me to believe there might have been a TSB released that explained the problem I was experiencing on how to corrected the problem.
  • dunde71dunde71 Member Posts: 33
    Initially I thought that I will settle with the Prmium Plus Package. But after I saw one ES350 at the dealership with the UL Package I am almost inclined towards it. I love those wheels and the leather seats. The leather was awesome.

    My only concern is the Panoramic Roof. I am not crazy about it. One ... that its glass ... so not quite sure how hard it is and will it crack or break or have leak issues that might arise due to it after a few years.

    Second .. the salesman was telling me that the ES350 may not be as quiet as the Premium Plus Pkg because the glass might not be as good a sound barrier as the normal hard roof.

    Any thoughts on this will be appreciated. Thanks.
  • amf1932amf1932 Member Posts: 79
    After having driven both the PP version and the UL(which I've owned for over 8 months), I can say that the Panoramic Roof is every bit as quiet, or quieter as the standard moonroof...aside from the fact that every rear seat passenger loves it, since it gives the interior of the car a brighter more open feeling. I'm sure you'll love it!
  • ray_h1ray_h1 Member Posts: 1,134
    )) "One ... that its glass ... so not quite sure how hard it is and will it crack or break or have leak issues that might arise due to it after a few years." ((

    By federal law, the glass is tempered. Breakage is possible in a rollover but tempered glass breaks in small chunks - abrassive, but not nearly as dangerous as the typical long, sharp shards characteristic of broken untempered glass. Leakage is a function not of the roof material, but rather the eventual deterioration of the rubber sealing gaskets. Whether that'll ever be a problem during your ownership is anyone's guess, but the seals can be replaced if need be.
  • elwoodmoragaelwoodmoraga Member Posts: 15
    Just bought an ES350-never had a car before with this type of key. Still getting used to it. I've always had a hide a key with other vehicles, and it's come in handy every once in awhile.
    The sales guy told me that if I hide one of the Lexus keys somewhere then anybody can get into the car and start it.
    My question is - what if you extract the small metal key from the key device and hide that? Will that work?
    Any suggestions?
  • moeharrimoeharri Member Posts: 108
    Out of curiosity, how many times did you use your hide a key? I know it may provide peace of mind or something like that, but do you actually use it? Thanks.
  • jaspalbjaspalb Member Posts: 84
    Metal key can only open the car. It can not start. For starting the car you still need the electronic key.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    I am finally going to take my car in and have the transmission looked at. It bothers me that I have this little "flare" occurring between 2nd and 3rd gear changes and it bothers me that my V8 powered Toyota 4Runner shifts smoother than my Lexus luxury car. I don't get any smooth gear changes unless the car is warmed up and I am somewhat aggressively accelerating the car. In traffic in the mornings where you tend to accelerate slower, I feel every gear shift and it is annoying. We'll see what the dealer has to say about the car next week.
  • ronwynronwyn Member Posts: 16
    Just an update on my transmission woes. A new transmission was installed, car at dealer from 12/27 - 1/8. I now have approximately 120 miles on it and I am not thrilled. This morning the trans hung up between 2nd and 3rd. The engine still sounds like a diesel for the first 20 - 30 minutes and the headrest still raises about 2 inches when parked and while driving. I have a call into Lexus USA and am awaiting a return call concerning this vehicle. This is not why I purchased a Lexus. It has now been at the dealer as many times as my 2000 Avalon that I had for 6 years.
  • ricwilliricwilli Member Posts: 10
    I had my tranny swapped on 12/26 and it has been working great! No flare, and I have been looking for it! I now have no problems at all with my ES, just took it for a drive to Las Vegas from LA and averaged 95 MPH and only got a little wind noise when I ran it up to 110mph one time. At 100mph it rides like 70 in my 2004 Grand Prix GTP. I love this car (and no...I am not an employee of Lexus/Toyota! lol) :)
  • babygirl16babygirl16 Member Posts: 2
    Hum...where do I begin??? I am NOT in the best of moods at the moment. :mad: My ES350 was involved in a car accident the other day. :cry:NOT our fault...someone hit us from behind. (I wasn't in the car...only my husband...he's fine by the way) The accident could have been a lot worse (for the naked eye to see) but it looked just like bumper damage. WELL NO!! We received a phone call today from Lexus that there is FRAME DAMAGE!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: I mean I know accidents happen...Thats life...BUT I am quite frustrated to say the least. I have only had my car for 3 months and only 1900 miles on it and it has already been in a wreck w/ FRAME DAMAGE on top of it. I know I am rambling...I am sorry and I hope I am posting this in the correct place. But I have a question/concern...With my car being so new and all...Does anyone think that there is ANYWAY possible to fight the party at faults insurance company for a replacement because of the FRAME DAMAGE? I have read a lot about other cars w/ this similar situation and some people have reported some insurance companies do and some dont w/ the frame damage issue... UGGGGGG I am pulling my hair out. It's like it isnt fair...It wasnt our fault...I dont want a "repaired" frame!!! I just dont know what to do...My gut tells me that they wont...Some people have told me with a repaired frame you car will NEVER be back to 100%...I feel if the accident had been our fault I couldnt say anything...BUT IT WASNT...Somebody PLEASE help me with suggestions....
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Wow, I'm so sorry to hear what happened. It's great that your husband wasn't hurt, but I understand exactly what you're saying about how you feel. Here are a couple of discussions where people have talked about similar experiences:

    Questions About Auto Insurance & Accidents

    Replacement Cost by Insurance Company for Totaled Vehicle

    Even though your car isn't totalled, I believe you'll find information in that second one that also applies to your situation. I'd look through the last few pages of both discussions and then post questions in either one. (You don't need to post in both because the people who can help probably read both.)

    Best of luck to you. Let us know how it goes.
  • elwoodmoragaelwoodmoraga Member Posts: 15
    Probably no more than once a year. So more a piece of mind thing.
  • babygirl16babygirl16 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks! I will go check that out!!
  • caddymancaddyman Member Posts: 12
    I have three irritating rattles coming from the dash of my 3 week old ES350. I'm reluctant to take the car to the dealer because they will need to remove the dash to correct the problem and might create consequential rattles. Rattles are a sign of inferior quality. These rattles are ruining my experience with this car. What to do??
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    The answer is rather obvious. Go back to your dealer. How else do you expect to find a solution?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    might create consequential rattles

    Might is the key word there. You have them now. Why wouldn't you want to let the dealership try to get rid of them. It could work, you know. ;)
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    I had a dashboard rattle in my new ES as well and it WAS driving me crazy. I finally had all I could stand and took the car back to the dealer to see if they could correct the problem. I too was a little concerned that removing the dash might create more rattles than it resolved, but I took a chance regardless.

    Amazingly, when the car was returned to me, the rattle was gone! The car is silent now. Search for an earlier post from me regarding a dashboard rattle. In that post, I listed the part they installed on my car that cured my problem.

    Now, I need to tackle the transmission flare between second and third gear.....
  • jaspalbjaspalb Member Posts: 84
    Has anyone tried customizing door lock/unlock functions as detailed on Manual page 20 & 21. I wanted to change 'Driver door linked unlocking' function (all doors are opened if driver's door is opened within 10 seconds after turning the engine off). I can't do this or any other changes listed. Don't know if I am not correctly pressing the buttons.
  • stlgasmanstlgasman Member Posts: 141
    I see listed on ebay numerous ES350's that were manufacturer buybacks for transmission. What are the pros and cons of buying such a vehicle. Is the title branded "lemon"?
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