PLEASE DO A SEARCH BEFORE POSTING A THREAD/QUESTION
yes I know the search doesn't always work, but it does work, keep trying, give it some time and try again when the server is less busy.
Also, READ THE FAQ & STICKIES, most info is posted or linked there.
Doing a search and reading the faq and stickies will help save bandwidth which will, in turn, allow the search to work more often and not clutter the forum with repetitive topics therefore allowing new info and discoveries to have more exposure. Thank you!
FAQ
http://my.is/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=60
Everything from; choosing bolt on power mods, suspension mods, maintenance procedures to reviews, what to look for when buying a used IS300 as well as Forced Induction.
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2001-2005 Definitive Change List;
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=201863
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Is it ok to use lower octane gas?
Yes and no.
The car will adjust to run "ok" on lower octane gas. What it does is retard timing to prevent knocking or pinging which will cause damage to the engine. However, the car will not run optimally, that and long term risk of engine damage due to dirty gas, is it really worth it to save ~$5 a fill up? A few gallons in case of emergency should be fine, though. Just don't make it a regular habit.
The manual says to use only premium fuel. The inside of the gas cap says to only use premium fuel. If you want to run regular, get a car that runs on regular. Why buy a "sporty" car and then run crappy gas that will not allow the car to run at its peak and drive like a grandma when a civic will do the same without all that hassle?
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My a/c smells very bad
Change your a/c filter. It's behind your glovebox.
Open glove box, pinch (push) both sides in and the whole glove box should swing completely open. You can prop it on something to prevent all your stuff from falling out or just let it drop. Whichever works for you.
There is a black door, open and pull the tray all the way out. The filter might look nasty. Chuck it in the trash and replace.
Suggested replacement every 10,000 miles or so. More often if you live in an area where the filter tends to get dirty quicker.
IS300.net store sells it, Lexus dealer sells it, park place lexus online sells it, irontoad sells it, carson toyota sells it, cost is under $20. park place has free shipping on all orders.
Blitz makes an "anti odour" filter that is rewashable, costs $50ish.
Turning off Maintenance Required Light;
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=259909
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Stock Wheel Specs
Bolt pattern is 5x114.3
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We have separate forums for each aspect of the car
ie;
Inside and Out for interior and exterior mods (aesthetic)
Go Fast for bolt on N/A mods.
Go Faster for turbocharging and supercharging.
Stop Drop and Roll for brakes sways, struts, shocks, coilovers, springs…
Wheels and Tires for wheels and tires, obviously.
Mobiletronics for headunits, ipod integration, nav retrofit, subs, tv’s…
Member Sale/Trade Forum + Member Wanted To Buy/Trade Forum For sales and request of IS300/250/350’s and related parts. No commercial selling allowed and we currently do not have a forum for unrelated items.
We also have forums for Regional meets, events and two forums for Offtopic discussion; The Parking Lot for general offtopic and The Garage for automobile related discussion (non-IS.)
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Gas Capacity
IS300; 17.5 gallons. After the gas light comes on, you still have 2.5 gallons remaining.
IS250/IS350; 17.1 gallons. After the gas light comes on, you still have 2 gallons remaining
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Oil Capacity
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How to tell if my IS300 has LSD?
Look at the sticker on your driver door sill/jamb, look for the area that reads "A/TM"
You'll see numbers such as B02A, B02B, B02C
A=no LSD
B,C = LSD
If you are still unsure, call 1800 25 LEXUS and ask them to look up your VIN and they can tell you what options it came equipped it from the factory.
If you bought your car second hand, there is a possibility the owner of a non-LSD IS300 swapped in a factory LSD, if this is not disclosed, it makes things a bit more challenging.
Here are pics and info on how to distinguish the two by looking at the gears;
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?p=3637468#post3637468
More info on LSD's in the link below.
http://my.is/forums/f87/official-oem-lsd-thread-case-closed-important-info-inside-380603/
The methods of doing a burn out and checking if there are one or two tire marks / jacking up the car and spinning the wheels are somewhat debated and I am unsure if this is a valid way of determining if your car has lsd or not.
Info on how to perform a swap; http://my.is/forums/showpost.php?p=4278310&postcount=10
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Lost Keys / Adding Keys / Replacing Broken Keys
2001 Models- If you lose both master keys, Lexus claims you will have to get a new replacement engine ECU, in addition to the replacement master keys, as the ECU is reportedly “unflashable / not reprogrammable”. There are reports of certain places being able to reprogram the ECU for you if you remove it and send it out. See here for more info; http://my.is/forums/showpost.php?p=2774522&postcount=4
2002+ Models- If you lose 1 master key or wish to add another master key, all you need to do is get a new key, have it cut, and get a transponder (if it is not included with the key already) and follow these steps;
There are two parts to this, the first is programming the Immobilizer, which allows you to start the car, the second is programming the transponder, which locks/unlocks and opens the trunk.
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?p=2878682#post2878682
You may have a total of 4 keys programmed to the system, if you add more, it will erase the other keys, oldest first. This is the actual Lexus pdf file with procedures;
http://my.is/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6201
I have seen new keys with transponders go for ~$80 on ebay, so keep an eye out, just beware the ones without the Lexus logos and the ones that are just regular keys (no place for transponder) keep in mind even the ones with the lexus logos may be knockoffs. You can reprogram a used transponder as well so you don't have to buy a new one, get a used key and use the transponder to save some $.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My car is sluggish/slow to respond
certain 2001 models had a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) posted by Lexus, which is akin to a recall, which called for replacement/reprogramming of the ecu and overly aggressive traction control which caused the car to hesitate in certain situations. More info can be found here;
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=299797&highlight=trac+update
Some members have posted that they were able to get the dealer to perform the reflash on 2002 models as well.
Other things you can try to make your car less sluggish/more responsive are;
Clean your MAF How To Here
Replace intake filter
Make sure your car is properly maintained (oil, spark plugs, tranny fluid, differential oil, etc...)
Then reset your ecu (unplug negative terminal on battery for a few minutes, press brake pedal to expel remaining power in system, reinstall the negative terminal) and go for a very spirited drive. This will allow your ecu to relearn a more aggressive driving pattern.
Also, make sure you have PWR on, it allows your car to shift at a higher rpm for more spirited driving.
Turning TRAC OFF will also add to the responsiveness for spirited driving, just be careful as you will spin out more easily in rain and such if you are not careful or do not have the skill/familiarity to adjust your steering and throttle input to maintain control of the vehicle.
yes I know the search doesn't always work, but it does work, keep trying, give it some time and try again when the server is less busy.
Also, READ THE FAQ & STICKIES, most info is posted or linked there.
Doing a search and reading the faq and stickies will help save bandwidth which will, in turn, allow the search to work more often and not clutter the forum with repetitive topics therefore allowing new info and discoveries to have more exposure. Thank you!
FAQ
http://my.is/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=60
Everything from; choosing bolt on power mods, suspension mods, maintenance procedures to reviews, what to look for when buying a used IS300 as well as Forced Induction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001-2005 Definitive Change List;
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=201863
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is it ok to use lower octane gas?
Yes and no.
The car will adjust to run "ok" on lower octane gas. What it does is retard timing to prevent knocking or pinging which will cause damage to the engine. However, the car will not run optimally, that and long term risk of engine damage due to dirty gas, is it really worth it to save ~$5 a fill up? A few gallons in case of emergency should be fine, though. Just don't make it a regular habit.
The manual says to use only premium fuel. The inside of the gas cap says to only use premium fuel. If you want to run regular, get a car that runs on regular. Why buy a "sporty" car and then run crappy gas that will not allow the car to run at its peak and drive like a grandma when a civic will do the same without all that hassle?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My a/c smells very bad
Change your a/c filter. It's behind your glovebox.
Open glove box, pinch (push) both sides in and the whole glove box should swing completely open. You can prop it on something to prevent all your stuff from falling out or just let it drop. Whichever works for you.
There is a black door, open and pull the tray all the way out. The filter might look nasty. Chuck it in the trash and replace.
Suggested replacement every 10,000 miles or so. More often if you live in an area where the filter tends to get dirty quicker.
IS300.net store sells it, Lexus dealer sells it, park place lexus online sells it, irontoad sells it, carson toyota sells it, cost is under $20. park place has free shipping on all orders.
Blitz makes an "anti odour" filter that is rewashable, costs $50ish.
Also, there is a drain tube that might be clogged;cdeslandes said:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BJ02ISgray said:
Turning off Maintenance Required Light;
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=259909
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Wheel Specs
Sportcross wheels are wider in the rear at 17 x 7.5LXS4Ross said:
Bolt pattern is 5x114.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have separate forums for each aspect of the car
ie;
Inside and Out for interior and exterior mods (aesthetic)
Go Fast for bolt on N/A mods.
Go Faster for turbocharging and supercharging.
Stop Drop and Roll for brakes sways, struts, shocks, coilovers, springs…
Wheels and Tires for wheels and tires, obviously.
Mobiletronics for headunits, ipod integration, nav retrofit, subs, tv’s…
Member Sale/Trade Forum + Member Wanted To Buy/Trade Forum For sales and request of IS300/250/350’s and related parts. No commercial selling allowed and we currently do not have a forum for unrelated items.
We also have forums for Regional meets, events and two forums for Offtopic discussion; The Parking Lot for general offtopic and The Garage for automobile related discussion (non-IS.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gas Capacity
IS300; 17.5 gallons. After the gas light comes on, you still have 2.5 gallons remaining.
IS250/IS350; 17.1 gallons. After the gas light comes on, you still have 2 gallons remaining
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil Capacity
More if you use a bigger oil filter.JW said:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to tell if my IS300 has LSD?
Look at the sticker on your driver door sill/jamb, look for the area that reads "A/TM"
You'll see numbers such as B02A, B02B, B02C
A=no LSD
B,C = LSD
If you are still unsure, call 1800 25 LEXUS and ask them to look up your VIN and they can tell you what options it came equipped it from the factory.
If you bought your car second hand, there is a possibility the owner of a non-LSD IS300 swapped in a factory LSD, if this is not disclosed, it makes things a bit more challenging.
Here are pics and info on how to distinguish the two by looking at the gears;
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?p=3637468#post3637468
More info on LSD's in the link below.
http://my.is/forums/f87/official-oem-lsd-thread-case-closed-important-info-inside-380603/
The methods of doing a burn out and checking if there are one or two tire marks / jacking up the car and spinning the wheels are somewhat debated and I am unsure if this is a valid way of determining if your car has lsd or not.
Info on how to perform a swap; http://my.is/forums/showpost.php?p=4278310&postcount=10
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost Keys / Adding Keys / Replacing Broken Keys
2001 Models- If you lose both master keys, Lexus claims you will have to get a new replacement engine ECU, in addition to the replacement master keys, as the ECU is reportedly “unflashable / not reprogrammable”. There are reports of certain places being able to reprogram the ECU for you if you remove it and send it out. See here for more info; http://my.is/forums/showpost.php?p=2774522&postcount=4
2002+ Models- If you lose 1 master key or wish to add another master key, all you need to do is get a new key, have it cut, and get a transponder (if it is not included with the key already) and follow these steps;
There are two parts to this, the first is programming the Immobilizer, which allows you to start the car, the second is programming the transponder, which locks/unlocks and opens the trunk.
Lextech1 said:
black86 said:
Lextech1 said:
If your key breaks and you would like a cheaper way to “fix” it instead of buying a new key and getting it cut, what I did was get a used key, cut out the old blade and transferred my blade into that housing, here are the pics and steps;black86 said:
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?p=2878682#post2878682
You may have a total of 4 keys programmed to the system, if you add more, it will erase the other keys, oldest first. This is the actual Lexus pdf file with procedures;
http://my.is/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6201
I have seen new keys with transponders go for ~$80 on ebay, so keep an eye out, just beware the ones without the Lexus logos and the ones that are just regular keys (no place for transponder) keep in mind even the ones with the lexus logos may be knockoffs. You can reprogram a used transponder as well so you don't have to buy a new one, get a used key and use the transponder to save some $.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My car is sluggish/slow to respond
certain 2001 models had a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) posted by Lexus, which is akin to a recall, which called for replacement/reprogramming of the ecu and overly aggressive traction control which caused the car to hesitate in certain situations. More info can be found here;
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=299797&highlight=trac+update
Some members have posted that they were able to get the dealer to perform the reflash on 2002 models as well.
Other things you can try to make your car less sluggish/more responsive are;
Clean your MAF How To Here
Replace intake filter
Make sure your car is properly maintained (oil, spark plugs, tranny fluid, differential oil, etc...)
Then reset your ecu (unplug negative terminal on battery for a few minutes, press brake pedal to expel remaining power in system, reinstall the negative terminal) and go for a very spirited drive. This will allow your ecu to relearn a more aggressive driving pattern.
Also, make sure you have PWR on, it allows your car to shift at a higher rpm for more spirited driving.
Turning TRAC OFF will also add to the responsiveness for spirited driving, just be careful as you will spin out more easily in rain and such if you are not careful or do not have the skill/familiarity to adjust your steering and throttle input to maintain control of the vehicle.