ES 330 Software Update

got it installed 2 weeks ago on my 2002 ES300...good results so far... and yes, I also found out about the new version on this newsgroup, not from Lexus.

Steve, could it be? Really, really be? I have a maintenance session scheduled this weekend and will ask for it.

give it a try... granted, I drove stick shift for 20 years before buying the 02 ES, so I still have a problem with the decisions that an auto tranny makes for me. But the latest software seems to improve the response to a level I can live with

Will this work for the ES300?

Steve Larson sent this message::

It worked on my 2002 ES300. The new software is intended for the ES300 and ES330.

Well Steve, if you're happy, that's enough for me. I guess I'll call and schedule my '02 for the same.

Thanks for the postings....

(This will be Lexus' last chance to retain me as a loyal buyer.)

We just had our 2005 in to dealer today and they updated the software. Driving home there was a noticeable improvement. I am curious however, as the service advisor told us that we had to use premium gas for the problem to stay fixed - if we reverted to 87 octane the hesitation would gradually return. I didn't see any mention of this anywhere on the 'net - I've been searching for information on this since we got home.

Thanks for the postings....

(This will be Lexus' last chance to retain me as a loyal buyer.)

I think you'll be pleased. I spoke with a Lexus mechanic, he said they have had a bunch of ES complaints from 2002 through 2005, because of the hesitation issue. He was skeptical when he heard that a new software was released, but he said they have had good feedback from their customers. I don't think it's 100% perfect, but it is vastly improved over the previous version. I have no problem recommending that everyone with a 2002-2005 ES3xx should get this new version installed. The mechanic said it was originally intended for the ES330, but it was backported to include the ES300. If your dealer can't find it for the ES300, they need to look a little harder because it's definitely out there, and it definitely improves the ES hesitation issue for all ES models 2002 forward.

I had my '05 ES330 upgraded a few weeks ago. So far I'm very pleased with the upgrade. I found this link for the technical bulletin on the web

This maybe helpful for those that are having difficulties with their dealers. Dennis

Thanks Dennis. That's good info to be armed with.

For those who have this applied, the "Note" box on page 3 is worth reading and remembering. When I have it done on my '02 it will be upgraded to "03 OBD II logic, and all future drivetrain trouble codes will have to be addressed using 2003 ES300 Repair Manual information instead of the 2002 book.

While the TSB includes placing a label indicating the upgrade has been performed on that particular vehicle, it might not be apparent to non-Lexus repair facilities, who may (given the model year of the car) look up the trouble codes in the 2002 year info.

It's just something we should be aware of should we ever have to deal with powertrain troubles down the road..........

Thanks for the link, Dennis.

I called my Lexus dealer today about my 2004 ES330. He warned me that the fix is not reversible and that some owners are unhappy with it. When I quizzed him further he said that some people like it and some don't. The ones that don't like it say it hesitates more and kicks in harder. He also said that the 2002 owners were generally pretty happy with the fix. BTW, he said they call it an "enhancement" rather than a recall because they still take the position that the tranny "operates as designed."

Based on this information, I decided to hold off on having the fix done to my ES. He said he thought I had about 7 years to decide, but he wasn't sure about that.

customers. I

2002-2005

Well I had my 2004 ES upgraded on Thursday. On the drive home I noticed better shifting. Then I noticed consistent noticable harsh downshifts.

So I called the service advisor to ask if it would learn. He told me it was not reversible and that the service manager would call me back with more details. Well its 48 hours later, we still have the harsh downshifts and no call from the service manager.

I'm very surprised that Lexus is so poor in timely response to calls at the dealer and also 800 25 LEXUS. I even had a corporate Toyota employee forward my letter to Lexus (internally) and never heard from them.

Hmm

Welcome to the lousy service that is Lexus (at least on the subject of transmissions). I got the update too and noticed the harsh downshifts, but at least it's more responsive to a quick depression of the accelerator pedal, though not much more. We can just vote with our pocketbooks next time we buy a car or give feedback to any friends or relatives about our Lexus experience.

Got the update about a week ago and looks like it's a lot better. I can now merge with confidence. The dealer did say to use premium gas though just like the bulletin recommends. Not sure I want to keep using premium with the price of gas these days.

larry

Dennis sent this message::

Also, please elaborate about the improvement you notice.

David Z sent this message::

2003

Used to hesitate when accelerating from slow speeds (~5-20 mph) and when slowing down and trying to speed up again like in stop and go traffic. Now hesitation is almost gone.