You do not have the correct timing set for that car.
I have the exact same issue on our 1996 ES300..My suspicion is that it is indeed the switch
I recently had to replace the trunk light in my '97 ES300. If you just need the bulb, it's NOT replacement #194 that Walmart, Advanced Auto and others list. You need a 12V, 3 Watt bulb that looks like a fuse. I finally had to buy mine from our local Lexus dealer. Pop open the light cover with a screwdriver and carefully pull out the bulb. Try this first because it's probably only the bulb that is bad.
100k
Your gas cap may have been left loose or the oring on the cap needs replaced unless you have lost it. If this is the case do yourself a favor and buy the thirty dollar Lexus replacement
Check your oil level.
The front transmission line leaks, how do I replace it?
Shift solenoids are inside the transmission, and require disassembly of the transmission to replace.
In a 1997 Lexus ES300, the fuse for the power mirrors is located in the engine compartment fuse box. You can find this box near the battery. Look for the fuse labeled "MIR" or "Power Mirror" in the diagram on the cover of the fuse box to identify the correct fuse. If the fuse is blown, replacing it should restore functionality to the power mirrors.
very carefully or pay $800 for dealer to do the work
Remove the transmission unbolt the flywheel and replace.
Replace it.......its one bolt on the side of the transmission.....