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Mine, 2001 AWD RX300, 60k miles, are only really noticeable at idle, louder outside than inside but definitely noticeable inside.
I believe the engine problem causing the sludging was corrected before your 2002 model was built.
I finally found that the source of the noise turned out to be that the rear seat backs were rubbing together, if both seat backs were set to the same pitch angle. If I slightly change the seat back tilt on one of the seat backs, the sqeaky sound disappears.
I still do have an ocasional clunk sound when driven over rough pavement from the top of dash near the NAV system and also a thunk from the rear shocks after a moderate stop. The dealer investigated the rear thunk and said that it was normal. Yeah, right.
I don't know if the noise you heard in your dash is the same. But the rattle was driving me (more) crazy than I really am.
Finally after in the shop overnight four times, removing the dash, and finally putting a "noise kit" into the dash, has stopped the rattle.
All was covered under warranty.
Good luck to all and stay safe.
jensad
How has your dealer handled the problem.
He also tells me that my car is an isolated case. NO documented problems noted by Lexus across the country.
I'm at mcdoler@bellsouth.net
Greg
The rattle in my rx330 was in the top area of the dash and under the speaker. I got Levinson add on when I bought it.
Ok, dealer took a part the dash four times trying to "fix" it all under WARRANTY. The kit wad put in the last time I was at the dealer. All free, no cost, under warranty.
You can very likely purchase the kit, or have it put into your car, if that will solve the problem I am guessing the cost of the kit is around $ 200. (And probably inflated because it is a Lexus product.)
I would determine what is the problem before I have the kit put in. But it took them four times, and they did nit without any b.s.
Hope this helps, good luck to all and stay safe.
jensad
Before your warranty runs out (mine does next month) take a long hard look and listen at your vehicle and get in there for your soon to be last free repairs. A listing of things I have had covered under warranty:
--front dash rattle (removed whole dash, put in noise kit and completely solved problem)
--rattle from the rear (in my case it was sooo simple. The tonneau cover plastic latches...in the track where the cover slides to lock...tend to vibrate/rattle. They simply put sticky felt on each latch piece! A simple DIY!)
--Aluminum alloys replaced (there were little "bubbles" forming under silver/clear coat, looked like rust does under paint. They were small, 1/8 to 1/4 inch..but Lexus replaced all 4 alloys under warranty. That would be big $$!)
--The doors on my center console did not close reliably at the push of the button. Lexus replaced whole console.
--Rattle from glove box area. Lexus installed some sort of glove box noise kit. Problem solved.
--ENGINE TICKING at idle. Listen to your engine at idle. Hear a ticking? There is a service bulletin on this, involves replacing or modifying fuel injector lines, etc. Ticking went away for free.
--Poor rear wiper coverage/cleaning. Wiper left a streak of dirt about 2 inches wide in the middle of its arc. Lexus replaced whole wiper assy. Coverage 95% better now.
--For all of this a nice Lexus loaner car was provided each time.
--ON a completely RANDOM note: The MacNiel Automotive Floor Liners for the RX330 are the greatest invention ever. Just finished a sloppy MN winter, and these things are like nothing else you've ever had. Not a DROP of dirty salty snow or muck touched my carpet underneath. With the tall ~2 inch ledge all around, spillovers are obsolete. They revolutionize the concept of a floor mat.
I am transferring to the Middle East for a couple of years and plan to buy a Certified 2004-2005 RX330 to take with. Talking to people already there, I've been told to make sure I get a car that has some "reserve" in the cooling system because it will be taxed to the max! Also, the A/C system must be able to handle year-round work at maximum. During July and August, the daily high temps stay around 140-141F (61C for you metric types). Has anyone had any problems with their 330 in very high temps, with either the A/C or engine cooling system? Should I look into installing an engine and/or transmission oil cooler?
Another recommendation was for remote start. I've seen it offered on many cars (mostly American iron), but nothing for the RX. Is it not available? It would be nice to be able to start the car and let it run for a few minutes before I get to the parking lot...it would be able to cool off the interior to a chilly 120F or so before I get in!!
Any info or advice greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Mac
I'm reasonably sure that the dealer would handle it at 37 months but they're 60 miles away. I'm pretty handy and don't mind tackling something but I'm not sure what in there is rattling.
Any help here.
I've got 26,000 on the Michelins and they look to have another 4,000 or so in them. Any recommendations on smooth yet reasonable tread wear tires? Yes I did a forum search but looking for more experiences from the group.
Thanks in advance
Windy
Toyota/lexus relies solely on the complete closing of reheat/remix vane door to prevent any portion of the airflow from being reheated. But the radiant effects from the HOT heater core will still have some level of detrimental affects on the maximum cooling level.
You can also increase the overall efficiency of the system by turning the temperature control to maximum cooling setpoint (this should result in the system going into recirculate mode automatically) and then use the outflow routing (footwell will less discomforting***)and blower speed to regulate the cabin to your comfort level. Keep in mind that the system will be MOST efficient at cooling the airflow at the LOWEST blower speeds.
***The system airflow will be so COLD it will be somewhat discomforting (which is why the reheat/remix method is normally used) but the A/C compressor and condensor "LOAD" will be a lot less. That will not only increase the efficiency of the A/C but will result in improved engine cooling capability.
Additionally just yesterday I dropped by my local Lexus shop to buy an oil filter and while I was there I asked one of the techies what could I possibly do to alleviate the instances of finding the ATF overheated and burned in my 2001 AWD RX300.
After ascertaining that I already had the towing package, the auxiliary ATF cooler, he said that there was nothing more that he knew of that would help. Then he went on to tell me that the newer, newest, RX and ES models were having ATF overheat problems in as little as 15,000 miles.
If it's like my '01 it will have an ATF overtemp indication on the instrument panel so you will need to pay close attention. Obviously you might want to also make sure the one you purchase has the auxiliary ATF cooler as a part of the tow package..
In the next few weeks I expect to be adding at least one computer type 12 volt boxer fan to move more air through my auxiliary cooler.
At ~40,000 miles I drained and refilled the ATF twice before it would remained clear and pinkish and now at 63,000 miles it's again looking somewhat burned. I live in the Seattle area, moderate summer temperatures, the tow hitch was removed the week I bought the new RX and the most common load is the wife and I.
The RX330 uses DBW, e-throttle, to avoid some of these transaxle problems, "protect the drive train", (1-2 second delay in the onset of engine torque if the transaxle needs to be downshifted shortly after a full lift-throttle upshift) so you may not even need to worry about the ATF overheat problem.
On the other hand the VC, Viscous Clutch, was dropped from the AWD system for the entire RX330 product run. Therefore the RX330's AWD relies ONLY on the TC, Traction Control, braking to apportion engine torque to the wheel(s) with traction in the event of (mostly front) wheelspin/slip.
Obviously I don't need to remind you of the inherent design flaws in the Toyota/lexus automatic climate control system that will often result in sudden windshield fogging.
Unless you expect to encounter cool and humid evening/night time climates....
Still would like some tire recommendations for when I do have to replace my Michelins.
Thanks
windy
I mentioned about the vibration and she got a funny smile and started nodding her head. Then she asked if we'd had any tire work done at XXX a local tire store, we live about an hour from the only Lexus store. I told her that my wife had had the tires rotated there about a month before. She said the vibration had started on hers right after she'd had hers rotated and balanced at the same store.
When her husband drove the car next he noticed the noise and thought maybe he'd thrown a weight. He happened to check the air pressure and noticed that the tires were now inflated to 36 psi! When he let enough out to take them back to 30psi the noise went away.
I'm usually pretty good about checking my tire pressure, but had been pretty busy this winter. I got my gauge and sure enough, all 4 were sitting at 35! I let them down to 30 and viola, smooth and quiet.
Also thanks to the above poster who mentioned about setting the rear seats at different angles!
windy6
Most people have good luck, but this one was a real piece of work!
Jack H.
1st time DIY... I did some DIY and changed oil, cabin air filter etc.. How to change engine air filter and oil filter?
thanks
Andy
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I was wondering if the RX330 requires oil changes @ 3k or can they go to 5k like my previous Toyota Rav4? :confuse:
Thanks
Deneen">
I have right now Halogen( Without projector) package in my 2005 RX330, i was wondering if i can replace those lamps with HID( With Projector). Has anyone done that before.
I just bought a 2008 RX350 today.
What do you think about the extended warranty plan? 7 yr/75000 miles or 7 yr/100000 miles? Is it worth it? How much are lexus repairs beyond the 4 year mark? I know it's too early to tell but those of you with the 300's.. I just made my down payment, and have a chance to buy one of these options (such as the simonize thing and other stuff) before my final deal is done (i'm already committed...paid a significant deposit already).
thanks in advance for your opinions.
Also I had the car sit for two months without using it and the TPMS light is now on even though the tire pressure is correct.
Is there any way of resetting these two lights or do I have to go to the dealer and have them reset it.
Thanks.
Is there anyone who has experienced this?
janb1
Haven't had the groaning noise so can't help there.
I bought a 2004 rx330 a couple of months ago and I am having a terrible experience with the paint.
There are alot of spots on the bumper and hood and I took it to the dealer, who told me it was just from bugs and could be buffed out.
I took it to a detailer and was told that the paint had corroded from "something" and couldn't be buffed out, only repainted. I was all the way down to the metal.
I got a second opinion which ended up the same, so I called the 1-800 lexus number.
I talked to a real nice representative and she seemed like they were going to try to work with me on it, but they called the service person at the lexus dealership that I had taken the car to and ended up with that guy telling me that nothing could be done and I had to fix it with my collision insurance.
I have never had a car with this kind of paint problems and I feel that it has something to do with the paint itself.
I continue to see more marks everyday and it is really upsetting me to pay so much for a vehicle to have it do this.
I am trying to find out if there are alot of other people having this same problem before I talk to the lexus corp people again.
The guy at the dealership told me that I could leave my car there for the factory rep to look at the next time he/she visits them, which I am going to do, but I don't know how much good it will do.
Please reply if you have had paint problems, so I can pass it on to the lexus corp.........Thanks
2005 Lexus RX330.
Reset the system by the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the “LOCK” position with the
odometer reading shown.
2. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position while holding down the “ODO/TRIP” button. Hold down the button for at least 5 seconds. The odometer indicates “000000” and the light goes off. If the system fails to reset, the light will continue flashing.
I don't know how to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System if there is no problem with the actual tire pressures. The Owner's Manual says to see the dealer.
Rich
I don't know how to post a picture on here.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I used to always replace them at 4 years because living in TX the heat was as bad, or worse for them as the cold up north. We're getting ready to move to Colorado around Christmas and I was wondering about replacing it before we move.
I wouldn't want my wife to be inconvenienced by a roadside replacement, expensive and not as likely to get a good quality.
Any thoughts.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper