Lexus RX 300

dick1 · March 2005

Could someone tell me the message number of the post on how to replace the d-light bulb on the dash board. thanks!

dick1 · March 2005

I'am getting conflicting info on what struts to use on a 2000 rx awd. Do all 4 use the same strut? kyb gr2.

mikey00 · March 2005

#8126

mikey00 · March 2005

KYB-GR2 is the style. It comes in 4 different part numbers (RF, LF, RR, LR) for the RX. The Lexus brand replacements also carry different numbers. You can check this out at replacementshocks.com and newlexusparts.com.

rworth · March 2005

I turned my rx300 off with the radio on and working fine. When I started it up no sound came out of the speakers. The display read the station correctly and showed that it changed stations as I hit the presets and the cd showed it was playing, but no sound from AM, FM or CD. Any ideas?

[Deleted User] · March 2005

Someone didn't inadvertantly hit the mute button did they?

tmv1 · March 2005

I have a 1999 RX300. Anyone know the source of a loud clacking noise in the left rear wheel area which sounds as if I've just run over a piece of aluminum trim? I only hear it when I'm driving extremely slow (starting down a quiet street or in an indoor parking garage...)I asked the technician at Lexus service, but he wasn't able to replicate the sound - of course. I've heard this noise for the past 2-3 years.

kurtnew · March 2005

Hi, I am in Seattle and I was wondering how much of a difference it would make if I went in with a FWD Lexus (01 or later). Can't get a reasonable price right now for the AWD, so I was considering the FWD. Is this a wise thing to do?

pschiffe · March 2005

My 99 FWD w/Trac is most satisfactory and I'm in the Buffalo Niagara region which is no stranger to snow. First non 4X4 I've owned in decades but no regrets.

Pete

silver01 · March 2005

I have a 2001 rx300. We bought it new and have loved it. Kept up on all maintenance. My D light is also out, 25,000 miles ago. What post # is it to replace it? My key had to be replaced @ 210.00 The leather seat bottom was replaced at 50,000 for cracks Lexus paid for that. We replaced the brakes at 75,000. Also a few light bulbs.

Now at 80,000 The transmission is shot. I filled up with gas out of state and started the car, put it in drive and it did nothing. Then it launged forward. The rest of the day it was fine. Shifted beautiful. I thought " well maybe I didn't have it fully in gear" The following day I pulled in a parking spot to wait for my passenger to get a newspaper. Waited 2/3 minutes. I put the shifter in reverse, it would not go, I then tried to go forward nothing. I shut the engine off and restarted and it worked. That night I went to Lexus and they did a transmission fluid change@ 100.00 The next 2 days it was fine. Then I was leaving a parking lot and it sounded like I was in a low gear making a terrible sound when going slow or slowing down. I called Lexus and was bringing it in and it worked fine. I was told they would have to replace the trans with a rebuilt one. That was the only option. A cost of $4000./$4500.
I am sick, has anyone else heard of this??
The car has been babied by me since I got it.
Thanks in advance

wwest · March 2005

I do my own oil changes and at each change I check the condition of the transmission fluid. At 38k miles I noticed that the fluid smelled and looked dirty and burnt.

According to the owners manual the fluid should be good for the life of the vehicle. So I sent emails to Lexus customer satisfaction twice and each time I was told to contact my dealer.

When I finally did the dealer said that Lexus was now recommending that the fluid be flushed and replenished every 15,000 miles.

Something is very wrong in these transmissions.

mikey00 · March 2005

Sorry to hear about your transmission problems. Even though the manual doesn't require it, did you do any drain and fills or flushes during your first 80,000? You are not alone with this problem. Posters here and on other RX forums have had similiar complaints. Do a search. Consumer Reports is still listing transmission problems with the RX at less than 2% so I guess the number of complaints is not large yet, but I see it coming. I would call Lexus Customer Satisfaction and politely state your case. Explain you maintenence schedule by the manual and it may really help if the dealer was doing the work, but not necessary and also tell them that you are aware of others with the same problem. Ask if there is any goodwill assistance toward this repair. I just did this with GM and they picked up 50% of my $1000 repair on a 2000 Alero.
The "D" light post is #8126.
Mike

mikey00 · March 2005

I noticed the same with my fluid around 60K. I did a drain and fill then and again at 70K and was planning on doing a drain and fill every 30K. It's only about $16 getting the fluid and drain washer from the Toyota Dealer. From what the dealer told you, it looks like they want a $150 flush every 15K. Ouch! Did you ask the dealer if he had anything in writing from Lexus? While I don't doubt the problem with these transmissions, I still don't trust the service advisor, who is nothing more than a salesman out to sell you whatever service he can. A few failed transmissions help sell the flush and his commission. But if Lexus officially requires it, thats another story.
Mike

wwest · March 2005

I consider "advice" from a dealer's service manager not worth the gun powder to blow them to hell.

But with the second email response from Lexus customer satisfaction telling me yet again to contact the dealer I concluded that this was maybe something they didn't wish to put into writing.

I plan to send a fluid sample to a lab to see what turns up.

pschiffe · March 2005

ConsumerReports.org® rates the 2005 Lexus RX330 its Top Pick in a midsized SUV:

http://cdn.consumerreports.org/static/0504pic1_f.html

Pete

gambiaman · March 2005

I had my MY01 RX300 FWD at Toyota last week for an oil change at 83K. I asked them about prices for the upcoming 90K service and timing belt replacement.
Timing belt only-$180; water pump-an additional $238. They said the water pump probably did not need replacing but if it did need replacing later it would be about $500 by itself. This is contrary to everything I have ever heard about water pumps. I always thought it was a small amount (50-100) to replace the water pump while everything was disassembled and a wise thing to do. I asked about this and was told the service manager assured the guy I was talking to that this was correct. My RX is getting close to 5 years old so I was going to replace the AC/alternator belt at the same time. Any reason to replace the radiator hoses?
The discussions about transmission problems scares the beppers out of me. I have replaced the transmission fluid every 30K since it was new. The Lexus dealer recommended 15K but I figured based on experiences with other cars that it was just a dealer way to make extra $$. Was I wrong? They want $170 to replace the iridium plugs which is probably a fair price.

silver01 · March 2005

Regarding post 8467, my 01 is at the dealer and I was told to pick it up. They can not duplicate the problem. Now this is really getting crazy. I did call the customer ser. number. They called me back but said since they can not dup. the problem they can not help me. What am I suppose to do when I get stuck out of state. I have a loaner 330 now. If I really liked it I would probably trade mine in. There is too much I really do not like on it.. Plus I just paid mine off.
Any one know what to do when they can not dup. the problem.
Thanks

mikey00 · March 2005

It sounds to me like you have to drive it and see if the problem returns. If it does and you can determine some kind of frequency, like once every 3 days, you may be able to talk the service manager or one of the mechanics into using it to commute to work to experience the problem. Maybe whatever is causing it will work itself out with the fluid change and it won't return. I guess it's good news that Lexus customer service seems like they may be willing to work with you if you do have a problem.

rworth · March 2005

No it wasn't as simple as the mute button. I tried every conceivable option including changing the fuses associated with the audio system. I rode around for a day with the stereo on and no sound coming out. The following day I turned the stereo off, stopped for an errand and then restarted the car. Turned the stereo on just to check and it worked. A mystery to me, but it has been working fine since.

mikeyt · March 2005

No, the fronts are part #s 334261/2 and the rears are 334263/4 for KYB GR2's. About 400.00 for all 4 parts only

mikeyt · March 2005

Both control air intake and temp. Should be fine in idle for a few minutes. I took my mass air flow out of my 99RX and cleaned it very carefully reinstalled and ran car idle for 15 min. to allow computer to learn air intake. Car seems to run nicer. Very easy to remove.

kevinn · March 2005

I have a 1999 RX 300 with 130K. After washing the car yesterday I noticed on the dash that the light in the lower right hand corner of the instrumentation on the dash only comes on when you apply the brake pedal. This is the light that comes on when the headlights are on in the auto position. i do not have an owners manual and have ordered it, but am curious if this is a problem that I need to have checked out by a mechanic. Thanks

wwest · March 2005

an instrument light that comes on to tell me the headlights are in "auto".

Hmmmmm....

Didn't know that.

kevinn · March 2005

Actually it appears to be a diagram of the vehicel showing the rear lights but at first when the headlights came on it stayed on but now it only comes on when you apply the brakes. As stated before the tail lights are working and so are the brakelights.

mro17 · March 2005

I have a 2001 RX 300 and it's due for the 50,000 service. How much can I expect to have to put up for this? And also, is this service something that should only be done at a qualified Lexus dealership? I was thinking if I can get a cheaper price somewhere else, it might be worth it.

wwest · March 2005

One of your four brake light filaments has failed, or the high mount bulb, or there is a high resistance somewhere in the wiring to same.

kevinn · March 2005

thanks for the help

dick1 · March 2005

Iown a 2000 rx300 and have 70k miles on it.As of yet i don't have a rattle in it. How many more miles can i expect this quiet driving to go on?

kevinn · March 2005

How do you access the left rear taili light assembly to replace a bulb. It appears to be locked down tighter than Ft. Know.

Thanks

sailhome1 · March 2005

My right rear lock will not actuate all the way to the locked position with the electronic system. It tries, but can't push it all the way forward. So my car is not secure unless I manually push the mechanism forward.

Does anyone know how to remove that interior door panel so that I can look to see if a linkage is bent? I can get all the push clips around the sides, 2 screws on the bottom and screw behind the actual door opener handle with flapping cover. I also removed one by the trailing edge behind a 2 inch cover. It seems to be fastened somewhere near the arm rest under the door opener handle, but I can't see how to get to any screws there.

Anyone know the answer?

Thanks

mikeyt · March 2005

Heads up with the hi-mount(3rd) brake light bulb. Had same problem where indicator on dash read bulb was out, only came on when brake pedal was pushed. Checked all brake lights, with an assistant(my wife,that was fun)which turned up the 3rd light. I replaced bulb purchased at autoparts store, light worked but indicator still came on when brake applied. Commanded my wife,heh heh heh, to check light again pretty please hunny, light was fine, called dealer in Glen Cove L.I.,N.Y. which is a nice ride from Howard Beach, Queens,N.Y. to say what gives he says come in and lets try our bulb, no good same problem , he gives me a bulb for a 01 to try- BINGO, seems the level of resistance in some bulbs tells ECU that bulb is out. As you can tell this got me ,thought i had wiring short, WHEW...

mikeyt · March 2005

Mine has 91k and sounds oh so sweet still(99 RX) Don't know what to tell you except just go with it.

galogvi · March 2005

From a clublexus post:

To replace the lamp.

1. Pull out the plastic cover running along the whole width of rear window. Pull it up from right hand side first then make your way to the left. When you reach your left most clip "do not pull"; you have to slide this one out.

2. Now take out the lamp housing (plastic clip). Twist the lamp holder to reach the lamp.

3. Replace with the proper wattage. I belive it is 18W. The shape is not normal. It looks similar to 5W interior lamp with bigger head.

4. Install in reverse with disassemble.

It sounds harder than it is. Just be careful when prying the plastic.

wwest · March 2005

Or on the other hand you can simply pop off the little round plastic pieces, via the flat edge provided, covering the light assembly retaining screws and remove the screws and tyhen the entire assembly by pulling to the rear.

pschiffe · April 2005

I had the exact same situation as mikeyt in post #8488 above on my 99 RX. Replaced with Sylvania 921LL bulb but dash indicator stayed on. Installed an OEM 90080-81065 lamp from a Toyota dealer and the dash light went out!

Pete

mikeyt · April 2005

Crazy huh Pete , I thought I had a short or ECM computer problem. What got me was the light went on like normal when you hit the brake.Anyway, Thanks for the empathy.

wwest · April 2005

I now firmly believe that the DBW hesitation issue is the fix, patch job, that Lexus applied to the new RX330 as a result of the RX300's many reported premature transmission failures.

My 2001 AWD RX300 has the trailer tow package and I removed the hitch within a few days of purchasing it new. The vehicle has never been subjected to anything close to what might be called "rough service". And there is no recommended transmission fluid change or flush in the owners manual so I would presume this to mean the fluid is good for the life of the vehicle.

Apparently NOT!

At 38k miles my transmssion fluid was looking dirty and smelled slightly burned. I email Lexus about this and their response was talk to the dealer. I knew what the dealer would say regardless so I tried emailing again. Got the same result.

So I went, hat in hand, to the dealer. I was told that Lexus had revised the recommended maintainence schedule and I now needed to flush and replenish my transmission every 15,000 miles. I was assured that this was actually a factory directive.

So I drained 4 quarts of very dirty fluid and installed 4 new quarts purchased from Lexus.

Within a week the transmission fluid appeared to be just as dirty as before.

So now I have 4 more quarts plus a pan gasket out in the garage awaiting then time I have to do the whole job all over again, more thoroughly this time.

So if you happen to own an RX300 be sure and have someone check the transaxle fluid condition at least every oil change.

jiamin · April 2005

After I saw this message, I checked my 00 RX300 FWD trans oil. It looks fine like new. No obnormal smell. It's only got nearly 30K miles. I think I'll change the trans oil during the next service just to be sure...

mikey00 · April 2005

This could be due to a couple of reasons. First, 30k is kind of early for the fluid to start smelling burnt. It was more like 60K when I noticed mine but I did see where some noticed it as early as 38K. Second, you have FWD. Many believe the problem exists only with AWD. I don't disagree with this, but I am not totally sold on it as I did see a few FWD trans failures. It would be a good idea to get it changed, given the reports of transmission failures. It will at least give you peace of mind and help your service advisor get that Disney trip he was hoping for this year. If you do get it changed, make sure you use Lexus, Toyota, or DIY using Toyota TypeT-IV fluid.

wwest · April 2005

That the front and center diff'ls are an integral part of the transaxle and run in ATF. The PTO (Power Take Off), right halfshaft, VC (viscous clutch), and tailshaft ring and pinion run in ~90 weight gear oil.

Two oil seals to keep the two oil volumes separated.

Suppose the oil seals leak slightly and the gear oil, over time, contaminates the ATF.

Or even more likely...

The VC operates by heating the viscous fluid sealed within the VC case. In due course the heated case of the VC will heat the gear oil and cause it to expand and with enough volume will force its way into the ATF side.

ATF contaminated with 90 weight gear oil cannot be a good thing.

Are more AWD transaxles failing prematurely than FWD??

Is that why, maybe, the VC was dropped in 04??

santacruz1 · April 2005

Transmission fluid change seems to be a complex task for do it yourself because you cannot just drain out the fluid like engine oil. Apparently if you just drain it, there is still a lot of oil left inside trapped in the torque converter hence you need to go to a place to flush it. You should also remove the transmission pan to clean the screen inside the transmission. I think the RX300 transmission takes over 12 quarts if you flush the system. Therefore, if you only drained 4 quarts, you still have 8 quarts of dirty oil inside that will mix with you new oil. Most lube place has the flush machine and cost about $100.

mikey00 · April 2005

But most lube places use generic compatible fluid, not Toyota Type T-IV. Unless, of course, it's a Toyota or Lexus shop and then you won't get it done for $100. I would rather do a drain and fill with Toyota Type T-IV than a flush with generic comaptible stuff.

jiamin · April 2005

If the fluid is "compatible" then it shouldn't be at least an OK fluid right? I wonder how critical this is. I am under the impression that most other cars are OK with generic trans fluid...

mikey00 · April 2005

Given the known problems with the RX trans I would use nothing but Toyota Type T-IV. Your $100 flush may cause more problems than it solves.

santacruz1 · April 2005

I take my Lexus to Toyota to do all my services because it's cheaper. Most of the Toyota dealers have the flush machine and they would recommend whether you should flush the system and or just drop the pan and drain as much of the oil out. If you want to use the fast lube place and concern about the type of oil they use then just go to Lexus/toyota and buy the oil from them and have the fast lube place put it in. I think a 30K mile interval is a good schedule for change unless you are constantly hauling a trailer.

jiamin · April 2005

Actually I did 30K services at a Lexus dealer about six months ago. Sounds a bit too early because I skipped 15K service. The dealer recommended replacing the trans fluid. I told them to skip it, as it's not in the owner's services manual. They didn't tell me anything about the known failure. Instead they said "We do whatever our customer requires to make them happy...", and subtract the amount for trans oil change.

When I go for the trans oil change I will use Lexus services for sure, but just want to know a little more about this failure issue.

By the way, this car serves our family very well, no failure at all as of now. Only minor rattles. One rattle in the dash towards the winshield. It's the sub-assembly that has vent/sensors. I stuck in some sponge along the gap line. This rattle is permanently gone after that. The other rattle is kind of intermmitant, at the left tweeter assembly. If I gently press the tweeter down, it's gone. Haven't got time to fix it yet. Another very minor one (sounds like "zzzzz..") in the left front door. Most of time I don't hear, and if it appears, a very light press around mirror area will make it disappear. Also I replaced the original Goodyear tire with Michelin Cross Terrian. Much better traction/grip/handling. However in terms of quietness, I can't tell. Maybe slightly quieter than Goodyear.

carycary · April 2005

A friend of mine that buys and sells Lexus parts on Ebay gave me a wood grained shifter to match the dash on my (new to me) 2000 RX300. It was to replace the leather one. He told me it was easy to swap them out and gave me some simple instructions. One part of it was that I would have to cut the wires that go to the overdrive button. Didnt seem like that would be an issue...but it was. To make an incredibly long story short, this whole project has turned into a nightmare. There was not enough wire nor space in the handle to make this work well. After trying to make this work a couple different times I have very little wire left and am going to have to pull the wires out and replace them all together. So here is the question. Has anyone done this? Do you know if the other end of this wire is at the transmission? I would like to make the splice somewhere NOT near the handle as the extra wire in the handle impedes the smooth operation of the shift release rod inside the handle.

mikeyt · April 2005

I replaced my leather shifter in my 99 RX with a wood from ebay too (165.00) and had not much of a problem with the install after putting car in gear to remove and install but I didnt realize how tricky it is to get the wire from the OD to fit without any binding any of the mechanism in the shift button. I do believe the wire goes from the OD button to the base of the shifter which after popping off the wood bezel (start in middle below shifter) the rest is clips and bolts I think. I would try splicing extra wire for the od since its only a 2 wire connection, GOOD LUCK!!!

by the way the wood shifter looks great!

alex4 · April 2005

Today is 4.19.05. In December I was having trouble getting my 2001 RX300 in reverse and I had it taken in. It was near warranty and they could not duplicate the problem and said it was nothing. Now that I am at 80,000 miles I am paying $4000 for a new transmission. I have had every oil change and check up and I am very disgusted with Lexus right now. They had the opportunity before to fix this, and I find it very odd that it has happened to both your car and mine. I am going to search for others and contact Lexus with a complaint. I chose Lexus and paid the outrageous money for sense of safety and yesterday it was being put up on the flat bed.

good luck, lets keep in touch, I will let you know what I find.

mikey00 · April 2005

Were your check ups and oil changes done at the dealer? Did they do any transmission fluid changes and/or flushes and at what intervals? You may be able to get some assistance from Lexus.

Lexus RX 300

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