Lexus RX 300

mkreuser

My 2000 RX3000 lost tail light power when I plugged in my trailer. The tail lights are out on the trailer too but the brake and turn signals function normally. It was my understanding that there is a fuse near the converter that probably is bad. I checked and could not find the fuse? Finally I took the RX to my Lexus dealer. I was told that the converter was out an it would cost over $500 to replace it. I asked about the fuse without response and finally talked to a service manager. He said my model did not have a fuse. After further discussions we agreed on a much lower cost for the repair. Still they didn't have the part and had to order. Meanwhile I'm confined to daylight driving since the main tail lights are out. Does any one know of a work around for getting the rx tail lights to work without the converter ?

Not having an expensive component properly fused seems like a very incompetent action on Lexus's part.

Mike
Atlanta,Ga

ke2fe

I have a 2000 rx300 with 155,000 miles. There is a noise from the exhaust system that sounds like a leak. Is this system stainless steel and should corrosion be a problem?

wwest

Almost all of the incandescent light on a Lexus have a failure monitoring system. This consists of a small low wattage resister in series with the positive voltage supply side of the circuit inside the ligh control module. If you add an addition current load of any great significance to any of these circuits it is highly likely the resistor will burn out.

avery1

I have a '99 RX with 115,000 and have heard a louder noise from the exhaust system lately. I get my oil changed at the Toyota dealer and asked them to check on it. They said they couldn't find or hear an exhaust leak. Let me know what you find.

[Deleted User]

FYI!

Flushed fluid on a 2002 RX with 51K miles. Mostly highway. Very dirty, will start to do every 30K or less.

rxracer

I have a 2001 FWD RX300 with Nav. I'm nearing 70k miles.
Has anyone encountered a fairly loud and intermittent chirping sound? Mine is coming from the front right wheel well - at least that's what it sounds like when I'm sitting in the car. It happens when the car is at a standstill as well as when it's moving. It seems to start when I start the car, and then mysteriously fades away.

I, too had problems with my roof rack paint chipping off; Lexus replaced it after I requested it a second time. And I had sludge problems which resulted in Lexus taking my engine apart for repair.
I'd appreciate hearing some thoughts about the chirping sound. Thanks!

chuckmoo

Hi yes I have the same issue. I have similar model, no Nav. Similar mileage. Same sound, same instances, same situation. No idea though. Water pump? Mine seems to happen more when it is damp/rainy outside and mild temps. Goes away after some highway driving or continued driving.
????
any ideas????
thanks.

lordkama

Hello!

Could it be that you have a noisy belt? I have an RX300 with 43000 miles. I noticed a ringing type sound when the RX is coasting (no gas pedal pressure) or when at a stoplight. It goes away when I push on the accelerator. I asked the mechanics to lube and clean the serpentine belt and the noise has gone away.

I wonder if this may be your problem.

erik_h

My Mass Airflow Sensor went recently. It had been cleaned a few times previously by the dealer, but I guess it finally went. I have a 99 with ~80K miles. When I brought it in the vehicle ran very badly, the engine light had gone on and off once and the vehicle wouldn't accel. briskly. Luckily the part was covered by the extended warranty.

wwest

----- Original Message -----
To:
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 9:05 PM
Subject: ATF

> Dear Sirs,
>
> In the process of trying to decide whether or not to upgrade, trade my 2001
> AWD RX300, for/to the 2006 AWD RX330 I have recently purchased the RX330
> repair manuals and the 2005 RX330 owners manual.
>
> On page 83, right hand column, of the 2005 RX330 owners manual there is an
> indication that the ATF in the transaxle of the AWD models of the 2005 RX330
> is subject to overheating. The statement clearly implies that continued
> operation with overheated ATF may result in permanent damage to the
> transaxle.
>
> Previously I have brought to your attention to the fact that the ATF in my
> 2001 AWD RX330 appeared inordinately dark and smelled burnt at only 38,000
> miles. You advised me to check with the dealer for a solution and I was
> advised by Bellevue Lexus to drain and replenish my ATF each 15,000 miles.
>
> My 2001 AWD RX300 came equipped with the towing package, extra ATF cooling heat exchanger in front of the right front wheel well, but I removed the
> hitch the very week I purchased the vehicle, new, from Bellevue Lexus. In so far as scheduled maintenance is concerned until I was advised otherwise by
> Bellevue Lexus I understood the ATF did not require any scheduled
> maintenance for the life of the vehicle.
>
> At 45,000 miles the ATF was again dark and smelled burned so I changed it
> out once again. About a week or so later I checked the ATF condition (slow
> learner) and again found it dirty. I then inadvertently discovered that the
> front & center differential case needed to be drained separately, resulting
> in the need to refill with 5 qts of ATF instead of the four insisted upon by
> Bellevue Lexus.
>
> Additionally I have noted on the internet that seemingly the RX300
> transaxles are subject to premature failures at 60,000 to 75,000 miles.
>
> And now I discover that the RX330 series, AWD models ONLY, are subject to
> ATF overheating such that a sensor and warning indication is provided to
> announce to the owner when and if the vehicle must be parked long enough for
> the fluid to cool.
>
> Since my 2001 RX300 already has a thermistor within the transaxle sump pan
> to measure ATF temperature should I consider adding an over-temp sensing
> circuit and if so at what temperature, sensor output voltage, should the
> warning alarm be set?

Any AWD RX330 owners out there encountered this ATF overtemp warning
and if so under what conditions?

levz

Hi, I was wondering if anyone can help me answer this question:

I am driving a 2001 RX 300 which runs great generally but does require an occasional trip to the service station.

Right now I am torn between two extended warranty plans so hopefully you can help me decide:

Penske offers a bumper to bumper warranty for the duration of either 7 years or 75k miles, whichever comes earlier, with $50 deductible payment for $2112.

Lexus offers a bumper to bumper warranty for the duration of 100k miles or 7 years, whichever comes earlier, no deductible payments required, for $2150.

Both warranties provide temporary Lexus vehicles while the car is in shop.

Please let me know what you think and whether you had any experience with either of these two extended warranty plans.

Thanks in advance!

rxracer

Thanks to both of the May 29 writers. I think the ringing sound is different from my problem. I hear the chirping - it sounds just like a bird - at the time the car starts up. Last week we thought we'd pegged it to the a/c, as it seemed to stop when we turned the a/c off, but this week that doesn't work. Read on this site that some info that makes me think it may be brake-related. Will have that checked and report back if I learn anything.

jodar96

Bought a used one in Dec 2003 with 58K for my wife It has been a great vehicle, put together fine, drives great, and have had no issues with it. This Lexus has the most solid brakes I have ever seen. As much as we love it, since It can't pull anyting......... it needs to go!!

Bought a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT sport. although it will never come close to RX 300 level of refinement, it is bigger, wider, has decent room, and drives surprisingly smooth for its truck- based chassis.

I will never hesitate to buy another RX300 or RX330 if our needs change in the future. The key to any used vehicle is to determine how well it was maintained by prior owners. RX300/RX330 are great looking vehicles.

Joe

duane3

I just wanted to thank you guys for saving me $300.00. I followed the advice here and removed the MAF (a job that would take a 90 year old woman 5 minutes), I shot it with choke cleaner, blew it off and put it back in. I removed a battery cable for 30 seconds to reset the light and I'm good as new. I spent about 5 minutes under the hood and didn't spend a time to fix what my friendly Lexus dealer wanted to charge me $300.00 parts only!

Thanks again!!!

leariningcurve

The cigarette lighter on the front dash and the power outlet in the center console are dead in my 1999 RX. The fuses were fine but I changed them anyway, no luck. I checked each outlet with a volt meter to verify that there is no power coming in, I did this when the car was running. The third outlet in the back works.

Is there a way I can replace either simply? Any advice is welcomed. Thanks.

pschiffe

This applies to the rear outlet but I presume the front and console outlets are the same:

To release the 12v receptacle, locate a small rectangular hole in the metal shell at about 1:00 - 5/8" in from the rim, press the plastic tab to release the shell and pull it out until it stops - about 7/16". This will expose the two plastic mounting tabs in rectangular slots at 3:00 and 9:00. Pull tabs inward with a sharp instrument to remove the outlet assembly.

Hope this helps.

Pete

sjgroove

Has anyone given you a recommendation? I just bought a 2000 still under power train warranty and would like to get an extension.

loriport

I have lost my master key - the one with the automatic lock/unlock. I do have two other keys so don't need to replace it...but I really miss the convenience. Any suggestions on where to order a replacement other than the dealer?

pschiffe

There are now several aftermarket sources for OEM-type Lexus remote keys. I believe these are sold only to locksmiths but your's should be able to obtain them and then cut and program the blank for considerably less than dealer prices. This presumes that you still have one original registered master key available. Here is one supplier:

National Auto Lock Service

Pete

mnf

DITTO I did the same and received the same results ... savings and time what a site huh .. Good luck

dmanif

I recently noticed a problem with my 1999 Lexus starting in the morning. Turning the key produces absolutely nothing--no clicking, no engine trying to turn over, nothing. This only happens in the morning, and I think it may only happen after it has rained or been very humid. Anyone have any suggestions?

erik_h

lexus-parts.com (Sewell Lexus in TX) has keys for decent prices. I got one for around 140 about a year ago. They are running some kind of special now (promo 909RK). It was pretty easy, the only thing is I had to program it myself. Kind of weird sequence, but only took like 10 minutes to complete.

leariningcurve

Where would you suggest I get new outlets, do I have to buy them from Lexus?

Thank you.

pschiffe

Lexus or Toyota, try Irontoad.com.

Pete

dgrant

Looking for a good repair manual for the RX300 (2001 AWD). It doesn't have to be the original factory but is something like a Chilton's any good? Or.. does it not make sense to buy anything other than the factory one?

jodar96

What is the sequence of programing? I have two Lexus keys that open the doors, crank the engine, but the engine does not start with those keys. I have only one key with remote in it that starts the car.

Can the other two Lexus keys be programmed to start the car?

Joe

sjgroove

I just bought a 2000 RX 300 - it has the premium sound system with a CD button - I bought a CD magazine off EBay but we don't see anywhere to hook it up! Is it possible that I don't have a CD player in my expensive car? I thought all cars came with CD!

glenford

Look in the glove compartment. The CD magazine holds 6, and fits in a slot there (along the top, so you don't have to take everything in or out to get to it.) Probably, if you hit CD (I'm too lazy to go out in mine and check), it should show a "no disc" message, unless the prior owner forgot his/hers. Tim

pschiffe

You must have one of the original registered master keys to use this procedure:

simultaneously depress and release brake and accelerator pedal 1 time
insert existing master key into ignition
within 15 seconds depress and release accelerator pedal 5 times
within 20 seconds depress and release the brake pedal 6 times and remove key
within 10 seconds insert new key into ignition
within 10 seconds depress and release the accelerator pedal 1 time
after 80 seconds new key is registered and security light goes off
remove new key and depress and release brake pedal 1 time


If you do not have an original registered master key, the ECM (Engine Control Module) must be replaced or flashed to add additional keys.

Pete

le10us

Hi there,

Can you pl. write me a phone no. for lexus extended warranty?

Thanks

konzd

Does anyone have any experience with adding a Tow Package to an RX300? The dealer wants $400 for the factory version and the U-Haul guy says you have to use the OEM wiring harness ($200) or you will continually blow fuses.

pschiffe

Enter: "RX Trailer Wiring Solved" (without the quotes) in the search field above. This should take you to some old posts of mine concerning this topic.

Pete

stever

Do you mean this post, Pete?

mikey00, "Lexus RX 300" #7680, 7 Sep 2003 7:36 pm

[lol, you're editing while I'm trying to guess what your search hit. Right click copy on the post in question will copy the link - copying search results doesn't work].

Steve, Host

atx_hybrid

Hi All,
Might sound too simple. I have changed the tail
lights in RX300 which in the back side trunk bottom(5th door) area.
It is very easy. But this time my tail light in the
top horizantal one (back side of the SUV) is gone.
I tried to remove the plastic trim just like the one
in the lower back side (near the indicator light).
This trim on the back top side doesnot come
out that easily. I am kind of nervous
if I will break something in thast area of the car and would
lead more expensive fixes just to replace one brake light!.

1) I couldnot find procedure in the mannual how to do it.
2) The dealer said it will cost ridiculously high $90 to replace
just on light which itself costs like $6 in pep boys! .

Can anybody pl. tell me how do I replace this rear-end brake light
which is on the top (horizantal one) .

Thanks

atx_hybrid

oops..Just clarifying my post above. It was a question! .
Not a step-by-step procedure to change the light.

Pl. let me know how do I change the rear end brake light.
Rx330 ; year 1999 model.

-Thanks once again.

pschiffe

No, the post I was trying to retrieve from the archives was #98 of Sept. 4, 1999 from Lexus RX-300 - Part II board titled RX Trailer Wiring Solved (from the old Well Engaged format). If you can link it, this would be helpful.

Pete

stever

Heh, that one really was in the archives!

pschiffe, "Lexus RX-300 - Part II" #88, 5 Sep 1999 3:48 am

Steve, Host

pschiffe

Pete

wisdom4u

For a 2003 RX300. I was wonder if you have the programing info so that I can set my existing key to unlock all doors with one click.

pschiffe

Sorry, this must be done by the dealer using a Lexus Hand-Held Tester to change the settings in the Customized Body Electronics System. The software overwrites the settings in the EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory) that is enclosed in the body ECU (electronic control unit). Some dealers will do this gratis when the vehicle is being serviced.

Pete

mays3

I am also looking for the way to change the upper brake light on a RX300 2001.

pschiffe

As I recall, you carefully remove the plastic bezel by prying and lifting. My experience was that you need to use an OEM Toyota/Lexus bulb for this application. The 921LL Sylvania lamp sold by auto parts houses did not work properly.

Pete

pschiffe

I recently learned that Bosch offers a cabin air filter for Toyota/Lexus applications. Their Part No. P3755 fit my 1999 RX and presumably other models as well. I paid $12.07 on the Internet with free shipping and no tax although I also ordered some other goods including Bosch Micro Edge Excel wiper blades to qualify for free shipping.
Bosch

Additionally, I learned that Denso is the OEM supplier of Toyota/Lexus air filters and that they can be purchased under the Denso label, in my case their Part No. is 143-2081.
Denso

Pete

avery1

Thanks Pete

dick1

I must be dumb. where is the filter? I open the glove box and all i see is the cd thing.Theres nothing else there. Mine is a 2000 rx 300.

mikey00

A couple of inches below the CD changer, in the back of the glove box, you will see a little plastic panel (about 1" x 10") that lifts up and out. Behind that is another plastic panel with 2 flat tabs on it. Pull them straight out. Filter is behind that. It slides out.

jodar96

Thanks Pete. Your instructions worked with a $71 key that I bought from the dealer, but it did not work with two keys that the selling dealer got me when I bought the car two years ago. Those two keys with Lexus plastic head are identical to the one I bought from the dealer.

Those two keys open the doors, crank the engine, but they do not start the engine. I wonder if there Is any interval as how often you can program new keys?

Your instruction saved me $40 programming fee that dealer wanted.

Thanks,
Joe

dick1

A spec. page for rx300 says it has a front and rear ash tray. Where the heck is the rear one? beats me!

dick1

I put new wiper blades on my 2000 lexus 300 and they clack when they go to the outside. Bought them at amaco. Anyom know of real quiet ones?

mikey00

A clack when they go to the outside usually means thay are hitting the moulding around the windshield. Even the cheapest blades should not clack. Are you sure they are the same length as the ones removed? I bought PIAA wipers for my 01 RX. They are pricey but very good.