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I'm not sure about spending the six or seven hours or so it'll take to do it by myself. However, I know a couple of very dependable teenagers that need some money. Maybe I'll have them test it out on my Explorer, first.
The RX is already pretty glossy. Is it really that noticeably shinier, after Zaino?
Steve, Host
phil g
I only use 87 octane.
On another note, I recently drove an ES 330 loaner, and I found it surprisingly different from my RX. It felt as if the engine revved much more smoothly and easily than in my car, which is strange considering they share the engine. Despite complaints about the RX's transmission (I have been problem-free), I thought the ES's was terrible. It was extremely reluctant and slow to downshift. I would imagine that the two cars share it as well, so I could not figure this out. Maybe the learning transmission in the loaner was confused by so many different drivers. Are the transmissions in either the RX or the ES truly learning transmissions?
Lexus obviously has not learned from Nissan's experience. The State of New Jersey sued Nissan for failing to notify customers of the rampant theft on its Maxima Headlamps. Unlike Nissan, Lexus still has not recalled its RXs so that it can secure and correct the weak and poor headlamp installation. Such defective product should not be expected on a $42,000 car.
Check out this discussion: Stolen Headlights!!
tidester, host
Does anyone know what this may be related to. Is there a relevant TSB?
My RX 330 is 4WD purchased in Feb 2004. I also have occasional thump/hum transmission issue. Otherwise I like the vehicle.
So it most cases, no it won't decrease the value of your car by even a penny.
My 01 AWD RX300's transmission fluid has a burned look and odor at just 38k miles. This on a vehicle that has no tow hitch but with the tow package (extra transmission fluid cooler in front of right front wheelwell) and no designated fluid/replenish maintainance schedule.
I have sent at least three missives to customer_satisfaction_inquiries@lexus.com and what I get back each time is that I should check with the dealer about why my RX has burned fluid. Apparently something they do not wish to put in writing.
Up until just this week I have been assuming that the designers underestimated the heating contributed by the VC.
But then I keep hearing/reading about these hesitation problems and that got me to thinking on another thread.
I am absolutely sure that my 01's transmission shifts into another gear, or maybe even neutral, during coastdown.
Some have described it as a "slingshot" effect or as if being bumped from behind just before coming to a full stop. I have attributed this effect to a desire to increase fuel economy and/or reduce the instances of loss of control on a slippery surface as the result of engine braking to the front, drive, wheels.
But suppose for a moment that I'm correct and the vehicle is being shifted into neutral in these instances.
My 01 DOES NOT have an e-throttle so the instant I depress the footfeed the engine will react and apply high output......while the transmission is still in neutral or an inappropreately higher gear??
Now THAT would result in premature BURNING of the transmission fluid!
But now with e-throttle the later models might have a firmware fix that delays the onset of engine torque until the transmission can be shifted into the correct gear and allow time for the clutches or bands to be full seated before excessive torque is applied.
Obviously just guessing, but....
1) The part that fixes the downshift "clunk" per the TSB.
2) New power rear-door switch per TSB (this supposedly takes care of the glitch that caused the door to not open automatically at times).
3)A new dash message center computer. In recent months, the message center backlight wasn't coming on when I would start the car. This always seemed to happen after the car had been sitting for longer than a day (and it never failed that the problem would happen when I would get into the RX in the airport parking lot late at night after a business trip). I complained three times before they finally ordered a new unit a month ago.
Now, since they had to open the dash to check the message center (and then order one), a small dash rattle returned (SURPRISE!). I noted the new rattle in my note to the dealer. The service invoice says the dealer did not act on this complaint. Instead, the invoice says the dealer is anticipatng a new dash rattle "update" from Lexus in November. I pass this info on for anyone who is still having dash rattle issues.
Finally, in my note to the service department, I mentioned the new TSB for the brakes. Mine were acting fine but I wanted more information on the new TSB and inquired whether or not the TSB was only good for a certain number of miles (I believe someone posted this very question to this board). I never got an answer. The dealer just installed a new set of brakes "per the TSB."
I still love the RX and am very interested in the hybrid. BUT, I am going to wait until at least the second model year of the hybrid before I get serious about trading.
I chaulk up all of the issues I've had with Queenie to first model year re-design jitters. Hopefully, any bugs that develop in the 400h will be fixed by the second model year.
1.Right windows making creaking noise when going down (intermit)
2.Smell “rotten egg” odor when hard acceleration
3.Transmission still hesitate to shift between 10-35 mph (a thug is more notable at lower speed).
4.Steering wheel vibrate (front tires vibrate)at starting speed, 70 MPH and up.
5.Driver side leather seat is defect on right side cushion (right thigh support). Defected area is about 2x2 inches.
Schedule to drop off on 11/9/04. Will post the problem found & solution
Does anyone has similar problems?
I has high expectation for this model car (SUV), but it has more problems than any other that I owned.
RWD biased AWD.
NO transmission hesitation.
NO infinite wait for RX400h
IMO for the same price, VW Touareg V8 is much better than X3 3.0.
Not a fan of high HP/Torque.
Buying the smaller engine X3 w/manual.
You'll have to tell us just how good the X3 is and how reliable it turns out to be.
Here's for happy driving!
Bosch has an inherent flaw in their design that results in the windshield being CHILLED in a hot and humid climatic resulting in condensation forming, sometimes quite quickly, on the exterior of the windshield.
Provided its not well into the evening or night when this happens it's easily recognizable and just as easily overcome using the wipers.
VW has already come out with a firmware fix for the Touareg but Porsche is still pretending the problem is a "feature".
If you're interested in more information just google for "windshield condensation".
Oh, the Porsche/Bosch "fix", at least from the owner's standpoint, is very much the same as for the Toyota/Lexus system. For the Porsche you simply prevent the windshield from being chilled by de-selecting the windshield airflow outlets in cooling mode once the cabin is cooled to within a few degrees of setpoint.
For the Toyota/Lexus/Denso system you use "footwell" mode to select the windshield airflow outlets during heating mode once the cabin is warmed to within a few degrees of setpoint.
That latter method can be made automatic in the 04 and later RX via a C-best setting.
BMW recommends turning off the DSC, Dynamic Stability Control, during maneuvers such rocking back and forth to get unstuck in a mud "wallow". Turning it off prevents the dethrottling of the engine so one might actually get out of that mud.
On the other hand it also says that in this mode, DSC off, the brake modulation for left/right torque apportioning might result in an automatic "masking out" of the brake application capability to prevent brake overheating due to allowing high rates of wheelspin.
Next year's "feature" for Toyota/Lexus AWD systems?
Anyone tried this or an equivalent.
My recommendation is to test drive the car. Drive it like you would normally. If there is any hesitation that bothers you then move on to another SUV.
1. - To those of you who are experiencing a whistling noise when the A/C fan goes to Medium or Low: I had to use a stethoscope (put any type of tubing to your ear also works) and found an annoying whistle (like blowing over the top of a bottle). It was coming from the air sampling intake vent (just below the ignition switch). Dealer found the hose was TOO LONG and it had a kink. He shortened the hose, got rid of the kink, and all is well.
2. - I was getting a creaking noise from what seemed the top of the dash but it turned out to be a bad seal around the windshield. I found it by pressing out on the windshield from the inside with my finger. Had to have the windshield replaced because it cracked when it was removed. It is O.K. now.
TSIB-00804 Rear Wiper Improvement
TSIB-00504 Brake Boaster
I adjusted mine in the garage by turning on the low beams and marking the light cutoff on the wall. The cutoff is very percise and can be easily seen. Then I adjusted the lights upward based on what I had marked on the wall. You don't have to raise them much to get an improvment.
You could try complaining to the dealer and they might raise them but they also might say that they are adjusted correctly.
Good luck.
My issue was when driving at night on a windy, mountain road, particularly when going downhill. The cut off is definitely too low and visibility is not as far ahead as I'd like.
John's solution is right on. Just don't overdo it or you might be cited a fix-it ticket, for blinding oncoming traffic.