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Lexus RX 330 Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • cheesestatecheesestate Member Posts: 8
    I had the same problem with my HID lights. They were aimed too low, so everything above that cutoff was total darkness. This is especially dangerous while driving on the freeway and hilly areas. I adjusted the beam about 2" above the original cutoff line and wow, what a difference. I can see so much farther.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Generally I concentrate on the driver's side headlight only. I aim it upwards slightly and to the right such that its beam hits the roadbed just ahead of the right side headlight pattern. That gives me reasonably good illumination of the roadbed without blinding oncoming drivers.
  • lux88lux88 Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a new RX 330, and was told that it is essential to change oil when the car reaches 500 miles. However, I called service department of a lexus deal, and was told that no oil change is needed before 5,000 miles. When I bought my previous car, I had it first oil change when it reached 500 miles, and I had owned that car for 14 years, and never had problems. However, technology has changed significantly since then. Is it important to do first change oil when the car reaches 500 miles? Any one?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    It's remotely possible that machining shavings have been left, trapped in tiny crevices, from the factory.

    But personally I wouldn't bother until the factory recommendation of 7500 miles.

    We're talking Lexus here!
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    I was told to come in when my RX330 hit 5,000 miles for my free, complimentary oil change.
    I also felt that this was a long interval as well, but according to the owner's manual you can opt to change oil at 5,000 or even 7,500 miles.
  • flamesfanflamesfan Member Posts: 2
    I am new to this forum and am wondering if anyone has encountered this problem. My 2004 rx 330 has 15000km and has been problem free until yesterday. I noticed some difficulty in applying the brakes at a traffic light. I noticed that the emergency brake light was on. (It wasn't on before) I drove slowly to a parking area at a mall and stopped with difficulty and turned the engine off. The brakes were making a screeching sound. I then restarted it and the emergency brake light was still on. I made sure again that the emergency brake was off and tried pushing on the brakes and they felt very hard to push. I waited about half an hour, then restarted the car and the brake light was off. I drove it in the parking lot and the brakes seemed ok so I drove slowly home. I noticed a hissing sound when I applied the brakes, but they worked ok. This morning, the brake light was on again and I couldn't push in the brakes so I called lexus emergency road service and they are towing it to the dealership. As I moved the vehicle down the driveway, the brakes were very difficult to apply and made a high pitched sound a few times.
    I had serviced the vehicle about two weeks ago (15000 km) and had winter radials put on the original rims. I haven't noticed any fluid leaks. The rotors look smooth to me (I am not a mechanic).
    Any thoughts? Anybody else with this problem?
    Other than a couple of intermittent rattles, the rx 330 has been fabulous. thanks flamefan
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Brake pad separated from its backing.....
  • tcltcl Member Posts: 42
    The technology has changed. It is better to keep it run as long as possible on the first oil change. The factory add additive in the oil to break in the engine. The engine was flushed before fill with oil. In the old day they do not flush first so you have to change oil soon to get rid of all the small chips in the engine. The owners' manual should have some explanation.
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Hey, tcl, very interesting info. Was not aware of this before! Thanks.
  • buckeye1buckeye1 Member Posts: 41
    Last month I went to Mission Viejo Lexus "new owners night" where Chief of Maint., among others, answered questions by new Lexus owners.

    I asked him in private about changing oil sooner than the 5K change recmd by Lexus owners manual. He said absolutely no need before 5K. He added that if mileage is short of 5k, no need to change old oil until 6 month mark. "This is a Lexus engine," he said with a laugh. I persisted: how about if I wanted a 3.5K change just to feel better? He said, "Your wasting your money." I also asked about using synthetic rather than dino oil. He said dino is used exclusively by dealership and is a super high quality product; no need for synthetic at higher cost.
  • wallie502wallie502 Member Posts: 13
    After reading post #817, which says that the auto windows close themselves to tightly, distorting the seal, I followed the directions posted and lowered them a pinch. What a difference! It feels like I am driving a totally different (and much quieter) car. The auto windows tightness seems like something that should be adjustable, so I will inquire at my next service appointment.

    Thanks
  • rmorin2rmorin2 Member Posts: 110
    Can anyone recommend a dealer that will discount an extended service contract. I am interested in a 7 yr/100,000 mile contract.
  • schwingschwing Member Posts: 5
    I'm a little over 6'-2", and was wondering if the leg room is sufficient for someone my size ..... especially on an extended trip .... would appreciate any feedback
  • windy6windy6 Member Posts: 57
    I'm about the same height and the 330 has probably been one of my most comfortable cars on trips, never a problem with leg room
  • schwingschwing Member Posts: 5
    windy6 .... Thanks for your reply ... It's appreciated
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I'm also 6'2" and on my 01 RX300 I find that my right knee gets sore during a long drive because of the intrusion/obstruction from the dash and console.

    RX330 have the same problem??
  • windy6windy6 Member Posts: 57
    I haven't noticed it but once I get out of our city limits (population 5000) I put the cruise control on. Just a habit from 25+ years as an over the road salesman.

    windy6
  • skaneshiroskaneshiro Member Posts: 1
    I recently noticed a distortion in the rear-view camera image whenever I reverse. Even after cleaning the lens, the image looks like a bunch of vertical streaks making it impossible to see anything. This problem happens regardless if it is raining or not raining. Has anyone encountered this problem before?
  • pricemanpriceman Member Posts: 3
    Hi, My 2004 RX330 which is about 2 months hold seems to have a couple of problems now. Has anyone had some intense screeching sound from both front and rear wipers? I took this in to the dealer to fix and dealer claimed he replaced the blades but the sound is still there. It's an extremely annoying sound like fingers running down a chalkboard and it happens regardless of amount of rain falling. Also, i noticed that i'm getting a signifant amount of wind noise from the windshield area, has anyone experianced this?
  • dsindmdsindm Member Posts: 13
    A couple of notes from my recent 15,000 mile service.

     

    First, they told me there is a redesigned rear wiper available and they ordered it to install for me. Anyone had this done yet, and if so does it solve the problem?

     

    Second, I was wary based on some posts here of high service charges for the 15,000 mile service. I planned to arm myself with the Edmunds info as to what should be checked and what the approximate cost should be. Then on the morning of the service appmt I forgot to bring the list along (DOH!) and ended up just telling them I wanted them to do whatever the manufacturer recommended. The good news: When I picked it up, the total charge was just under $70! The not-so-good news: It appears that they checked VERY few things on the list from Edmunds. In fact the only actions documented were lube, oil and filters. Now, why would a dealer neglect to go down the manufacturer's laundry list when they can charge for their services???

     

    Finally, I read in post 817-818 about wind noise being generated by windows closing too tight and distorting the seal. The author said he was told there is a TSB for this. Has anyone else heard the same thing?

     

    Thanks in advance!
  • r1_97r1_97 Member Posts: 181
    Our '04 RX330 has a bad smell from the front vents which lasts for about 5-10 minutes after the car starts up in the morning. The dealer says it could be the cabin filter ($80) but it seems to me that with only 17K miles and driving only on paved roads that there is some other cause.

     

    Has anyone else had this problem?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    See:

     

    http://www.airsept.com/eed.html

     

    Google search for

     

    wwest & defog

     

    and/or

     

    wwest & odor
  • windy6windy6 Member Posts: 57
    Our rear wiper didn't do the top 2-3 inches from day one, at the 30 day they "said" they replaced the blade, but we didn't have any rain for awhile and we don't drive the car all that much. I have seen other posts here about the rear wiper.

     

    At the 5,000 mile we complained again as we had had some rain and they replaced the assembly. I noticed the other day that it seems to be doing the same thing. I'll find out next we as we're heading to Santa Fe, 950 miles each way, for Christmas. I'm sure we'll have some weather on that trip.
  • headhunterheadhunter Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone noticed that the 2005 RX's driver's right side and the passenger's left side arm rest seems to be a bit high and uneven with the door arm rest? I thought it was just me, but my wife noticed it too.
  • johngreisjohngreis Member Posts: 70
    Yep. It takes about 20 minutes and my arm goes to sleep.

     

    My RX300 didn't do that to me.
  • johngreisjohngreis Member Posts: 70
    Haven't had the smell but you could try taking the filter out to see if it goes away. It's in the glove box.

     

    I think it might be caused by the AC. I have heard of odor problems in that area.
  • tomtomtomtomtomtom Member Posts: 491
    There might be wax on the windshield. Try to clean the windshield with dishwash.
  • luapluap Member Posts: 21
    You can try one more cleaner: Many years ago I bought a GM (sorry) windshield cleaner (powder) from a Cadillac (sorry again) dealer. The container said it was made by BonAmi. Turned out to be the same product. Sprinkle it on a wet sponge and use circular motion "OUTSIDE ONLY", rinse very well.
  • 04rx33004rx330 Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone notice that the maximum speed for RX330 is @ 110 miles per hour, after that the car will cut off the gas and wouldnt go further than 110. Is there a by-pass related to the cut off limit @110??
  • scoti1scoti1 Member Posts: 676
    Thought some of you would be interested in this article regarding the transmission hesitation issue.

     

    http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04345/424551.stm
  • caryncaryn Member Posts: 5
    I've had my 2004 RX330 since Aug 03 and I have to admit, I live on my CD player. Has anyone had any issues w/theirs?? What's happening w/mine is that I can't eject my CDs and they will not play. To top it off, the display has been reading "ERROR 3" and in the manual, it says to try to eject the CDs but they won't come out. Needless to say, the car is going in the shop for a 20K service, the CD player and I think for the TSB corrections for the driver's side window molding (I get the road noise), the power back door and maybe the brakes. I have a sneaking suspicion I won't see my car until Valentine's Day again.

     

    Caryn
  • lovemylexus1lovemylexus1 Member Posts: 101
    Caryn,

     

    Do the CDs in your CD player have paper or gum labels on them (you made the CDs and the labels yourself versus buying music store CDs)?

     

    If the answer is yes, then I suspect the label(s) have jammed up the changer. As a radio producer, I too live with my CD player but I learned the hard way with my old Honda Accord that I CANNOT use paper labels. I had an entire changer full of CDs with paper labels kill my steroe system in the Accord. My error message was also similar to the one you describe.

     

    If the answer is no, then I don't have any suggestions to offer. But in either case, don't expect to get your CDs back.

     

    On a related note, my last regular service took 3 days and it covered all of the TSB's you listed and more. It also included a digishield application to the front bumper. So, I can't imagine you will be without your RX for weeks.

     

    Good luck.
  • caryncaryn Member Posts: 5
    The CDs are store bought so no stick-on labels. I think it's due to the fact that all I use about 98% of the time is the CD player and that's the reason why it went so quickly. I was lucky the last time when my CD player went in my old 4-Runner because it was an after-market installed CD player that was a separate unit for the radio that was mounted in my trunk area. This time, not sure how lucky I'll be about getting my CDs back. :-(

     

    My Lexus will be dropped off the Monday after New year's and w/everything that needs to be done to it, I don't expect it back before Thursday but it's going to feel like a much longer period of time w/o it.

     

    Caryn
  • lovingmylexuslovingmylexus Member Posts: 7
    I have the RX 330 and its less than a year old. We live in a very snowy climate and my Lexus is AWFUL in the snow. I have the all season tires, 17 inch and LITERALLY if I go to stop and there is a tad bit of ice the car does not stop. I have tried driving in 1,2,3 gear and still the same problem happens. Anyone else experience slipping problems?? I am scared to death to go out in the snow and ice now! HELP!

    Thanks
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If you could be certain the surface that you wish to next stop on was quite slippery, beyond the capability of the ABS to help, you could pull the ABS pumpmotor fuse.

     

    But then that would also disable your AWD system, your VSC, Trac, BA, etc. Not a good idea I guess.

     

    Somewhere in the near future the VSC will get coupled to the ABS so that the Anti-lock braking function does not activate unless the vehicle is deviating from the desired path during severe braking.

     

    In the meantime put some spacers on the rear so that snowchains can be installed, on the rear only, first, and then also on the front if conditions are that severe.

     

    The only answer to your problem at the moment is additional roadbed traction, snowchains or studded tires.
  • lovemylexus1lovemylexus1 Member Posts: 101
    You didn't mention if you have AWD or FWD on your RX330. I assume since you live in a snowy climate that you have AWD but I thought I would ask anyway.

     

    I also have 17 inch rims and I haven't had any problems at all with our AWD in the snow. In fact, I LOVE my RX in the winter (and I don't like much else in the winter months).

     

    I suspect your problem is the ECT Snow Button near your transmission shifter. I do not understand all of the technical aspects of this mode but the button basically allows your tires to spin when plowing through deep snow.

     

    You do NOT want this button engaged when you are trying to brake in snow and ice. You will lose control every time in a manner similar to the description in your message.

     

    The button is a bit deceiving. Until I read the manual, I thought I wanted to have that button engaged ALL OF THE TIME in the winter. Basically, I only press the ECT Snow button when I am trying to get out of our subdivision before the snow plow makes its first pass after a major snow.

     

    If your ECT Snow button is OFF and you continue to experience the driving conditions outlined in your message, I suggest you call your nearest Lexus service department and have them check out your vehicle

     

    Hope this helps....
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    Yes that is true, even with the RX300 it would not pass the 112 MPH mark, the tranny downshifts, (this was the four speed tranny). It can be by-passed, but the computer programing would have to be altered. There are many reasons why manufacturers do this, don't forget your in a vehicle that the center of gravity is much higher. Also, when I had contacted LEXUS about this they had said it was for safety and emission reasons. In a way we hardly took the vehicle up to 100 MPH, but I guess in the back of our minds if we spent nearly $40K for a vehicle it should at least do what is on the speedometer. We now own a near luxury vehicle that, to us has surpassed our expectations at a lot less $$$.
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    Actually, the ECT button should be used in snow/icy conditions. When selected it reduces the throttle response, e.g. if you floored it with the ECT button pressed the vehicle should not take-off as usually. It helps to prevent wheel spin. Plowing through deep snow, I am not to sure about that, I tried that with about 8-12 inches of wet snow and got about 12 feet into my driveway before the vehicle would not go further, and yes it was the AWD with the Limited Slip Differential rear end.
  • windy6windy6 Member Posts: 57
    We just got back from Christmas trip to Santa Fe and encountered a bit of snow/slush etc while there and on the way back. The back wiper still is crappy for the top 3 inches. And this after we had the unit replaced a few months ago. Back to the dealer sometime soon I guess.
  • lovemylexus1lovemylexus1 Member Posts: 101
    As I said, I don't understand the science of this. But, my experience with the ECT is the exact opposite of what you describe. For me, having the ECT mode engaged when driving on ice and snow is much, much more dangerous than leaving it off. It helps when plowing through snow piles but makes ice even slicker than glass when engaged.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Your original post seems imply more dissatisfaction with stopping or slowing then cruising or accelerating. Can you clarify or elaborate?
  • lovemylexus1lovemylexus1 Member Posts: 101
    You are correct. I tested the snow mode in a local parking lot after noticing that the RX wasn't stopping well on ice. The parking lot was basically a sheet of ice. When the snow mode was engaged... the RX acted like a skater on a skating rink. In my youth I would have loved it but I didn't like the idea of skating around a parking lot in my Lexus. I immediately performed the same test without the snow mode engaged and the RX was much easier to control and stopped with very little problem. The symptoms described in the previous post are similar to the ones I experienced when I tested my own RX.

     

    I have used the snow mode when trying to get up our unplowed street after 8 inches of snow. It does help when I first accelerate but I turn off the mode once I get going.

     

    I must say I was surprised because I thought the snow mode would make winter driving easier. Personally, I have concluded the snow mode isn't necessary on my AWD but it is when I drive my husband's rear-wheel drive sport sedan.
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Just curious, what near luxury vehicle do you own, now?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I wouldn't have thought that ECT snow mode would have had any adverse effect during stopping or coastdown on a slippery surface....

     

    I would have thought that the RX, in snow mode, would start off in a higher gear (it does) and maybe a little detuning of the engine. I would also have thought that in snow mode to prevent too much engine braking on a slippery surface the transmission would not downshift as quickly, remain in the higher gears for a longer duration during coastdown or stopping.

     

    It sounds as if the opposite is true, too much engine braking during coastdown/stopping especially in snow mode.

     

    Makes no sense at all.

     

    And now this, coupled with the hesitation issue, makes me wonder if the Toyota engineer in charge of software/firmware specifications has gone off his nut.

     

    Kinda makes me glad my next purchase is a BMW X3.

     

    I'll likely be back after Toyota straighteneds out these kinks.
  • nw1997nw1997 Member Posts: 227
    We replaced our RX300 with an 04 Accord V6 EX with the Navigation. Very pleased with it since. Still like the quite and comfort of the RX. The Accord is a bit on the firm side. The Accord does offer much more features from our previous RX, for the price of a fully loaded IS300, we got more from the Accord.
  • 04rx33004rx330 Member Posts: 2
    According to the owner's manual, the ECT snow mode button is only use it when you start up your engine during snow condition and not for driving.
  • lovemylexus1lovemylexus1 Member Posts: 101
    Exactly my point from earlier. I re-read the manual after my experiment and concluded that keeping ECT snow mode engaged while braking was the reason why the RX skated on ice so easily.

     

    I do think this is confusing. Our Mercedes has a "winter" mode...and it is supposed to be engaged at all times during snow and ice driving. So, that's why I engaged the ECT button and kept it on until I realized that I had almost no braking control with it on. I think Lexus should either redesign the button or have more than one sentence about it in the owner's manual.
  • bennbbennb Member Posts: 143
    What should a guy do in snow? Have it engaged or not?
  • saschecsaschec Member Posts: 2
    Our RX330 went in for the 5000mi oil change today. We took possession of it in early July. Today's list included a burning smell (like electrical) about 3-4x total (no consistency as to when this happens) and brake vibration when going slow of late. We got a call not to bring back the loaner that there was a recall on the brakes and when tested they failed! There are no brakes left on the car and it will be a week before parts come in. Nothing found on the smell.

     

    Going back a few pages I, too, have had a dirty socks smell. Also some "slowness" with acceleration. This last item I have not discussed yet with the dealer. Perhaps it is a hesitation?

     

    We are not mechanically inclined and bought the RX for it's reliability. This is my first time with this forum.
  • lovemylexus1lovemylexus1 Member Posts: 101
    I say no. This is based on my own experiences. It may not be the "correct" way in the eyes of Lexus but their engineers are not in my car when I am driving on snow and ice.
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