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It is my understanding that ALL oil filters have a built in (lightly) spring loaded by-pass channel wherein if the filter becomes clogged or a high volume of oil flow is required the by-pass opens up and the oil flows around the filter element.
So, a "finer" filter would work fine until it accumulated enough fine particles and then the fluid would be by-passed continuously. Also it seems very unlikely that a more rstrictive filter would reflect a change in the oil pressure.
FWIW, I've got a scratch on mine too.
Not from skiis, mind you...
textruckr "Oil Filters, whos is the best, and Why?" Jul 10, 2001 3:24am
These people spend a lot of time cutting filters apart to see what technology is inside.
From the cheap plastic internals of a Fram $1.99 special to the high-technology of a Mobil 1 filter, there's a world of difference.
And yes, the Mobil 1 filter is different and does apparently cause a drop in oil pressure that can be noted on vehicles that have an oil pressure gauge and not just an idiot light.
The drop is apparently not enough to cause any engine damage or oil bypass action and is the result of finer particle filtration from this particular filter's internal media.
link
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
If the retractor were stronger, pulling the belt back into the B-pillar better, we wouldn't be discussing fixing that hard plastic (or painting door dings).
She makes sure it's out of the way now, but still have lots of both.
Senthil
Lexus recommends chains only on front, extreme interference from coil spring in rear. If you need chains then be extremely careful as the ratio of traction front to rear with chains only on the front will make the vehicle extremely squirrelly, especially so during braking or downhill.
Good luck.
I have already asked for clarification, more detail, but I can't help but wonder if they have realized that the viscous clutch might over-heat and be permanently damaged due to non-correctable disparate rotational rates between the front axle and the rear.
My AWD Porsche says 20 seconds of this and my viscous clutch is toast.
I just moved to Seattle from AZ- so no idea about chains. I dont plan to do any driving other than on freeways. Would I still need chains?
Senthil
tidester
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SUVs
If you plan on venturing through the mountain passes during the winter, you might want to keep a set of chains handy, just in case.
Even in the passes, just take it easy. AWD, VSC, etc. will get you there in one piece.
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
On the evening of Dec. 18, 90 I needed chains on all four wheels of an 85 4WD Jeep to get us and a few of my employees home. In 95 we just sat at home while about 24 inches of ice and snow accumulated on our roof and then we decided late in the week that we should check out office building's roof. Chains on all four wheels of a 92 Jeep that time.
Obviously there have been other, less minor, times when we have needed chains here locally and we do travel over the mountain passes regularly, but unless you are an avid snowskier you can avoid that.
Bottom line really is that the closer you are to the Cascades, Issaquah, say, the more likely you are to encounter snow on your drive to work in the mornings and then a wet roadbed on your drive home that evening.
Carry, tire chains, always.
I may look for a 4x2 to save a little money, for 30k there may be the perfect used RX out there. TIA
http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/rx_01.html
Not only is the Nav useless, th esystem status displays which were readily viewable on the MY2000 LCD are not displayed absent some "request" by the driver.
And now most recently when I questioned the safety aspects of Lexus recommendation of the use of tire chains on the front only they came back and recommended snow tires all around and no chains be used at all.
To top all of that off, I have discovered that the RX300 AWD isn't the type of "serious" AWD one might expect. It has three "open" differentials so any one wheel having lost traction and you're IT!
It does have a viscous clutch but it's only there to prevent driveline windup, when all four wheels have traction.
The BMW X5 is absolutely the best AWD solution in this market segment, but my prejudices against BMW just will not let me go there.
The ML320 is undoubtedly the next best and that's where I'm shopping at the moment.
Please don't misunderstand, if it weren't for need for a more reasonable, robust, AWD system, the RX300 would remain my first choice.
Thanks!
However, I do have first hand knowledge of the Mercedes ML320 because I owned one for 3 years. My 1998 ML320 had the following warranty record during its 3 years and 33,000 miles that I owned it: Replaced leaking door seals, replaced leaking sunroof seals, replaced transfer case, replaced bad rear strut, replaced wind washer container, repaired broken hood release, etc. I had a warranty claim every three months or more often and got to know my Mercedes Service Advisor on a first name basis. Much of these repairs required two trips to get my SUV fixed as most parts had to be ordered before the repairs could be made.
With the end of my warranty on the ML320 looming in early 2002, I traded for a 2001 RX300 in February of this year. Needless to say I'm delighted with the RX300 in every way as it matches or exceeds the ML320. The RX300 has exhibited perfect reliability and only routine servicing has been needed during the 9 months and 12,000 miles that I have owned it. My RX300 has given me significantly better service than the ML320.
So Willard go ahead and buy that ML320 and you'll have something else to complain about. Good luck with your ML320.
I have watched over the past ten years or so as Lexus led the world in all aspects of automotive manufacturing, reliability, etc.
But I have also noticed how the European manufacturer's have also taken notice, they have improved their product offering tremendously.
When I bought my first Lexus, back in late 91, did anyone know or suspect that this product line would prove to be so reliable?
So, the ML320 doesn't have a good track record in this category, but what does the future hold? Maybe we should use the trend line?
But I feel that I need, or may need, this coming winter, a true AWD vehicle. At the moment that seems to limit me to the X5 or the ML, at least in this market segment.
Jiffin: I do sincerely hope you don't find any need of the AWD setup of your RX300, it just is not there.
Why are you shopping for an ML and not a Chrysler T&C, like you've been advocating other people to do for months? From the way you've been selling it, I'd have thought you would not settle for anything less than the T&C with the wood side panels. And since it has more wood than the RX, it should be better, no?
I have not really touted the T&C except to state that its AWD setup is much more "serious" and robust vs the "nonexistent" AWD in the RX.
The T&C does have a simple, manual, climate control so one does not have to fear instantaneous windshield fogging unless the person running the manual controls is utterly stupid.
And ANY paper map will prove itsself more reliable than the RX300 Nav system.
That would be a good test of the T&C! We'll expect a full report upon his return! ;-)
tidester
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And as grumb said, lightyears ahead of the Integritys. (Truth be told, the Goodyears were OK in the not-too-adverse conditions we generally get here in Arkansas. Just wouldn't get them again.)
We live in Dallas/Fort Worth area and recently took a 2500 mile trip to Colorado. Did quite a bit of mountain road driving (independence pass, etc) and I liked the way the vehicle handled. And with our 3 month old baby in the back seat, I felt safe with the confident handling of this 2WD vehicle (There was no snow any where). Also nav was extremely helpful on this trip.
After 6 months of ownerhip I am a happy camper.
I can see that the RX will not have the traction qualities of the 4 Runner - but I live in the south so it's not a big deal to me. I do look forward to changing the tires though. I think that there has to be something with better traction than those Goodyears! I feel like the car tries to over-correct too much on winding roads and doesn't "pin" to the road as much as I'd like. I'm reading that Michelin is a good choice?
I bought the Lexus rear bumper protector on-line (found the web site address on this board) because I can see where that would have been a real problem. If there are any other things like this that I should consider - please advise me.
I have a couple of "newby" questions (if anyone cares to enlighten me)
- Is it (or will it ever) be possible to change the headlamp bulbs over to the HID version on my '00? I can't tell a big difference in the headlight design on the new RX (although I haven't really studied it all that hard) Sure would be nice if I could change these over.
- Is there a way to disable the electrochromic mirrors? I know I can shut them off after I start the car - but would much rather they were controlled visa-versa. I know - no big deal - but I'm so used to flipping the mirror manually now for years!
- My car did not come with a towing package. I've seen postings about the Round Tube Hitch tow package offered at Badgco.com. Has anyone had any pro / con experience with them? The price tag sure is great!
Thanks for your help! I'm looking forward to many years with my new car!
If you are fascinated with gimmickry then just five minutes will suffice.
It has taken me over a year and 10000 miles to determine that the Lexus Nav system is TOTALLY USELESS, but if you think a 30 minute test will suffice then go for it, by all means.
Willard, if you took a poll among Nav users that use their system, I'll bet that many are identical to #3488 above - they love their Nav and won't buy another vehicle without one. My wife included.
Have you ever thought that with the "non" defroster in your LS, the "poorly" engineered AWD and "lost-in-space" NAV system in your RX - that perhaps its just a personal vendetta with Lexus and they are simply out to get YOU?
I'd give it some thought. You know, that ML320 should be going on Xmas sale any time now...
tidester
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And I would bet you that if you polled owners of the Lexus Nav you would find at least half who have had experiences with it that leads them to be distrustful of it for future use.
Defrost function... Browse around on the internet and look at how many people are complaining of mold and mildew smells and fogged up windshield and windows, and not just Leii, almost any vehicle with a climate control supplied by Lexus' supplier, Denso.
AWD... Even Lexus admits that the RX300 delivers engine torque to all four wheels ONLY when all four wheels have traction. And just what level of torque is delivered to the rear? Why don't some of you ask that question of Lexus and maybe if there are enough enquiries Lexus will fess up and tell the truth, maybe!
I live in So. CA and actually understand that I do not need an AWD system of any type for the 9 days of light rain we have annually.
And I find it difficult to convince myself otherwise, even with that rather strange rationalization for an T&C AWD in So. CA of "why not?"
As in, I guess, why not add dollars, why not add weight, why not add complexity, and why not add more fuel usage to a vehicle, all in the name of getting a shop manual to pore over the AWD diagrams. OK.
Of course, under that same logic, how about a new Hummer for that family member when that finely constructed Chrysler starts making those oh-so-frequent visits to the dealer's service bay?
Never know when the need arises to drive straight up a sand dune in Manhattan or Hermosa Beach.
Hey, whenever you want to start swapping stories on REAL lack-of-manufacturer-support and flat-out bad technology, let me know -- I can bore everyone to tears over our Dodge Grand LE experiences.
You almost smoked a deer in your RX? How about our not-so-Grand Dodge almost killing my wife a few times – even when it was PARKED?!
As for the Nav, you're the only one that complains over and over about it on this and other forums. Gee goshes, it does have disclaimers all over the place, including the start-up screen if I recall it right, that it ain't dead on all the time and human intelligence and judgement is sometimes required.
Perhaps that's where the problem be, matey! Har har.
1. Put a strip of WHITE tape over the light sensor, located on the forward side of the inside rear view mirror. This may BS the system into thinking that it is daytime.
2. Pull the #10 Fuse "ECU IG" from the instrument panel junction block. I looked in the 01 shop manual and that supplies power to the system. I do not know if anything else is connected to that fuse.
We bought the T&C for her while she lived here in the Seattle area, hubby got a job with a new venture startup.
Only failure was thermostatic switch that runs the radiator fan, so far.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Also go with 235/70-16 which work well on the Rex. It is my impression that some people pay about $35 extra per Michelin Cross Terrain tire just because of the name. The Bridgestone H/L Dueler and the Michelin CT are VERY comparable tires.
Long ago I promised myself I would never own a FWD vehicle, I felt they were too dangerous in the kind of wintertime adverse roadbed conditions we often encounter here in the pacific NW.
So I can't really answer your question subjectively except in the context that I firmly believe that the RX300 FWD and the RX300 AWD are basically one and the same. I don't think anyone would argue with me that the RX300 AWD is torque biased predominantly to the front, so most of us will not really notice any difference in driving or roadway handling of the RX300 AWD from the FWD version in normal circumstances.
The most likely thing most would notice first would be torque steer, especially when accelerating into a tight turn, that is the nature of almost all FWD vehicles, including any AWD vehicle with the majority of the engine torque delivered to the front axle.
With a FWD vehicle you are asking the front tires' "contact patch" to do all of the work, and in cities such as Phoenix or Tucson that works out just find.
But on the oil and rain, ice and snow, slicked streets and roadbeds of the northwest it is a very good idea to distribute the forces needed to maintain forward momentum and absorb lateral steering forces accross as many square inches of "contact patch" as is possible.
Most modern day systems have automatic braking force distribution, when you first apply the brakes all four wheels recieve equal braking HP, as your vehicle begins to slow the weight shifts toward the front which has the effect of "lifting" the rear tires from the roadbed, thus reducing the traction, and the braking capability of the rear tires. This results in the automatic brake force distribution changing the braking force ratio front to rear to something like 80% front, 20% rear.
Accelerating away from a stop results in the same action but in reverse, the front "lifts" and the rear "squats". So a RWD vehicle becomes much closer to the ideal configuration than will any FWD or AWD with forward torque bias, EVER.
An ideal system IMHO would be an AWD system that "unloads" the engine torque from the front, progressively, as you start entering a turn and the front "contact patch" starts loading up with Lateral, turning, forces.
The BMW X5 is probably closest to the ideal as we might get using today's automotive technology, it delivers 70% of the engine torque to the rear and 30% to the front under normal circumstances.
It is really a shame that such a well executed design must carry the stigma of the BMW marque.
If the ML320 were manufactured by Lexus, even with US labor, it would probably outsell the RX300 and the HL combined. It's only design shortcoming is its 50/50 torque split. There are those who would say that it will be unreliable becuase it built in Alabama by American labor.
I look at the Toyota Camry and Avalon built in Kentucky and I start to wonder....
But, back to the question at hand, driving and handling of a FWD vs an AWD. In the case of the RX300 it is my humble opinion that as long as all four wheels have some level of roadbed traction you will never notice any difference. There will be NO DIFFERENCE.
But most of us pay the extra price for AWD for its overall utility over FWD or RWD. That is to say how does it handle when one or more wheels are on a patch of ice when we start to drive away from the curb. Or we wish to go skiing and not unduly risk our lives on the ice and snow covered roadbeds getting there.
If I had my choice between an RX300 AWD (FWD torque bias, some torque to the rear, maybe 5%) and an AWD 911 (RWD torque bias, some torque to the front, maybe 5%) I'd choose the 911 every time.
Have you ever thought how a book or movie critic must feel, self-satisfied, going to his warm and cosy bed at night with the knowledge and surety that s/he has just firmly and justifiably thrashed some author's book, or director's movie, only to rise and shine the next morning to discover that the book or movie has just been released or opened to a stupendous welcome by the general public, making the author or director an instant multi-millionaire?
Go ahead, stay on your side of the bed!