Lexus RX 300

wwest · July 2002

Have a look at page 2 of 3 item 8.b. at:

http://fgltweb.lt.e-technik.tu.darmstadt.de/drl_meekel.pdf

Found by seaching (google) with string:

halogen bulb "reduced voltage" drl

For anyone wishing to know the truth, it can oftentimes be found by simply looking.

tidester · July 2002

Of course we believe everything we read on the web! ;-)

b. Reduced light intensity, created by reduced voltage, may affect the halogen processes within a halogen bulb, which could lead to shortening of the lifetime of the lamp, and blackening of the internal surface of the glass of the bulb.

Actually, the operative word is MAY just as HID lamps MAY arc, explode and cause your car to go up in flames. It is also wise not to put too much weight into DRAFTS of reports! They have a way of mysteriously changing before the final release.

tidester
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wwest · July 2002

Not too well versed in this but Osram-Sylvania makes some mention of the halogen regenerative cycle. Something about the filament being hot enough that the halogen gas will continously "rebuild" the filament itself. My assumption from this would be that at the reduced DRL voltage the filament doesn't get hot enough to cause the halogen gas to begin the regenerative cycle and thus the filament "soot" is deposited on the interior of the glass encapsulation.

Of course in my case it helps that I have have personally experienced the interior of the high beam bulbs being blackened with "soot" and the glass encapsulation melting just above the filament. I am also quite confident that most RX owners will experience the same thing if they haven't already.

rlui1 · July 2002

While leaving my very quiet garage at work last night, I noticed a squeak as I started to turn my steering wheel in my 2002 RX. When I straightened out, it squeaked again in the same spot. Has anyone else experienced this? Is simple lubrication required or is it something else? I just took in for my first oil change and I don't feel like going back to the dealer again. If it's nothing serious, I'll wait for the next service.

fasterthanu · July 2002

I haven't experienced that squeak but would advise you not to lube the steering column yourself. Better to go back to the service dept and have them do it, even if it's an inconvenience. They may also be able to more accurately determine if perhaps it's not something more serious.

rerenov8r · July 2002

Perhaps I'm missing something, but it seems that if the 'soot' is formed because the filament doesn't get hot enough due to reduced voltage, then why doesn't glass capsule melt when at regular voltage and higher temps?

Does this have something to do with the 'soot' leading to higher glass temperatures, like what happens with fingerprints & shortened bulb life?

tidester · July 2002

Does this have something to do with the 'soot' leading to higher glass temperatures, like what happens with fingerprints & shortened bulb life?

Under ordinary operating conditions, the light from the glowing gas should pass through the glass unattenuated, i.e. the glass is transparent. As such, the glass should remain relatively cool.

Soot deposits on the interior of the glass inhibit the passage of light and causes the soot to heat and, since it is in contact the glass, it too will heat.

This is why one should never ever touch the glass containing the halogen gas - the deposition of body oils and other contaminants throws the heat flow balance off and can result in the bulb failing or breaking.

tidester
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regnideir · July 2002

If its dangerous to run with only front chain due to the car "looping" under braking. What does that mean for us with 2 wheel drive? That would mean all front wheel drive cars should have chains on all four wheels.

Think about it.

tidester · July 2002

That would mean all front wheel drive cars should have chains on all four wheels.

Think about it.

Yes, but they should have chains on all four wheels only while braking! ;-)

tidester
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dannysf · July 2002

I don't own (yet) so let me get this straight.

RX300 AWD

OK for chain or 4 wheel drive snow conditions with snow/all weather tires on road(Lake Tahoe Skiing)?

No chains in back because of clearance issues?

If need to chain, OK in front only, but might cause an imbalanced traction problem?

Any clearance issues in front?

Is this imbalanced traction problem different than a fwd car with chains?

I've driven RWD cars with chains, FWD cars with chains, and Jeep CJ5 in 4WD, and S10 Blazer 4WD. I've seen 4WD trucks with chains on only 2 wheels, and on all 4.

alpha01 · July 2002

Ahem (wearing my new tux and with best table manners). I am curious to know if any of the erudite owners or afcianados on this board have any information to divulge concerning the powertrain that is expected to be fitted to the NEXT RX. I have heard rumors of 3.3L displacement, but am interested to know about power and torque figures, and if this engine will be more suited to towing. If this topic has come up before, my apologies, but info or links to info would be appreciated. Oh and... how does everyone feel about this vehicle in comparison to the upcoming Infiniti FX? Will they be direct competitors?
Thanks.
~alpha

bodydouble · July 2002

230 HP is what someone has said.

pschiffe · July 2002

I just read that after being in first place for five years, Lexus is now third! Saturn is first, followed by Infiniti. Mercedes-Benz was not even among the top 20. Saturn is the first non-luxury brand to top the J.D. Power list since Honda in 1986. So much for "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection".

Pete

stever · July 2002

"Saturn Outranks Luxury Brands in Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service"

Here's the press release link

Steve
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mrrogers · July 2002

Passat is supposed to fit in the same envelope as a V6. I wish Lexus would consider a licensing agreement with VW to offer it as an option. I would think the increase in torque would be helpful when towing.

ravl · July 2002

I wondered if anyone else gets this feeling from other drivers?
I'm not talking serious road rage, but a certain amount of intolerance because of what you drive? I think I've been experiencing it and wondered if anyone else feels bad vibes from other drivers because you drive a "luxury" vehicle?

ravl · July 2002

This doesn't surprise me at all, Lexus falling out of first.
One of the glitches I experienced along my Lexus way was my husband had called the dealer (the car was in for service) and ordered the smoked badge license plate wrap for the outrageous price of $50. He specifically told them to have it on the car to surprise me. It was sitting on the front seat when I picked the car up.

I had to return because of poor detailing of my car and the service writer had egg on his face for sure. He took care of the plate wrap right away, so he did complete the task. But perfection? More like bad taste in my mouth.

bodydouble · July 2002

Well, they did put it "on the car"! I supposed technically they should have placed it on the hood or on the roof.

)

jiamin · July 2002

I drove RX300 a few months two years ago, and now I drive 02 QX4 everyday. I'm in Bay area and so far haven't got any feeling as you mentioned. However there is always some driver who cuts in right in front of me without signaling, as if the road is his and nobody is around.
I found in Vancovour, people are much, much more polite. Always signal their intention, and stick to the speed limit.

tarik · July 2002

Oh, you are talking about the (not truly being a W-configuration) VW engine, which will be ditched and replaced by the Audi-built V8 next model year due to its unacceptable manners? In my Lexus? Only over my daed body...

Tarik

emc3 · July 2002

just bought my wife a 2001 RX with only 10K miles. I'd like to change the oil right away but don't feel like driving to Raleigh 80 miles each way for an oil change. Is the Highlander filter the same as the Lexus? It seems as it should be as both cars use the same engine. Thanks in advance for any help.

tarik · July 2002

Well, although I'd like to believe differently, there is evidence of some brownish build-up inside my high beam lamps. It is all located at the bottom of the bulb, where gravity should take it...

I had an extremely hard time taking halfway decent pix in the dark, but I hope you can make out the culprit. An interesting thing to know would be whether this phenomenon can also be observed on cars without this DRL configuration, or just on Lexii, most GMs, and newer BMWs.

Tarik

tidester · July 2002

Thanks for the pics!

tidester
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mrbamboozle · July 2002

I was about to purchase a 2002 RX300 when I heard
some rumors about a 2003 RX330. (3.3 Liter engine, roomier design, possible 3rd row seat,
more streamlined appearance)

Does anyone know anything about this. I have only found two obscure references to it on-line. However, when I found a prototype photo of the car, my local Lexus dealer was VERY interested in seeing it.

Can anyone provide further information on this?

ravl · July 2002

There's been very little information leaked about this new design and its release date. My guess is the current RX300 is still selling like hotcakes and they don't want to scare off potential buyers of the current model by touting the new, redesigned model too soon.
I don't recall anyone saying they've seen it at any auto shows and the only picture I know of is the fake photopoint ripoff picture that is floating about.

ravl · July 2002

Nice looking ride. I really like the color match body cladding and the Silversport grill makes for an awesome looking vehicle.

I still haven't seen the gold or black version. The white is nice, though.

rexrx300 · July 2002

Does anyone know if the ATF oil used by Lexus is a synthetic, i.e., Type-IV?

Also, does anyone have any experience with using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in their RX300?

fasterthanu · July 2002

emc: Your Toyota dealer can used the same filter and oil on your RX as the Highlander.

tarik: thanks for the pics. Is it normal for some soot to develop in the bulb? I'll check my Legend's lights - don't have DRL but will check regular bulbs, which I use a lot.

mrbambbozle: I've not seen any reliable source for spy pics on the new RX. I'm very curious though but think it's under very tight wraps given how strong the RX is selling, even this late in its model life. I have read that Lexus is going with a more traditional SUV 'look', and think the GX430 is probably a good indicator of where the RX is heading. IMO, the current RX looks MUCH better and will for a long time to come. I think it's one of the best looking 'SUVs' on the road - everything else, including the X5, looks the same. The ML looks good to me too, though - I just like the sleeker look that stands out from the 2-box crowd.

Of course, I have no proof that that WIIL be what the new RX will look like.. 3 rows of seating sounds tempting too. I do like the MDX in that regard, and the Pilot - very good looking, both.

jeffmust2 · July 2002

Take-This-For-What-It's-Worth-Department:

On a different forum, a RX300 owner recently detailed his experience participating in a Lexus seminar on "Today's SUVs vs. the New RX330."

Of course, I COULD direct everyone interested in reading this information First Hand right to that forum's URL - but then this message would be deleted by Mr. Host so what would be the point...

Anyway, I recall that the new RX330 shown to this group was longer (of course) but not by a huge margin, did not have a 3rd row of seats, had radio controls on the steering wheel (finally!), had the same exact AWD set-up as the 2002, looked "sleeker" (think 2002 Camry/ES300 type front end), more luxo inside treatment, etc.

I believe the suggested MSRP boost was 8-10% over current MSRP.

Finally, and the best part, was Willard's question to the seminar attendee re..."Did Lexus change the AWD technology?" Answer: "Nope."

Sorry, Willard. Maybe the Perfection Pursuit has to wait until 2004?

rxlax · July 2002

Taking into consideration that the newly re designed ES300 did not get much of an increase in the power department and the fact that the Big Boys (GX470 and LX470)have only 235 (V8). I don't think the next RX will top 230 HP. Toyota is sticking to Luxury and comfort instead of performance. I personally will be looking for performance on my next purchase, so, Toyota and Lexi will probably lose out. Love my 2K RX but that will be dedicated to the wife and kids, and I will be looking for a sport sedan with 260 + HP.

mooretorque · July 2002

"Love my 2K RX but that will be dedicated to the wife and kids, and I will be looking for a sport sedan with 260 + HP."

"Ah, yes, Mr. Lax, may we interest you in something of a GS430 nature?? 300hp and 325 lb-ft of torque should be just about right......"

alpha01 · July 2002

I completely follow your reasoning concerning the power output of the next RX- but also take into consideration that it is expected that the standard V6 in the next 4Runner will have more POWER than the more expensive V8, and the GX470. Certainly, the V8 will offer more torque, but.. given the differing chassis designs for the RX and GX, I dont think its out of the question for the RX to offer a bit more power, sacrificing torque.
~alpha

avery1 · July 2002

Just had the 60,000 mile service on a '99 RX and when I got it back it seemed that the average miles per gallon on the display is down about 2 miles per gallon. Same exact gas, same daily/weekly routine. I usually note it when I fill up. Used about 3 tanks. It has been about 3 weeks and this still seems to be the case. The only other possible clue is that the morning after I picked it up when I started the car and shifted into reverse it sputtered and died. Did the same thing a second time and has been running beautifully since. It had never done anything like this before. Idle seems to be about the same as before the service. Service dealer hasn't a clue. I am waiting on taking it back since it is a ways from the house. Any ideas?

rxlax · July 2002

I hope your right, More Power giving up some torque would work for me. The ML320 seems to be doing O.K. without a power increase and even though I would like to see it, I don't think the RX has to keep up with the MDX in power and Room, it should hold it's own. I just hope it doesn't follow the new ES300 that car is not getting exciting reviews, not motivating, just luxury.

mooretorque : GS430 is top notch but I just priced one out with options @ 48K, way out of my league

I will be using "Bang for Buck" and "Ponies 4 Pennies" methodologies.
Ha Ha I said "Bang"

mooretorque · July 2002

Ah, Mr. Lax, have we got a deal for you!! "Bang for Buck?? Ponies for Pennies??" Your local Lexus dealer can no doubt get you in a depreciation situation at your location with 300 hp motivation to improve your vehicular transportation aspiration, eg, get 'em to do a CPO search on their database. Should be able to do an '01 430 for less than 40k, easy.

Then you, too, can do "Doughnuts for Decreasing Dollars".........

wwest · July 2002

Over the years I have watched the WA and Or highway patrol turn back FWD cars with chains only on the front on our mountain passes many times. Tried to be lazy in my Jeep one time going to Bachelor with chains only on the front OSP said move'm to the back or put on all four or back to town you go.

FWD vehicles apply the front "brakes" every time you lift the throttle, unless you simultaneously dump the clutch. On the flatlands maybe okay, hilly terrain NOT!

wwest · July 2002

Not to be taken as gospel theory or explicit wording...

At the full design voltage the halogen bulb filament quickly gets hot enough to "lite-off" the halogen gas regenerative process and this then reduces the heat content in favor of more light.

wwest · July 2002

Just returned from 1500 mile weekend round trip to central MT. Four mountain passes no problem, passing ability at 4000 ft elevation not so good, engine clearly struggled, old man wheezing, a bit.

Overall MPG 20.3 (87 octane) with speeds predominantly at or slightly above 75MPH. 17X8 wheels wider tires, greater contact patch, more roadbed friction, etc. Probably a lower CD also.

Nav was fine as long as we were on I90, didn't seem to know of sidestreets in any MT towns, didn't even know of some I90 entry/exits that have been there for years.

All-in-all a rather enjoyable trip but we'll take the LS next time, (quieter, more comfortable, POWER) or the Aerostar (goes in the snow) if winter.

jeffmust2 · July 2002

Any mold?
Mildew?
Any defrost problems?
Any miscellaneous spores thru the El Cheapo furnace filter used as HVAC filter?
How did the recirc air smell?
How about CO2 - any dizzy spells?
Headlights bright enough? Senior eyes, afterall.
Any increase in percentage of internal bulb soot to report re DRL faulty design with reduced voltage?

I mean, you must have a checklist a mile long for each RX trip. Keeps that ol' co-pilot busy, eh?!

"old man wheezing..."
Better have that checked.

mooretorque · July 2002

Willard, don't you mean a higher Cd??? Plus you get the double whammy of slightly increased frontal area compared to stock with those 17s.....

wwest · July 2002

mooretorque: Higher CD, right, my mistake.

avery1: If you didn't tell the dealer to only do the 60k miles "non-rough" service schedule then you likely have a brand new timing belt ($900 to $1100) that was not installed properly and/or has slipped a cog or two.

jeffmust2: Sorry, you're right, at 112F OAT in BRIGHT sunlight the A/C wasn't up to snuff so I dropped into a Ford shop and purchased a water shutoff valve for the RX, wired it shut to eliminate that
inexhaustable source of 190F heat within the A/C plenum.

My DRL resister was disconnected, and new bulbs installed, long ago.

From what I've read recently about the potential hazards from "household molds" I would take the mold odor matter a little more seriously. I purchased a Bio-zone UV light source for my RX quite some time ago, better safe than sorry.

wwest · July 2002

Did Lexus change the RX330 AWD technology?

jeffmust2: NOPE.

whitels: No mention was made of any changes to the AWD system.

Regardless, The RX could be converted to the Sequoia's AWD technology with absolutely no mechanical changes.

gs300owner · July 2002

My girlfriend is considering purchasing a pre-owned Lexus RX300. Does anyone in this forum know what year the minor styling update (i.e., to the head and taillights) took place? She claims that only I can tell the difference, but in my opinion, the change from the simple red and yellow taillights to the clear-encased taillights and slightly modified headlights is rather noticeable.

Also, anyone know of any resources other than autotrader.com that might be helpful in looking for a pre-owned RX?

Thanks in advance for your input.

kmh · July 2002

I'd look at Lexus' site and tab under the Certified Pre-owned search for used RXs. Another is eBay Automotive but haven't seen many 2001s - probably because they're not coming to the end of their leases yet.

As for the headlamp/taillamp change I believe those occurred in 2001.

Personally, I've always like the original red tails, they were a piece of art when they were introduced and were a real step away from conventional design. The new ones look just like many of the aftermarket taillamps that kids put on their Civics and Neons. Maybe that's why I prefer the older ones, IMHO.

avery1 · July 2002

Thanks to people on this board I didn't get socked for a new timing belt. I photocopied the page from the owner's manual with the recommended, non-heavy duty, items and told them to only do those. (They ended up doing several things not on the list but I didn't pay for them and the timing belt wasn't one of them.)

Even before the service I wouldn't have gotten 20.3 mpg on a mountain trip going 75. I've noticed that that extra 10 mph makes quite a difference in mpg in my '99. Before the service I would have probably averaged 19, now 17 on a trip like that.

wwest · July 2002

Can you be sure the dealer didn't inadvertantly replace the timimg belt as a routine thing and just decide to "eat it" on realizing their mistake, or maybe even put back the old one.

The symtoms you describe sound to me very much like a "slipped" cog on a timimg chain or belt. The only thing that surprises me is that it started up and ran reasonably well after that initial "slip".

jeffmust2 · July 2002

I've discovered that Lexus timing belts can be replaced with old garden hose remnants.

No reason to pay hundreds of dollars for a Lexus "piece of rubber" when you probably already have a good replacement in the backyard. I also suggest going to the library and copying the Lexus Repair Manual instructions for removing the old timing belt and installing your garden hose.

I can check the exact measurements, but I believe that for the 3.0L in the RX300, the hose has to be about 62.488 inches in length, including the plastic connector piece. And do get the stainless-steel hose clamps to hold that connector in place; the extra buck or two is worth the investment IMHO.

Also, in colder, rainy climates, the green color hose material seems to hold-up better than the reddish color stuff.

As a final tip, while you might just have an extra hose around the garage that you can cut-up, I like to check local swap meets on weekends.

stever · July 2002

You forgot the smiley.

This sniping is getting rather old....

Steve
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ravl · July 2002

Definitely not the green garden hose that's the cut up around here! Your wife must have fallen in love with your sarcastic humor....

rxlax · July 2002

The new lights were introduced in the 01 Model year, They are the only obvious external difference (Women would not notice the change but they would notice that the light in the vanity mirror is 2 WATTS brighter on 01 +, and that the Black interior compliments the Silver exterior so well) but there are some nice internal differences:
Wood Steering Wheel + Knob, HID (MOST 01's have them)
VSC (which by WWEST's account is the best thing since sliced bread)
Compass on Rear Mirror
Black Interior

I bought the 01 style lights for my 00 ($179)and put them on along with painting the Bumpers MonoChrome like the Silver Sport.

So don't frett over the rear lights, I think the Wood steering + Knob and the HIDs are the valuable upgrades on 01+.

Lexus RX 300

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