OCNLVR

I have tried Auto-Rx for engine cleaning. I did not notice any difference in term of how engine drives. So far the RX has been running well. 2000 RX300 AWD 120,000 miles

My transmission failed at 96K without warning on the highway last fall. Luckily no one got hurt and the car was fixed at a transmission shop. Cost of rebuilt and labor was $3800. The car was purchased used at 35K miles. It had drain and fill at 35K, 60K and 89K. Of course Lexus wouldn't help. After doing some research I realize that 15K drain and refill may not be sufficient since only at most 4 quarts out of 9 quarts of transmission fluid can be exchanged. Rather than flushing or drop the pan, I think I might go with 5K drain and refill to keep the fluid fresh. I am also going to install transmission in line filter. Has anyone used Lubegard Red for rebuilt transmission additive? There is a lot of discussion on BITOG and seems to work well.

Given the early generations of RX300 transmission problems, what do you all think about ways to make the transmission last longer? So far I have: Change the ATF fluid with Toyota Type-4 fluid every 15K miles Slow the acceleration Any transmission additives?? Drive in Snow Mode? (I read this somewhere but could not understand it too well) Any other suggestions and ideas?

About a year ago I had similar problem. My 2000 RX300 had about 80K miles on it and started to have steering wheel click turning both right and left. This is noticable when the car is not in motion. I brought the car to an independent shop that specializes in Toyota and Lexus. Turned out the car has a loose bush mount. The repair was $80. But to replace a bush mount it would cost $800. Let us know what happened to yours.

For OTC products I go to Target for the Vroom brand. Lots of selections to choose from. I use the grey colored one for polishing the car paint. I have a few others for windows, these have a thinner quality. I use the cheap MF towels from Walmart or Autozone on the wheels. For drying the car after wash, I use the Waffle Weave towel. I use the towel to dab the paint to minimize scratches. For wash mitt, I still like the lamb wool type. (I also use a foam gun and two bucket washing method - see autopia.org for details)

I have an older garage and this is how it worked for me.... Use the garage remote ONLY. Put the garage remote opener right next to homelink button on the car next to each other. Press homelink button (any button of your choice) and a slow blinking light comes on.....then press the garage remote button (the button that actually opens the garage door)...hold for about 20-30 sec until the homelink blink goes from slow to fast. Release both garage remote button and homelink button... Now you press homelink button and the garage door opens or closes. This worked for my 2000 RX and 2007 IS.

I have an older garage and this is how it worked for me.... Use the garage remote ONLY. Put the garage remote opener right next to homelink button on the car next to each other. Press homelink button (any button) and a slow blinking light comes on.....then press the garage remote button (the button that actually opens the garage door)...hold for about 20-30 sec until the homelink blink goes from slow to fast. Release both garage remote button and homelink button... Now you press homelink button and the garage door opens or closes. This worked for my 2000 RX and 2007 IS.

What is wrong with yours? Do a search on Mass Air Flow Sensor and you can find instruction on how to clean it in the RX300 section.

I bought a Fram Sure Drain oil pan plug and it is now so easy to change oil in an SUV. Just unscrew the cap and like my computer...plug and play! Now the only challenge is to get my hand around the exhaust manifold.

Has anyone ever used Auto-Rx as an engine flush to clean the engine sludge? I used it every 30,000 miles and no problem with sludge with my 2000 RX300 with 67K. I just think it is best to change oil every 3000 miles. It is such an inexpensive insurance against sludge build up. I asked the Lexus dealer to change the oil drain plug to Fram Sure Drain so I can easily change the oil myself. All I have to deal with is to get around the exhaust manifold to replace the oil filter.

Thanks ColinBarber, Pictures are worth thousands of words!

Ok, so the color makes no difference. I just put in under very high intensity light in my house instead of garage and I can tell it is made of some kind of amber colored glass at the tip of gauge.

Thanks rl9905 Much easier to change the fog lights with your advice. The key is actually to detach the electrical plug first from the light bulb first then remove the light bulb. The way the electrical cable is contructed it is hard to twist all the way around to remove the light bulb. Thanks again.

I have been reading the forum for a while now and decided to clean the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) myself. Removal was very easy, MAF is located on top of air intake valve behind the air filter housing. It looks like a small square with 2 screws on the top of air intake with 5 wires attached to one end. Just remove the screw and pry open the wire plug and MAF is isolated. The tip of sensor itself looks like a rain drop I guess. It was covered with dirt, which was cleaned easily with alcohol and a Q-tip. After a while, I don't see any dirt on the Q-tip but the sensor still in the color of dark brown. Is this the right color? Or MAF sensor should have the color of silver metal? Thanks for the help for those who had done it before.

I had similar problem at one point with my 2000 RX 300 model with 65,000 miles. I used some Techron additive about every 1000 miles and that took care of it. If Techron is too expensive for you, I had used Lucas fuel injector cleaner with good results also. Currently I am doing Auto-Rx cleaning in my RX and has not had a problem in the last 2000 miles. Hope this helps.