Rollingstone

My advise, based on very expensive experience: If you manage to get it moving on it's own, proceed directly to any dealership other than Lexus and trade it in. Whatever you do, don't put in a Toyota rebuilt transmission. After spending more than $5000 on a certified rebuilt that failed to funtion properly from day one and after 13 months of problems, the dealership here in Calgary (Stampede Toyota/Calgary Lexus) offered me another transmission at at 'slight' discount. Not the Lexus service one expects from this class of vehicle. It was dangerous to be on the road with a tranny which one could not count on engaging when a downshift is expected. Good luck - I miss the RX300 but I need a car I can have confidence in...

Can anyone out there tell me to what length the radio antenna should extend? The antenna on my 1999 RX300 AWD only goes up about 18 inches. I removed the antenna expecting to find the nylon gear strip broken but it appears OK. It does appear that the bottom two sections of the mast are frozen. I'm presently soaking the mast in WD40. I don't want to wreck the mast trying to extend it further than it is supposed to go. Thanks in advance for comments and advice... On another matter - I'm afraid my recently replaced transmission is not shifting into O/D. RPM is just under 4000 at 100 Km/hr (62 MPH). The RPM does not change when I manually switch the O/D off and on. Fuel consumption is terrible. (15 L / 100 km, highway) - gads I hate metric!

Thank you DCFish - now if only we could locate someone who knows why the tranny fails on the RX300 AWD. Oh well, one step at a time - Thanks again

I too have the anoying 'clicking' sound near the glovebox. You'd think someone out there would post a 'fix'. I just turn up the great stereo and count my blessings that it's not the Lexus Service Dept cash register that's doing the ticking. I just spent over 6 grand replacing the transmission - enough is enough!

:cries: I loved my '99 RX300 AWD. It is just the size and class of car I want with all the features (AWD). BUT the tranny just quit!!!!!! The transmission quit just as I pulled through an intersection. Just turned over 200K kms (120 K mi), bought 4 new Michelin tires. I had the transmission fluid changed 6 months ago with the proper Toyota fluid by a reputable Toyota mechanic. Rebuilt tranny installed is going to run about $5000 CDN . Now throw in a timing belt change and water pump - no I cannot recommend this vehicle to anyone. I believe it is intended only as a lease vehicle by companies that need a large tax writetoff and Lexus can then sell them as used and bleed the new owner. It really is a status car - it's not the initial cost that should impress people it's the money it takes to keep one operating. I have no option but to replace the tranny and I'll just have to pray that the sludge dosen't take out the engine. It's unfortunate, Toyota has a great concept - it's just too technically sensitive to keep running - unless one has loads of money. Don't let emotion overpower practicality and common sense...

The seat belt retracting problem is common. Surprisingly the solution is simple. If your vehicle is still on warranty advise your dealer of Technical Service Bulletin 'BO009-01' SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR TAPE SET. My dealer wanted $35 for essentally two small pieces of tape. The problem is caused by accumulated dirt and lint on the shoulder belt anchor where the belt goes over your shoulder and turns a sharp angle to go down into the door post and into the retractor. I used a small knife to clean out the dirt - the kit provided by Lexus has a piece of velcro-like matereal to scour away the accummulation. My seat belt now retracts like it's supposed to and the repair cost nothing. Go Flames!

My worst fears were confirmed at Lexus service. The non functioning front door & floor courtesy lights is likely due to a faulty (very expensive) door lock actuator. :egads: In lieu of the $500 ++ I can live without the floor and door lights - fortunately the dome light works. This problem is likely the reason I am unable to program the key remote. I'm hoping I can rewire these lights and install the old fashioned door pin switches. A lot less to go wrong. Has anyone examined the innards of the door latch mechanism - is it serviceable? I hestate tearing the door panel off just to find entire replacement is the only solution. Anyone out there have any comments or suggestions? (1999 RX 300)

Other than suggesting I subscribe to Alldata or quiry my dealer can anyone tell me what the two TSBs AX001-00 and AX003-99 suggest regarding towing an RX300 behind an RV with 4 wheels down. Comments & experiences are appreciated.

My '99 RX 300 has the standard P225 70R 16 tires. They're not badly worn but I've never heard of the brand - Delta Sierradial A/S. I have brand new Michelin X-One P225 60R 16 on a Olds 98 that I'm about to sell. Tire websites suggest that tires can be safely exchanged if the difference is within 3% however because of the profile difference between these is just over 6% the switch is not recommended. Apart from a slight difference in the speedometer reading are there other issues which I should consider? Thanks for any advice or comments... Excellent website!

Bryan, thank you for your prompt response to my questions on non-functioning electrical systems. The suggested fuse near the rad appeared to be OK as per your suggestion however the seat setting did work after I checked it. Perhaps the motor has to be running and not just have the key switched to 'on'. I would greatly appreciate the schematics for the dd activated courtesy/dome light as I apparently have to have that operate in order to program the keyless entry. Can you tell me if only the dealer can reactivate the keyless entry if it is turned off due to a lost key? Such as the setting of the C-Best switches. As it is m y intention to tow my RX behind my RV a schematic of the tail/brake light would also be very useful if not too much trouble at your end. Not sure if the moderator permits the posting of e-mail address but don't how else to share your diagrams. Thanks again for your help - have a great Easter... bobstone@telus.net

I love my recently aquired '99 RX300. I describe the ride as being like a carmel soft ice cream sundae. :D However, there are a few glitches I'd like to work out - any assistance or suggestions are greatly appreciated - Seat setting does not do anything. Tried to 'set' as per manual - nothing. - Attempted to activate the keyless remote - nothing. (the light does flash on the key when a button is pushed) New battery no help. - attempted to reprogram keyless entry but determined from another post that the dome light must be on. For some reason the front doors do not activate the dome, floor and courtesy lights. Rear doors activate the dome light only. - Attempts to program garage door opener have failed even though the three visor lights do flash when buttons are pushed. It's not a rolling code opener. I appreciate the car's security but the local dealer wants $320 CDN for one duplicate key - I wonder who the thief is. Hopefully insurance premiums take into account the level of security these cars have. Thanks for any help you can provide........ -