maseace

It's supposed to be in the blue "normal" region. The system will try to keep it in this charge level "sweet spot". Full green bars can actually cause the system to start the engine to burn off excess charge. Also, the charge bars are actually indicating a window of about 40%-80% charge (not 0%-100% as one would expect), since the system won't let the charge level go outside this range. This is all to protect the battery to maximize its life.

That's funny I was thinking about doing the same. I found that the Nissan Altima hybrid badges look pretty good and may possibly fit in the space for the side emblems with some modification: http://image.automobilemag.com/f/11032695+w750+st0/0809_03_z+2008_nissan_altima_hybrid+badge.jpg http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GENUINE-NISSAN-ALTIMA-HYBRID-REAR-EMBLEM-2007-2010-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3ca964a3d0QQitemZ260539982800QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I wouldn't worry about it. There are lots of older Priuses on the road without battery problems. Did you look for used batteries on eBay? You can save a lot buying one from a newer wrecked car. Looks like it's the same as the Highlander Hybrid battery. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BATTERY-TOYOTA-HIGHLANDER-LEXUS-RX400-06-07-HYBRID-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem20af76032bQQitemZ140382700331QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-07-Lexus-RX330-Hybrid-Highlander-Hybrid-Battery-OEM-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2eadf3b5beQQitemZ200486925758QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories p.s. you might want to clarify the title of the post to "hybrid" or "traction" battery, since at first it appears you mean the 12V auxiliary battery.

Many drivers have underinflated tires because they don't even check them. Why do you think TPMS became mandatory in the US in 2008?

Yes, it will only play MP3s burned on CDs, not DVDs, unfortunately.

Did you have the dealer change any of the personalized settings? Maybe they messed with the trunk release setting by mistake.

I averaged over 33 mpg yesterday driving down the Oregon coast (speed limit 55 mph). Today traveling in California on I-5 and mountain passes I averaged slightly over 27 mpg (avg speed limit 70 mph). My tires (stock Michelin S8's with LRR Green X) are inflated to 38 psi. On my regular work commute (10 miles each way) I get between 25 and 26 mpg. The mileage so far for me has exceeded my expectations. The oil viscosity may also affect mpg. It's filled with 5W30 now but I will switch to 0W30 Mobil 1 on my next oil change.

2006 RX400h's are cheaper than the 07-08. $25k-30k in my area (Pacific NW). I opted for an 07, since I couldn't live without MP3 capability on the CD player (The 06 only plays regular CDs). The 07 with the Mark Levinson audio option plays CDs, MP3 CDs, and DVDs (video only when not moving). The other benefit of the 07-08 is the gen 5 multi-funtion LCD display with higher resolution and better navigation maps.

Worked for me on the first try. Used Memorex DVD+R Dual Layer Media for the ~8GB disc image file from a torrent site. Burned with Nero. Search for "Lexus navigation 9.1" I think, or possibly just "nav" for short.

When you shift into N, the hybrid system leaves the gas engine in whatever state it was in before shifting into N. If the engine was not running, it would stay off in N, so the hybrid battery would not be able to recharge when it got low. If the engine was running, it would stay on while in N and waste gas. At least that's how the HSD system works on the Prius, and I believe the RX400h system has the same design.

Congrats, I just bought mine 3 weeks ago. I'm liking it more every day!

Does anyone know how to determine if you have the front wiper deicer system installed on your RX400h? I see it listed as an option but on my windshield, the bottom is all blacked out with no visible heating elements like on the liftgate glass. I found a 25A fuse for the "FR DEF" under the dash but I don't think this necessarily means the deicer is installed.

From the manual: Oxygenates in gasoline Lexus allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline where the oxygenate content is up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. If you use gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it has an octane rating no lower than 87. Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol.

Parts.com has the rear wiper arm for $29.72.

I get a full charge regularly since the way to my house has a long downhill stretch of about 1/2 mile. With my other hybrid (Prius), sometimes it gets such a full charge it has to bleed off the excess charge by starting/stopping the ICE several times while waiting at the stoplight at the bottom of the hill (waste of fuel in my opinion). Haven't had the RX400h do that yet, but I've only had it for a couple weeks in warmer weather. Battery capacity decreases in colder weather so it's easier to build up a charge on the hybrid traction battery.

...and that's probably why you have to buy a new battery every 6 months...... :cries: Seriously, why would you feel as if your headlights should be on a sunny day? I could understand that philosophy if you were on a motorcycle, but a big SUV? - kinda overkill if you ask me. Same reason DRLs are used - for safety. Other drivers can see you better with lights on - even on bright sunny days. But since the RX already has separate DRLs, there isn't much reason to use the headlights during the day unless one wants the taillights on too. Leaving the headlights on while driving will not kill the battery, since it's being recharged while the ignition is on. On the hybrid system it's charged by the traction battery so the ICE may need to burn slightly longer, but still should not reduce the life of the 12V battery.

Where did you get that chrome front grille? Looks great! I want one for my new RX400h. Didn't see a horizontal style chrome grille on eBay.