jybondshark

My rear hatch struts have been slowly dying on me over the past year or so... they lift the hatch, but very slowly, and they don't quite extend all the way... they need a little help to get there. I've been looking all over for the lift struts for an RX300, but it seems these are pretty much a dealer-only part. Well, until I found this listing on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...em=330269437958

I ordered them and they arrived yesterday. I took a few minutes to install them and I have to say they work quite well... very strong, open the hatch just a touch higher than my factories (which is great for me at 6'2"), they come with the correct mounts and pads, plus they have an interesting positive retention system in the ball sockets.... and at $78/pair delivered, they were a deal! I absolutely can not believe what Lexus is trying to charge; $210 per strut from the dealer?? $146 per strut from Park Place?? Seriously, these are gas lift struts... the very same design as they use in industry and that you can get through McMaster-Carr for ~$22/each. The only difference is the end fittings. Ya can't tell me the end fittings are worth over $100+ on the price. I LOATHE when companies try to gouge consumers for something that is grossly over-inflated on price, which is why I was so happy to see this seller on eBay selling a SET of lifts for $78. Again, I bought these, they work great, and if you need to replace your lifts, this is definitely the guy to get them from.

This video shows you where to purchase brand new stays for $21 a piece and how to install them. Here's a link.

Don't take it to the dealer, they will charge you $60 to $100 to fix something that should cost no more than $5. Get this guys video, he goes through changing most of the lights on 2001 RX 300. Here's a link.

can somebody help guide me into changing my hatch brake lights- i purchased the buld 921 from Napa auto parts- i managed to remove the decorative frame around the top of hatch by forcing it out- but unable to remove the actual compartment- i am afraid to force it out and it is all plastic and may damage tha clips that hold it together- is there a way of just pulling it out so i can replace ghe bulb- pl adv- thanks

Please send an email address and I will forward the document that will help.

Get this guys video, It will walk you through the whole thing. He's got a lot of stuff on the video. It helped me out a lot. This is the link.

can somebody help guide me into changing my hatch brake lights- i purchased the buld 921 from Napa auto parts- i managed to remove the decorative frame around the top of hatch by forcing it out- but unable to remove the actual compartment- i am afraid to force it out and it is all plastic and may damage tha clips that hold it together- is there a way of just pulling it out so i can replace ghe bulb- pl adv- thanks

2nd reply

I ran across a video made by this guy...it includes;

1.) How to change your rear taillights and stop lights

2.) How to clean your Mass Airflow sensor

3.) How to change your rear hatchback stays/lifts

4.) How to change your marker lights

5.) How to change your back-up and break lights on the rear hatchback door

6.) How to change your license plate light

7.) How to change your dome lights

8.) How to change your air filter

9.) How to change your cabin air filter

10.) How to change your third break light

On a 2001 Lexus RX 300. I bought the video and it was well worth the $50 charged. I bought it to change my rear hatchback stays, the dealer wanted $570. After buying the video I did it for $50.75 plus the $50 for the video, so my total cost was $100.75. That alone saved me $469.25. Plus it saved me hundreds on changing my own lights. You got to get this video! it's really good. You can e-mail him at jyshark@nycap.rr.com

Also I bought the Haynes Repair Manual and this stuff isn't in their, plus it works on 1996 thru 2006 Toyota Highland; Lexus RX 300 and Lexus RX 330! Best Buy I've ever made. I used to be at the Lexus dealers mercy, but with this video I can tell those guys to go F**K themselves. I hope he comes out with a sequel to this video.

I recently cracked the cover on the drivers side rear side marker light on my 2004 RX330. I bought a replacement, but cant figure out how on earth to remove and replace it. I see a bolt holding it in place on the side closest to the center of the rear bumper. However, I cannot get any kind of tool in there to remove it. Can anyone please offer any assistance in helping me to do this? Thanks in advance.

2nd reply

I ran across a video made by this guy...it includes;

1.) How to change your rear taillights and stop lights

2.) How to clean your Mass Airflow sensor

3.) How to change your rear hatchback stays/lifts

4.) How to change your marker lights

5.) How to change your back-up and break lights on the rear hatchback door

6.) How to change your license plate light

7.) How to change your dome lights

8.) How to change your air filter

9.) How to change your cabin air filter

10.) How to change your third break light

On a 2001 Lexus RX 300. I bought the video and it was well worth the $50 charged. I bought it to change my rear hatchback stays, the dealer wanted $570. After buying the video I did it for $50.75 plus the $50 for the video, so my total cost was $100.75. That alone saved me $469.25. Plus it saved me hundreds on changing my own lights. You got to get this video! it's really good. You can e-mail him at jyshark@nycap.rr.com

Also I bought the Haynes Repair Manual and this stuff isn't in their, plus it works on 1996 thru 2006 Toyota Highland; Lexus RX 300 and Lexus RX 330! Best Buy I've ever made. I used to be at the Lexus dealers mercy, but with this video I can tell those guys to go F**K themselves. I hope he comes out with a sequel to this video.

This video shows you how to change you rear marker light, once you get the bumper cover off, there is a screw that attaches the marker assembly to the bumper cover. just unscrew it and replace it with the new assembly. The video is very easy to follow.

Here's a link to the video.

I ran across a video made by this guy...it includes;

1.) How to change your rear taillights and stop lights

2.) How to clean your Mass Airflow sensor

3.) How to change your rear hatchback stays/lifts

4.) How to change your marker lights

5.) How to change your back-up and break lights on the rear hatchback door

6.) How to change your license plate light

7.) How to change your dome lights

8.) How to change your air filter

9.) How to change your cabin air filter

10.) How to change your third break light

On a 2001 Lexus RX 300. I bought the video and it was well worth the $50 charged. I bought it to change my rear hatchback stays, the dealer wanted $570. After buying the video I did it for $50.75 plus the $50 for the video, so my total cost was $100.75. That alone saved me $469.25. Plus it saved me hundreds on changing my own lights. You got to get this video! it's really good. You can e-mail him at jyshark@nycap.rr.com

Also I bought the Haynes Repair Manual and this stuff isn't in their, plus it works on 1996 thru 2006 Toyota Highland; Lexus RX 300 and Lexus RX 330! Best Buy I've ever made. I used to be at the Lexus dealers mercy, but with this video I can tell those guys to go F**K themselves. I hope he comes out with a sequel to this video.

Does anyone know what this really means?

"P1135 - Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1)"

what part needs to be purchased? Can this be ignored?

You have to replace your Air Fuel Ratio Sensor, if you open the hood of your Lexus, it's the one towards the back. You can access is from underneath the car. It's Pretty much plug and play. Put some liquid wrench or wd40 on the sensor while it's hot. It will work it's way in as it contracts. Wait about an hour until it cools down. Then go underneath the car and unplug the sensor. Then your gonna need an Oxygen sensor socket (about $10 from your local auto parts store), also a breaker bar (about $20 from the parts store. The breaker bar just give you more torc so that the sensor come out easier. Once you have it out, screw in the new one as tight as you can with your hand, then give it 1/4 turn clockwise with your oxygen sensor socket attached to your rachet. Just snug. You don't won't to over torc it. Other wise you won't be able to get it out the next time it needs changing. Hope this helps.

I had the same failure code and replaced it myself. Good luck and take your time doing it. If the A/F sensor cooperates it should take you about 1/2 to complete the job

I've been reading possible causes. One of which was to clean the MAF sensor. I tried this using MAF sensor cleaner from the local auto parts store and also changed my air filter. I then had the codes reset. The car runs a lot better now; however, the check engine light just came on again? My 2001 RX 300 has 107,000 miles on it. Even though it's running better, could the MAF just need replacing? Or could it be something like the Vacuum hose; fuel injector dirty? Maybe an o2 sensor? I really don't want to get reamed by the dealer again. Every time I go in that place it's over $500. Please help!!

By the way, this site is great! Before coming to this site I didn't even know what a MAF sensor was. So far you guys helped me change a tail light bulb;the rear marker light; replace the front marker light assembly; and change my air filter. The last time I got my rear marker light changed at the local dealer, it cost me $120...Doing it myself cost $2.50(for the bulbs) at the local Walmart. This site saved me over $500 so far!