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bowtie3

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Everything posted by bowtie3

  1. Is there a particular dealer on Amazon or EBAY I should deal with? I understand there are good ones and bad ones. It's interesting that the new caps are sold individually whereas aftermarket caps are generally sold in sets of four. I guess people rarely need all four. After this I think I'll rotate the tires myself. I always recheck the torque on the wheels myself when I get back home.
  2. Took my 2011 RX 350 to Costco Friday for a tire rotation. Always try to have it done every 5,000 miles for the tread wear mileage guaranty. They broke ALL of the wheel center caps. Had a talk with the manager. Says they are old and brittle. No recourse. So my options are $40.00 each at the Lexus dealer or buy them from one of the EBAY sites for about $25-$30 for all four. Anyone have experience with this situation? I've never bought anything off EBAY so I'm apprehensive.
  3. Lexus dealer installed new battery 3 1/2 years ago. Battery post/terminal damage has caused corrosion damage. Lexus dealer wants $ 350.00 to replace battery [ half off price of new battery ] and to repair corrosion damage. Dealer called and says repairs completed [ after 2 days ]. What recourse do I have. Car has always had dealer service.
  4. What is the procedure for adjusting the parking brake shoes on a 2011 RX 350? How many clicks from tight should it be?
  5. We bought the car in 2003, it was three years old with 39,000 miles, as a Certified Lexus used car. We used premium fuel for about a year. During that year the car had numerous periods of gas-knock. The dealer service department kept telling us that the gas was bad. We changed brands numerous times and still had a periodic gas knock. A Toyota tech told me that the engine, transmission, and drive-train was exactly that same as a Toyota Highlander and no Highlander owner he new EVER used premium fuel. Since then we've used regular fuel [ 87 octane ] in it with good results, but once in a while it will get a bit of a gas-knock. When that happens I just pull the ECM fuse for a minute or so and the problem is solved. The Toyota tech told me that after the ECM fuse is pulled/replaced the computer will then sdjust to the fuel currently in the tank. He also recommended a can of " Seafoam " in the gas tank about every six months. So far he's been " right on the money ". While the car was under the " Certified " time period it was serviced at the Lexus dealer. During this time I encountered various instances of complete incompetence by the service department! There were two instances where they put the oil-drain plug in " finger-tight ". That's right, I get under the car and check on EVERYTHING! Another time the engine would idle about 2000 RPM. I took the car to the dealer several times only to be told " no problem found ". Finally after two months of high-idle probelms the check-engine light came on. Only then did the service department find a problem with the Idle Speed Control valve and replaced it under warranty. It seems that the Lexus techs can't solve a problem until the computer points it out for them. The AIC valve never once came up as the possible cause of the problem. It would seem to me that since the Toyota techs work on MANY times the vehicles that Lexus techs ever see that a Toyota dealer would be the obvious choice for service once a Lexus is beyond the factory warrant period. Here in Virginia Beach one of the Toyota dealers is also owned by the owner of the only Lexus dealer. Guess which Toyota dealer refuses to do ANY service work on a Lexus, even an oil/filter change! Dont you notice any power/performance loss or anything on 87 octane?? There has been no noticable difference in performance since using 87 octane fuel. We usually use BP regular and get about 16-17 MPG in town and about 26-27 MPG on trips. Premium fuel in this area is usually about $ .30 higher per gallon than regular. There is no need to use premium fuel in THIS RX300. Maybe the newer RX's need it but this one works great on regular! Even the new Highlanders and Camrys don't need premium fuel, and the RX's use the same engine/power-train as they do.
  6. We bought the car in 2003, it was three years old with 39,000 miles, as a Certified Lexus used car. We used premium fuel for about a year. During that year the car had numerous periods of gas-knock. The dealer service department kept telling us that the gas was bad. We changed brands numerous times and still had a periodic gas knock. A Toyota tech told me that the engine, transmission, and drive-train was exactly that same as a Toyota Highlander and no Highlander owner he new EVER used premium fuel. Since then we've used regular fuel [ 87 octane ] in it with good results, but once in a while it will get a bit of a gas-knock. When that happens I just pull the ECM fuse for a minute or so and the problem is solved. The Toyota tech told me that after the ECM fuse is pulled/replaced the computer will then sdjust to the fuel currently in the tank. He also recommended a can of " Seafoam " in the gas tank about every six months. So far he's been " right on the money ". While the car was under the " Certified " time period it was serviced at the Lexus dealer. During this time I encountered various instances of complete incompetence by the service department! There were two instances where they put the oil-drain plug in " finger-tight ". That's right, I get under the car and check on EVERYTHING! Another time the engine would idle about 2000 RPM. I took the car to the dealer several times only to be told " no problem found ". Finally after two months of high-idle probelms the check-engine light came on. Only then did the service department find a problem with the Idle Speed Control valve and replaced it under warranty. It seems that the Lexus techs can't solve a problem until the computer points it out for them. The AIC valve never once came up as the possible cause of the problem. It would seem to me that since the Toyota techs work on MANY times the vehicles that Lexus techs ever see that a Toyota dealer would be the obvious choice for service once a Lexus is beyond the factory warrant period. Here in Virginia Beach one of the Toyota dealers is also owned by the owner of the only Lexus dealer. Guess which Toyota dealer refuses to do ANY service work on a Lexus, even an oil/filter change!
  7. Does a 2000 RX300 have an EGR valve? My wife's 2000 RX300 [ 72000 miles ] has a gas-knock periodically. Was wondering if it was caused by a faulty pair of knock sensors or maybe a clogged EGR valve orifice. I usually rectify it by pulling the ECM fuse for a minute or so.
  8. I realize you were between a rock and a hard place with the car not starting. I am almost certain I have read of an online advertiser (one of the Lexus forums) in the Midwest that will do an overnight on a computer and is able to do the programing that you are talking about. Not close to $800.!! I think it would be a rare day that you found a dealer that would do anything but change parts, even if they knew the computer could be reprogramed. I am almost certain I have also read (some time ago) that Lexus (Corp) would do a ONE TIME computer replacement for key problems (lost or non-recognize). Sort of a perk because you bought a Lexus and they know it is so expensive. I believe it is about $2000. to replace the computer and keys if you have lost the keys This car/dealer has been one " screw-job " after another since it has been out of warranty. I can't see us buying another Lexus. In fact I can't see us buying another NEW anything. Both Toyota and Honda have excellent " Certified " vehicles which seems like a much better value than a NEW anything. A 2-3 year old Highlander, which is virtually an RX [ same engine, drive-line, etc. ] can be bought for less than half the price of a new RX and can be serviced by the Toyota dealer who services a hundred times the vehicles that the Lexus service department does. My experience with the Lexus dealer here in Virginia Beach is a " Bummer ". If a computer doesn't tell them what the problem is, then there ISN"T a problem. At least twice since new they have installed the oil drain plug " finger tight ". I always check after them when I bring the car home. This is the competence you get for $105.00 an hour? Kind of " pricey " for a doughtnut and coffee! P.S. The Toyota dealership in Virginia Beach is owned by the same person who owns the Lexus dealership, therefore the Toyota dealership's policy is " we don't service any Lexus vehicles ". So to service the " same " vehicles, Lexus owners must pay double what Toyota owners pay for the identical parts/service. Such as $1000-1200 for timing belt/water pump replacement service. The Toyota dealer charges about HALF for the SAME parts/labor!
  9. The $650. is not at all unreasonable but the $1700., now that is a different story! The timing belt and W/P shouldn't retail for more than $170-$180., even if they replaced the idler pulleys and tensioner (which you didn't say anything about) it still shouldn't run any more than $400-$425. plus tax. Now I've got to tell you $1300. labor is more than insane for a job that someone with a little mechanical ability and not ever having done it before should be able to do in 5 hours. Wish I could make that kind of money! How about charging my wife $800.00 for a new computer when the current one quit recognizing her master key [ and the 2 valet keys ]. The car would not start! The dealer said they would ONLY charge her HALF of what the true cost of a new computer generally costs. I've never heard of anyone having that problem. I thought that any of the vehicle computers could be re-loaded with the necessary data and current updates. Another " screw-job " from the Lexus service Department!
  10. I'm curious how you came to the conclusion that its the #3 coil is one that commonly goes out? It certainly is the most difficult one to get at but I'm wondering if there's something that causes this one to go before the others? I've replaced all of mine (3 failed at different times so I just replaced the rest as well). I'd caution though that coil failure seems to be yet another issue more common on 99-00 models. It could be the age and mileage of the older vehicles but I just don't see folks reporting it on 01's and later. The coil part number changed after 01 so there may have been a problem with the originals. Back on topic though, I'd concur with the rest that the back three can be done but its a pain. I can see it being a 2 hr job but if you don't DIY at least buy the iridium plugs yourself and take them to your mechanic, that should cut the job down to about $250. Personally I find that a bit high, I don't know your area at all but I can't imagine that you wouldn't be able to find a shop to do this type of job for less. I think I'm going to replace the two knock-sensors on my wife's 2000 RX300 [ 70,000 miles ] this summer when she's out of town. The engine gets a gas knock periodically [ has since new ] and it's really irritating. I usually just pull the ECU fuse for a minute or so and that solves it. Back to the topic, I guess since I'll have the intake manifold off I may as well replace the spark plugs too. The NAPA store has the Denso iridium plugs for about $8.00. Should the job take longer than a couple of hours?
  11. check here: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx300-foru...t-at-times.html Had the 2000 RX300 hauled to the Lexus dealer Saturday. Today I get a call from a dealer service rep. Tells me all that is needed is a " new " master key and I can pick the car up this afternoon. Calls me back about a half-hour later and tells me that the car won't start and they're going to have to go deeper into the problem. Then he calls to tell me that the problem is the " ECU " and it isn't sending/receiving the correct signals from the key which activates the engine immobilizer. A new ECU is about $1600.00 but that the dealer will " just " charge me $800.00. I guess it's because I'm such a swell guy! Has anybody had replace the ECU in their RX before 70,000 miles?
  12. I got a Haynes repair manual at an auto parts store for about $15.00. It's pretty thorough and covers the RX300 and the Toyota Highlander since they are pretty much the same vehicle.
  13. My wife's 2000 Rx300 refused to start the other day. It cranks over, but the engine fails to run. I had it hauled home on a roll-back, and put a new battery in it since the current one was about 5 years old. After installing the new battery it still refused to run. I called the tow company again to haul it to the dealer. When I told the tow-truck driver what was wrong he asked for the key, got in the car and it cranked right up and ran. He said it had something to do with the anti-theft system. Tonight it did the same thing, only she had to leave it at work. It cranks over but won't start. Is it really the anti-theft system, the master key, or what? Has anyone got an idea what the heck is going on with this car? I sure could use some ideas. Thanks.
  14. The RX300 is basically a Toyota Highlander; same engine, transmission, drive-line, etc. My experience with the Lexus dealer service has been poor. I've gotten the impression that the dealer here in Va. Beach thinks the Lexus owner is totally stupid and has a " bottomless pit " of financial wealth when it comes to service/repairs. I usually perform all of the maint. and repair on my wife's 2000 Rx300. If and when there is a problem I can't handle I will take it to one of the four Toyota dealers in the area. They work on many more vehicles than the Lexus dealer and charge MUCH less; Toyota owners usually don't " roll over and play dead " when it comes to vehicle service/repair. To test out this theory, just call a Lexus dealer and ask them how much a timing-belt replacement costs. The Toyota dealer charges about HALF, and the SAME parts are used. The owner of the ONLY Lexus dealer here also owns a Toyota dealership in this area. Guess which Toyota dealer refuses to service a Lexus, FOR ANYTHING!
  15. Yes, I used to hear it often. It's called a " screw-job ", just like everything else done at a Lexus service department. Take it to a Toyota dealer or an independent shop.
  16. I've worked on a lot of different vehicles over the years, including Toyotas. This 2000 RX300 driver's door panel has me stumped. I've removed the 2 screws at the bottom, the 3 push-ins, and the screw behind the pull-handle, and still can't get the door panel loose. There's probably some type of fastener behind the window switch-plate but I can't get the switch-plate off of the panel. Does anyone have the combination to this task? Thanks.
  17. This is a common problem with the RX300 due to a faulty seal design. Lexus and Toyota have replaced zillions of these under warranty. The dealer that replaced the rear seal on my wife's 2000 RX300 [ 50.000 miles ] said that his " people " can do the job in 3 hours or less. Job usually costs about $700.00-800.00. Your dealer is typical; considers most Lexus owners to be easy suckers when it comes to service issues! Next time take it to a Toyota dealer for service problems that you can't solve.
  18. Take it to a Toyota dealer for service. Maybe it's something common to the vehicle.
  19. One of the THREE Toyota dealers in Virginia Beach is owned by the same person who also owns the ONLY Lexus dealer in Virginia Beach. Guess which Toyota dealer refuses to perform ANY service work on ANY Lexus? Gee, you're pretty sharp! When the time comes for a service that I can't perform on my wife's RX300 I'll probably take it to one of the other two Toyota dealers here. Also, I get the 6-pack of Mobil 1 at Costco for about $28.00. That's about $4.67 a quart. I also use a NAPA Gold oil filter. [ Made by Wix, documented to be one of the best ] Several years ago when I inquired at the dealer about using Mobil 1 I was told that a " Mobil 1 oil/filter Service " cost about $100.00. No, thank you! It's good to get under your vehicle once in while, observe the condition of all of the " made-out-of-gold " parts, and if necessary, check behind any work that has been done at the Lexus dealer. You'd be surprised.
  20. A few months ago when I took my wife's 2000 RX300 FWD [ 56,000 miles ] in for an oil/filter change I inquired about the 60,000 mile service. The service rep said that the cost was $500.00 but couldn't tell me what services were performed during the 60,000 mile service. She said I could check the owners' manual for the list of services performed. I did just that! It seems to me that the parts needed to complete the 60,000 mile service costs about $70.00-$80.00 and should take 2-3 hours at the most. $500.00 even sounds like a screw-job. $1000.00 has to be robbery! My wife's RX300 Certified Warranty ends about April of this year. I've always taken it to the dealer for the oil/filter changes while under warranty because I always thought it would help create a better owner-dealer relationship, and it has helped when repairs are covered under warranty. If the vehicle needs repair/service after that I'll do them myself. If I can't handle it I'll probably take it to the Toyota dealer. My personal opinion is that Lexus dealers take Lexus owners for suckers when it comes to service/repairs because most Lexus owners don't even know which end of a screwdriver to use and has no clue as to what is involved in vehicle service. While waiting in the dealer's customer lounge I've observed people being charged an hours' labor [ $90.00 ] to change a light bulb that takes no longer than 5-10 minutes; PLUS the cost of the bulb. Maybe the dealer DOES know the Lexus owner! UNBELIEVABLE!
  21. My wife's 2000 RX300 [ 56,000 miles ] did the same thing, plus high idle all of the time. It really banged/jerked when putting it into gear. [ Can really screw-up a transmission ] Took it to the Lexus dealer TWICE in 2 weeks for the problem. Was told there is NO PROBLEM FOUND! Finally after about 3 weeks the " check-engine " light came on. The dealer THEN was able to diagnose the problem; THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. It was replaced under the Certified Warranty. [ Problem solved ] It seems that the ONLY way to correctly diagnose a problem is by computer; the service techs didn't have a clue. I guess the dealer doesn't keep service techs long enough for them to be acquainted with the vehicle's problems. I stopped by the Toyota dealer to consult with one of the techs there and he told me " it's a common problem ". So is the gas knock caused by the poor-designed knock-sensor harness location.
  22. GRUMPA72, Get the round metal type that fits over the end of the oil filter and has a socket in the end of it for a 3/8" ratchet. It's kind of octagon-shaped on the end that fits over the filter. There are many sizes so you'll have to trial-fit the old AND new filter you're going to use. Also, I've watched the Lexus dealer " techs " change the oil/filter on many vehicles by just removing a few bolts that hold the lower splash-cover on and then BENDING it down to get to the filter. It really tears it up and screws up the holes on the remaining bolt-holes. Also I get a " six-pack " of Mobil 1 [ I use the 10W30 ] at Costco for about $28.00 and a premium NAPA GOLD filter [ made by Wix, documented to be one of the best ] for about $6.00. While I have the RX300 off the ground, I spray all of the rubber chassis components with WD-40 to help prevent squeaks, etc. I get the WD-40 by the gallon at Home Depot for about $9.00 a gallon and then use it a plastic adjustable spray-bottle. You're right about the tire-rotation. I use an impact to remove the wheels and then a torque-wrench to remount and tighten them. I usually use " anti-sieze " on the wheel nuts, but there are people on this forum that recommend against doing that. I've used it in our cars and my trucks for at least 30 years and never had a problem. The tire-rotation takes about 20 minutes, while the Lexus dealer charges $90.00 for the hour they say it takes them.
  23. NOTHING NEW! When I asked the service rep what is done at the 60,000 mile service on a 2000 RX300 she couldn't tell me. BUT she did say the 60,000 mile service was $500.00. She told me to check the owner's manual to see what is done. Anyway it says: change oil/filter, change coolant, change brake fluid, change cabin air filter, change engine air filter, and make " visual " under-car examination. The way I figure it : the parts are about $80.00 and the whole task should take about 3 hours. I guess this constitutes passing for " premium " vehicle ownership. If you have to LOOK it up yourself, you might as well DO it yourself!
  24. Does the LCD screen show a change when you turn/push the knob? Yes, the screen changes each time the button is pushed.
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