00RX300

I've already searched this forum and I really need to double check something... I had my 2000 RX300 in for repairs today (a non-dealer repair shop that I've used for YEARS). I had checked the error codes before I brought it in. The codes seemed to point to the bank 1 sensor 1, O2 sensor (P1130 and P1135). When I searched this forum, everything I saw said that it's near the firewall verses being on the radiator side of the engine. I called the repair shop to see if it really was the O2 sensor and to see if it was ready for pick-up. They said that they were having problems getting the O2 sensor out. When I quized them further, they said that the sensor that they were trying to get out was on the manifold on the radiator side of the engine... They are telling me that bank 1 sensor 1 is the radiator side... I made an excuse that I could not wait any longer for my car and I asked them to stop. Can someone tell me for sure which side is bank 1? Thanks, Bob

It looks like you have been waiting too long for a reply or advice... Here's my experience with my 2000 RX300: If the code was for the MAF, I'd try cleaning it and deleting the code(s). If they come back, it might be something else or the MAF is faulty again. There are excellent directions on cleaning that sensor on this forum. At around 65K, I had to clean my MAF and the code did not come back for a couple of years (at which time I cleaned it again). I'd also search this forum for your code number. You may find other possible causes (like maybe one of the O2 sensors). Good luck, Bob

One of the outer tail lights on my 2000 RX300 has started to get condensation in it. There does not appear to be any apparent cracks but it’s hard to tell for sure. Has anyone had any luck solving this problem? I have seen replacement tail lights for around $100 each or $400 for a complete set (2001 style) but no individual tail lights of the 2000 style. I’d hate to spend that much when I only need one. I was thinking about running a small bead of a sealant (RTV) around the seams to see if that would help. Before I did that, I thought that I’d see if anyone had any better ideas? Thanks, Bob

You can have a remote starter installed in one of 2 ways. The first way requires you to have one of your keys left inside your RX at all times. They mount it near the ignition switch so that it thinks that a key is in the ignition. The other method adds a module that simulates your key. That way you do not lose the use of one of your keys. I have heard bad reports from people going to places like Circuit City to have the work done... In my area of NY, there are places that specialize in it. We get those cold winters too... Search around and you'll probably find more posts on the topic here.

Although this does not answer your question, my display usually seems to read about 1 mpg higher than it actually is. For your sake, I hope that does not mean that you are only getting 11-11.5 mpg...

If this helps any... I own a 2000, RX300 that is FWD. I live in upstate NY, near Syracuse... You probably see us on the news because of all the snow we get. When the schools are closed, no one seems to be in a hurry to plow the roads in the morning. I end up driving on a lot of un-plowed roads in the mornings and slushy ones at night. I grew up with a father who always used snow tires on his big Buicks so I do the same thing now. Every winter, I put on the 4 Blizzaks and wheels that I purchased from tirerack. I can't say that the control is as good as someone with AWD (since I do not have one) but I have never had any problems. I do drive cautiously though. (Oh, by the way, I change my tranny oil every 15K and I now have about 70K on it without any transmission problems.)

But then again you are not meant to ever change the fluid so you would be doing something that is not needed. ← Here we go again... Since I do not know you, I cannot tell if you are joking about not needing to change the oil. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you are...

I know that there has been a lot of good discussions on this forum concerning transmission failures. I do not want to re-hash everything again but I'd like to take a simple poll of which models, AWD or FWD, etc, are having these problems. Thank you for your time...

Are you folks sure that this engine is a non-interference type? Just as a reference, where did you go to find that out?

My 2 cents: I too have a FWD 2000 RX300. It now has around 61K on it with no signs of trouble. You will read things on this forum from some people who seem shocked or insulted by the thoughts of having to change transmission fluids…. Some of them act like it’s something new. It’s not, at least for Toyota based products. I had a 94 Camry that required its transmission oil changed “every 15K or 2 years” per the owner’s manual. I did that and put over 140K on it without any signs of trouble. (And just like the RX300 transmission, it did not shift quickly into 4th when the transmission was real cold.) Because I am use to changing the oil, I follow that same rule on my Lexus. I'd suggest changing your oil on some type of schedule to help avoid a possible problem.....Just my 2 cents...

I was wondering about remote starters myself but I have not looked into it. I live in Upstate NY and my wife gets the garage so I part outside. It would be nice to have my RX warmed up inside before I get in. Wasting a little gas is not an issue to me....