rhack1

problem solved!... thanks jgr7--> first i thought you meant the light dimmer switch -- but then saw that the console has a "dimmer" switch...and yes - my son must have screwed up when trying to seek stations...and turned the console light all the way down... argh!... thanks...R

not yet as it's late here...just wanted to see if someone had an idea where to look...and which fuse, etc?...the radio, clock and climate control work fine - the display just goes blank...and like i said, when i start the car with the light stalk in the on or auto position, the clock and the radio buttons show for a brief second - and then go off...when the stalk is off, the display works... thanks...R

nope...just checked it... more info: my son was driving it...he said that he was using the radio tuner/seek button to find a station - holding it down as he scrolled up - and then the screen went blank...he went to a thing we have called "lights on the lake" a christmas light thing where he had to turn the lights on the car off as he went thru the display route...while the car was running, he turned the lights off - the display came back on...but only for a minute - and then went blank...all while the car was running... now - when i start the car and the lights are off the display works...i didn't run the car for a long time to know if it would turn off after a minute like it did with my son...but once again, now whenever i turn the light stalk from off to on (any position of on) the display goes off... R-

I have a 1999 RX with 185k miles - runs great...however, today this problem started... When the light stalk is set to off and the car is started the information display works as it should...however, when i twist the light stalk to any of the other positions (low, headlights, auto) the center console lights come on - as they should (radio button lights, ac lights, transmission shifter lights, etc) - but the information display goes blank...the buttons all work fine for the radio and the ac - it's just blank... When the light stalk is in the on or auto position, and i start the car, the information display shows the clock and the radio buttons for a brief second and then goes blank... any ideas what this could be?...where to start to diagnose?... thanks...R

Thx...what makes you think it's an ignition switch problem and not something with the electronics that are part of the multi-display "head"...i was thinking that it couldn't be the ignition switch since the computer (mpg,etc), temp and climate control doesn't work in the ACC position...this one has me kinda stumped as to whether it's the switch or the head diaply unit...everything else works fine in the car relating to the ignition switch - lights, etc...

My 1999 rx300 has a strange electrical problem with the display...As of now , only the time shows -- no computer, no radio, no climate control...However, if i turn the key to ACC, i can turn on the stereo system (selecting fm, cd, etc and adjusting the soound, etc)...But when i then crank it over to start, the stereo buttons do not work and i cannot change any of the selections/sound level that i was able to change when just using the ACC position...Either way, the computer and climate control settings do not show up at all...The climate control doesn't work at all -- so it's not that it's working, but the display just isn't showing the details/status...I checked all the fuses and also disconnected the positive and negative battery terminals for a couple hours in the hopes of "resetting something"...This happened only once before and the disconnecting of the battery terminal solved it for a couple months...Now it is completing acting up as i described above...Any idea?!...I plan to order a replacement display/head unit and attempt an install myself...hopefully it's something with the unit...i didn't want to take to lexus dealer as the electrical uncertainty had me scared for the bill...R

I just had an F50 remote starter by Code Alarm installed on my 1999 RX300...it requires the starter and a special bypass box...My installer had experience with Lexus cars, but it still took him 90 minutes to just get the locks working properly -- it usually takes 20 minutes on most cars -- per the installer...It all works great, though...The lock/unlock on the key still works...When I remote start, i simply hit the unlock on starter remote (doors are auto-locked when you use your remote starter) and then enter the car...i then just insert the key and turn to start...and drive off...if i don't remote start, i simply use the key...i had it installed in Upstate, NY...hope this helps...

I recently bought a 1999 rx300 and i'm looking to find out whether my roof rack and bars were installed backwards...I brought it in to the dealer telling him the wind noise seemed to high...He said that the front bar was backwards and he reversed it -- the fat side of the bar needed to be faced forward...I now have a whistling at 70+ mph and am wondering if they forgot to check the rear bar...On that bar, the fat part is facing to the rear...Does anyone have an info on the proper bar direction?...If you have a 1999, how are your bars set up?...I have an appt AGAIN with the dealer but not until 2 weeks out...They are swamped...Have some travel to do and am looking to correct this before the appt...thx...Rob

Well...i'm sad to say that the pads didn't help...it still pops...the service mgr said that they took it off and applied some padding...when i got it the car and turned it on, it began immediately...i stopped and went back at the service manager...he said to bring it back again (argh) and they'll probably put on another black plastic frame and pads...well -- i'm pretty ticked...it takes 2 weeks to get an appt these days...will keep uou posted on my quest for a non-popping rx...Rob

thx, crash...my service manager immediately diagnosed the sunroof and offered the felt as a solution...my RX goes in friday, so i'll see how it works...comforting to know that he seems to know what to do...this will be my first service trip...will keep you posted on how the felt works...Rob

will do Kara...hey -- can i ask a favor...i'm trying to find the roof rack spacing for the rx300...mine tends to make some road noise...is there a chance you can measure the front distance of the front bar from the front part of the track...same for rear bar based on back of rear bar and back of rook track...from an old service bulletin, they say the front should be a 115mm and the rear at 32mm...can you check your measurements and let me know...your rack should ver very close to these measurements...thx...Rob

Kara -- forgot to mention...my car is scheduled for service next friday...i'll let you know if their pad fix works...Rob

Kara -- nothing strange on your end...i just find it odd that it clicks randomly and at different sound levels on my rx, too...i just bought mine, but it has clicked since i got it...not sure what it is...my dealer didn't seem too concerned about taking it apart and putting in the pads...it could be expansion related with heat and/or changes in inside versus outside temp...i keep car at 72 degress and outside temp is higher this time of year...good luck...Rob

Hi...i just bought a 1999 rx300, 34k miles, golden pearl...I have the same clicking noise and just spoke to the dealer about it...i, too, believe it's coming from the sunroof plastic molding...the dealer said that they can take it apart and add a felt-like padding inside to stop it...you may want to discuss the same with your dealer...it is strange how the "click" is random and varies in loudness?!...hope this helps!...Rob

I have a late model 1999 rx300 (Aug 1999)...i adjusted the roof rack to 115mm and 32mm according to a TSB that said it should reduce noise when open...not sure if it's me or not, but it seems noisier now when the roof is closed...nothing noticeable when the roof is open with this change...does anyone know the "best" spacing to minimize wind noise when the roof is closed AND open?...