rlin78

The dealer told me that I needed a new throttle position sensor. With the help of this site I decided to do the job myself. After purchasing the part from the dealer I installed the sensor. When I started the car the idle was racing up and down. I put the old sensor back in and it sounds fine.

I called the dealer and the parts guy sent my call to the shop. I asked if the sensor needed to be calibrated or if there was a test to see if the sensor was bad. Of course he stated that I needed to bring the car in for them to check it out.

My question is twofold. Does the sensor need to be calibrated and is there a check that can be done on the old and new sensor to see if they are bad. Thanks

I would make sure the new TPS is the same as the old one. I put in a new TPS, never had any problems, there's no calibration at all. Hope it helps.

Well, I heard that it's very tricky to let some out, it might damage the valve and also dangerous. I don't know what I should do now. May eventually take it to a shop.

The AC comes on with big fan noise for about 2, 3 seconds and then shuts itself off. Sounds like what you said about the high pressure.

I will let you know what happens next.

Thanks so much!!

If you do it on the low side, it is not dangerous. Use the side where you added the R132A. Using the high side can be very dangerous, I have no proof of that because I am too chicken to try it. :)

Not to name any names to protect the innocents ;) , I know someone that had the same symtoms and he used a phillips screw driver to relief the pressure until the fan would continue to run. AC was blowing very cold. It is up to you, you can save your money or take it to a shop. I am not encouraging you to take a chance, you should "always" trust a licensed tech to work on your car...:whistles: Warning, reliefing your AC using the method mentioned here is illegal in most states, and should be discouraged. You could also be fined a large amount of money.

Greetings, everyone.

Our 99 RX300's AC started not working about 4 days ago. I went to the auto zone and bought a can of R134 and put it in. I bought the kit with pressure gauge so I was able to read the pressure. However when I charge it, I might have added a little bit more (the reading says it's in alert range). That was yesterday. Today I took the gauge and tried it again. At first the readings was in the alert range. Then it dropped to green area (which means it's good). So I think I did not put too much of R134 in.

But apparently, adding 134 did not work. If I turned the car on and put the AC to max (with air mode to be circling), the AC turned on for about 2, 3 seconds, and then the circling air light turns off along with the AC. It's very weird to me, as I tend to think that the AC light should be off.

Could anybody explain me why it's doing this? I think I should take it to the pros, but would like to know what's happening first.

Thanks very much!!

Ryan

You might still have a little bit too much pressure in the system, is the AC compressor fan running or not? If it is not running or runs and then shuts off right away, that means the high pressure sensor is preventing it from running to protect the system. You need to "properly" reduce the pressure to normal pressure, then enjoy the cold air. Let us know how it works out.

Just my 2nd day on a used 1999 RX300. I noticed that the coolant temp is in the middle of the gauge without going over. However, I'm used to my other cars (Nissan Z & Honda Accord) that has a running temp 1/3 of the gauge. Is this normal for the RX300? Does the RX300 have overheating issues?

Thanks!

Yes that's normal

llbouch,

Good luck with your brake problem. I ended up taking it to the dealership, they used their diagnostic machine, told me there's nothing wrong. Then I took it in for the second time, they said it was the rear sensors, cost over $600. I ok the repair, they called me a couple days later, told me it was the sensor ring which was the whole axle. Final bill was around $1500.

I called Lexus and told them it was a design flaw, but they said since the vehicle came from the north, it was rusted by salt, that's why it failed. I don't think something that was supposed to save you should fail like that and cost so much to repair. You might be better off pulling the fuse. I know I am probably not going to buy a used Lexus again.

I would take your car back. I have had a failed alternator, your battery light will come on if your alternator is not charging. 13.3 Volts is a little low, but why fix something that ain't broke? Also, you can get an alternator from partsamerica.com for a little over $100, takes about 30 mins to put in with simple tools. I did that and it was easy. They are raping you with $781 man.

I've used Amsoil ATF in my 99 RX300 for 1 year and about 10K miles. Don't really notice any difference in MPG or smoothness, but it gives me peace of mind that it protects my transmission better than non-synthetic.

By the way, my car is at 100K miles with its original transmission---knocking on woods. :whistles:

Have you tried cleaning the iacv?

Go back to the shop and ask them what kind of fluid they put in your transmission. The Rx300 transmission calls for only Toyota IV fluid or equivalent, most shops don't carry it around.

I am thinking one of your ABS sensors or the ABS axle rotors (the teeth ring that ABS sensors use to detect wheel speed) is bad. The ABS sensors and axle rotors aren't cheap, you might want to try taking out the sensors and cleaning them. Or have an independent shop with experience about ABS troubleshooting help you out. I wouldn't recommend Lexus dealership because they charged me $1800 to fix an ABS problem. My car had the same symptoms while breaking, only difference is that you have a 2wd that ABS would kick in as part of the traction control while mine is a AWD which doesn't have traction control.

My guess is it will cost you anywere from $600-1800 if you were to take it to Lexus. BTW, they will tell you there's nothing wrong with your car because they can't get a code from the computer initially untill you can physically prove to them that it happens. I don't like my Lexus dealership.

The ring that's broken is part of the drive shaft, they can't replace just the ring. So the cost for the part is $800, thanks to the nice engineering I guess. I am contacting Lexus to see if they can help out with the repair because this is a design problem, it deals with safety, I can't drive the car safely anymore....

Yes, the vehicle has been serviced by Lexus, the fluid was changed as part of the 90K service. It's not acceptable for something like a safety system to cost so much to repair.

Guys,

I've posted before about my 99 RX300's brake is having pulse/vibration problem when I stepped on it. This is after replacing rotors, brake pads, and calipers. Well, after exhausting all options, I took it in to a Lexus dealership for repair.

First they told me there's nothing wrong with the car because they couldn't read any codes from the ABS computer. Go figure. I wanted to tell them to go f** themselves. Then I took it in again, give them another chance, they said it was the ABS sensors. Would cost $600 to repair, so I gave them the go ahead to repair. But one day later they called me again and said that they found the problem to be the ABS ring or something like that, it would cost total of $1800 to repair because you have to replace the whole assembly.

Do you guys have any advise for me? I know my car is pass warranty, but I am disappointed at the quality of Lexus. I am talking to a Customer relation's lady at the dealership, maybe she will help me out. But still, I am not very happy about the reliability of my RX300. My 99 Nissan Maxima has not given me many problems while the Rx300 has given me problems from brakes, alternator, to AC.

Just feel like blowing off some stream.

Hello Everyone,

I own a 2000 RX300 that is running great except I recently moved to a warmer climate and have noticed the A/C isn't pushing out cold air. I've recently recharged the system however again, its not very cold. Does anyone have an idea's on what needs to be fixed?

Are the A/C compressors in the Lexus product weak?

I'm heading on a 2000 mile road trip next month through the SW and would like to have a solution by then. Any advise will be helpful..

Regards,

Dan

Lexus Owner

2000 RX300

I am having the same problem with my 1999 RX300, any recommendation? I added 1 can of R134A, made no difference.

Well, I made the deal on a used 2002 RX300 about 150 mi. from my home that I pick up tomorrow. The dealer in Binghamton NY assures me the RX runs great and is in great condition. pictures online confirm it is in great shape inside and out. Under the hood is, of course, what worries me. Fortunately, this dealer is GREAT and says I can have the car all day to test around town and/or take to a local Lexus shop or mechanic of my choice. He wouldn't even LET me buy it without checking it out for a while. He will let me out of the deal if I'm not 100% satisfired it's a great vehicle.

The RX300 is a gold 2WD with almost all the fixings! No NAV system, but that's about it. 54,000 mi. ; Complete dealer service records from previous owner. I went 2WD for price, lack of many reported problems in the FWD tranny vs. AWD AND because I don't really believe AWD helps much on slippery roads. I'm a snow tire believer with FWD being just fine for on-road driving, which is all this one will see. Also, I got the all-leather (no wood) steering wheel, which I know isn't an "upgrade" but I much prefer it. The wood is ICE COLD in the winter as I found out during other test drives. I didn't see ANY AWD with leather only steering wheels.

Anything SPECIFIC you'd make sure to check out given a day to test this vehicle? Anything to tell the mechanic I take it to to check out other than general stuff? The dealer tells me the tires are 50% gone - will that cause the ride to be much different than I should expect with newer tires? (He's throwing in 4 new snow tires on rims for me rather than waste the remaining tread with new all-weather ones.)

I guess I'm just trying to make sure I check things out as best I can. lots of knowledge and experience with RX300s on this board so I figured I'd ask.

I'm very excited to have this RX300! I'm trading in my wife's Chevy Cavalier, so you can just GUESS HOW excited my wife is!

Thanks.

Check the color of the transmission fluid, should be bright red. Check color of coolant, again, should be bright red. Check for any bodyworks or repairs, any body panel misalignment. Make sure AC works and should be ice cold, all the other eletronics works, little or no noise while running. it is really too late since you already paid for it or put a deposit down, but I would recommend against buying a car without first seeing it. Even though I have done it a couple of times, I got lucky. Bring a mechanic to look at the car is highly recommended.

Best of luck to you, I think you will enjoy your RX300 if it checks out to be problem free.

Here is my situation,

my brakess were working well and smotth til a couple of weeks ago when all of sudden I started feeling

brake pulsing (not really throught the pedal) when coming to stops. Now it seems to vary sometimes, being worst at times than others and sometimes it feels smooth again.

Question is do you think it is a cailper slide sticking issue or caliper bore sticking issue ??

Hope I have my thoughts right on the above.

Thank for your time and effort.

I have experienced a brake pulsing problems, replaced the brake pads and rotors only to find out it was the ABS system that's giving me the problem. If you get very smooth braking at times and pulses like the ABS is kicking in, then you might want to check the ABS. I haven't had time to find out which part of the ABS is at fault. You can try this by pulling the ABS fuse/relay, if the problem went away, then it is the ABS.

People, I am running out of ideas.  I replaced the rotors, brake pads, even the calipers, and lube the sliding bolts. I am still getting the vibration :chairshot: , kind of feels like ABS kicking in, but I don't hear the ABS pump going off.  And I've also checked the wheel bearing by shaking the wheel with the tire off the ground, all 4 tires are tight.  Has anyone seen anything like it?  By the way, sometimes it is very smooth, but sometimes I feel the vibration, very weird :(

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You may want to pull the ABS fuse and do a test run. If nothing else, this will at least eliminate the ABS as a possible cause.

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Easier said than done. Has anyone tried to pull the ABS fuse? I tried and can't get it off, I even tried a pair of plier. thanks Lexus.:chairshot:

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There should be 2 ABS circuit breakers in the engine compartment fuse box. I know others had the ABS sensor ring fail, which is part of the axle, and pulled the circuit breakers rather than have the whole axle replaced. Of course, now they don't have ABS, but it is better than it activating all the time. I am not sure if there is a trick to pulling the breakers and I can't check right now because the wife is out with the car.

I just want to update everyone. Finally, after exhausting other possibilities, I pulled one of the ABS relays because I couldn't get the fuse off. It is amazing how much faster the car stops now, however, the ABS light in the dash is on. So after $300 and countless hours taking the brakes apart / putting them back to together, I replaced 4 rotors, 4 brake pads, and 2 front calipers just to find out it is the ABS system that's giving the problem. Good thing is that I worked on the car myself, but I think everyone should try the easiest thing to do first when troubleshooting.

Now does anyone have any ideas which part of the ABS is at fault? Is it really the sensor ring? I had more faint in Lexus before owning one, now it has turned out to be less reliable than my Nissan Maxima with more miles. After 1 year of ownership, I have had to replace the alternator and now ABS parts. The transmission is holding up so far, fingers cross.

Try disconnect the battery for 5 mins. Let us know how it goes.

Guys, I replaced my alternator and the problem went away. It was easier that I thought it was going to be. Probably saved couple hundred dollars by doing it myself. Finally cost of the repair, $110 if you don't count having to have a guy drive out there to pick us up. It was a pain, but not as bad as you think.

Yes, I tested the battery in another car. First, the battery was only 2 months old. Then I tested a good battery from another car while driving home, both times the red battery light was on showing the battery wasn't being charged. I've also tested the continuity of the alternator to the battery terminals, it was good. So it only leaves the alternator at fault.

Thank you people for your replies. I am pretty sure it is the alternator at this time. You can get a Lexus alternator at Park Place Lexus for $280, which is not too bad. I decided to go with partsamerica.com because they have a reman for $120, there's a 10% discount if you use the code "rebate". Total came to around $110, not too bad for a lifetime warranty on a alternator. I know what you guys might say, but it wasn't too hard to remove the alternator, I am a cheap !Removed!.

I am going to try your idea of resetting the ECU. But I think you misunderstood, I got home by switching the battery with the other car every 50 minutes. May be news for some people, but a car can go without an alternator for about 1 hour or more, I didn't want to risk it, so I only went for 50 minutes. During the time when a car is on battery only, all the power is supplied by the battery, not the alternator.

It's not the battery, I've used tried two batteries, both didn't charge in my car but will in my other car. As a mention, I got home from a 2 hour trip using another car to charge the batteries, that's how I got home. Both batteries work in the other car but not in the RX300. One of the batteries were brand new.

Merry Christmas Everyone ,

My alternator died while parked at the airport for about 25 days. At first the car started up, but the battery light was on, I figured it was because the battery power was low because I left it for a long time. I then drove it for about 20 mins before things started to go wrong. I started to lose the display then cluster lights. I pulled over just in time before the engine cut out. I knew it was serious then. I finally got home with the help of a friend by swapping out battery with another car.

We know it is most likely the alternator because when we disconnected the battery, the car died immediately. I haven't had time to check to see if any cable from the alternator is loosen, I hope someone can tell me why the alternator would go bad by leaving it so long. I've done it in the pass for other cars without any problems. Thanks in advance.

I am sorry about those that have had transmission problems, and I am sure I would be upset if it happens to me before 150k Miles. It's a Lexus so it should last. But the reason for the poll was trying to figure out how many people are actually having problems with their transmission. As previous post suggested, this poll is not going to be very accurate because happy owners don't complain, only owners that have problems would most likely post. So all things consider, I would say the Rx300 transmission is not too bad. If you tow things and never change your fluid, that's too bad for you, it is not considerred under normal service condition.

I am sure I will change my opinion real quick if my transmission starts to give me problems, so it better last until over 200k Miles.