jbarhorst2

You can replace the bulb. The hardest part is getting to it.

I was told by my dealer that my '97 SC300 is non-interference.

When you held the outside 2 buttons for 20 seconds, did you wait until the light started blinking differently, or just hold it for the 20 seconds??

Also, what type of garage door opener do you have?

Do you know if it has a rolling code?

Once I get these answers I'll be able to better help you.

Tom

TK,

unlock all of the doors (press the unlock button on the remote twice).

This will also unlock the rear hatch.

Then under the trim on the hatch (above the license plate) there is a handle for you to open the hatch door. It is located between the license plate lights.

Hope that helps.

Enjoy your new car.

Yes, there is a screen in the NAV system that will tell you which version you are running. If you have trouble finding it, let me know and I'll post the keystrokes.

That click is your transmission shift interlock. When you depress the brake pedal a solenoid activates that allows you to shift the car out of park. Maybe the solenoid is now touching something and making more noise than before.

My HID's in my 2001 RX were like that too. I had the dealer move them up a bit. Lexus tends to aim them downward to reduce the glare in the oncoming drivers' eyes. It is a quick fix. It will not affect the autoleveling feature.

Tom

You could also put a separate switch in the knee panel (left side). There is a cover there for a switch that was on some cars. I don't know what the switch was for (possibly the driving lights?). This would keep you from changing the light stalk if you didn't want to get into that.

You could also have that key deactivated from your RX's memory. They could still unlock the car by using the actual "key" portion in the door, but they would not be able to start the car or unlock it with the remote.

They won't red rust. Aluminum does corrode and produces its own aluminum oxide layer. It will be a chalky white layer which looks like "white rust".

I installed my SKYFi unit yesterday. I placed the antenna on the rear dash next to one of the speakers. It works great. I have not yet mounted the head unit. I have removed the cupholder that folds out of the center stack and plan to make a bracket that fits that space to hold the head. I just have to keep it out far enough so that the glove box door clears.

Marty is correct. Our cars are prewired for the cellular phone. I put one in about 6 months ago and it was a snap.

The touch up paint is time consuming, but if done properly can produce some pretty good results.

Different manufacturers label "overdrive" differently. Some manufacturers simply have the "lock up" torque converter as their overdrive. This means that you have no losses from the torque converter at this point. The torque converter transfers power to the wheels basically by spinning a drum that have fan blades on the inside. As the fan blades spin and catch the transmission fluid, that fluid catches another set of blades and turns the transmission. A very simplified explanation, but you can see how you would lose a lot of power in this transfer.

Now, for the manufacturers that actually have a real "overdrive" it is different. An overdrive gear means that for every revolution that the engine makes, the transmission will make MORE than one revolution. This is because of the gear ratios. So, basically you are getting more turns out of your wheels than the engine is providing. If your engine is making less revolutions, you are using less fuel.

I hope that helps. Now with maufacturers having 5, 6, and 7 speed transmissions you can have 2 or even 3 overdrive gears.

Tom

Electronic Overdrive is typically a "lock up" torque converter. When you go into overdrive, your torque converter "locks up" and is mechanically mated to the drivetrain. On a 4 speed auto trans, the fourth gear is when the torque converter is locked up.

The power button holds the shift points so that you rev the engine more before the tranny shifts.

The secret to touch up paint is to put it on in thin layers. Build it up slowly, letting it dry completely between coats. When you get it built up enough use 1500 to 2000 grit sandpaper (with water) an d wet sand it smooth with the rest of the paint, then polish it. It should blend well.

Tom

Who has installed an XM SkiFi radio in their SC? Where did you put the antenna? On the outside like the manual says, or hidden somewhere? If you hid it how is your reception? I would like to put mine either on the underside of the trunk lid or just lay it on the rear deck inside the rear window. Has anyone had any luck with these areas? Thanks for the help.

Tom

The coin you removed shorted out your cigarette lighter. Now that you have taken it out, put in a new fuse for the cigarette lighter and your HVAC will work again. :)

Tom

Definitely check the fuse for the cigarette lighter. That runs your HVAC system as well. It has happened to me before.

Mine does on my '97 SC.

If you find out how, post it here for the rest of us. I would like to modify mine without putting in a switch to block the speed sensor.

I believe in that year it was actually hard drive based. To get the update you have to change out the hard drive.

Not only would you have to add the system, but you would also have to change the dash covers and center stack because they are different from the Non-Navi version.

It may be a better choice for you at this point to add an aftermarket system.

I have not yet had a chance to take a picture, but here is a written description.

Open the driver door and look under the dash on the left side. Just above where the carpet ends on the far left you will see a black box marked "Fuses".

Open the box by squeezing the 2 tabs and pull it off.

You will see a chart inside.

The cigarette lighter fuse is in the 2nd row - number 5 across.

Replace with a 15 Amp fuse of the same type.

Let me know if you need more help.

By the way, if you are not familiar with the fusebox or need help in that direction, let me know. I'll take a picture and point you to it.

Tom

All you have done is blown the fuse. Pull the dime out and replace the fuse. That should cost you less than a dollar (and then you'll have spare fuses left over for the next time). You haven't really done any damage.

The panel you refer to is for the Command Module to control the Lexus Mobile Phone.

Tom