Gibbie

Got the same issue with a screw that fell in. I could use some help on how to get this dash part off please.... PM me and I'll forward the instructions.

Got the same issue with a screw that fell in. I could use some help on how to get this dash part off please.... I got the instructions. PM me and I'll send you a copy.

This is always a tough question to answer. It really depends on your ability to cover a catastrophic repair versus your willingnesss to spend the upfront money for the warranty. The general consensus seems to be that you're better off putting the money otherwise spent on the extended warranty into some type of interest bearing account and using it in the event of a needed repair. No question the company issuing the warranty has to make money somehow.

CD mode - Simple mode disabled: Full track display including song title and artist. Does allow track change from the head unit. Playlist control with playlist title displayed. Does not allow playlists that exceed 99 entries. No local iPod control. CD mode - Simple mode enabled: No track display. Does allow track change from the head unit. No playlist control. Does not allow playlists that exceed 99 entries. Allows local iPod control.

Here are the results of my tests setting the Vaistech up in CD versus MD mode. Remember that this is for a 2005 with navigation so if your vehicle has a different audio system, the results may be different. MD mode (no variations between Simple mode enable or disabled other than local iPod control): No song display on head unit. No ability to change playlists from head unit. No playlist display from head unit. Does allow playlists that exceed 99 entries. According to the manual the limit in MD mode is 999. Does allow local control (in Simple mode) from the iPod. Does allow track change from the head unit.

I bought the unit directly from Vaistech as they have a 'group buy' going on until the end of October I believe. I'm still trying to decide which emulation mode I want. 'Simple' mode allows me to control the iPod from the iPod itself (for example, choose the playlist) but doesn't display track information on the headunit whereas disabling 'Simple' mode allows me to choose the playlist as well as other functions from the headunit itself. Given the limited display capabilities of the 4th generation system (2005), I'm probably leaning towards using the 'Simple' mode to use the iPod itself to choose the playlist. I don't really need to see the track information from the headunit. One item that is a little confusing right now is that the application guide from Vaistech shows the unit emulates a CD changer for the 2005 RX and I have followed the programming instructions to set the unit up as such. However, when I choose the mode on the headunit, it shows as MD. This would actually be preferable as the CD changer mode limits playlists to 99 entries while the MD mode allows up to 999. So I'm hoping I can use MD mode. I'll be reprogramming the unit this weekend to MD mode to see if that works. I'll also attempt to route the iPod cable under the carpet and into the center console for a cleaner, more secure installation this weekend.

PM sent. Thanks for your help!!

I bought the SL2i-UP. I have an iPod Touch.

I installed the Vaistech iPod adaptor this past weekend on my 2005 and thanks to Lexuslvr the install went without any problems. Now I'd like to route the iPod cable to the center console between the seats. For a clean look, I'd like to fish the cable under the carpet from the bottom of the dashboard up into the center console. This requires removing the lower plastic panel under the shifter. I couldn't see any caps that would indicate a screw or other fastener so I'm assuming it just has clips. Given the location of the panel and the likely cost to replace it if I damage it, I'd rather get advice from someone that knows how this panel is removed. Thanks!

I've had good luck with the Langka product. Of course this doesn't address the problem itself but does work for repairing the chips. http://www.langka.com/

Continous?!? I am having to replace my Rotors now, because they are warped. This is the first time that i am having to do this. Your post sounds a little scary, what would cause this, or in your case, what would cause it to be "continous" is this a known issue on RXs. One cause of warped rotors is over tightening the wheel lugnuts.

Add me to the list of owners that are happy with the Alenza's. No complaints after this past winter in Chicago. And we know what a long winter it was!

And a slight increase in performance.

In my comparisons I get 1-2 MPG improvement using premium. I would agree that driving style can impact MPG but for me the improvement was enough to offset the slight increase in cost.

I also get higher mileage per gallon when running premium gas (2005 RX330).

Gibbie- I think he was talking about the front suspension strut mounts, at the top of the front suspension strut. They tend to be problematic on the Rx's. just like your rear lid support struts were. :) Oops. Sorry. Can't help with those.

I just replaced them on my 2005 (55k mile). The right strut was making a groaning sound and generally the hatch was becoming more difficult to raise. The replacements fixed both problems.

My 2005 is the same. I could swear that when I originally bought the car the two mirrors tilted the same amount but now the drivers side doesn't tilt as much as the passenger side. There have been other discussions around this topic suggesting possible solutions (adjust mirror while in reverse, etc) but none have worked. When I asked at the dealer we checked a couple of RX's on the lot and they all behaved the same (minimal tilt).

Here in Illinois they offer a transponder that attaches to the front license plate. I'm not sure if this is an option in Canada.

My Audiovox has worked flawlessly for over 4 years.

The clips on my 2005 fit snug as well. I would agree that the clip design is a little quirky, but then I don't use the cover that often.

Here is a posting from SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association). Note that this covers aftermarket tail lights and other external illuminaion as well (smoked covers, LED's, clear covers). I'm trying to find an article I read where insurance companies are denying claims for coverage on vehicles that have replaced stock lighting with aftermarket. They cite that the replacements affected the effectiveness of the lighting and thus contributed to the accident. Government Clamps Down on HID Conversion Kits NHTSA Does Not Recognize “For Off-Road Use Only” Disclaimer As SEMA has reported in the past, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is targeting high-intensity-discharge (HID) conversion kits for enforcement actions. The NHTSA has concluded that it’s impossible to produce HID conversion kits (converting a halogen system to HID) that would be compliant with the federal lighting standard, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. The non-compliant kits frequently include an HID bulb, ballast, igniter, relay and wiring-harness adapters. The NHTSA believes this equipment presents a safety risk to the public since the kits can be expected to produce excessive glare to oncoming motorists. In one investigation, the NHTSA found that an HID conversion headlamp exceeded the maximum allowable candlepower by over 800%. Halogen equipment uses an electrical current to heat a metal wire-coil filament to incandescence, while the HID conversion-kit’s light source incorporates a discharge arc to produce light. HIDs require a ballast for operation. Under FMVSS No. 108’s Section S7.7 (replaceable light sources), each replaceable light source for headlamps must be designed to conform to the dimensions and electrical specifications for the headlamp source it is intended to replace. For example, if an HID kit is marketed as replacing an H1 light source, then it must match the H1’s wire-coil filament size and location, the electrical connector size and location and the ballast design for use with an H1 light source (which is impossible since there is no ballast). Consequently, companies that are manufacturing HID light sources (e.g., D1S, D1R, D2S, D2R, 9500, etc…) with incandescent light-source bases (e.g., H1, H3, H7, H8, H9, H11, H13, HB1, HB2, HB3, HB4, HB5, etc…) should be aware that this light-source design would not be one that conforms to FMVSS No. 108 and could not be imported and sold in the United States without violating federal law. (The importer is treated as the manufacturer and subject to the same fines and penalties that apply to a domestic manufacturer.) The NHTSA has also determined that a commonly used disclaimer “for off-road use only” has no legal meaning and is not recognized by the agency, as the manufacturer, importer and retailer are not in a position to control use once a product has been sold. Any equipment offered for sale that is covered by FMVSS No. 108 (headlamps, taillamps, side markers, etc.) must comply with the standard On a related topic, the NHTSA has also stepped up enforcement against restyled combination lamps that are missing required functions existing on the original-equipment lamps. This would include replacement front- or rear-combination lighting equipment that does not have a required reflector, amber or red light, no “DOT” marking or mismarked wattage. The issue is the same: Any equipment offered for sale that is covered by FMVSS No. 108 must comply with the standard. SEMA is working with the NHTSA to ensure that the aftermarket lighting-industry’s perspective is heard and, simultaneously, to remind its members to obey the current rules of the road. In this fashion, SEMA members can continue to offer a full range of cutting-edge, compliant motor-vehicle lighting products.

Keep in mind that the aftermarket conversion kits are illegal in most states. I doubt this is enforced frequently given the number of conversions I see on a daily basis.

I've encountered the same problem (flashing AC indicator on climate screen) a couple times. Turning off the AC and then back on has resolved the problem in both cases. I had Lexus service check but they couldn't find any problems. I'll check the codes next time it occurs. This is on a 2005 RX. Both times were at initial startup in the morning. Ambient temperature was in the upper 70's F.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}> wait, so ur saying you can't open your windows and moonroof with the remote yet unless you program it or what not? Hold the door open button on the remote and the windows and sunroof will open.