Grumbles2

He said he was afraid to go for neutral, that he was concerned it would go into reverse. Not likely, but that was his concern.

My understanding is that all Toyota Hybrids have always had a brake over rides the throttle strategy since the beginning.

Anyone done a test going at a moderate speed and then applying the brakes? What happens? Does the gas pedal feel different while doing it?

I probably won't have mine done until my next service (2-3 months).

Yes it works, I have tried it. My mom has a 2008 ES350, I went over last weekend and my dad and I test drove her car.

The dealer did the update last week, I checked out the pedal it looked good to me, she has just regular floor mats.

We drove the car, I pushed the pedal to full throttle and took off, I then pushed the brake to slow down with the pedal still pushed to the floor. Within between 1 and 2 seconds the engine rpm dropped way down but the engine kept running. We drove the vehicle and performed this procedure several times, every time it responded the same. Every time the RPM dropped back and we slowed down. Interesting observation, when the pedal was fully pushed down and brake was pushed the RPM would drop way down, as soon as I let off the brake the RPM went back up. So if the pedal did really get stuck you would have to hold the brake on until completely stopped, continue holding the brake when stopped, place vehicle in park then shut it off. If you stopped this way the engine continues to run at the low rpm giving you full control of the vehicle, power brakes still work, power steering still works.

If you decide to test this please do it where their is no traffic. We did this out on country roads where no cars were around, we picked a long section of road with no curves and no other cars.

Outstanding article, I often describe it like playing Chess, you must have a strategy. I recently drove from Houston to Dallas at 65 to 70 mph, got 30.0 mpg on entire 270 mile trip. Picture is at 100 miles, the entire trip was from fill up and getting on highway, in other words 30 mpg all at highway speeds. Using strategy tactics makes it like a game so the trip is more fun and goes by in no time.

Want to try an intresting experiment? The ICE does in fact run more duting colder ambient temperatures.

First reason is to keep the coolant above the magic 168 degrees that being the min temp that the engine has its most complete combustion. If the temp drops below that when the ICE starts it would put out excessive air pollution because it would go back into fuel enrichment mode like when its cold on first start up. When its colder out the engine must run longer to keep the temp up.

Second reason and the intresting experiment. Next time its cold out and you are sitting still, mess with the inside heater temperature setting. You will notice that when you move the temperature up and down the ICE will turn on and off. Reason?

As the A/C Heater control unit sees your temperature input it will turn the ICE on and off because the heater core removes heat from the engine to heat the interior of the vehicle. I was waiting to pick up someone, outside temp was 40 degrees, I noticed that when I would adjust the temperature above 71 degrees the ICE would come on and when I adjusted it below 71 degrees it would turn off. Yall check it out and let me know what yours does. :)

With all the great features it sure would be nice to be able to use the GPS/Nav while the car is moving. Especially when you have a passenger in the car. When there is enough weight in the passenger seat then it is functional...or something. To pull over every time you need to make a change or find a new location, especially food is a major hassle. I would sign a release and let them change the setting if it was allowed. Speak up and let's be heard. Thank you.

The 7.1 update will only remove the "I Agree" screen on Generation 5 equipped vehicles, 2007, 2008 and some 2006 models (GS). On the older IS or RX300 mentioned above are Generation 3 systems, thats why the "I Agree" screen did not go away.

Picture of my new secondary battery setup waiting to go in!

Picture of my Yellow Top Optima, W/ subwoofer cable installed

Picture of my new Stinger SP800 dry cell battery (secondary) installed in the back along with the Stinger SR200 Relay battery isolator

Everything fits away nicely, giant jumper cables, fix a flat, my amp, a flashlight, etc.

Now you see it, now you don't!

WOW thanks for the post, I use Optima batteries in all of my vehicles. I did not know that they had one that would fit the RX400, I am getting one next week.

Yes I would get another RX400h, I absolutely love it, its the best thing since sliced bread. I love sitting at a stop light when the gas engine is off, I look over at my wife and say" were are using zero gas right now and putting out zero polution" I do it all the time on the highway "we just drove the last mile and used no gas at all and put out no pollution" I also like driving around mall parking lots looking for a parking space on electric only. I notice people all the time looking at the car that is not making any noise as it drives by.

Hmm, somebody struck a nerve.

A few random thoughts from my aging brain:

1. A jack rated at 2425 lbs is more than adequate to lift one wheel of an RX if properly positioned.

2. Jacking a car in the dark on a surface that is not level is foolish. Drive to a more appropriate and safer place, even if you risk damaging the tire. Or call Roadside which is FREE.

3. The type of jack, scissor or floor, has nothing to with lifting height.

4. I changed a flat tire on my RX, using the scissor jack by choice over my floor jack, just to learn how to use it should the need arise. I had no particular difficulty lifting a front wheel high enough to do the work. Of course my scissor jack wasn't sitting in the dark on soft dirt so it probably functioned as designed.

5. I'm guessing that goofygrin was driving daddy's car for date night. Just a hunch.

Tom

You are correct, the jack rated at 2425 lbs is more than adequate to lift one wheel of the RX400h, LOL on the line #5 date comment.

Well what's even better is the replacement jack they gave us is rated for 1100 kilos. Our vehicle is over 4000lbs!!!

When you use the jack are you lifting the entire car up or one corner with only a few hundred pounds?

The reason it fell over is because the car was not balanced. So after the first time it fell down it bent the jack as the car was slipping back.

You have to block the wheels if you are on an angle to stop the car from moving or of course it is going to bend the jack and keep falling down.

It was no surprise that the car fell down as you watched it slowly move and the jack bend each turn of the handle.

I have destroyed mine doing the same thing , so i know what it looks like and why it happens . I was too lazy to do it properly and the car dropped as it kept rolling back .

Come on now....... stop trying to blame someone else for your own mistake.

Your 100% correct on the blame someone else comment.

I've been following along this tread, curious to see what the outcome would be, though I personally felt from the very beginning that it was going to be a lost cause. Please do not take any offense for I am playing Devil's advocate but did you really think Lexus should replace your wheels due to something that you may have done (or didn't do) while cleaning the wheels?? (see your original post) I wouldn't think so. This is like me asking Lexus for a new paint job due to the swirl marks/spider-webbing that is slowly showing up in my paint from me simply washing my car.

Actually, no, I didn't anticipate that Lexus would replace the rims. In fact, I never asked them to. It was their suggestion during my original visit that led me to believe that may be their eventual solution. One of their techs suggested that at a minimum, they could transfer rims from a new car who's buyer had opted for upgraded chrome wheels. I was also open to the possibility that they may have the wheels refinished, which isn't terribly expensive. The possibility of replacement was a path taken by the dealership at the very beginning. I simply followed it - to its dead end...

You may have also noticed a number of other Lexus owners that have had a similar problem, some of which were corrected by Lexus dealer replacements. Ultimately, I expected Lexus to stand behind their product - one way or another. If the finish on the rims isn't able to stand up to typical driving on the paved streets of the Dallas suburbs, or an occasional pass through the local car wash, or for that matter - any wheel cleaner I may or may not have bought at a local Autozone - then it isn't the quality I expected when I parted with $60,000. It's not like I mixed up my own special brew of Muriatic acid from my pool and dishwashing detergent and tried a wheel cleaning experiment. The bottom line is that these rims weren't exposed to anything extraordinary and the finish didn't hold up.

My local Lexus dealer, and the regional service manager showed no interest in correcting the issue - (outside of me purchasing some new rims from them...) but were more interested in trying to convince me that it must have been something I did, that it was an isolated ("we've never seen this before") problem and that the fact that my car costs $60K really wasn't paricularly relevant.

In any case, my next $60K car will probably be a BMW...

Enjoy your BMW, I will monitor the BMW forums when you arrive. Your unhappy I hate this car post count will be in the hundreds. Good Luck.

This guy hits the nail right on the head.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...mp;#entry286715

I've scanned this thread reading a number of complaints including a few from some saying it's the worst car they've ever owned yet they continue to drive it since they're not willing to take the depreciation hit. I've read and seen many rediculous things of late but think this is quite humorous. Nearly everyone of us can afford to do many things in life that most are unable to do and one is to be able to purchase vehicles that are in this category. If I had something that I totally hated, I would not even think twice about the money forfeited in rididng my self of the problem rather than having to wake up everyday and have to deal with it simply over several thousand dollars.

I dare any of you cry babies to show me a vehicle in a similar price range to the LS460 and I'll quickly find a group of whiners much like the ones on this thread that complain about every little thing. Life is short and for those that obviously don't realize that perfection will never be found in an automobile, will just continue to feel that need to share their unhappiness with all.

Standing ovation for you sir! Talk about hitting the nail on the head.

I also find the Lexus lockout very irritating. A Lexus employee recently told me that there is a series of buttons that can be pushed in a specific order on the LS430 (what I used to own) that would eliminate the lockout. I was thrilled to hear this; the employee promised to whisper to me what buttons to push on the LS 460 to eliminate the lockout. I called him today and he said he still can't figure this out.

I also asked him to discuss with the service department whether, if I eliminate the lockout, I will invalidate my service warranty. I was told no problem, the service warranty will still be in effect. The service department was probably laughing and thinking good luck lady figuring out how to eliminate the lockout.

I also talked to a local stereo installation shop owner today and he said he has been trying to figure out how to eliminate the lockout. He said there is a switch that if you push/pull it the lockout is eliminated. But then the LS460 thinks the car is not on so the GPS and phones don't work anyway.

I'd like to suggest that everyone who finds this lockout irritating talk to all the mechanics and stereo installation shops in their area and hopefully someone will be able to figure this out. I think I'll call my stereo guy back and offer him $1,000 reward to figure this out!!!!!

The bypass was never intended for public use, it was a diagnostic back door to test the system. Someone leaked it out and the back door was locked. Sorry every one but our ambulance chasing society is out of control and restrictions on everything are going to get worse. I dont like the lock outs but like the manager SW03ES said and I agree with, a petition or class action is not going to make it change.

That's right. 2004 model has it.

BTW, I have an issue with the Tire Pressure light. Several weeks ago, it lighted up. So I make sure all the tires including the spare has more than 32 PSI.

Well, today the darn light is coming on again. It stays on solid, NOT blinking. Per the manual, if it blinks, it indicates a problem.

I took two analog tire guage and checked the air pressue. One shows 32PSI (after I refill more air just to be sure) and the other show about 38PSI. Anyone have this issue before?

I have a feeling some sensor or something may be broken.

Thanks for any insight.

First advise, is everyone needs to realize that the tire pressure systems on all Lexus vehicles are not the same. I read that they are in the process of standardizing the systems across all models but at this point they are slightly differant. Reason I say this is that some peole with differant models sometimes give advise based on their specific model.

Ok, now on the GX470 a tire sensing system was not installed until the 2004 model like others have stated. Lexus has a great TSIB # PG008-03 that was revised December 2006, it goes over in detail one of the concerns that most people have with the system. That concern is related to seasonal tempature when the tire pressure is set. For example if you set your pressure at 32 psi during the summer when it is 90 degrees come fall when its gets down to say 50 degrees in the morning the pressure in the tires may drop below the 26.5 psi that will turn on the light. As you drive if the tire get warm enough for the pressure to exceed 29 psi the light will go off. In other words tire pressure maintenence is not just a set it and forget it process. Actually Lexus has several TSIB's that address and explain the tire pressure systems on all of their models in detail.

Where does this info come from?

https://techinfo.toyota.com

Again, I'm assuming the 4.7 liter engines in the 4Runner and GX are about the same. I'm curious what this filter housing is that I've circled in yellow in the picture? Is it the fuel filter "which would be the easiest fuel filter to replace on earth"?

No its not the fuel filter, that line is for the Evaporative Emission control. That circled item is a Vacuum Surge tank (turbo is correct), the line goes up to a Vacuum Switchin Valve (VSV) located above the Vac Surge Tank. The green cape farther down the line is a service port. I think that the fuel filter is located in the fuel tank, attached to the fuel pump assembly.

Ask your local dealer for a seat belt extender. It won't cost anything. If you leave it plugged in your problem should be solved. I wouldn't tell them thats what you're using it for though.

Try this:

Buzzer Reminder Cancel Mode Setting

1) Set the LCD on the combination meter to the ODO display.

2) Press and hold the TRIP meter reset knob for ten seconds or more within six seconds of turning

the ignition switch to the ON position. Fastening the driver’s seat belt while holding the knob cancels

the buzzer reminder.

3) When this occurs, the LCD displays “b-OFF”. The buzzer reminder can be switched between ON

and OFF each time the TRIP meter reset knob is pressed. The LCD displays “b-ON” or “b-OFF”

according to the buzzer reminder ON/OFF status. The display changes to the ODO or TRIP meter

if the knob is not pressed for ten seconds.

4) Performing steps 1) and 2) again when the buzzer reminder is off exits cancel mode.

5) The cancel mode will also exit when the battery or combination meter connector is reconnected.

I am a new Lexus owner and am very disappointed with the quality of the FM and AM radio reception. Lexus has advised me that the radio is operating "within factory specifications" My response is that they have a very low bar for their factory specs. I previously owned a Jaguar and I also own a Jeep Grand Cherokee--both vehicles have superior reception compared to the GS350. In the same locations within the NY metro area, I have received perfect reception on the other two vehicles' radios--in the Lexus I receive static. For the price of this vehicle, I expect better than that. Since this is the best that Lexus can do, this will be the last Lexus that I own.

Sorry to be negative, but it gets so old hearing all the "Last this or that I will ever buy" Or the classic lines like "My Edsel was better than this or that"

First question? Do you have window tint?

Second Question? If so did the dealer install it? Is it metallic tint?

I remember reading that the diversity antenna is located in the rear window glass and the way the antenna leads hook up to it are different

than used on previous Lexus models. It uses spring loaded contacts to connect the antenna leads to the glass. If these are loose or get corrsion on them it can cause poor radio reception, this can be ehanced if the windows are tinted because water is sprayed in the area and promotes corrision. Metallic tint can also cause interference with reception. The contacts are located in the right upper corner of the rear window glass. Their also is an antenna amplfier that could have a loose connection. Just a few ideas. Its also a good idea to call Lexus customer satisfaction and open a case, sometimes its hit or miss with them but its always good to have it on record.

Over the years I have owned several Lexus vehicles, were they all perfect? No. Were their some things I did not like? Yes. Overall they have been better and had fewer things that I did not like when compared to other vehicles I have owned.

Rant over

Greetings,

Since wear out of tires leads to replacement, I searched for what options exist.

The revs per mile differ among the 4 and 5 star tires offerred at http://www.tirerack.com/

They range from 731 to 739 , about 1%. I assume I can ignore this as long as I get the

tires in a matched set. Anyone disagree?

The site has Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Blackwall as the best seller. If everyone does

their research, then I can assume it rates better than the others. Does anyone have a better

suggestion if I want a good traction tire for all seasons, i.e. rain in winter and 110F and dry in summer?

Sincerely,

Bill

The Dueler Alenza is a fantastic tire for the RX, it has a 600 tread life. Pros- last long time, Cons- some people I have talked wih say they ride slightly rougher and have slight more road noise then the OEM tires. Other people say they can't tell the difference.

I hope these pictures help. I really like my car without the roof rack. In over a year I have never used it and more than likely never will. Our RX looks great either way so don't do this unless you feel pretty strongly about taking it off. Note on the picture with one of the corner pieces, that the corner piece has to be lifted and THEN pushed forward to be free of the yellow pin. Note I also have "HYBRID" emblems and logotype. All free from the dealer...well, after spending so much cash on this baby,they better throw in a few measely emblems,eh?

Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.

I dont know if it been asked yet, but did it change your mileage?

Wil

If you will look on page 53 of the owners manual you will see Customized settings. At the bottom of the chart it list the seat belt buzzer vehicle speed link "on" or "off'. When I talked with someone at the dealership they stated that they can turn it off since it is listed in the owners manual, it requires them using their diagnostic tester. Some of the other models do not offer this turn off feature in the owners manual or cutomized features, even though rumor has it that any of them can be turned off. Because of the liability stuff they would only do it if its listed as a customized feature.