zalaser

Hello This is my first post here.

I have a 2001 RX300. I bought it in 6/2009 at about 72,000 miles.

This winter, my check engine and vsc lights came on. The first time I needed an o2 censor replacement and new batter (about $500).

About one month later it came back, I took it to the Lexus dealership and they told me I needed a new catalytic convertor, a $2500 repair that I decided to wait on fixing. They went ahead and turned the light off for me, I drove it for about 2 weeks until the light came back on.

Last week, my transmission went out completetly. I need an enirely new transmission, which is thankfully covered by my extended warranty. Catalytic convertors are not covered by my warranty.

Here is my question, do you think the check engine and vsc lights could have been related to the transmission, or will I still need a catalytic convertor? Or do you think that is really the problem?

I asked my mechanic to check the hoses as suggested in another thread. They said that they did but I'm not sure I've I believe them.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I have 2002 RX300 with 125K mi. I also had Check Engine and VSC come up together few times. It was always related to the fuel vapor system, or simply put faulty gas cap. Replaced it with original Lexus gas cup (24USD at a dealer) and never had this problem again. If you have those lights on, try to get OBD II code read by someone, who you can trust. It is first step to the proper diagnostic. Those lights could not relate to transmission so you should be OK there.

I just made appointment at my mechanics to have a new timing belt installed per 100,000 mile (I have 105k). He immediately recommended I also replace seals (3ea) and water pump saying if one of these goes in next 100K it will be expensive. Should I do this?

I have done it at 95K. Best way is to do Timing Belt, water pump, timing belt tensioner, and seals. Private garage is about $600 including refill of toyota antifreeze. I also recommend changing drive belts at the same time.

That sucks! :( Sorry about that news.

What's next? Small claims? You seem to have a valid and reasonable case with your already assembled documentation.

Who knows, they may settle when forced to court.

Unfortunately, the only thing large corps respond to is ... C L A S S .. A C T I O N !

I am trying to tow flat a rx300 2001. all manuals including lexus indicate can be towed without any special equipment. does anyone have experience towing flat a similar model? will tow behind motorhome.

You do not want to tow Lexus 300 behind anything flat. On the platphorm only. It is front wheel drive bias vehicle and lubrication of the fron differential is heavily depends on the egine power and everything else. Two flat you have to disconnect drive shafts from the front wheels which is not practical, or put a vehicle on the free wheeling platform or half platform. None of the FWD cars should be towed flat. Damage to the drive train is almost guaranteed...just when?

I have a 2001 RX300 with 96000 miles. I have to top off every 2 months or so while it is being used within the city. I ended up going to a city about 200 miles away and before I took off I topped off the oil to max, but after I came back (400 miles), the oil was gone. I had to put 2 qts to fill it up again.

The body shop mechanic lifted it up and told me that there is no apparent leak. Anyone knows what might be going on?

Any information will be appreciated.

Thanks.

If there is no apparent leaks, then you ave another possibility.ne is you burning it, which means your piston oil rings are gone, or you have "internal" leak. Possibility from the block to antifreeze, check there, but Toyota engine normaly do not burn oil. I have 107K and it holds from oil change to oil change (5K mi) with no losses. Also emission test will tell you if your engine burns oil.

I hope it helps.

My front rotors and brakes are need of replacing and we plan to buy the parts and do the work ourselves.

Any feedback on which brand of front rotors and brakes are the best options would be much appreciated.

I am not looking to buy performance brakes and rotors, just a good OEM type replacement for those that are already on the truck.

Thanks in advance!! :D

had very good results with Akebono ACT ceramics. About $60 for the fronts at www.drivewire.com They did about 35K mi and have more then half lef. It is depends on driving style so. Rotors, you have to be carefull with. I would prefer OEM, since some aftermarkets are really bad quality.

Most of the people in this forum are correct. You will not hirt your vehicle by using K&N but id will not do a damn thing for it either. I had filter out of the car completely just to prove a point and there is no power gain...It is also goes for a crappy "Turbo Flow" iserts and "lifetime filters" Having OEMs or close and replace them as recommended or more often for dusty roads is better choice in my opinion. We are not talking racing optimized engine or car here..

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum and lexus world. Have a 99 RX300 Lexus. My engine service light has been on for a few weeks. Not sure what the cause is. Based on some information I read on this forum, it could be the gas cap or some sensors....

Just a note, I lost my original gas cap and replaced it with another one (non-lexus). The trouble is I can't remember if the light came on before the gas cap was changed or after (been having a very busy few weeks)

Here are some of my questions:

1. Is the price of a part at dealership the same as part shops (lets say it was the senors that had issues)?

2. Where is the best place to have the car checked and fixed in Toronto, Canada area(GTA)? (thinking other than dealership)

3. What is the estimated cost I should be expecting at dealership or a mechanic shop?

4. Is there a cost associated and how much for a dealership to look at the car and tell me what's wrong with it?

Please note, there is no warranty on this car and I have owned it only for about 6 months. Also, being a female and not knowing much about cars doesn't help my situation ;-)

Thanks in advance for your advice and feel free to email me if you know of a good place to take my car to.

Gas cup at LExus Dealership is 25.50 in NJ, trenton area.

After market cup may cause P0446 code due to the unique setting of the vaccum valve.

Code reader OBDII cost about $70 on E-bay and will pay for itself quickly.

Dealer service is $600 for the vapor canister replacement, which also may be an issue as well as cracked or clogged hose in the vapor system.