newtoncd

We have just over 100K on our 2004 RX330 AWD and the vehicle definitely goes through tires faster than any car I have driven. However, having said that, after two sets, we have averaged about 35,000 miles before the Michelin's hit the wear bar. For your next set, you might try the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza; unlike the OEM Michelin tires, the Alenza has a 60,000 mile warranty.

Back in the mid 1990s, the group IV vs group III issue was a big deal between Mobil and Castrol. However, there have been reports now that Mobil-1 may not be fully group IV (still very questionable as Mobil will not confirm/deny) in all grades. Read bobistheoilguy.com for more info. Regarding Castrol's product, Syntec 0W30 is the exception to the rule for the Syntec line-up. To meet the specs it does (BMW LL, ACEA A3, MB 229.X, etc). the 0W30 product is very good and is probably group IV; use it with confidence. Just make sure it says "Made in Germany" on the back of the bottle. A few years ago, there was a "Made in USA" 0W30 that didn't meet all of the specs the Germany product does. There still may be some old stock laying around. As for me, I think the Syntec 0W30 is a bit heavy (12.1 @ 100 degrees C, cST vs 10.2 @ 100 degrees C, cst for Pennsoil Platinum 5W30 or 9.7 @ 100 degrees C, cST for Castrol Syntec 5W30) for the Toyota engines (it is close to a 40 weight). As always, YMMV.

We have 100,500 miles on my wife's RX330. We purchased it new in late 2003 and originally, I used Mobil 1 5W30, but at about 65,000, I changed over to Pennzoil Platinum 5W30. I use Mobil 1 filters. As for the gritty film, you could always have the dealer pull the valve cover off and check for sludge. Another option is Auto-RX. It is a very safe cleaner (not an engine flush). www.auto-rx.com Hope this helps.

Normal, our ES300 (traded in) and our current RX330 both have the same thing.

AC001-06. TSB is attached. Lexus_AC_Moan_noise.pdf

Our RX330 uses Toyota Type-IV fluid and we had ours changed at 60K by a shop that specializes in Toyota/Lexus and the tech said the fluid was very dirty and needed changed. I am now changing at 30K intervals. In my opinion, if you want the tranny to last, a drain/fill or flush every 30K will ensure the tranny lasts a long, long time. If yours calls for WS fluid, I think it is lifetime.

I had pretty much the same work done 6 months ago, but with an independent that specializes in Toyota/Lexus .... the total was $1186. So, I would say considering this was done at a Toyota dealership, that price is pretty good.

There's a Technical Service Bulletin (00105), NHTSA Item Number 10018267 that addresses those symptoms. The TSB Summary reads "Grinding/groaning noise from the moon roof when tilting or opening". I've applied silicone spray and silicone grease to every moving/sliding part I could get my fingers on to no avail. Has anyone had this TSB performed on their RX330? My out-of-warranty 2004 RX330 has the exact symptoms. Does anyone have the detailed TSB that they could post? 3.9 hours of labor .... cha-ching. TSB is attached. RX330TSB_NV001_05.PDF

As you say, everyone is different, but on our 04 RX330 (currently with 98,000 miles), we wouldn't have used it. The only problem we have had is warped rotors every 25-28K. I am hoping to have them fixed for good this time around. The rest of the car has been rock solid. A few TSBs to have checked out ... 1) Make sure the headlights are sealed -- there have been reports of condensation and they have revised the TSB 2) Get the A/C "moan/whine" fixed under warranty -- It is 2.7 hours for labor, so it will be a bit costly to fix after the fact. 3) You may notice a dash rattle 4) The rear camera (if equipped) has an extended warranty on it ... it is TSB 0702.

Would you guys characterize the noise as a screech? My wife's 01 RX300 makes a very intermittent screech (when she tries to vocally copy the noise its more of a screech or loud squeal) it does it intermittenly when she starts it up after work out in the parking lot. It does it so rarely that I've never heard it. Does it seem like she has the same problem? No, that doesn't sound like the same problem ..... in fact, per the TSB, it was for 2004-2006 RX's.

There is a TSB for the following: AC001-06: Some 2004 -- 2006 RX 330 owners may experience a moan noise heard at 1100 rpm to 1400 rpm with the A/C ON. Production changes to the discharge hose and clutch hub have been implemented to prevent this problem. This service bulletin provides a procedure to improve this condition.

I would try Mobil 1 10W30 high mileage for an oil change interval; pretty impressive specs and it might help with consumption.

No gas mileage hit here when I made the change from the OEM Michelin's vs the Alenza. With 21,000 miles, the Alenza, which I run at 35psi, is wearing nicely and rides great. With 96,000 miles on our RX330 and a 60,000 mile warranty, I couldn't be more pleased with the Alenza.

I would head over to Autozone, they will pull the codes for free.

We have an 04 RX330 with 94K on it. I had the fluid changed at 60K and it looked/smelled horrible. I have now gone to 30K changes with Toyota type-IV. I go to an independent that specializes in Toyota and they do a full fluid exchange and it runs about $119.

It was $189 (for the 6 Iridium plugs and labor) at the independent shop I use.

It sounds like you have confirmed you don't have a sludge problem. I would do an immediate oil change and put in Mobil 1 high mileage 10W30 with a good filter and see what your oil consumption is like.

Look at the fourth digit of the VIN: G for 2WD, H for AWD

I took the list from the manual to each place and here were the prices when I checked around .... the Lexus dealer was ~$900, Toyota dealer was ~$625 and an independent shop that specializes in Toyota/Lexus was ~$450. But, you do get a car wash at Lexus......albeit an expensive one ..... I went with the independent shop and washed the car myself..:)

It is very easy to upgrade ..... I have attached directions. It takes about 3-5 minutes. As for the best place to get it, you can try eBay, Sewell Lexus, or worst case, your local dealer. Lexus_Navigation_upgrade_DVD_installation_instructions.pdf

Yes, yours is Gen 4. BTW, the newest version (data version 7.1) is out, so I would look for that version. Besides the dealer, you can find it on eBay (be careful) and Sewell Lexus (online at lexus-parts.com).

Or the 4th digit of the VIN. H = AWD and G = FWD (at least for the 2004/2005 RX330 models...and maybe others, I am just not 100% sure).

We just had new Chamberlain units put in 2 months ago and the Homelink worked fine ... it also worked with our Craftsman unit.

I followed this process and it worked fine on both our Audi A4 and Lexus RX330. http://www.homelink.com/training/train.taf

Car: 2004 RX330 with 87800 miles I posted this on Club Lexus also ... so far, no reply. All of a sudden, the rain sensing wipers on our 2004 RX330 do not work at all. The manual mist, low and high settings work fine, but when the wipers are set to 'auto', the wipers never come on at all. We are getting a pretty good mist right now and they never came on while driving. The rear window wiper works fine in both intermittent, low and high. The only thing I have done is change out the battery .... I broke out the manual, but no hints in there (I thought it might be like the power windows where you have to reset things). I read a TSB and I am thinking the rain sensing tape may need to be replaced, but that is just a wild guess. Any thoughts?