BobBass

Simple solution: DO NOT USE CD's with that have a paper label such as CDR's. Virtually NO manufacturer recommends using them in multi-disc CD players.

This topic has been kicked around many times and WWEST is the expert. I asked my salesperson who directed me to the service manager. He said you CANNOT turn off TC on an RX400h and then went into a "why would you want to" and I replied in certain rare conditions where all four wheels are on slippery surfaces and he replied something like, "Well, that's like on ice and you can't go anywhere, anyway." THANKS A LOT! There is a complicated procedure (I lifted from another message board) for SOME Toyotas but I doubt if it works on the 400h: I haven't bothered to try it with my '08 400h AWD, if anybody else wants to, be my guest and please report your success or lack thereof.

I think Lexus is making a huge mistake by not bringing out an ES240h (or whatever designation they decide on.) It should be a simple matter to drop the powertrain from the TCH into the ES body/chassis and modify the rear seat for the batteries. I'd get one in a heartbeat. The TCH doesn't offer HID's, auto up/down windows, folding mirrors, "upscale interior," etc. and it ticks me off that there aren't any true "luxury" full hybrids geared toward maximum fuel economy. The Altima hybrid is a little better in that respect but no lumbar support and is only available in relatively limited numbers in CA emission states.

Did you notice any "transmission flare" with the ES? That's the primary reason I didn't get one.

Uhh...I would respectfully inform you that the acronym "ICE" on hybrid vehicle forums is reserved for "Internal Combustion Engine." Entertainment systems are usually "acronymized" as *ES, with the "*" referring to the location, i.e. "RES" = Rear Entertainment System. You GOTTA follow the conventions here, 08rx400h. BTW, you can already get TV screens for the rear passengers (located in the back of the front headrests) in Europe. They probably don't offer that in America because Lexus wouldn't be able to keep up with demand.

I don't have Laser Cruise on my '08 400h, but if it's like the one on my '04 Sienna, you just activate cruise control like normal (push the stalk button IN) and when you get to the desired speed, flip the lever down. It should maintain that speed (maybe with a digital LCD readout in the instrument panel) until you approach a slower moving vehicle at which time your 400h will slow down and maintain a set distance. That distance can be shortened by pushing the other SMALL button IN toward you. The distance defaults to largest, and each push lessens it. There are three settings - when you push the button IN, it cycles thru the three distances and then starts over at the largest. You also should be able to cancel laser cruise and activate tradtional cruise by immediately pullling the stalk toward you after turning the cruise on. The cruise indicator light should change on the panel. BTW, in laser cruise, it only bumps up/down your speed in 5 mph increments, which is a minor hassle IMO. Once again, this applies to the Sienna laser cruise, but I'm guessing it's the same for the RX. There's another member here who has opined on the laser cruise. Maybe he'll chime in, too. Good luck.

The power steering on the 400h has been a hot topic this month. "Nick49" did us all a service by posting this on 2/10:

I believe the BLUE "ACCENTS" are Toyota's way of signifying hybrid technology and/or fuel efficiency. This is from the RX website:

Since we're discussing the 400h steering, here's what CNET had to say about the '06: I guess I can generally agree with their observation, but it doesn't bother me in the least. Of course, if the steering operation REVERSED, that would be a real "bum steer." CNET link

ACH DU LIEBER! :o

ONE WEEK? I was away for 10 days during Christmas with the 400h left out in the cold. It started and ran just fine upon my return. If you do a search on this topic, you'll find that most owners have not had that problem for even longer periods unless they left an interior light on or inadvertently did something else to drain the battery.

You must be new to "Hybridology." Reminds me of when I first started looking at hybrid message boards and encountered that mysterious acronym. "ICE" stands for Internal Combustion Engine. You'll see it used all over these forums. As for your noise problem, I can't help you out. Mine doesn't make any "loud clunking noise" when starting up. Do you hear it INSIDE the vehicle as well?

The ability to turn traction control off on the 400h has been the subject of much discussion. I asked my service guy about it and he said he did not think it was possible. In the interest of protecting the electric motors from over-revving, Toyota has not included a T/C on-off switch and apparently eliminated the other process (series of key on/off/depress brake pedal, etc.) which normally works on their other vehicles. If anybody know differently, please chime in, because I'd like to know how just in case all four wheels start slipping, T/C kicks in, and you're stranded.

"GAS MOTOR?" Written like a typical non-hybrid owner. EVERYBODY knows that when referring to the "petroleum fueled power source," you use the acronym, "ICE." It's one of the really kewel things about hybrid vehicle messaging. Golly, with all the experience you have, SW03ES, you shoulda had this "inside lingo" down.

It really is bizarre that Toyota doesn't have it together on this "interior lights left on" issue. It was such a common occurrence with SiennaClub owners on their board that I made sure to have a portable battery jumper in ours when we left it at an airport parking lot "just in case." Well, as luck would have it, when my wife and I were scrambling around for something in the dark at 4:30 AM, she put the right side maplight on. Neither one of us noticed that it had not been turned off when we exited the vehicle what with all the hoopla unloading the luggage and getting onboard the airport shuttle. Of course, when we came home two weeks later, the battery was dead as a doornail. Siince I had the battery jumper in the trunk, it was a simple matter of hooking it up and turning the key - AFTER GETTING BLASTED BY THE HORN (alarm system triggers in this situation.) Now, to be sure, this was our fault, but doggone it, this should not be an issue in ANY vehicle built today, let alone a Toyota! Oh, one of the first things I purchased after the WeatherTech floor liners was another smaller portable battery jumper for the 400h "just in case...."

Pertinent info from the CU site: Ten Common Car-Buying Mistakes 8. Buying unnecessary extras. Dealerships often try to sell you extras that boost their profit margin but are a waste of you money. They can include rustproofing, fabric protection, paint protectant, or VIN etching, in which the vehicle identification number is etched onto the windows to deter thieves. Don't accept those unnecessary services and fees. If you see those items on the bill of sale and you haven't agreed to them, simply cross them out and refuse to pay for them. Vehicle bodies are already coated to protect against rust. And recent CR reliability surveys show that rust is not a major problem with modern cars. You can treat upholstery and apply paint protectant yourself with good off-the-shelf products that cost only a few dollars. If you decide you want VIN etching, you can buy a kit to do it yourself for less than $25, instead of the $200 that some dealerships charge. Also think twice about an extended warranty. It can cost hundreds of dollars. But if you buy a model with good reliability or if you expect to have the vehicle only for five years or less, it often isn't worth the cost.

Looks like a Volvo to me.

Funny you should use that as an example. When we picked up our '04 Sienna MiniVan, I didn't notice anything "off." On the other hand, I didn't give it a real thorough lookover - STUPID ME! Well, within a couple of days, I noticed a scratch on the faux wood steering wheel. This is my wife's vehicle and she had been driving it, so I couldn't determine for sure that the scratch was there when we picked it up. Not a biggie, but of course, it's in a place where you CAN'T HELP BUT NOTICE. Thanks for the advice.

Any suggestions for specific items that should be addressed for dealer preparation of the 400h? Any “Geez, why didn’t they do that during dealer prep” kinda things? The only things I can think of so far are: 1. Do NOT install the roofrack crossbars (will NEVER use them and they hinder roof cleaning & snow removal) 2. Do NOT install front license plate bracket (unnecessary in PA) 3. Inflate tires to 35 PSI. The personalized/C-Best settings I’ll have done at the first service. I’m just trying to eliminate any potential “early hassles.” Crystal white/Ivory leather Liquid graphite wheels Heated front seats/rain sensing wipers & washers NAV Premium plus Towing prep Wood trim Pref. accessory

I will be taking delivery of an '08 400h in a couple of weeks. It's my impression that the roofrack CROSSBARS are placed in the trunk from the factory and then installed by the dealer. Since I do not anticipate EVER using the roof rack, would anybody recommend requesting that the dealer NOT install the cross bars? Seems to me that even if there's only marginal to no mileage gain, wind noise would surely be diminished. Not only that, but I also have a Sienna minivan with a similar roofrack/crossbar arrangement. Last winter, we had one of those 2-3" snowfalls followed by sleet that FROZE with a damn near impenetrable crust. Removing it would have been relatively easy, but those damn crossbars would not allow the chunks of snow to slide forward or back. It would also be much easier to clean the roof. Hell, now that I've written these justifications, I'm just going to DEMAND that the dealer NOT install the crossbars and leave 'em in the basement. If anybody can think of a good reason for me to have them installed, please opine.

"Car and Driver" said essentially the same thing about their long term Camry hybrid. One editor wondered just how bad it would eventually become.

wwest, Well, all I can say is that MadloR's method, which I have practiced since owning vehicles with A/C, still works for my '04 Maxima and '04 Sienna. I'm hoping that it works for the 400h, also. You're right about the humid air effect, though - drives my wife NUTZ!

w@onton, Do you turn the A/C compressor off a minute or so and let the HVAC system run in "fan only" mode before shutting the engine off? Is it even possible to do that on a RX400h? I've been doing that FOREVER in air-conditioned vehicles and have never had a problem with a mildew/musty smell. Well, except for the few times I did not shut off the compressor as mentioned.

Unfortunately, I don't think you'll see the "electric-only button" on the 400h until the '09 re-design. That would be the main reason to wait for it unless you also need the third row seat.

What about the "restyled front grille design, new exterior chrome door handles, a new finish on the five-spoke, 18-inch wheels, and a color-keyed rear spoiler." Are you saying it appears the '08 400h will have the same "styling cues/updates" that were made on the '08 RX350?