CaptnPete

Go back to the place that changed the cooling system. Their work should be under warranty. Pete

It looks like you have found a vehicle that has been maintained at every service interval at the dealership. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. All the little stuff has been taken care of. I have a 2003 that I have maintained myself for all these years, I have under 60K miles on mine. They seem to be well built and almost trouble free. I have replaced the battery and the tires. The "clunk" is under warranty until 70k miles, if that is your concern. I had my drive shaft replaced under warranty 3 times in 2003 and 2004 since Lexus came out with new drive shaft designs. BTW 14-17 mpg is normal in mine. Good luck Pete

Sorry about the double post, but I'd like to add that on my 2003 the fluid change is only required if the vehicle is used primarily as a tow car. Pete

Just because you don't have a dipstick for the transmission does not mean the fluid can not be changed. There is probably a sealed stub that can be removed and let the transmission be refilled. The pan should be removed and the filter exchanged at the same time. Another way is to have the transmission flushed by removing two hose connection and connecting them to a machine that removes and re-installs the fluid. Pete

Just because you don't have a dipstick for the transmission does not mean the fluid can not be changed. There is probably a sealed stub that can be removed and let the transmission be refilled. The pan should be removed and the filter exchanged at the same time. Another way is to have the transmission flushed by removing two hose connection and connecting them to a machine that removes and re-installs the fluid. Pete

I have used Mobil 1 Synthetic since the car was new. The viscosity is listed on the oil filler cap. In my case API Service SL 5w-30 Pete

I had my speedometer fail at 42K and I removed the whole instrument panel. There I learned that the speedometer and tachometer needles are driven by two tiny motors. Mine had failed and I ultimately had to have the whole panel replaced. ($700+). You might try to remove the panel and access the unit from the back. Since the motor is working, perhaps you might give the needle a little nudge and get it back into the zero position. Pete

The rear system is controlled by the remote control. The sound is displayed by the headphones. The front DVDs are played by the DVD player in the console under the driver's right armrest. All this is explained in the owner's manual. If you don't have one, you can probably get one from corporate lexus online. Pete

Take it to the dealer. It is under warranty. Pete

If the radiator is leaking not due to having been damaged in an accident, then take the car to a good radiator shop and have it REPAIRED! The dealership is not interested in repairing anything but rather replacing it. Have the belt inspected and go from there. Find yourself a good reliable shop that works on your car. I know that is not easy these days, but someone is out there who will be fair and not overcharge you. Hope that helps Pete

I did some checking and it appears that beginning with the 2004 model year the GX does not have a dip stick for the transmission anymore. Quote:"For 2004, the GX received a number of safety upgrades that included a roll-sensing feature for the side curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and an optional rear backup camera system (for those vehicles with the navigation system installed). The transmission was upgraded to a sealed unit, requiring no maintenance and having no dipstick." Hope that helps Pete

Wheel bearing replacement used to be a simple task, but once they started to talk about "pre-loading" I got out of the do-it-yourself thingy. You might try to check the opposite wheel with a torque wrench and see what it takes to torque down the bearing nut.The lexus manuals are availabel but are awfully expensive. Hope that helps a little. Pete

I think the best thing you could do is check out eBay and you may be able to come across one. Also check your friends 06 make sure that yours is the same generation nav system. You can check on Lexus.com and sorry can't help you out with burning. I think you will have to burn an IMG file and not just copy the disc by the way. I don't know if the 2006 version will fit your 2003. They have what they call "generation" software. I replaced my disk some time time ago and still have the original version disk. You can also try Sewell Lexus Parts( http://lexus.sewellparts.com/ ). They appear to be selling the old disks that were turned n for up-grades. Otherwise email me and I might be able to get you on track. HTH Pete

When you changed the battery you probably disturbed the memory settings in the computer. Try looking through the owner's manual. I believe there is a section on resetting the memory functions. Here is an excerpt from an online manual I've got. The moon roof may not operate automatically and the jam protection function will not function correctly after you reconnect, replace or recharge the battery. In any of these cases, you should normalize the moon roof. To normalize the moon roof, push and hold the switch on the “TILT UP” side until the moon roof tilts all the way up and then tilts down a little automatically The power windows may not operate automatically and the jam protection function will not function correctly after you reconnect, replace or recharge the battery. At this time, the indicator lights of the switches will flash. In any of these cases, you should normalize the power windows. To normalize the power windows: 1. Push down the power window switches of each door and lower the windows halfway. 2. Pull up the switches until the windows close and hold the switches for a second. Make sure that the windows open and close automatically. If the power windows cannot be operated properly, have it checked by your Lexus dealer. HTH Pete

I have 2003 Gx with the towing option factory installed. I believe there was a change in the subsequent years in that ALL GX 470 had the towing factory installed. There should have been a"Pigtail " adapter that came with the car. The pigtail adapter was included in the glove box when my car was delivered. This adapter plugs into a connector under the area below the steering wheel. The other end connects to the Brake Controller. I just went out to the car to look for it, but it is very difficult to see. HTH Pete

2003 GX with 52K miles. Had my dash replaced in Sarasota, Fl last year. Same story. After much haggling Lexus offered 50/50 split. Still came to about $800. Basically it cost them NOTHING. Their mark-up took care of that. Pete

I have had a 2003 since it was new. The car has less than 53K miles on it.The "problems" I have had: Drive shaft clunk (dealer replaced drive shaft under warranty) Speedometer went out (out of warranty. Replaced whole instrument panel $900) Dashboard developed several cracks( Replaced with Lexus paying 59%. My share $800) Other than that there have been no problems. Changed oil every 5K. No brake work yet. One new set of tires. First set lasted 45K. HTH Pete

Take it to Lexus. It must under warranty. Tell them to check the BRAKES.Not the BREAKS.

If the dealer blames the tires, have the tire installer rotate and balance the tires. If the problem started after installing new tires, it probably is a tire problem. HTH Pete

On my 2003 the box would not open. I tried everything I could find. The only practical way is to remove the whole center assembly and turn it upside down and shake out what is inside the compartment. I finally let the dealer do. They charged me 2 hours labor and all the other crap. Unless you can find some endoscopic tool with a retrieving claw, you may have to go the same route as I did. Hope that helps. Pete

The day I bought my 2003 GX470 new, I removed the seats. They are akward to use and take up much space in the rear compartment. I tried to use them once, but when a 3 year old was complaining that they were to small for him I gave up. You might save your money by NOT buying them. One more thing: Why doesn't the seller have the extra seats? If the car was not built to have seats, it might be difficult to adapt the installation. HTH Pete

If the mirrors worked previously, they should do so again. I had my passenger side mirror motor replaced under warranty when it mal-functioned (2003 Model). Try a different dealer or service advisor. My Lexus tech told me that it was a known problem. The plastic parts on the motor wear out prematurely.

I don't think so, but if you can find a car that has air-conditioned seats, please post it here

Have you tried to have it plugged into the diagnostic plug under the steering column. (OBDII)? The people at Autozone will do it fro free I have been told. I have my own unit. Last price was $37 incl tax @Harborfreight.

The inside panel of the rear door has to be removed. I watched the technician do it, but do not recommend it as do-it-yourself item. It only takes a few minutes, but there are snaps and screws to be taken off. Besides you will have to buy the bulbs from Lexus anyway since they are of some special configuration, I have been told.