Wilson2007

I thought I had finished installing an OEM tow hitch on my 2004 330RX, but when I tested for voltage at the rear connector, I got nothing! The dealer tells me I need a junction block assembly because the vehicle did not come with a tow prep package. I still have the rear cargo area disassembled to gain access to the cable connector & floor grommet. Can anyone tell me where the junction block is located and how to replace it? Thanks!

Carterboy - if the 330 is the same as the 350 - from other threads on this site about hitches, the junction block plugs between the hitch wiring and where it connects inside the vehicle. In my Canadian 350 - I did not need the adapter as they are already wired for the hitch connection. Do some searching for hitches and install - you should find more info.

Wilson

I've seen the posts re no repair manuals available for 2007 RX 350.

Does anyone know how to safely replace the air filter element? The housing seems to be firmly attached to the MAF sensor, etc.

Do you really have to detach all this stuff?

LLexusRX350

As I recall, I just removed a couple of hold down bolts ( not all the way out) and loosened the clamp on the air line and was able to lift the top off the element enough to get it out. I must have had to unplug a wire because forgot to plug it back in and got a 'check engine light' until I reconnected it. Good luck.

Wilson

I purchased the hitch assembly from Lexus but did not need to get a converter for my Canadian Lexus - dealer parts said that the Canadian vehicles do not require the converter. Hitch came with the wiring harness installed and the plug connector matched an open receiver on the wiring harness.

Install was easy - did not have to remove right compartment cover, only left driver side one to be able to remove the plastic cover over the plug connector. And it was easy to get at the back side nuts on the hinge when the front tray was removed. Had a bit of trouble to get the tray out - took a screwdriver leverage to get it up past the frame.

Does anyone know if there is a plug under the dash to plug a remote start into to save having to splice wires. I understand that other vehicles have them - 24 pin plugs in Subaru Outback 2008 & Mazda Speed 6. I want to be able to keep warmer this winter.

Thanks

Wilson

There is an air duct inside the cavity to replace the fog light but I cannot determine how the piece is attached. Anyone out there replace their left fog light and what did you do to remove this duct piece? The right fog light area does not have this duct piece so you can just reach up and replace the light.

I was able to change the bulb on the left fog lamp to one my son selected that has more light output. But it was a tough job - was able to get a bit more access for my arm to reach down from above by loosening the battery hold down and shifting it aside. Still ended up with scratches on my arm :( I could not figure out how to get that duct piece.

Good luck

Wilson

Hi I'm new to the forum and to Lexus.

The forum is great, but the Lexus RX 350..

My wife got a new 2008 Lexus 350 a couple weeks ago, our first Lexus, 11 miles on it. On the drive home we noticed that it pulled to the right, so I brought it back that day. The mechanic looked at it and saw nothing wrong, claimed it was Lexus sensitive steering we will get use to it.

We took it home thinking maybe, but it continued the next few days so returned to the dealer. This time different mechanic said he felt it also and he did an aliment, also rotated the tires, claimed it was fixed.

Well, it's not, it may be better but it's not right. The 99 Ford Explorer we had, never pulled one way or the other.

We will be bringing it back to the dealer, but if they already did an aliment & rotated the tires what else can they do?

We are extremely frustrated, has anyone else had this problem? What did you do?

thanks for any advice

Welcome to the Lexus family. My 2007 RX 350 has pulled to the right since it was new. Now has over 40,000 km on it. As in your experience, the dealer told me it was sensitive Lexus steering :( After alignment, switching tires from side to side, it still was not acceptable. So, I wrote an e-mail to Lexus Canada complaining - ended up getting their servive rep to drive it. He acknowledged the pulling and approved replacement of the power steering pump and rack. Replaced Japanese rack with North American one - supposedly lighter steering touch - more assist. After all that, it was improved - did not feel like the steering was not 'centered' any more, but still wanted to head for the ditch on normal highway driving. Drove it for a while and finally after 1 year warranty was expired, another dealer did another alignment at no charge while I was paying for a replacement windshield after 3 major cracks - but that's another story. It was improved a bit more, but still takes pressure to hold the lane. Seems to be very sensitive to road camber - left lane tends to hold straight, right lane drifts right.

Apparently, the design limits the alignment adjustment they can do - cannot do camber, I think - only caster so it is hard to really do a good job of getting things lined up like they should be.

I'm planning on trying a non-dealer specialty shop to try to get it more comfortable to drive. Sorry to have to advise of ongoing troubles - suggest you not accept the dealer pacification and get them to aggressively make it right. Try driving other vehicles on dealer's lot to see if they are different.

God luck

Wilson

Just bought my 2008 RX350 in Oakville Ontario and am very happy with all aspects other than the struggle the engine has starting up in the cold (0 degrees Celsius to -10 degrees Celsuis). I realize that this temperature is quite is pretty cold, but my old '99 Camry and my wife's 2007 Sienna does not have this issue. Anyone else?

My '07 RX350 in Alberta has no troubles starting in the cold. Last winter it grumbled a bit starting at the airport at -30C, but got going OK.

Question: How does one unleash the glove box to get at the cabin filter? Special wrench? I tried prying away at it with a couple of screwdrivers but I was going to break the plastic. The manual makes it look so easy. If I can do that, I'll bypass the Lexus dealer.

I was able to get the glove box pins out by using pliers over a cloth (to prevent scratches). I think I turned them to the end of their rotation and pulled them out to release the door. Good luck!

Wilson

I've been pondering the work the dealer wishes to do on my 15K mile checkup for my RX350. One item that keeps showing up in the service list throughout the life of the vehicle is the cabin air filter, either to clean or replace.

The manual makes getting to the filter look easy. Just pop the two stops at the sides of the glove box inwards, tilt the glove box out of the way and viola, there's the filter. Is there a special tool involved? This klutz tried prying with a couple of screwdrivers and it was apparent I was going to break something.

There has to be a better way. If I can do it, I can more easily parse out the work into smaller chunks that could be done by other service facilities, including Toyota dealerships. (Wait! The coffee won't be as good! Darn!)

Thanks!

CanTex - I was able to pull the stops by turning them to the end of their range (can't remember which direction) and pulling them towards the inside of the glove box with pliers over a cloth (to minimize scratching the stops). Then the glove box will rotate lower to reveal the case for the filter. I recall using a screwdriver to open the clips on each side, then remove it and the filter is right there. It took a bit of a pull to pop the stops loose. The filter I was sold by the dealer service seemed quite wimpy compared to the original equipment - but they assured me it was the right one to use.

Good luck

Wilson

I would be interested in hearing the fuel, mileage and type of driving other members here get.

I find it hard to believe that this an RX350 gets 25-27 mpg unless it's 100% highway driving.

I use regular fuel, mostly drive in the suburbs (80% roads, 20% highways) and average about 18 mpg.

My 2007 has averaged about 20 mpg (converted from l/100 km) over 25000 km of mostly highway driving. Sometimes when I have a good tailwind and keep speed around 110km/hr. I can get up to 26.5 mpg (8.5 L/100km) on the trip computer. All with premium fuel.

I went to Lexus of Mobile, AL to have my 30,000 mile service on my 2007 rx350/su. I was shocked when I got the bill for $662.03. The cost for parts/$195.83, labor/$412.50, G.O.G/ $16.08???, MISC $20.00, can someone please tell me if this is a normal charge for labor? What is G.O.G? Also, ten minutes after leaving the dealership, my tire light came on. I'm having no problems with the car; I only went in for my regular service.Cost for 30,000 mile service???

I also have a crack in my windshield and got a quote for the cost to replace it from Lexus of Mobile, AL; After giving them my vin #, they informed me it would cost $1,400. Is this a normal cost for a Lexus 07 RX350 windshield? When I asked them why so high??? They told me the reason is, "we install a Lexus windshield and you have rain sensors". I then ask if I could get a quote on a regular windsheild with no rain sensor??---$1300?? Is this normal?

Just had my RX windshield replaced with rain sensor - cost about $1100 CDN - (but with $ about equal, it should be similar). Dealer ordered in the glass and had a glass shop come in to do the work. Seems fine.

I'm still upset by the 3 cracks in 30,000 km - a rate of one per 10,000 km - at this rate, I would have had 55 in my last 2 vans - instead of the 4 I had. Is it a design deficiency to have an easily crackable windshield - or was my first year just very unlucky?

My tires were 37 lbs all around right off the lot. Handling was awful. Cornering was an adventure.

I uninflated them all to 32 lbs and handling improved immensely.

I run my tires at 32 to 33 lbs and like their performance there - handling seems to be sensitive to pressure setting.

When balancing tires, make sure the balancing machine does a "road force" test to determine the correct balance. This makes a significant difference with tires that "pass" using the common balancing machines.

The alignment needs to be done by a true alignment technician, not just someone who uses the computer printouts and does the minimum to get it within specs. If it does not track as it should, take it back and have them adjust it again until they get it right. The mfg specs are very broad and an alignment can be within the specs and still not track properly and wear tires prematurely. Tell the tech how you want it to track, then they can set it so it does accordingly. It may take a number of adjustments the first time you get it aligned properly, but after that it can usually be done the first attempt. I used to have tires wear out within 30-40K miles on standard alignments (within specs), but with a true alignment, I started getting 50-70K miles with only a couple rotations. I regularly check the air and the wear of the tires.

Depending on the predominant roads I drive, I have the alignment set accordingly - based on the crown of the road and the number of people and weight. You know you have a real alignment tech when they understand such parameters are real factors in a real alignment.

Thanks for the tips LxPearl - It sure makes sense that a good technician can make a big difference. I just had my RX aligned by another dealership and it is much improved now. Always felt first one didn't believe me - you know - the 'its normal to be that way'. It's pleasant to deal where they listen to the customer as if you have a brain and are able to respond and achieve good results. After over a year of trying to get it fixed, my RX finally drives straight down the road. It is still very susceptible to road camber - wanting to drift if there is a bit more slope to the road, but it's quite manageable now - what I was expecting buying a Lexus. Next time I have tires changed (soon to winter snows), I'll try for the road force balancing. Thanks.

Anyone experience windshield cracking? My '07 has 3 large cracks from the edges in 29000 km. More than on other vehicles in years. What's the cause?

Hi,

My wife and I recently bought a 2008 RX350. Love everything about the car except it pulls to the right too much (let go and goes right about 1 second later.) I have been to the dealer once and am going back again tomorrow. Wondering if anyone else had/has this problem and if there is a solution?

Have a 2007 same issue, dealer did the alignment, still not any better. See this post as well.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=35250

My Canadian '07 RX350 drifted to right from when I took delivery. Seemed to be having to hold against steering pressure - dealer did tire swap R to L & L to R. Did not correct it. Also full alignment, still drifted. Factory rep took drive in it - he arranged for replacement of power steering pump and steering rack - all on warranty. Improved, but still slight drift to right. Will try to get dealer to re-do alignment.