pauljcl

"Certified"

I appreciated your post, our dealer had no interest in taking our '04 RX330 in trade on a 2010. The thing was a rare treasured gem when they sold it, but it was like a lump of radioactive waste at trade in time. We like the RX, and the dealer has a great service department but this will probably be our last Lexus because of the reprehensible sales tactics of our local Somerset County NJ Lexus dealer. Apparently our dealer is not the only bad apple out there though. I have purchased many vehicles and our Lexus dealer is the only one so far that could by its own actions substantiate all those bad stereotypes of polyester-clad, slimy car salesmen out to cheat the customer. Despite a high-quality veneer the sales staff has left us with a lingering sense of distrust that cannot help but cloud our thoughts of Lexus vehicles. What did you think of the MDX? I recently bought a RX350, and was wondering whether to trade in (or keep) the older RX I had. The salesman at Lexus told me not to try to trade it in at Lexus, but go to Carmax instead. He said he does it for his own Lexus cars (instead of exchanging them at his place of work) because Carmax gives him a better price than Lexus does, as Lexus always gives low prices on trade-ins..... You might try acting on his advice.... Good luck!

Paul gave you good advice also. The only reason I suggested using the NN vice grips is because I KNEW you would be able to get them out that way (from experience, not on this project, but other soft Japanese screws) I would guess that over half of all the guys that try and take it off strip the Phillips out AND THEN come here for help. I was trying to eliminate frustration, I've spent my life solving problems. There are other ways to deal with the frustration of the soft Japanese screws, but I believe the ones you have to be best there is to offer. Good Luck! TKU, code58! Could I suggest also doing what I did re: the screws on the MAF on my 99RX >>>> buy/order an extra set - it's cheap insurance in case you screw up (yes, I know - pun!) the screws.

The so=called UTQC (or is it UTQG?) rating determines the 'duration' of use of the tires. Particularly if provided by the same manufacturer (presumably thus providing a strong likelihood of similar test conditions), the UTQC/G rating will provide a fair comparison of how long they will last. Often, the "V" tire has a lower rating than the "H" tire. In other than top speed allowance, the chances are that dry/wet performance is similar in similar tires rated "H" or "V", with the UTQC/G showing some difference.

I get neither highlighting nor ads.... it's a wonderful world!

or www.onlinetires.com

Just curious: why would you want to try German Castrol oil when so many good oils (syn. & dino) are available here?

The manual will list the bulb sizes and #s. It may appear dull because it is behind a non-clear cover?

Hi Mr P- For the most part I believe the impact that you strike would be the definite preference. A cordless would be maybe the next preference, but not a high power cordless (maybe one with the battery part way run down). The Japanese screws are VERY soft (always have been) and tend to grab the adjacent metal and make it SEEM that they are over tightened when they are not. I have had the IACV off my DIL's RX twice with success in not stripping the screws, but I have had many years of experience at this. Make SURE that the phillips screw is not a #3, instead of a #2. My 1st suggestion would be to use a small needle nose Vice-Grip (good one, not cheap), clamp good and tight, and with a quick snap loosen it. I can almost guarantee they will come loose that way. You might want to consider getting hex headed bolts to replace the phillips screws. Hope this helps. I had the same issue with the screws holding the MAF sensor. The important things is to make sure your Phillips head size is exactly suited to the size the screw. No play. There exist kits with four or six or more sizes. You must use a size mated perfectly... and press quite strongly while unscrewing slowly.

Is the white on your clips metal or plastic. They look a little different than mine were... maybe they 'improved' the RX400H over the Rx350 I have... Send me your address... I'll mail you a cut-out of the acetate. Just let me know is the 14" length I measured for me is sufficient. [You normally can pick it up at an art material store - maybe a call to Brachard (?) - papeterie rue de la Corraterie or the papeterie near the Richmond would help? Photo 'gel' (like for filters or for overhead projectors) would also work fine. Anyway, I have lots of it...

I once had a problem with an MB, in which I used Castrol oil. Castrol performed an oil analysis free of charge. Maybe, in addition to the labs. mentioned elsewhere on this and other forums (usually in connection with the discussions about dino vs. synthetic oil), you could just call the manufacturer of your oil, and ask their opinion? Good luck!

Thanks. Absent new pictures, I'll try anyway as you said but believe me, a perfectionist like myself would suffer from things he knows but can't see.. ;-) Yes, I have the same problem (of perfectionism...)! But the bezel looks fine and fits OK even without all the clips. To try and describe: There are four rectangular-shaped holes affixed to the dash ('portrait' orientation). Two are behind the bottom right and bottom left of the 'bezel', and two are more centered, to the right top and left top of the main (large) dial. There are four extrusions on the bezel that fit into those rectangular holes. The extrusions are +/- pyramid-shaped, but thinner and oblong rather than equal sides. Wrapped aarounf the extrusion, on the vertical planes, is a 'v'-shaped ' metal clip. The clip 'locks' into the holes when the bezel is pushed in. When I pulled the bezel out with a force that Superman would envy, I accomplished the following: 'lost' two metal clips that rattled down into the dashboard somewhere (still not retrieved), broke the bottom right extrusion with its metal clip, that remained in the hole. When I tried to remove, pushed it in further by mistake, and lost the extrusion and the clip somewhere in the dashboard (still unretrieved). -- Allof this to say that I do not know what advice to give to remove the bezel leaving it in a better shape than mine was. These da*n clips hold on really well, and brute force seemed the only way to pull them out; but maybe the Lexus procedures would involve some removal of adjacent material first (don't know how, nor how would help). The bezel circumference fits really well and snugly into the dashboard, and if need be, some additional material such as velcro or sticky foam can be aqdded, so the appearance will be perfect even if you screw up the removal.... One of the advantages of a damaged bezel is that it can be removed and re-installed very easily, thus allowing 'testing' of colours without added damage, loss of time, or inhibition. On an added note: to my taste, during daylight hours, I found that the original Lexus lighting looks best, and that is what I have decided to live with, except if I drive a long and dark night trip, in which case I would probably add the green acetate I have to reduce eye fatigue. This will be easy to do. The size of the acetate sheet you need to cover all instruments in my RX350 is a touch less than 14" by 8", and you can 'tuck' the excess around the transparent panel window. Good luck! Wow!! I hadn't seen your reply when I first answered rxRey and your description pretty much replaces a picture.. lol Thank you. I'll get some sleep now and might try the brute force way on that bezel, later on.. I don't think Toyota has any softer way of extracting it and probably counts on the rarity of such an operation. Probably cheaper for them to fully replace the part if needed. Thank you for all info. Cheers from Switzerland. I hadn't looked up your profile, didn't realize you were in GVA. I studied there, and have been back/go back often for work and to see friends. Tout de bon!

Thanks. Absent new pictures, I'll try anyway as you said but believe me, a perfectionist like myself would suffer from things he knows but can't see.. ;-) Yes, I have the same problem (of perfectionism...)! But the bezel looks fine and fits OK even without all the clips. To try and describe: There are four rectangular-shaped holes affixed to the dash ('portrait' orientation). Two are behind the bottom right and bottom left of the 'bezel', and two are more centered, to the right top and left top of the main (large) dial. There are four extrusions on the bezel that fit into those rectangular holes. The extrusions are +/- pyramid-shaped, but thinner and oblong rather than equal sides. Wrapped aarounf the extrusion, on the vertical planes, is a 'v'-shaped ' metal clip. The clip 'locks' into the holes when the bezel is pushed in. When I pulled the bezel out with a force that Superman would envy, I accomplished the following: 'lost' two metal clips that rattled down into the dashboard somewhere (still not retrieved), broke the bottom right extrusion with its metal clip, that remained in the hole. When I tried to remove, pushed it in further by mistake, and lost the extrusion and the clip somewhere in the dashboard (still unretrieved). -- Allof this to say that I do not know what advice to give to remove the bezel leaving it in a better shape than mine was. These da*n clips hold on really well, and brute force seemed the only way to pull them out; but maybe the Lexus procedures would involve some removal of adjacent material first (don't know how, nor how would help). The bezel circumference fits really well and snugly into the dashboard, and if need be, some additional material such as velcro or sticky foam can be aqdded, so the appearance will be perfect even if you screw up the removal.... One of the advantages of a damaged bezel is that it can be removed and re-installed very easily, thus allowing 'testing' of colours without added damage, loss of time, or inhibition. On an added note: to my taste, during daylight hours, I found that the original Lexus lighting looks best, and that is what I have decided to live with, except if I drive a long and dark night trip, in which case I would probably add the green acetate I have to reduce eye fatigue. This will be easy to do. The size of the acetate sheet you need to cover all instruments in my RX350 is a touch less than 14" by 8", and you can 'tuck' the excess around the transparent panel window. Good luck!

Yes, mine does too, but I will still secure it a little more... For whoever cares, I tried red, green and blue film tonight. The red, probably because of the bluish tint of the 'white' lighting of the dials, appears more magenta than red, and nearly pink. It is also makes the dials somewhat less legible. So: not red (though I would have preferred it. The blue is certainly 'snappy' and more legible than the red, but I preferred the green, which looks bluish=green in the night, leaves the dial indications the easiest to read, and is quite easy on the eyes. We'll see tomorrow during the day what the choice becomes....

On the infamous Mustang, they re-balanced the driveshaft, changed tires etc.... but did not change wheels. The problem was the wheels. I have heard of driveshaft un-balance, but never read or spoke to anyone to which it actually happened.... The problem, however, is theirs to discover.

Indeed. I can also use some Velcro, which allows easy removal (to change colour!). The bezel is quite tight 'in' the surrounding dashboard foam = easy.

Assuming that balancing and alignment are fine, that all appears great, the only thing I can suggest is a problem I once had in a Ford Mustang: the wheel was not 'true'. Did you try putting your spare on the stated problematic right front position?

Hating such action as much as I do, I would nonetheless recommend starting a small claims court action against the dealer and against Lexus Corp. You will get immediate action from them. Though I am unsure that they will buckle under, I believe it is likely. The costs to you are small, except for inconvenience, and the settlement you agree to should include not only the new headlight and its installation, but also in some form a reimbursement of costs (e.g. next two or three services free to you or something similar). The amount you will claim (e.g. $3,000 incl. extra costs (are you in a State where losers pay the court costs? Not all States do so) such as transportation to show the vehicle, mileage, advice from another mechanic etc...). And, from now on, send all your mailings to the dealer or Lexus as certified mail. It is a big PITA. Good luck! Let me just add: I noticed you were in FL (like me), and FL awards court costs to the 'winner'. So you should claim the cost of repair etc... "+court costs". I would like to add that I am not a lawyer, and you should should consult an attorney...... though you file your claim on your own.

Hating such action as much as I do, I would nonetheless recommend starting a small claims court action against the dealer and against Lexus Corp. You will get immediate action from them. Though I am unsure that they will buckle under, I believe it is likely. The costs to you are small, except for inconvenience, and the settlement you agree to should include not only the new headlight and its installation, but also in some form a reimbursement of costs (e.g. next two or three services free to you or something similar). The amount you will claim (e.g. $3,000 incl. extra costs (are you in a State where losers pay the court costs? Not all States do so) such as transportation to show the vehicle, mileage, advice from another mechanic etc...). And, from now on, send all your mailings to the dealer or Lexus as certified mail. It is a big PITA. Good luck!

I feel (very much) for you. The combination of incompetence, arrogance, lack of ethics and outright prevarication is astounding. I just hate dealers.... Just to peg a story: my BMW dealker, under warranty, replace an 'auto-dimming' rearview mirror because the fluid had leaked. This was in 2007; my car being a 2005. Lo and behold, the new rearview mirror again leaked, 2 1/2 years later (nearly to the day, same time period as the old one). BMW dealer says I need a new mirror, $600+, + shop charges + labor.... I find out that the leaky mirrors were discontinued by the manufacturer (Magna Donnelly) end of 2004, that the first new mirror was a discontinued part that they KNEW was going to be defective. ... I found a service that takes of everything ($100!) and I got a new mirror with gel (instead of liquid) and no future problems... So-- I cross my fingers for you - Good luck!

That is what I will do. Tks!

Well..... My 'bezel' is probably the only one which does not come off so easily: two clips extension broke (stuck into the slots) and some little pieces (the metal around the plastic) falling somewhere down into the lower dashboard.... and I haven't even yet bought the acetates or gels to test the different colours (by the way, did anyone try green, like old Fords?). How much does a new bezel cost, anyway, and does anyone know the best place to buy it? In response to an earlier post: I was the one who suggested red. I find my (older) eyes are a lot less bothered by the dash lights in red than they are in the white, lowered to the max. but not out, and that the legibility of the gauges is not diminished. I haven't yet tried it nd haven't 'chosen' it - so don't be upset with me yet - but I stand by my conviction that the red BMW gauges are the best combination of lack of eye fatigue, legibility of dials and no loss of night vision that I have experienced during long, dark night drives. Paul, I am so sorry that the bezel broke for you. I feel a little responsible. It was easy and if it wasn't for cduluk's pictures, I would not have tried to pull it off. But when I saw the pictures I was able to understand how the bezel was attached and pulled it straight out. Yes, it takes a little persuasive tug but it was very easy. So I hope that others that try it are now aware that the clips can break and to simply be more careful not to force the disunion too much. Rey in still rainy L.A. Rey: Thank you for your kind words/Of course, you are in no way responsible. I am. But I will forge ahead nonetheless ... Be well! Paul, have you looked on line to fine the bezel? First see if the broken one can be fixed. It's a really simple fixture so I would think that you can easily find a way to affix it without any problems. The other thing is to look on line. Last resort would be to have LEXUS do it. You might as well buy a new car with what they would charge...I imagine. I love my dealership and everything they have done...BUT...but I wouldn't go to them if I needed a part like the bezel unless I had no other choice. Good luck and again, I am sorry about your experience. Rey I've tried finding it on-line, and cannot find the part. Of course, the dealership is the ultimate solution. I will have to get the part no., and then look again on-line. In the meantime, yes, the bezel cover 'holds' and is not really loose, so a little bit of foam rubber strategically placed will 'tighten it ' into position well enough and will not be visible; obviously the interim (and maybe ultimate!) solution, at least until I decide what colour to use.... Tks. again! Be well!

Well..... My 'bezel' is probably the only one which does not come off so easily: two clips extension broke (stuck into the slots) and some little pieces (the metal around the plastic) falling somewhere down into the lower dashboard.... and I haven't even yet bought the acetates or gels to test the different colours (by the way, did anyone try green, like old Fords?). How much does a new bezel cost, anyway, and does anyone know the best place to buy it? In response to an earlier post: I was the one who suggested red. I find my (older) eyes are a lot less bothered by the dash lights in red than they are in the white, lowered to the max. but not out, and that the legibility of the gauges is not diminished. I haven't yet tried it nd haven't 'chosen' it - so don't be upset with me yet - but I stand by my conviction that the red BMW gauges are the best combination of lack of eye fatigue, legibility of dials and no loss of night vision that I have experienced during long, dark night drives. Paul, I am so sorry that the bezel broke for you. I feel a little responsible. It was easy and if it wasn't for cduluk's pictures, I would not have tried to pull it off. But when I saw the pictures I was able to understand how the bezel was attached and pulled it straight out. Yes, it takes a little persuasive tug but it was very easy. So I hope that others that try it are now aware that the clips can break and to simply be more careful not to force the disunion too much. Rey in still rainy L.A. Rey: Thank you for your kind words/Of course, you are in no way responsible. I am. But I will forge ahead nonetheless ... Be well!

Well..... My 'bezel' is probably the only one which does not come off so easily: two clips extension broke (stuck into the slots) and some little pieces (the metal around the plastic) falling somewhere down into the lower dashboard.... and I haven't even yet bought the acetates or gels to test the different colours (by the way, did anyone try green, like old Fords?). How much does a new bezel cost, anyway, and does anyone know the best place to buy it? In response to an earlier post: I was the one who suggested red. I find my (older) eyes are a lot less bothered by the dash lights in red than they are in the white, lowered to the max. but not out, and that the legibility of the gauges is not diminished. I haven't yet tried it nd haven't 'chosen' it - so don't be upset with me yet - but I stand by my conviction that the red BMW gauges are the best combination of lack of eye fatigue, legibility of dials and no loss of night vision that I have experienced during long, dark night drives.

Thank you very much: the outer bezel is the part I wanted to pull out, but did not dare. Where are the clips (e.g. right and left, top and bottom.... and how many?) I had already pulled reasonably hard but was scared to pull more strongly.... Great info. Tks. again! [i'll let you know how it went, and what colour I chose to put over the 'window' - I have to see what red looks like - I've got that colour in the BMW and it is very easy on the eyes at night while being very legible = like fighter planes during WWII!].