sgriffith

I just did a drain & refill on the tranny fluid in our 99 RX300 & before I drained it I checked the level. It was over the "hot" fluid level indicator on the dipstick considerably. I drained out the fluid from the tranny fluid pan and measured it...it was about 4 quarts. I was under the impression that I would get about 2 quarts out of the pan. Anyways, I refilled with 2 quarts and after it was at the correct level indicator on the dipstick (on the "cool" level indicator). I went and checked my parents LX 470 (which they bought from a lexus dealership 1 week ago)...the engine was warm and the level indicator was again way over the "hot" fluid level indicator on their dipstick. So, I am confused. Should I put an additional 2 quarts in & call it good or should I stick with what I have? I am mainly confused b/c both mine & my parents levels were so high when I checked them the first time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

You can also disconnect the battery (I usually let mine sit for 15 minutes or so) and it will reset the check engine light. If it comes back on, you will know you haven't fixed the problem by tightening the cap. The down side to this is you lose all of your settings (seats, radio, etc.). I did this same thing not too long ago & checked the gas cap first....it was loose and I disconnected the battery & tightened the cap.....and the light went away. Just my prior experience...but if it comes back on I would be sure to get it checked out.

The "Lexus Premium" sound system is, according to crutchfield.com, a pioneer system. This makes sense b/c I know toyota uses them a lot. For the Lexus Premium sound system, the front door speakers show to be 6 1/2" speakers. An easy way to find replacement speakers for the vehicle is to go to crutchfield.com. There you can specify your vehicle and it will show you what will fit in your Lexus. Let me know if you have problems finding it....b/c I am looking at it as I type this.

The only ones I have ever seen were on eBay....but they just might not have any listed right now. I only saw that one by accident while searching for other RX300 related products.

Thanks...will give it a shot.

Does it have the "Lexus Premium" sound system or the Nakamichi sound system?

Just to add my experience to this....I did not buy my RX from a Lexus dealer & I also have an extended warranty through another company. When I take my RX into a dealer for work (even if it only takes an hour) I am given a loaner car....I never even have to say a thing about it...they just take me to the loaner car dept. and get me all set up...always a fine ride. I just had an ES 330 (had yet to drive one) and I wanted to take it home with me!! If ANYONE in Texas wants a great dealership, I highly recommend Park Place Lexus in Grapevine. They are so great that I drive almost 3 hours to take my car to them for service. Lexus is all about relationships, and Park Place Lexus in Grapevine does it well. I will, if at all possible, purchase my next through them.....and that is only b/c of their service dept. So, like everyone else has said, the way you are treated by the dealer is a big deal to Lexus....and be sure to let them know (just like you did) when something happens that will keep you from buying a vehicle from THAT DEALER in the future. Additionally, my service agent always goes over the customer satisfaction survey with me right before I pick my car up to make sure I don't have any negative things to say, and they usually call me the next day just to make sure everything is ok with the car. So, I would expect a lot better customer service if I were you....other dealerships are doing it.

Not on VW, but I see the daytime running lights out on GM Trucks all the time. My father has an 02 GMC Z71 and has replaced his 3 times already...always the drivers side one too. Funny, isn't it?

My parents just purchased a new-to-them 02 LX 470 (I want one, I want one, I want one!!). While it is in wonderful condition, there are some very small, light scratches on the plastic base of the gear selector (the plastic that covers the "P, R, N, etc." labels for the selector). I was wondering if Plastic X would be too harsh of a product to use to take those small scratches out or if I should use something lighter? Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

I just purchased two wiper blades for the front of my RX from a Lexus dealer (around $19 and they installed them) and I noticed they came in a toyota bag. Previous discussions on this topic mentioned "Lexus" wiper blades....would they still carry the Toyota brand (as mine did) or would the look like most other Lexus parts & be in a Toyota bag/box? I am assuming I got the good ones, but wanted to know for future reference.

I had to pick my RX up today from Grapevine (getting rear main seal & a strut mount replaced....thank the Lord for extended warranties!!) and right before I headed home I filled up with my 3rd tank of premium (93) and am up to 21.5 MPG. I just couldn't believe it. I had been sitting at or around 18 MPG for the longest time...and it just keeps getting better with each tank. Couldn't be more thrillled!!!

Yeah, I do the oil...and it was tricky the first time. I actually reach down between the fan & the engine and change it that way. Others take off the plastic piece under the front of the car, but this is how I do it. I have an attachment that fits onto a ratchet that will tighten the oil filter...it is a pain to get it down there though. I usually just tighten it by hand as much as possible and then it doesn't require but a turn or two with the ratchet to get it good and snug. I initially only did the oil, but now do the coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. I did have a lexus dealer do a power steering fluid flush..but they were running a $65 special. So, I will be figuring out how to do that myself sometime soon. I initially changed my oil just to save $$, but now actually enjoy doing the maintenance myself....I guess it just gives me more pride in the car knowing that I am taking care of it. I have traditionally traded cars every two years b/c I get tired of them, but now that I do my own stuff it makes them harder to give up. It is at a dealer right now having a strut mount replaced and the rear main seal replaced (all included under an extended warranty thank goodness) and it feels like I have a child away from home!!! I can't wait to get it home tomorrow!!

I was getting around 18 (mostly highway) when using the 87 and now I am getting about 19.5 using 92....same driver, same road. It is a 2WD. I have become a huge fan of the Chevron w/techron gas. From what I have read, it keeps things running clean and is just a good maintenance thing. I know others say different, but I guess it just makes me sleep better at night. ;-)

Yeah, that was pretty much what I told him too....although he didn't think it was too funny!!! Anyways, I will continue to use my CD-Rs in the player and enjoy my tunes!

Has anyone tried their "Klear Koat" stuff? If it is a good product, I would like to put it on our RX and my parents new LX.

If you do this, I would love to see some before/after pics....just in case I need it later on down the line.

Man, this is better than days of our lives. I want to second what SW03ES said....it is often the opposing viewpoints & the discussions that we get because of them that makes this thing great. I like posting a question and seeing all of the various replies I get....sometimes it is straight-forward and sometimes it is lengthy & diverse...but that is what is so great!! IMO, we usually end up learning a lot and really get down to the nitty gritty. Just my 2 cents worth!

Well, after mulling it around it my mind for a while (and getting worse fuel economy), I decided to go with some premium gas (chevron w/ techron...love the stuff) and have already seen a 1.5 MPG increase in fuel economy. That is after 2 tanks....and it still seems to be climbing. Don't know if anyone else has had the same results, but I sure do like seeing higer numbers up on the display!! It is good for me mentally I guess :-) Anyone else experience a similar thing? I really didn't expect it to make any difference at all.

I bought one for an RX off of ebay (the CD-ROM) and for $15, I guess it isn't too bad, but not a whole lot of information. I REALLY want the factory service manual, but I guess I will wait and fork over the $175 when I can stomach it. For the $$, they are OK, but don't expect to be too impressed.

I just e-mailed an independent (but fully certified) toyota/lexus mechanic in the dallas area and they quoted me $75 plus tax to replace both belts....I usually use a dealer on service other than the fluid replacement (which I do), but I think I am going to give him a shot. Can't beat that price. So, I think I might look around before paying the higher dealer dollars....but I am reserving the right to change my mind until after the service :whistles:

I just e-mailed an independent (but fully certified) toyota & lexus mechanic & the cost to replace both belts was $75.00 plus tax. I think I will be paying him a visit soon. Also, if you are a little handy, you can get all of the fluids and do most of the work yourself. You will save a boat-load. I did that on mine & not only saved a lot, but learned a lot as well. The mechanic said he would "inspect" everything for me if I would just bring it by...and it shouldn't cost anything. So, if you are looking for a one-stop-shop with a loaner car, I would go to the dealership. But if you are looking to save a few bucks (and possibly not have a loaner), then a good independent shop can do the job as well. Just double-check to make sure they use all of the correct fluids.

I had my RX in for service today and was talking with the service manager about this....he said don't use any burned cds in the car....he had a stack that he had to pull out of a GS b/c it jammed the player. He said that had been happening a lot here lately....but I probably won't change my ways....haven't had any problems yet....and I figured that I would see them after 3 years. Just thought you might want to know what he had to say about it. I am sure that was also what he was "supposed" to say.

I just looked at the maintenance schedule from clublexus.com and according to it, the front differential on an RX300 uses T-IV fluid....should I assume this is incorrect? I have a 99, so did they change the fluid type since then? I know this might seem excessive, but would doing a "drain & fill" on the transmission fluid at every oil change (since it is only about $7.00 for 2 qts) do away with the need for flushing? My reason for asking is b/c I purchased my RX with 30K miles about 3 years ago, now looking at 70K and this hasn't ever been done since I purchased the car (I was an uninformed person in many ways prior to joining this forum!!). I have considered just making this a part of my service...since a "drain & fill" isn't too time consuming. It has been the opinion of others on this forum that a consistent 15K service like this would keep everything in good working order (yes, I do change my oil every 3K....not every 15K!!). Should I change my ways and just do a flush once a year?

Yeah, I took it to the dealer today and it was. The annoying thing is that when you want to listen to a dvd, you have to hit the power button on a remote (I assume to turn off some aftermarket modulation equipment)...but it powers on when the vehicle starts. Just a procedure to go through...but not that big of a deal....that is why the cd sound qualit was poor. Anyways, got it resolved and they are all happy now. The dealership did nearly freak out b/c the installers had disconnected the speed/parking brake cut-offs on playing dvds on the nav screen....but man it sure is cool!! I never thought I could want more than my RX, but now I know better!!!

I use the cheap dura-brand cd-rs from wal mart. I haven't had any problems with them.