RX300-01

Hi All, Just ran across this thread, and like to add some info and hope someone might solve this mystery (at least I thought is was normal as stated below). My is a 2000 RX300 AWD (brand new of the lot) and have the similar issue since day one. The issue: As soon as I insert the key into the ignition switch (without turn key), the buzzing sound somewhere in the engine compartment begin. Once I pull out the key, the sound stop immediately. this sound happens every single time the key is insert. Lexus response: Normal (in Short), also try on 2 other car on the lot and found out they have same problem "normal" Observation: Once the buzzing sound begin after key is insert, it seem to never stop since I have waited well over 2 minutes (maybe wait longer next time). However, when I turn the key to the position (before the start) and turn it back to the position (where key just insert), the sound is no longer exist. At this point I let the key sit there for 15 minutes and still buzzing sound. Test: As soon as I remove the key then insert the key again, the buzzing sound happens again, I then went to the cycle of -remove then insert- for 15 times in a roll, the buzzing sound happens every single time, but when I turn the key up then turn it back to the insert position (mentioned in Observation), the sound immediately stop. Now start engine and drive around the block then turn key to all the way to off position then wait for 5 minutes, did not notice any sound at all. Now what: Until this very day, I still have the same issue and still cannot determine what is the cause of where exactly the sound come from under the hood. Regards to Lexus, in short, take a look and then still come back with the word normal without explaining what is it… Solution: None. However, I am still currently searching for all of the wiring diagrams that cover from the moment the key is insert into the ignition switch and hope that I can find out something by tracing what happen when the key is insert. But for now, I have to stuck with it.

Dawn, you all make my car look like a baby. 2000 RX300 AWD 49,500 so far and still running like a champ. never have any issue with Trans, Engine etc... Maybe because I have not towing anything since the day I bought it for my wife. soon I will do so. regading to the maintenance. I did all the thing that I can do by myself (thanks to all the posts on this forums), I use Mobile1 Fully Syntetic for Engine Oil, breaks and the rest I use Royal Purple. So far, really happy with it and hope that it can last me a while.

Everything I said so far has pertained to a 2001. I re-read your first post and now realize you have a 2000. I must have got a little confused with your name RX300-01. Anyway, 2001 with the towing prep package requires part # 08921-48070 ($99 at newlexusparts.com). This is a power module that plugs in by the spare tire and mounts on 2 studs already there and wiring that plugs in to the pigtail under the car. I think the 20a fuse that goes in the fuse box is also included. Very easy install. 1999 and 2000 with the towing prep package require part #08921-48070 which has been replaced by 08921-48051 ($171 at newlexusparts.com). I think this will also work on 1999-2000 without towing prep package, you just won't have the trans cooler. This is the power module plus more wiring then what comes in the 2001 kit. This wiring plugs into connectors in the cargo area and requies removing panels inside the cargo area to get at the connectors. This install is a little more difficult and although it sounds long to me, people in the past have reported 4 hours for install. The Lexus kits supply the neatest install and are also the most expensive. You may want to investigate e-trailer, u-haul and the other hitch sites and see if there are cheaper alternatives. just want to let you know that I really appreciated for you to take effort and time response to my questions. I did most of the car work myself for all 3 cars and so far this is my first time running into this tow prep thing that makes my wife complaining due to keep removing to liners over and over. thanks to your post and other I found in this forums, I have promise my wife that will remove everything one last time to install these stuff and she agree :). regarding to the alternative that you mention in your post "e-trailer", I have found the whole kit (part#118176KIT) for only $65 I am on my way to order it. as regards to the time to install, I think I can take less than 1 hour for my car since now I know how to remove every liner in the cargo area already in record time, and tapping wires won't take much time either. By the way, also thanks for instuction on the oil cool location, I found it in my car in no time. Stand in front of the car and bend down to the passenger side, I can see the radiator right there behind the bumper with hoses connected to it. never pay attention to this before. Now I can understand what other post is saying about return line when do Trans Flush and Fill... :)

OK. I have taken this black plastic box (under the car right beneath the spare tire) for the 3rd time so far (refer by other post) and still cannot fine the pigtail. there is a wire came down from the cargo area driver side thru the grommet but already connected to some kind of connection next to 2 of the parts that look like a fuel filter and inside this wire there are only 2 wires. (sorry, no picture to show you). so maybe I have to call the dealer and ask him to quote me the harness as well, hope it will be must cheaper than the converter box. regarding to the your tip about the oil cool, I will definitely take a look at since now find out no pigtail connector also (as you mentioned should have been there). You wouldn't thing they make such a mistake on the windows sticker do you? I bought the car brand new with less than 2 miles on the odo reading

Thanks very much GDixon, mikey00, 1. the picture 5, 6 as GDixon mentioned does not apply to my car since there is no where to be found in the cargo area. 2. i don't see any box the mikey00 mentioned also, I also remove the plastic box right under the spare and did not find the wire too. I have finally called Lexus of StevenCreek and they told me I still need to order the converter box assembly cost $220... I will have to find a different cheaper solution somewhere but 220 is a lot of $$$ for me now... by the way, it makes me wonder if my realy have the Transmission Oli Cool installed as specify on the windows sticker... Any thought on where I can look for in the engine compartment??? again really appreciate for your help.

Hi GDixon, thanks for the link, actually the part that I have trouble with is to find the trailer pigtail in the trunk area. Since I got the Hitch + Hitch wire that need to plug into somewhere in the trunk. like I said, I have taken out every liner in the cargo area on Left and Right side but still could not fine the trailer pigtail... maybe the Lexus forgot to put it in??? or my windows sticker is miss leading since it said "towing Prep package/oil cool" is included in the car... I have to call the Lexus dealer later to find out what the hell is going on or maybe my 2000 RX300 does not really come with towing package... thanks any how.

I got a 2000 RX300 AWD that came with the Towing Prep Pkg/Trans Oil Cool. However, I could not locate the trailer wire connector, I have search every lexus/toyota forum that I could find and no post regarding to the 2000. However, I have found lots of post for the 1999 and 2001, so far, I have follow these post and take apart every posible liner in the trunk where spare tire locate and still cannot find the trailer/hitch wiring harness any where. Any tip would be greatly appreciated. thanks,