douglasmiami

I went to have oil changed this weekend in my '99 RX 300. I was told that my air filter was extremely dirty (it was) and consequently that my fuel injectors were likely dirty as well since they apparently sit right behind air filter. The charge for their service was $50. I declined, not knowing what was really involved. Does anyone have any advice on cleaning these? What's involved? Is it just better to have some do it professionally, or can I do myself? Thanks.

Hello all - I was looking for the detailing forum, but I continue to get an error. Regardless, I have a '99 RX 300. The exterior plastic or metal trim on outside of driver's window is an very bad condition. I've seen it before on other cars, the previous driver (from Northeast) used to drive with window rolled down and arm hanging out. Perspiration and dirt accumulated and literally ate away at the metal or plastic, including the clear coat around the trim. I wondering what type of product might bring this back to life. I have seen many, but would appreciate any suggestions. Also, around windows on other areas of car, the rubber sealant around the windows is extremely dirty and degraded. I have attempted to clean with an Armour All cleaner and then go over with regular Armour All. It has helped some, but not to where I would like it to be. Also, I don't think that regular Armour All is good on exterior trim because when it rains, the water runs through Armour All and then down my paint. It wipes away easy enough, but I don't think it's good for it. Thanks for any suggestions.

Guys - thanks for the continued advice. TOGWT, I think you nailed the description - it is a dull, hazy and chalky looking patch, but it's all over the hood. I already have the Klasse AIO. I will try that product this weekend to see if I can remove spots. TOGWT, you recommended two other products that I haven't heard of - the Iz Einzett products. Where could I find those online?

Thanks to all for the advice. Any particular reason that I'm not seeing any other symptoms of a bad battery? I haven't had any problems starting the car, nor have I had any other electronic malfunctions. My experience with bad batteries has been you get in the car one morning and it doesn't start. Robert - I look forward to hearing how your visit to Lexus went. Thanks again. DS

Not sure if this string is still active, but I wanted to follow up. I did try a solution of ISP Alcohol and water, but it did nothing. Not even in the slightest. I'm concerned which direction to turn now. I'm also wondering if the private dealer from whom I bought the car covered the hood paint with something temporary to conceal the problem. Either way, what should I do now? I have used the P21 polish over this "build up" or oxidation or whatever it is, but doesn't phase it. Should I try something stronger? What would be next step up? Also, if I should seek out professional help, how could I locate a reputable detailer here in Miami? Would a body shop be worth checking out? Frustrated.

In need of advice - I have a 99 RX 300. Recently my internal clock started resetting itself while the car was off overnight. This had happened a couple of times at random over last two months, but recently it has been happening almost every night. The clock will display 1:00 a.m. (sometimes with additional minutes 1:12 e.g.) when I get in the car in morning. There are no other problems, however, with the center console display. That is, the radio stations and CD info displays correctly, as does gas mileage, etc. Just the clock is malfunctioning. I called Lexus, but of course they want me to bring it in - but I'm not under warranty. Appreciate any help. Thanks. DS

Thanks guys for your responses. I haven't used anything from Mr. Clean. I have always used the Meguiars car wash solution. And no, there were no "running water" streaks. It actually looks like the same pattern that sponge painting a wall might look like - like a cloud in several senses of the word. Steve, I'll try your alcohol solution. I'm assuming there's no danger in damaging the paint that way? Also, while I have your attention, I remember that you didn't care much for the Klasse products. What was your recommendation for a good sealant that I could put on top of P21 polish, but before a carnauba paste wax? Also, you have given a mixture before of vinegar and water (I think) for eliminating water spots. If this is correct, what was the ratio for that mixture? Thanks to all.

Hey detail gurus - I've noticed a strange discoloration / cloudy markings on my hood paint finish. I could swear that this has only appeared over the last 4-6 weeks. About three months ago, I did a detail on my paint: Klasse All in One / Klasse Sealant / Paste Wax. I didn't notice anything at the time, but several weeks later, I went to wash again and decided to try out my new P21 polish and then wax again. At this point, I noticed these strange cloudy areas on the hood. At first glance, it just looks like concentrated dirt buildup or like severe water spotting (I don't have a garage for my RX 300). But even after the polish, it didn't come off. I might also have thought that it looked like the paint had almost worn away, but I swear that I've only noticed this recently. And the rest of the paint is in good condition, not great, but good. Any suggestions?

Seltzer, I had same problem with my 1999 RX 300, although mine has 50,000 miles. I took to the dealer and they took apart AC and cleaned. They recommended an AC treatment, but I didn't want to pay for at the time. The cleaning did help the smell, although I still get traces of it. There are several situations that might be taking place. I would do a search on this website for AC to read other strings. I don't think it's a chronic problem with all Lexus autos. My research leads me to believe it's a random coincidence of events that causes this. And I live in Miami, where it's humid all the time. So overuse also can also cause problems when water sits in the system. Lexus just topped the JD Powers survey again as the automobile with the one of the fewest complaints per 100 cars. Good luck.

Hey DobieG, thanks for the earlier response. I didn't get until now. Question, when you say you applied the conditioner three times, did you wipe off in between each one, or just add more on top of previous layer? Thanks.

I would recommend also that you make sure that the steering wheel has an airbag. I've heard story from private dealer where previously wrecked cars are resold and not repacked with airbag. Look forward to hearing more.

I don't know anything about the part numbers, but I would like to do the same thing (upgrade my steering wheel). If you find an answer to your problem, I would like to know what you find. And your parts guy - can he get another steering wheel? What price are you paying, if you don't mind me asking? Thanks.

Lexus should be able to diagnose more precisely, but it's likely the O2 sensor. I had two replaeced on mine. I would recommend buying them aftermarket and having someone else put in. Lexus will charge super premium. Do a search on this site for engine problems or check engine light or O2 sensor. There's been several replies for this area. Good luck

One common problem that I have found in my '99 RX is the oxygen sensor. I have had two replaced. That might be the reason for your check engine light. Do a search for other posts in here for check engine light or oxygen sensor.

One of the aspects I love most about Lexus automobiles is the smooth ride. How often should the shocks be replaced? and the springs? My RX has 51,000 miles on it. It still rides smooth, but I want to be on the lookout for any signs of wear and tear. Also, there was another forum where someone had problems with a suspension support piece for their shocks. This caused a "thud" whenver they went over bumps. I too have a "thud" sound from driver's side only whenever I hit bumps a certain way. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen repeatedly. Any advice?

SWO3 - what should someone expect to pay for new rotors? and brakes? Would you recommend Toyota brand, or could you get something comparable for less. I've never changed the brakes on my RX 300, nor the rotors, although I've had my RX for a short time. What type of warning might I expect when brakes are wearing down?

I recently bought a 1999 RX 300 with 50,000 miles for $18,000. That's about the Kelley Blue Book price. Also, I think you have a standard warranty until 50 K miles and a powertrain warranty until 60K miles. I don't know how much the extended warranty is, or how long it covers?

Yes - there were extensive discussion on this. Do a "Search" for oxygen sensor. I had to replace two of mine, but I let someone else do the work. It wasn't worth the frustration for me. But if you buy replacement sensor, make sure that it's compatible. I remember certain other, less expsensive sensors working, but you had to rig them.

You are correct about mast. I replaced my mast as well, without replacing the motor, etc. But I didn't do the work myself. I would assume you order through Lexus. You migh try this guy "JP Imports" (Importz) who advertises on this site. He's supposed to be pretty reputable in getting good prices on Lexus parts. You'd have to search around for his advertisement or ask around.

SWO - do you recommend taking your own oil? Is there a particular type / brand that you like that lube place doesn't offer? And previously, you recommended taking your own filter (Toyota), why is that? My wife already thinks I'm obsessed with my Lexus. If I start taking my own oil and filter, she'll kill me.

What was done at each of these services? I didn't realize that Lexus scheduled services that close together. There is another forum where others are discussing the 60k service. One suggestion was to take to another reputable mechanic, not a Lexus dealer. They're always more expensive.

JP - Are the '99 and '00 RX models more prone to this sluge, or is it poor maintenance in general? If yes, then why these years? And if you find the sludge, what can be done about it? Obviously you can change the oil, but anything more extensive needed?

DobieG - glad to hear that your Lexol treatment came out well. I tried the treatment once, but my seat came out sticky and tacky to touch - did you have any problems like this? Thanks.

Steve, What did your dad do to preserve the leather so well? I have posted a couple of times regarding the Lexol conditioning products, but haven't gotten solid responses. I would love to find a quality treatment to preserve the leather. The Lexol product that I have used softens the leather somewhat, but has made them sticky and tacky. I have heard of others in the forum waiting for the car interior to reach peak, mid-day heat before applying, but I'm not quite sure what that accomplishes. Thanks.

At the risk of sounding less devoted than the rest of you, I would rather have someone else do my tranny fluid, as I do not really have the inclination nor the mechanical confidence to do myself. Is this something that I can have a "Quick Change" place do (oil change place)? And if I wanted to purchase my own Toyota fluid, would they give me a discount off of their service price? Any thoughts are appreciated