Deepak Gandhi

I am going to be changing my battery very soon, and my friend told me to be careful because once i change my battery, my cd player and radio would not work anymore untill i punch in a special security code in the deck. Anyone know anything about this?

Yes it is anty theft feature. I had a same situation when I replaced the battery in my Honda Odysey. The code had come on a card along with the vehicle.

So I was driving home a few days ago in some light snow. I decided to turn on the "ETC Snow" button at a stop light. Next thing I know my ABS, Brake and ASC light come on. Nothing affected the drive, so I decided to continue home since I was only a few miles away. When I got home I turned off the car walked around the car and started up again. Everything was normal.

The question is should I be worried? Has this happened to anyone else? or is this just a fluke?

I figured I would ask you guys before I spent money to get it looked at.

Thank you in advance.

This is interesting. Immediately after I purchased the vehicle a month ago, I saw the " VSC Control" sign on the dashboard. The dealer the vehicle back and returned after 2 days. I have not seen the sign ever sinec (touch wood). But I have always been curious, what was causing that sign. Anu comments and help would be appreciated

Another question for the board --

I'm sure neither Lexus nor its lawyers wants you to do this, but I'm curious if there any known hacks for bypassing the following on the navigation system:

1) The requirement that you hit "I Agree" every time you start the vehicle. Minor issue, but "YES, WE AGREE" - we fully understand that we may crash and burn if we stare at the Navi screen instead of looking out for all of those cell-phone-talkin' people on the road. Do we have to continually re-affirm every single time we start the car?

2) The requirement that your vehicle be under a certain minimum speed before you can have access to enter in a new destination or perform a POI search. We've only had the car for a couple months but have already had to pull over to the side of the road at least 5 times so that the passenger can enter a new destination. Again, completely understand the practical safety reasons for this limitation but also seems reasonable that a passenger should be able to access while the vehicle is in motion.

These questions may have been asked before. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas for bypassing these safety/legal restrictions?

Yes you can over ride the nav system and punch in address in a moving vehicle. I did in my RX 330 2004 and this works very good. the only down side is that you have to do this every time you start the car. It only takes 5 seconds to do this. Look up for hidden menues in the forums

With this secret menu you can see any fault codes, test all the panel buttons, turn on the rear camera and look at Nav data. I'll post some pics in a few days. But, for those of you that can’t wait to try it I'll describe it. *NOTE* This will lock you out of the radio controls. Attempt at your own risk!

I have a 2004, 3rd gen NAV running version 3.1. There is an easier way to get there then how I will describe it below but this is the easiest way to describe it. Here is how to get to the secret menu:

- Press INFO button and then "Trip Information" (This is to bring up a background to give a reference for where the hidden buttons are. Once you know where they are you can delete this step)

- Press DISPLAY button

- The hidden buttons are the A in "After Refueling” and the C in "Cruising Ranging." Press A and C in the following pattern. A,C,A,C,A,C. (That should be it, but just keep going until the menu pops up)

- The Service Menu should appear. The only thing I wouldn’t mess with is the Memory Copy and paste stuff.

- While in this menu you can also monitor trouble codes. Once the system has done a self check all the buttons at the bottom of the screen will turn blue indicating that you can select that option. To check all active trouble codes select LAN Monitor in the lower left corner. The screen should appear.

To see the trouble codes push the CHEK button next to the system that has a CHEK button availble. If the are no faults/codes them the button will say "no err" and you wil not be able to select it.

- To get out of the menu press and hold DISPLAY button for 4-5 Seconds. Normal screens should appear and the radio controls are released. If that fails turn off the car and restart.

Does this really work, I tried on my RX 330 of 2004 and nothing happened. How many times do you have to go AC AC AC ? Please help

I have a 2004 RX330 and to no surprise, the transmission is having issues. It currently has ~80k miles and the transmission is slipping. It's been regularly serviced and I just had another complete flush done by the dealer. The question I have is the following: Has anyone taken their RX into a transmission specialty shop (AAMCO, Tanner, Etc.) and had them take care of the slipping problem? Dealer wants ~$5k for a new one and I'd rather not spend the money if a transmission specialist could fix it for less. BTW, I have no faith in our local Lexus dealer. Horrible service.

Thoughts or experiences?

Owner of:

2006 GS300 AWD

2004 RX330

1999 RX300

2005 Toyota Corolla (Been the most dependable by far...)

I have a RX330 2004 and is doing thesame as you mentioned - slipping in the gears. It still has about 10k km of power train warranty. I went to a dealer and they are asking for a fee to find out if this transmission problem would be covered under power train warranty. DOES TRTRANSMISSION PROBLEM NOT COME UNDER POWER TRAIN ??????????

Hi,

Well after a lot of searching, I am closing a deal on a 04 RX330 in WI. Going to bring it back into Canada. Flint Mica - Black leather with 37,300 miles. It's not Lexus certified but a Lexus dealer did put the mechanical on it and inspected the vehicle for me.

The dealer tells me I can get a 7 YR 75,000 mile extended warranty for $2K. It's my wifes vehicle and the we will never hit the mileage so I am basically buying a 3 year bumper to bumper vs. the 2YR power train warranty left.

I know opinions will vary and it's a personal decision but I am interested in hearing any advice or experience with buying the extended warranty. This is my first Lexus. I just remember not buying an extended warranty on my 99 Pathfinder LE and regretted it afterwards.

TIA

Sam

As you say, everyone is different, but on our 04 RX330 (currently with 98,000 miles), we wouldn't have used it.

The only problem we have had is warped rotors every 25-28K. I am hoping to have them fixed for good this time around.

The rest of the car has been rock solid.

A few TSBs to have checked out ...

1) Make sure the headlights are sealed -- there have been reports of condensation and they have revised the TSB

2) Get the A/C "moan/whine" fixed under warranty -- It is 2.7 hours for labor, so it will be a bit costly to fix after the fact.

3) You may notice a dash rattle

4) The rear camera (if equipped) has an extended warranty on it ... it is TSB 0702.

What is the fix for the dash Rattle please. It is very anoying.

Hi,

Well after a lot of searching, I am closing a deal on a 04 RX330 in WI. Going to bring it back into Canada. Flint Mica - Black leather with 37,300 miles. It's not Lexus certified but a Lexus dealer did put the mechanical on it and inspected the vehicle for me.

The dealer tells me I can get a 7 YR 75,000 mile extended warranty for $2K. It's my wifes vehicle and the we will never hit the mileage so I am basically buying a 3 year bumper to bumper vs. the 2YR power train warranty left.

I know opinions will vary and it's a personal decision but I am interested in hearing any advice or experience with buying the extended warranty. This is my first Lexus. I just remember not buying an extended warranty on my 99 Pathfinder LE and regretted it afterwards.

TIA

Sam

As you say, everyone is different, but on our 04 RX330 (currently with 98,000 miles), we wouldn't have used it.

The only problem we have had is warped rotors every 25-28K. I am hoping to have them fixed for good this time around.

The rest of the car has been rock solid.

A few TSBs to have checked out ...

1) Make sure the headlights are sealed -- there have been reports of condensation and they have revised the TSB

2) Get the A/C "moan/whine" fixed under warranty -- It is 2.7 hours for labor, so it will be a bit costly to fix after the fact.

3) You may notice a dash rattle

4) The rear camera (if equipped) has an extended warranty on it ... it is TSB 0702.

What is thye fis xor the dash Rattle please. It is ver anoying.

I just brought a 2nd hand RX300. When the car is cold, the transmission cannot go to 4th gear, is this normal?

NO

I bought a 102E remote starter and keyless entry at Meijer to install for my Lexus RX330. Everything is OK. Remote starter is work fine and has a good range. My trouble is when I use the remote to lock or unlock the door, all window glass moving too.

Is there anybody has the same my problem? And what is your solution?

Thank you for any help

I would love to have a remote starter in my RX 330 2004. Did you install your self? Is it easy?

Hi,

My rear camera is not working, only black screen with some stars... Anybody know how to fix the problem? I'm thinking the wire might be disconnected.

Thank you very much...

Lexus has a special policy for replacing the camera at no charge to the owner, check with your dealer. They are some problem with the camera on some of the earlier ones.

N.C.O.

Even though my car is out of the warannty?

I wonder what this policy is, can you please share this with me?

I got a 8.1 ver map and it works very good

If you have been wanting to install an aftermarket navigation screen since the factory navi is way too expensive or just a better head unit for nicer sound, Lexus DOES make an adapter to fix in the factory location to install an aftermarket radio. As with all Lexus parts, it comes with a price of $135 shipped. If you need to see a picture, I can send you an eBay link, but it is a factory part so it matches nicely. If you need a wiring harness to install the radio, it's the Metra 70-8113. It has 2 channels of RCA outputs but I'm pretty sure you can cut those off to tie into the factory speaker wires. If you need anymore info just PM me.

Are you refering to a RX330 which has a navigation already built-in? or did it come with out it? I have a RX 330 which came with a nav. I purchased a copy of the new maps but I am not too much impressed with the system. May be I am used to my little Garmin C550 ???????

lol what is with all of these secret menus...

A great thing about that secret menu with all the diagnostic stuff is that you can turn on the backup camera while your driving, makes you kind of dizzy but its always fun to see on the freeway

The name of the movie was "speed" I think. good movie

I just got a ver 8.1 nav DVD which works like a charm

I only use Sunoco Super 94 octane....

Where can you buy 94 octane? Is it at some special super gas station or what?

Sunnoco gas stations sell 94 octane

I have not yet got an answer to the actual requirement for the gasoline octane. I have met people who have been using 87 octane in their SUV and say there is no problem. I just purchased a preowned RX 330 of 2004 and do not know if I can use 87 Octane gas. Or is it mandatory to use 91 octane? Can some one please help?

Hi Guys,

Has any one of you got a remote starter in your RX 330 of 2004. Any insight to it. Any comments and help will be greatly appreciated.

you can send the answers diretly at musicpassions@gmail.com

Best regards

Deepak

Where can I get an update DVD from. Is it available any where? What is the latest version and what is the cost?

Where can I get an update DVD from. Is it available any where? What is the latest version and what is the cost?