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cduluk

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Everything posted by cduluk

  1. Guys, i've gotta say i'm not following... What's wrong with parts being "hidden"? Here's my setup with the load resistors. In the front, i have them screwed to the radiator support brackets. And in the rear, i have them screwed into the inner quarter panel (not the exterior quarter panel). Even without the thermal adhesive, the setup disperses the heat very well. My main goal for !Removed! them in was to prevent them from rubbing against anything that might melt. The load resistors do get "warm", but not hot enough to "start a fire". They might get hot enough to burn skin if left ON for several hours at a time, but just as long as they're not touching anything flammable, there's no problem. I've had mine installed like this for almost 2 years without an issue. If i were to get into an accident i'd have to make sure my shop knows they're there, but otherwise no problem. The big pluses about using this method of regulating the "hyper flash" of the LED bulbs is that it's cheap (the resistors are $10/pair) and they can't damage the car's computers. They're also easy to install, you don't need any soldering, and if you ever decide to remove them, there's no evidence left behind. I didn't mean to make you feel bad for posting your solution, i just don't want others to try it and damage their cars' pricey relays and computers. Because i've done that, and believe me it ain't fun! Here's a video of the results.
  2. How does adding load resistors to the turn signal wiring affect the appearance of the car? They're hidden behind the head and tail lights. I'd hope my replies affect what others do to their cars, that's the point of my presence here. I've been down this road before and I've made mistakes, and I'm here to prevent others from making similar mistakes. And the procedure you took isn't the best way. And as you stated, any aftermarket flasher will indeed cause "quirks" with the lexus system. The average Joe would get into major trouble trying to modify the Lexus computers and their relays etc. Believe me, I'm all for experimentation- but I also know that it's incredibly easy to damage the factory computers which will result in a huge repair bill from Lexus. Adding load resistors is not only easy, but it can't cause any harm. And, they're easily removable.
  3. What are you talking about? Adding load resistors to LED bulbs is absolutely harmless, and they wont cause anything to catch fire if placed correctly. Load resistors have built in heat-sinking, and you have the option to screw them into metal pieces on the car, such as fender brackets etc. It only took 10 minutes to install load resistors to all 4 of my directionals and they work flawlessly. And they won't take more than that to remove, if I need to for any reason. The load resistors actually come with splice tabs to attach them to factory wiring, not even a need to solder anything. What you did is in no way economical... and it doesn't even work right.
  4. Year make model?
  5. Yepp, like Paul suggested looking for a used one on ebay is a better solution then removing and replacing the leather. They sell for around $25-$200. Is the leather "torn" or simply "worn away" of its color? If the latter, then I would simply have the leather re-dyed. If you call your dealer they can give you the number of the leather repair company they use. A simple re-dye won't cost more than $20 or so, and it'll look brand new.
  6. Obvious question, but why wasn't the airbag issue covered under insurance? Do you not have colision?
  7. I have to agree that producing the CT brings Lexus "down a notch" in terms of how Lexus is perceived as a luxury brand. I suppose Lexus is only doing this because they need to make sales. They know people consider Lexus to be prestigious, and once they find out they can afford one, they're gonna buy one. The concept does seem "odd", that one car brand produces a car as low as $30,000 and as high as $110,000 (with the LS hybrid)- but it's just a company trying to make money. I just hope the CT and such models don't bring down the Lexus image. Once everyone can afford a Lexus, owning one won't seem as nice. Pretty soon dishing out $100k for an LS will be almost as painful as buying a Hyundai Genesis!
  8. Is this for an 07-09 RX350? Do you want to replace your low beams or high beams? Does your RX have HID low beams already? The RX comes with 3 different versions of headlights, two with HID and one with halogen.
  9. In my own opinion, the 2010+ Rx350 is "nothing special". Besides a few technology items (different nav interface, keyless start) the 2010 isn't much better than the older models. It depends on whether or not you find it more attractive since you'll be the one driving it. But there isn't a doubt in my mind that the 08 Rx400h is an outstanding vehicle, and i love mine. It's incredibly reliable and the performance is MUCH better than the 2010 Rx350. The Rx400h is faster too, even faster than the 2010+ Rx450h hybrid. The gas mileage is "better" with the Rx400h, but not by much. I have a pretty heavy lead foot and i avg ~21MPG in the winter and ~24MPG in the summer. Most others with the Rx400h average a little bit higher- it all depends on how you drive. Typically the increase in fuel mileage between the Rx400h and Rx350 isn't enough to outweigh the higher sticker price of the hybrid. However, since you're buying used, that doesn't really apply. So buying a used hybrid will save you a lot more money than if you were to buy a new one, since the difference in cost between hybrid/non hybrid decreases with age. I say either choice will yield you the same reliability. Just go with the one that you can picture yourself driving for however long you plan to keep it. <_<
  10. The 2010 Highlander V6 is faster than the 07-09 Rx350. Highlander does 0-60 in 7.2s while the Rx does it in 7.4s. It's surprising!
  11. Hmm... it may actually be worthwhile to remove the entire drivers side headlight and plug it into the passengers side wiring. It's odd that two ballasts are bad. It "could" be that the wiring going to the headlight/ballast is bad, and that your ballasts are good. But if you already ordered a new ballast then wait and see I guess... Let us know how it works out!
  12. Can you hear the pump "activating" when you pull the lever on the steering column? Any grinding sound or anything?
  13. Can you show us the link to it on ebay? Is the price reasonable?
  14. I feel bad for Lexus, this poor economy is killing new car sales. And it doesn't help that the HS is so "awkward". Even the standard Lexus models (ES, RX, IS...) aren't selling well.
  15. Can you try and plug the drivers side headlight into the passenger side wiring and see if it flickers? I can't think of anything within the car itself that would cause that to happen. The ballast and bulb are the only things i can think of which might cause flickering. Could the bulb be bad?
  16. cduluk

    2012 Tesla

    I think they were listening! http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/tesla-model-stouchscreen-dashboard-ar72436.html
  17. What the hell... why always the "2006" Rx400h and not the 07 and 08? Are we supposed to believe this part was changed for the 07 and 08 model years?? They must have known about this a while ago; why else would they change it for 07?
  18. Is it the actual "brake light" function (the light that comes on when you press the brake) or the regular nighttime lights (always on at night) that aren't working? Or both? The 04-09 RX330/350 tail lights are very "weird" in the sense that they use both halogen bulbs (like normal cars) AND LED's as well. There is a single filament bulb in the dead center of the tail light which illuminates the entire reflector "at night". And when you press the brake, the 10 or so LED's on the reflector itself then illuminate to increase brightness. If you do in fact have no "brake light" function, then it's probably a loose wire somewhere. If it's simply the "nighttime" light that isn't coming on, then you might want to replace the center halogen bulb. You may also want to try removing the tail light from the other side of the car and plugging it into the side that's broken. If the tail light works normal, then you know the issue is within the tail light and not somewhere else in the car. If this is the case then you may be able to find a used tail light on ebay and switch it out. Here's a rough sketch i put together. Note the "exact" locations of the LED's might not be accurate... LED's don't burn out... So if they're not coming on, then you've got a wiring issue. This seems to be a common problem among these models, but after doing a few google searches it seems no one has figured this one out....
  19. Thanks cduluk!! I found the part number thanks to you. I will also check the dealer to see how much they are selling, seems getting online is being ripped off by the expensive shipping....... Good idea, the dealer price for the clips will be more but you'll save on shipping; this works well for small items. Plus the dealer will most likely have them in stock since they're common items. If not, next day. <_<
  20. try parts.com Navigate through the menus and you'll find them. Or, just go to your Lexus dealer. They'll have them in stock and they'll be able to find the parts via the computer.
  21. Well, definitely not the best "performer", but it's the NEWEST Lexus you can get for $3,000 on autotrader. 1997 ES300 with 179k miles. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=307153447&dealer_id=553494&car_year=1997&systime=&doors=&position=top&model=&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=2500&rdm=1320713366179&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=PROVIDENCE-NEW_BEDFORD&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=&isFlashPlugin=true&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=02917&sort_type=yearDESC&max_price=3000&make=LEXUS&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=260&standard=false&rdpage=thumb Kind of scary (yet awesome) that this is the "newest" Lexus for <$3k on all of autotrader in the US. Lexus' hold their value so well!
  22. Good for Hyundai. They keep making each new model more attractive in every way. They deserve the good publicity!
  23. what do you mean, "all are out"?
  24. It's all luck... You might get one with low mileage and have issues a month after getting it; or you might get one with high mileage and it'll last you forever...
  25. Definitely, let us know how it goes!
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