lemon

Well, as much as I enjoy researching tires (and following this thread), I came across a very very slightly used set of 4 Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 in 235/55/18 (the MXV4 model was the OE tire on my RX400h). Previous owner had just bought them and then put winters on his car this past winter. Unfortunately (for him, fortunately for me) the car was written off in an accident with the winter tires on, and his loss is now my gain. One of the tires still has the big sticker on it (never installed, as he had a non repairable flat on one of his tires, put his winters on and then bought this one new tire to replace it). I know the MXV4 doesn't get rave reviews, but one thing I'm happy about is that I can now include my full size spare (which also has an MXV4 on it) in my rotation pattern. The previous owner of my RX had never done that with the full size spare. These tires should last me quite a few years, since I use winter tires as well and can spread my mileage between both sets, plus I'm rotating five instead of four. Forgot to mention, I paid $80 a piece, which is ridiculously cheap.

Just curious, have you had a brake job done recently where you or the mechanic tried to bleed the brakes? You can't bleed the brakes on the hybrid the same way you can with a conventional vehicle.

OBD2 became mandatory for all cars sold in the U.S. in 1996.

I have seen on this or another site a procedure to follow which doesn't require the test equipment. I have no idea if it works. Someone else may have a reference to the info. Also, although the TSIB does mention possible reduction in fuel economy if not programmed for optimal idle speed, unless you have many cold starts each day I sure don't see more than a very minuscule change in fuel use. How often is the ICE idling when warm in a hybrid car? It is either off or at higher speed helping to propel the car. In neither case is the ISC in the loop. It actually made about 2 l/100km difference for me when I did it (from 10 l/100km to 8 l/100km per the vehicle trip computer). One thing I found prior to doing the reset was that it was very hard to keep the vehicle in electric mode, no matter how light on the throttle. After doing the reset, it was much easier with a light throttle application to accelerate and cruise in electric mode only. You ask "How often is the ICE idling when warm in a hybrid car?" That's just it - it shouldn't idle much when the ICE is warmed up. Prior to doing the reset, I found the vehicle idled quite often, even when stopped and fully warmed up. That went away after doing the reset. There's a reason it's called the IDLE speed control. The transmission clatter that is mentioned in the TSB was also reduced (I noticed that clatter on the very first cold start of the day (almost like some switch in the tranny was turning on and off). As the TSB states, the following may occur if the ISC reset is not done: Engine runs too long or more frequently than normal Reduced fuel economy Transmission gear “clatter” noise at idle is more pronounced

No you don't. That link is for the Lexus TSB, just to explain that the ISC reset needs to be done. This link explains how to do it without hooking up the Lexus computer (I've done it and it works - trust me) http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=58930

I forget the exact amount, but turning left it's something like 15% swivel, turning right is 3 or 5 % (I could look it up in my shop manual, but don't worry, it's normal)

These tires just came out in March, and were recommended to me by a Tire Store. Cheaper than the Latitude Tour...don't know how it compares to your favoured tire, and it's too new for many reviews, but the few that are posted at tirerack.com are positive. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=AVID+ENVigor+%28H%26V%29&partnum=355VR8ENV&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes I know an Accord is not an RX, but here are some positive reviews, with many remarking on the quietness of the tire http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=44339 There have been several more reviews of this tire since I posted the original link.. http://www.tirerack.com/survey/SurveyComments.jsp?additionalComments=y&commentStatus=P&tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=AVID+ENVigor+%28W%29&tirePageLocQty=# http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=129

Dealer can do it, or you can do it yourself - see link below. http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=58930&st=0&p=379201&hl=isc%20reset&fromsearch=1entry379201

Outside temp was 30 celsius. Normally I run Shell premium 91 octane (as it has no ethanol), but my wife filled the car prior to the trip and used Petro Canada regular 87 octane (which can contain up to 10% ethanol). Tire pressure is 34 all around. I actually find I get better mileage on the highway than I do in the city (I have a friend with a Toyota Camry hybrid and he finds the same). Seeing as you have a 2006, have you done the ISC(idle speed control) reset, or asked your dealer to do it? If you have replaced or disconnected your battery or run it below 7.2 volts, you need to do the ISC reset. My mileage increased a fair amount when I did this procedure when I first bought the vehicle, as have other owners who have done the procedure.

Just drove exactly 777.0 km (I kid you not..that's what the trip meter showed) and as per the onboard computer I got 8.1 l/100km (or 29mpg). Pretty happy with that. Check here to read all about it, because I don't feel like writing all about it twice. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1977346#Post1977346

Starting the engine to burn of excess charge makes no sense whatsoever. To the original poster, it's perfectly fine if it stays at the top of the blue (two bars from the top of the full gauge). If you start the car with it at full blue and drive agressively so that the engine runs constantly (or if you live somewhere hilly and can regenerate a lot on the way down the hill) you'll see it pop into the green.

I would think Lexus of Canada would know more than the dealership.

Holy Cow!!!! I was just thinking the same thing as RX400h. You should patent this or something so Lexus doesn't steal your ideas...lol

They did the recall work the first year I bought it my rx400h...I bought it brand new in Jan 2006...so I don't know what this is....but it is ONLY in my garage and when I am turning tightly to leave the underground parking area. As far as I know, the 'campaign' didn't come into effect until early 2009. Are you sure you're thinking of the right thing? Lexus will replace the entire steering rack. Lexus calls it 'service campaign 90A'. It may or may not solve what you're experiencing, but it should be done regardless.

As mentioned, there is an internal Lexus "service campaign" (i.e. the government hadn't mandated a 'recall' but Lexus is doing this on their own) to replace the entire steering rack. Make sure that's been done (both of you). If you're not the original owner, call Lexus, give your VIN and they can tell you if the recall...err..service campaign has been done.

I had my inverter replaced last year at 120000km due to a leaking inverter. It never actually failed, but I imagine it would have if I hadn't found it so soon. Someone else on here (RxFrank) posted regarding a complete failure at highway speed. I did a quick search here and found a few posts over the years and also some at www.clublexus.com I'm just wondering if the inverter is a component that is prone to failing as the vehicle ages (though some inverter failures I found were from 'young' low mileage vehicles. So anyway, anyone who's had an inveter failure/problem, can you mention it here and the circumstances? Thanks.

I put one in myself. Not extremely hard if you're somewhat mechanically inclined. Anyway, I find the engine heats up much faster on cold winter mornings than without the block heater. So it gets out of open loop and into closed loop faster (lower emissions better mileage), and you'll get heat into the cabin faster. Since it's heats the engine up faster, you may find it will go into electric mode sooner as well.

Try using Shell V Power (or whatever the highest octane at Shell is in the USA). Here in Canada, Shell V Power is 91 octane, but more importantly, has 0% ethanol in it (the mid grade has up to 5% and the regular has up to 10%). You may see a bump in mileage without the ethanol in the gas. If you had a 2006, I'd say you probably also need to do the ISC reset, but 'supposedly' it only applies to the 2006 model (you need to reset the Idle Speed Control if the 12 volt battery has been run down to below 7 volts, or disconnected entirely).

I think there have been the odd inverter failure here and there over the years (including the Prius). I myself had an inveter that was leaking coolant. While it never failed, the idea of leaking coolant and 650 volts was a bit disconcerting. Replaced at around 120000KM (I forget the exact mileage) under the hybrid warranty - luckily because a new inverter for the RX is around $7000 (and people were worried about what a replacement battery was going to cost!!).

I've recently switched to Shell V Power (91 octane) and have noticed an improvement in gas mileage. However, I notice a sticker on the pump that says regular has upt to 10% ethanol, mid grade has up to 5% ethanol and V power has 0% ethanol. I wonder if the mileage improvement is because there is no ethanol in the V Power?

No. From the shop manual - "When in neutral, MG1 and MG2 are shut down. This is because MG1 and MG2 must be stopped electrically as a means of shutting down the motive force, since MG2 is mechanically joined to the front wheels. On the 4WD model, MGR is shut down as well." So what this basically means is MG1 is shut down in neutral because MG2 is connected to the front wheels and in neutral you don't want any power going to MG2 from MG1 since you don't want the wheels to be powered. However, MG1 also charges the battery as well as powering MG2, so it can't charge the battery when in neutral because it's shut down so it doesn't power MG2. Clear as mud?

And again, old school thinking. There are performance winter tires out there, and even a modern every day run of the mill snow tire has decent ride quality these days.

And on the other hand, I live in Southern Ontario and we have our fair share of snow and slush and ice, and the 400h did not fail me last winter (I've only had it one winter). When it comes to winter tires, you'll need them more than 5 or 10 times a year. Winter tires are not just for snow, but also for cold. Tire manufacturers recommend winter tires anywhere below 7 celsius. The reason being that all season and summer rubber lose their flexibility below 7 celsius. When your rubber is hard, it won't grip the road. Winter tires stay flexible in cold weather. Sorry cduluk, that's old school thinking that you only need winter tires for snow.

I use midgrade in the colder months (less chance of engine knock with the colder air) and switch to 91 octane in the warmer months. As of late, I started using the Shell 'Nitrogen' enriched gas in 91 octane. I don't know if it's the gas or the warmer weather or if I just have been driving gentler (really, the weather hasn't changed that much, nor my driving) but my mileage went from 8.2 to 7.8 litres/100km in highway driving.

The hybrid components are covered for 100 000 miles (160 000 KM if you're Metric) or eight years. It includes quite a few components so don't let the dealer bend you over (if you know what I mean). It includes the battery, the inverter, the motors, the rear diff, the computer that controls the whole thing, and quite possibly parts of the tranny (I think) since it's integrated with the hybrid system plus probably a whole lot of other hybrid thingies. If you think the dealer is pulling a fast one, call Lexus corporate.