Chipofftheoldblock

splitsec002, I am getting ready to do the same thing as you. Actually, according to the alarm manual, you can program up to 4 of the remote key fobs. I searched sleeoffroad.com and found the alarm manual posted under the following link. http://www.sleeoffroad.com/technical/tz_alarm_manual.htm Pull it up and select RS3200 Owners guide. Select open to open file. Double click on the folder and keep double clicking on the single folders until you get to the 27 pages listed. Then click on 'page 23 of 27'. That should do it. I havent done it yet, but according to the various threads from this site and i8mud.com, all the info was consistent on how to do it. Good Luck.....Hope it helps! Chip

I just sent you an email on ih8mud earlier I have definitely been 'lurking' there ...no posts there yet, still exploring it. I am "Chip" on that site.

If you opt to save money and get one at a chain store to DIY, just be sure to get the one recommended for your model (The place you buy should have that info) I found the following web site pretty informative: http://shopping.yahoo.com/premium/consumer...tml?id=95700426 Chip

RARE, I had the same problem with my starter last August (97 LX450). It became gradually worse over a couple of weeks, and depending on the weather/temp, it sometimes would work fine. I first thought it was the battery. I had it tested it was fine. Next I researched this site and 'ih8mud' and determined it was likely the contacts. Anyway, the worse case scenario, as dougjohn mentioned, is it gets stuck on.....in which case you need to keep some tool(s) ready to disconnect the battery quickly. Fortunately, mine was still under the extended warranty and got it replaced with a new one (the larger 2.0 kW version). (It would have cost me about $425--$285 for the starter & $140 labor). dougjohn had suggested on many threads to buy a factory service manual, which I did, off of ebay for $75. If it had not been under warranty, I would have definitely done it myself. Get one if you dont have one. It will pay for itself the first time you replace a brakelight or two, compared to taking it to be serviced....(I'm replacing the front brake pads this w-end--- $50 parts) Chip

In the Charlotte, NC area, the 60k Lexus LX450 service runs about $950 at the Lexus Dealership and the Toyota dealership near my residence runs about $500, so yeah, about half. I have the itemized list of services performed and they are almost identical except Lexus lubes the sunroof rails, car wash/vacuum, and a few other minor things. Since Lexus is Toyota, in essence, and the LX450/470 is a Toyota Landcruiser for the most part, other than some labels, emblems, and upgraded cosmetic material, I can't imagine that there would be any difference in fluids used (as suggested above). I know Lexus has various mechanical fluids re-labeled with the Lexus name to market premium prices, but I believe it really just comes down to the quality control of the technicians performing the work and the service department's reputation, or at least their dedication to customer service. I have only heard of Toyota not performing services when it is a matter of scheduled maintenance where the vehicle is still under warranty. I would suggest a Factory Service Manual if you have an enthusiasm about your 'truck' as most on this forum do. Once the warranty expires, the book will pay for itself (and then some) the first time you opt for doing some sort of preventive/periodic maintenance yourself... or at least you would have a troubleshooting reference when needed.

There are two articles on the web regarding the HID. The article from July 2003 at the following link: http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0.../b01-221695.htm and the one from Nov 17, 2004 at: http://www.detnews.com/2004/commuting/0411/17/C10-7214.htm It appears that some of the conversion kits are targeted. I just recently upgraded to Silver Stars and there was only a marginal improvement as GlennR also mentioned (I have been so accustomed to the standard halogen, that I am really just adjusting to the whiter beam, but they are 'growing' on me). I live in a predominately rural area and was looking for better lighting on the backroads in my area which have no streetlights. Of course, you cannot tell any difference in urban areas due to all the surrounding lighting. Chip

Well, it was both. The chirping (activation notification) had slowly diminished in sound and consistency to the point of not working altogether. I also had a range problem of having to be within 4 feet of the truck for it to work. Now that the chirp is back, I will check the location you suggested or try and locate it by sound....there is no info in the FSM or online that I could find about the actual alarm device/receiver.

Thanks, EnDLesS. I was truly suspicious, but amazed at your suggestion. I can now activate/deactivate the locks from 4 times the distance...approximately 25-30 feet away doing that "chin" thing. Also....very unusual, we got a blast of colder weather last week and since then the chirping sound has worked well and consistently. Chip

Has anyone experienced a noise (typical?) when letting off the accelerator at freeway speeds? I have a 97 LX450 with 68k miles that I bought in June. I have been becoming more aware (not that it has gotten worse) of a noise either coming from the transmission (4th gear of the automatic trans), differential, or exhaust,,, only when decelerating from 70-70+mph. The best way to describe it is the sound that is made when your vehicle goes out of the lane onto one of those grooved pavement warning spots on the edge of the pavement on interstate highways....but not nearly as loud. While cruising steadily, accelerating. and speeds under 70mph, it does not occur. Could it be just part of the nature of the full time 4wd? Or...fluid related (low or old)...Has anyone had their transmission drained and flushed as part of preventive maintenance? Or possibly the timing chain/gear? Throw me some feedback if you have any ideas. Chip

Well, yesterday, literally after typing the post on looking for info, I went to pick up my children from school. When I got to school and locked the car, it chirped the loudest that it had ever done it since I bought it...However, several errands later, it never worked again. I would really like to find the alarm chirping device(s) and receiver, because I want to 'assimilate them into my collective to add to my distinctness'.....sorry, that was an old Star Trek Borg line from years ago. Any clue on where the device(s) is located. I wish I had looked for it while it was still chirping, to follow the sound. Anybody have any friends/contacts with Lexus-Toyota service, that might would divulge info about the alarm device location?

Problem: 97 LX450 . The alarm chirping sound was getting fainter by the month until last week it stopped sounding altogether when the remote locking was activated. I followed the owners manual in reprogramming it several times (section under-Buzzer Off/On programming). This did not work, so I figured the chirping device was inoper. I have a FSM which does not have any service info on the alarm (probably for obvious security reasons). Does anyone know where the chirping device and/or remote receiver device is located and how to troubleshoot it? ....and has anyone had to replace/repair?.....cost? One more thing. I bought the vehicle pre-owned with 60k miles back in June. It did not have a remote lock/unlocking device, so as part of the deal, Lexus programmed a new one to give me. It has always required me to be within 2-3 feet of the vehicle to operate. Is this normal? Sometimes I have to hold it up almost against the driver's window for it to operate. I wouldn't think that a new remote battery would be so weak, but of course no one thought the Red Sox could pull it out.... I appreciate any feedback. Chip

Thanks for the suggestions. I have wasted too much money in the past by throwing parts at my assumptions of problems rather than asking questions. This forum has been very helpful and the quick replies to my questions have got me back up and running as well as saving me $$$. Chip

Thanks for the info. I read the FSM and will remove the starter myself. However, I think I am going to take it up the road to a starter specialty rebuild/repair shop to get it diagnosed and repaired. I called and they said they could repair it and get it back the same day if I got it to them in the morning (Of course, driving through the leftover of Hurricane Ivan). I told him what you and rookie suggested and he said that if that was the case, it would run between $75-125 to repair. Is there a way to tell whether I have a 1.4kw or 2.0 kw starter by looking at it. The FSM shows an additional coil of such inside. The guy at the shop was asking. Chip

I have 65K miles and last night after I sent the topic, I went out to start it and it took about 10 dead attempts, but then turned over normal and cranked up. I am going to check the battery again. I have a FSM and looked at the procedure to remove the starter, but I need to climb underneath to see how much room and how accessible the starter will be before I undertake the removal. I will check Slee. Thanks....I will continue troubleshooting until I can isolate the problem.

I have a 97 LX450 and just recently (within last 10 days) the starter started occasionally locking up on the first starting attempt. It starts on the second attempt. It has done it maybe 3-4 times within the last approx. 30 starts. On the second attempt the engine turnover is not slow, sounds normal (battery check indicates it is OK). Would worn starter brushes cause this? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Furthermore, if it ends up being the starter and/or brushes, could anyone who has performed the reapair, give me a difficulty rating on doing it myself? Chip