bluestu

I'm sorry, but your information is incorrect. The transaxle capacity is considerably more than 5qts.. Why don't you call around and find out for yourself.

If the sound is gone, I wouldn't worry about it. You should have the transmission flushed at least every 30k. So they also said the transmission holds 16qts? If this is true, then the drain and fill of 5 qts. is useless, which would explain why so many transmissions are burning up prematurely, especially the ones that are exposed to high temperature environments.

LexKid is right. I originally thought it was condensation on the inside of the lense until I was waxing my car one day and decided to try the wax on the headlights. When I finished, they looked good as new. I still don't know exactly what causes the film, but I suspect it might be soap scum buildup from car washes. It seems to appear after I take my car through the laser jet wash a few times.

Always make sure you have at least two master keys for your RX. If you loose all the masters, you're really screwed.

My RX used to randomly stall on me until I bought a can of Seafoam Fuel System Cleaner at Advance Auto Parts, and I haven't had the problem since.

I'm tired of discussing transmissions, so on a lighter note: I purchased a replacement RX300 key with programming instructions off eBay for $65.00. I had a local locksmith cut it for $20.00, and to my surprize, it works great!!! It was real easy to progam both the remote and transponder, and the key looks just like the original except it has the Denso logo under the big L. I also purchased a replacement shell with an uncut key blade for $25.00. I had it cut and took the transponder from my broken key and put it in the replacement, and it fit perfectly. The key looks the same, but doesn't have anything written on it, which is fine with me. Since I live 75mi. from the nearest Lexus dealer, this sure saved me a lot of time and money!!!

The last audio segment sounds the worst and he has the recorder taped to the rear fender above the wheel. It sounds similar to my mountain bike's disk brakes. I would check the brakes and rotors. That's too far from the transmission to be that much louder.

Yeah, you're right, that car sounds messed up, whatever it is.

I'm not doubting your skills as a mechanic, but what brand and type fluid did you use when servicing your transmission?

No argument, just a forum discussion concerning a controversial topic. I understand what you're saying regarding symptoms of a failing transmission, but I don't believe that a transmission with that low mileage would be failing unless someone mixed regular transmission fluid with synthetic, which is entirely possible. I'll speculate that mixing different fluids could possibly cause a transmission to burn up. One of the Toyota mechanics informed me that mixing regular transmission fluid with synthetic causes the fluid to gel. I wonder what happens if you mix two different types of synthetics? He also informed me that regular fluid breaks down much faster under the higher temps. produced by that type of transmission. I guess that is why the dipstick is marked typeIV fluid only. I don't beleive that the Toyota brand is the only synthetic that meets the specs., but you know they're going to push their own brand first.

Your conclusions are based on the opinions and speculations of four or five RX owners, certainly not even close to the majority of RX owners on this forum.

We didn't pass any clause that the RX300s are more prone to failure than other AWDs. Who is "We", as if we don't know. All I've heard for years is that AWDS and 4WDs are more susceptible to transmission problems for obvious reasons. Now that I've learned more about them and understand how they work, I'm taking extra care in having them serviced. I've observed reported failures from other manufacturers of AWDs. I owned an Isuzu Rodeo, and the transmission failed around 80k because I didn't take proper care of it.

The shop "Mostly Toyotas and Lexus", where I take my cars described the procedure to me and said that a lot of fluid is trapped in the torque converter and cannot be drained out. They first run a flushing solution through the entire transaxle which completely removes all the old fluid as well as any particles that are trapped in the torque converter and wire mesh filter. They then refill with synthetic fluid and a special additive that keeps the fluid oxygenated against high fluid temperatures. Toyota and Lexus also use this additive with their drain and fill service which is supposed to help revitalize the dirty fluid that doesn't get drained out. The mechanic told me that the entire transaxle holds 16qts. of fluid, although when I looked it up on the computer, it only showed the transmission as holding 9.5qts.. My ticket always lists 16qts. of fluid and 1qt. of additive. They charge $130.00 for the service.

I've heard that same noise from both of my RX300s ever since I bought them. That's just the way they sound, probably because they are AWDs. I was aware of the noise at first, but now I don't even notice it. Just take note that it is the same few people complaining of transmission failures. They make it appear to be many more because they immediately post their complaints over and over every time the word transmission appears on this forum.

Don't listen to these guys, they work for Acura. No, actually I suspect these do-it-yourselfers serviced their own transmissions and mixed the wrong type fluid in with the Toyota synthetic typeIV fluid, or maybe they just bought lemons. About 20% of the owners on this forum have reported transmission problems, and is probably the reason why they originally joined up. After reading their numerous posts on this issue, I am 100% convinced that they did not have their transmissions serviced properly, adequately, or at all. I have two RX300s with over 90k and the transmissions are in excellent condition. I do have them totally flushed every 15k to ensure that all the fluid stays clean. I also bought my RXs used with over 50k on both. Take your car to a qualified mechanic and have them check it out if you are concerned. If you do have the transmission flushed, make sure the mechanic uses a flush machine dedicated for using synthetic transmission fluid that meets Toyota's specs..

Has anyone had a problem with their alarm going off when they unlock the doors and open the driver's door? What might be causing this malfunction and is there a way to correct this problem without taking it to the dealer? Any helpful advice would be appreciated. thanks.

I lock the car with the key remote and unlock with the key remote, open the door and the alarm goes off. I start the engine so the alarm will quit, close the door, and the locks cycle trough once. The same thing happens when I manually lock and unlock the driver's side door.

It does it with both the remote and the key. I've tried it both ways. Do you think I need to reprogram the key or is it a computer problem?

What could cause my alarm to go off every time I unlock and open my driver side door? When I get in and close the door, the locks cycle through once.

I need to replace my battery and was wondering if anyone has installed an Optima Red battery??? I can't find one listed for any of the Lexus models. Any suggestions???

I started my car this morning and the engine sounds like new. No more squeaking and squealing, and it seems to run much better at startup.

Well, I had the timing belt, water pump, and serpentine belts replaced. I also had a radiator flush and transmission flush which the mechanic said is an absolute must with that type of transmission. He said a lot of fluid gets trapped in the torque converter and cannot be drained out. He said old school guys come in the shop all the time and argue with him about the necessity of a flush. My total cost was $700.00. A bit pricey, but I'm 100% sure that the job was done right. Well worth the money. I appreciate everyone's input on this topic, as well as many others.

I agree. It's comparable to not changing your motor oil until it turns into black sludge. A drain and fill transmission service is comparable to draining 2qts. of engine oil and refilling with 2 fresh qts.. How long would an engine last doing that???

I haven't ever seen black or burnt fluid in either one of my RX300s. The fluid has always looked and smelled OK. Maybe you just had a defective transmission from the start. Something was messed up for sure. I will agree with you about the repair job. That's rediculous!!! You have a good reason to be angry.