9497 messages,
Last post on Dec 13, 2012 at 5:24 PM
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Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.
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Lexus RX 300, SUV
#9263 of 9497 Re: 2002 Lexus RX 300 [goherd27]
by wwest
Sep 10, 2008 (9:39 am)
Make certain/sure it has the towing package which includes an extra ATF cooling heat exchanger, but has NEVER towed, and inspect the ATF condition at EVERY oil and filter change. Some may tell you that the tranny problems are only with AWD but I don't buy into that theory.
To avoid the premature transaxle failures of the '99 (&'00..??) models the '01-03 series uses a higher sustained ATF line pressure and that results in localized heating of the ATF, heating above the original design parameters.
As a result the factory maintainance schedule, ATF drain and refill, for my AWD '01 was revised from infinity to every 15,000 miles.
As of '04, the RX330, DBW was adopted to alleviate the problem of engine torque rising for "re-acceleration" before there was enough line pressure to fully and firmly seat the downshifting clutches.
#9264 of 9497 Re: 2002 Lexus RX 300 [goherd27]
by la4mead
Sep 10, 2008 (5:00 pm)
The age isn't a problem. The extraordinary low mileage is definately not a plus. Check this thread (and the tranny thread) to read complaints from folks who have had problems. Not all RX's had issues, and many higher-mileage RX's that did have them had the problem parts replaced under warrantee with a minimum of hassle
Have the vehicle inspected by a knowledgeable mechanic.
Regardless, it's likely a good used car, depending on the deal. If the deal's good enough, you will be able to justify replacing a transmission, should it be a problem. Don't pay extra for extraordinarily low mileage.
#9265 of 9497 Re: 2002 Lexus RX 300 [goherd27]
by chikoo
Sep 11, 2008 (3:06 pm)
That is good. like they say, it was likely driven to the church only
Make sure the engine sludge issue is not present.
#9266 of 9497 Re: 2002 Lexus RX 300 [chikoo]
by rugmankc
Sep 11, 2008 (3:51 pm)
Ditto on all above posts. Don't neglect ANY of them.
I have a 2002 with 112k on it. 70% highway though. Change the tranny fluid every 25k, since I put about 18k a year on it. If I don't change it at 25k it gets pretty dirty. That said, the car runs like new, Literally.
Good Luck on the purchase,
Ken
#9267 of 9497 rx300 navigation system problem
by gmkane
Dec 14, 2008 (10:16 am)
i replaced my battery a few days ago and now the navigation system doesn't work. when i disconnect the battery cable and replace the nav system will come on, reset and seems to work ok. after a shut off the car and come back later, no nav system, blank screen and the no response to the buttons. radio works ok. is this a dealer situation or is there a fix??
flashgordonsd
#9268 of 9497 Heater Failure
by avery1
Dec 20, 2008 (7:48 pm)
I have a '99 RX and I'm getting no heat. Fans and air conditioning all seem to work ok. I can't get to the dealer for a couple of weeks. Anyone have any ideas on simple things I could check or any experience with this problem?
#9269 of 9497 Re: Heater Failure [avery1]
by wwest
Dec 21, 2008 (10:13 am)
Have you tried the MAX HEAT setting..??
In that setting the various sensors are ignored and the servomotor drives the mixing vane/door into the FULL HEAT position.
Low engine coolant or a recent drain/fill of same..??
Air bubble, "vapor lock" in the hose to/from the heat exchanger is not unusual.
's servomotor drives
#9270 of 9497 Re: Heater Failure [wwest]
by avery1
Dec 21, 2008 (12:03 pm)
I have tried max heating with no luck but will try again and follow up on your other suggestions. Thanks.
#9271 of 9497 Re: Heater Failure [avery1]
by mikey00
Dec 25, 2008 (2:52 pm)
This is a common RX problem, It's one of the air mix servos not working. If you remove the glove box by opening the door and removing the 2 phillips screws and the 2 lower 10mm bolts, you can then view the operation of the air mix servos.
You can then remove the white exit vent tube and see the trap door open and close as you adjsut temp control.
There is a door which is almost up against the heater coil and as you will see, this door open and close to compensate for max or min heat levels.
#9272 of 9497 Favorite Lexus Parts Sources
by la4mead
Dec 29, 2008 (12:26 am)
DIY'ers... I'm curious who your favorite parts sources for Lexus parts...
My next two projects:
1. Replace weak RR door lock solenoid.
2. Replace struts.
If you have a link, that would be great.
Thanks folks...