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Lexus RX 330 Maintenance and Repair

1861 messages,  Last post on Apr 27, 2013 at 1:00 PM

You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 330

    
 
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Messages Page 1 of 186

#1 of 1861 Lexus RX 330: Problems & Solutions by cchecker

Nov 22, 2003 (10:39 am)

I have a noise in my RX 330. When I go over a bumpy section of road, I get a transient vibrating sound that appears to be coming from the interior cabin somewhere behind the front seats. It sounds similar to a venition blind rattling in a breeze. Anyone heard this and found the cause and solution? Thanks!

#2 of 1861 noise by johngreis

Nov 23, 2003 (2:50 pm)

I don't know if this is your problem but when I was putting some leather preservative on the front seats I noticed that when I hit the backrest (on the front side) it made a noise like something was rattling inside the seat back.
 
However it does not make noise when I hit a bump.

#3 of 1861 Torque Converter Noise by tuomala1

Dec 02, 2003 (10:02 am)

My RX330 makes a slight clunking noise when it downshifts from 4th gear to third gear. It will also make the same noise if you lightly accelerate or decelerate whenever it is in 4th gear. It is most noticeable at speeds between 30 to 45 mph. Dealer says it's normal noise from lockup torque converter. The RX330 loaner I used didn't do it and mine didn't until I put about 4000 miles on the car. Anybody else experienced this problem?

#4 of 1861 Transmission slipping and clunking by jabba

Dec 10, 2003 (11:07 am)

My RX330's transmission slips between 1st and 2nd gear. Sometimes it stays between gears a full 2 seconds. I also get the clunking noise during downshifts. The dealer says this is normal for this design. I say very poor design especially for this price range. The slipping started when new. The clunking started a little later. I now have 7,000 miles on the vehicle.

#5 of 1861 Transmission slipping and clunking by tvkw

Dec 10, 2003 (11:54 am)

Will Lexus fix this problem? I am considering to purchase one, but if there is a flaw on the design, I may think twice. When is your build date?

#6 of 1861 Transmission slipping and clunking by chitung

Dec 10, 2003 (5:19 pm)

My RX330 is closed to 5K service and I am having problem with the transmission and noise.
 
Transmission:
- Slow shifting between gears
- Two seconds delay shifting between 2nd and 3rd
- Two clunking noise when approaching stop.
- When driving between 5-10mph, tapping the gas pedal a little bit will make the clunking noise.
 
Noise:
Toyota is trying to cut cost on parts and labors:
- Use plastic intake manifold instead of cast aluminum (RX300) -> Noise from combustion chamber will be heard easier. That's why so many owners complain about louder engine noise.
- Less insulator material between engine compartment and the cabin.
 
Cost cutting: Use only one hydrolic lift for the hood instead of two (RX330). This helps Toyota cut cost and time to install.
 
I am not happy about this car because the noise level is quite high and transmission is not smooth. The car is not quite as others said.

#7 of 1861 To all with transmission issues by lovemylexus1

Dec 10, 2003 (7:24 pm)

Have any of you had the ECM update performed on your transmission? I had similar complaints with slow shifting and what felt like slipping gears. I had the ECM update done at the 1000 mile service and now the transmission acts like I expect it to: smooth.
 
The Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) number is: TC005-03

#8 of 1861 tvkw - Ted by myk_a

Dec 11, 2003 (12:53 pm)

I'm not sure but it may be that this issue affects only specific models from Japan. I got mine on Nov. 1st from North America (Canada) and I haven't had any such issues. Then again, I've only got 2500 miles on it.

#9 of 1861 Coin Holder? by milkchug

Dec 11, 2003 (2:21 pm)

I have one major issue with this car. Is it just me or is there no coin holder in this vehicle? I have been pulling my hair trying to find anywhere to put coins. The center console is not a good place because I can't find anywhere stable to put it.
 
Thanks.

#10 of 1861 Coin Holder by lovemylexus1

Dec 11, 2003 (8:35 pm)

I hope Lexus remembers the coin holder in the next model!
 
I carry my sunglasses in my purse so I have no use for the overhead sunglasses case in the RX . So, I bought a small coin purse that will fit into the overhead sunglasses holder. Not perfect but it works.

Messages Page 1 of 186

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