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Lexus RX 330 Maintenance and Repair

1744 messages,  Last post on Dec 08, 2009 at 11:04 AM

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#41 of 1744 Rough Shifting, Engine Noise in RX 330 by chitung Dec 26, 2003 (7:58 pm)
Those who are not experienced with the engine noise are either deaf, over 60, or don't care. I switch back and forth between my new RX330 and Solara quite often, and notice that my Solara's engine noise is way way way smoother. Changing gear is almost unnoticable and engine noise is very minimal. To compare apple to apple, I compare the engine at 2200 RPM. Exactly on the same road with a little slope and driving at 2200 RPM, I noticed that my RX330 is roaring like crazy. Here are the reason why the engine noise is so loud:   Smart Toyota cut cost my using fiber/plastic intake manifold in 3.3L engine instead of using cast aluminum or so in 3.0L engine. In addition, Sound insulation is not sufficient enough to insulate the engine compartment from driver cabin. In my Solara, it covers from the windshield down to the bottom. This reduce the engine noise dramatically.   Anyhow, I don't feel like I am driving a Lexus. I feel like I am driving a Scion   Regarding rough shifting, it's another Toyota ingenious stoo-pidity. They use exactly the same transmission and engine design of a sub-3500lb car for this bulky 4000+lb SUV. Just like plug and play to rush for release schedule. This will cause rough shifting due to heavier load that torque converter needs to work harder to get to the right gear. Even if you used the shifter to shift manually from 2nd to 3rd, you'd still be able to experience the same jerkiness. Also, when you release gas pedal, you'll feel the car pull back a little bit. If the noise issue were solved, I'd love this car more and more. I am currently trying to fix this problem by myself by adding more insulation between the engine compartment and the cabin. Hopefully, I can do it during this holiday season. Toyota, stop doing those stupid things.
#42 of 1744 Shifting Issues by tw2213 Dec 26, 2003 (10:34 pm)
I did notice my 04 Lexus 330 having shifting issues after it reached 2000 miles; especially the clunking noise during down shift. Thanks to lovemylexus1, I mentioned the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) number TC005-03 to Lexus and inquired about the ECM (Electronic Control Module) update. According to Lexus, ECM covers a lot of areas, not only the shifting. However, they did know about the TC005-03 and it is related to shifting issue.   Well, I got my 330 back. I didn't feel much improvement on the up shifting and the clunking noise is still there during down shifting. Maybe the TC005-03 is only good for up shifting issue, not down shifting clunking noise.
#43 of 1744 No Rough Shifting, Engine Noise in RX 330 by gardencar Dec 27, 2003 (12:00 am)
Well, drove my RX330 around town all day long today and did not experience any hesitation, rough shifting, or undue engine noise today. On acceleration, the engine is a bit noisier than the V-8 on my LS400, but that's to be expected.      Fought the post holiday traffic downtown today, and my RX 330 did plenty of shifts, all as smooth as butter. The cabin did a great job of shutting out the street noise and the beautiful leather and wood were visual and tactile delights. I knew I was in a Lexus and thanked my lucky stars that it was one of the good ones from Kyushu. Love my RX because my RX is quiet and poised. And, I am neither deaf, geriatric, or indifferent. Thank you very much!
#44 of 1744 Not Deaf, Geriatric or Indifferent by indiana97 Dec 27, 2003 (7:05 am)
I too am neither deaf, geriatric or indifferent. But there are those who can become obsessive/compulsive under certain conditions. I also have had a RX300 and GS300 in the past prior to buying my RX330. Other then a bit more road noise based on the 18" wheels and tires, (by the way look much better then the 16" on the RX300 so I'll live with the noise)I have no complaints. Relax and enjoy or sell it and move on to another car company.
#45 of 1744 I wonder... by wwest Dec 27, 2003 (12:26 pm)
At highway cruise, say 70MPH, the RX330 engine turns a LOT slower than the RX300 does (~2200 vs ~3000{??}). New transmission, final drive ratio, etc. Could it be that at the lower RPM the engine is producing just enough HP to attain that speed?   Thereby any need to accelerate requires a downshift?   To attain best MPG all manufacturers get the transmissions into OD asap. Maybe the OD in the RX330 is just marginal enough that any additional load requirement, at any speed in OD, dictates a downshift, OR EVEN "TWO"!
#46 of 1744 shifting issues by cotmc Dec 30, 2003 (6:31 pm)
I thought the main intention of that TSB was to improve downshifting responsiveness at lower speeds? I haven't had the TSB performed yet, and I definitely notice some hesitation with the tranny shifting down one gear when giving it a little extra gas at lower speeds. Seems I need to keep pushing down harder on the gas pedal until the tranny finally decides to shift TWO gears down, causing a bit of a knee-jerk acceleration. Note this does not seem to be an issue when driving at cruising speeds (in 4th or 5th gear).
#47 of 1744 wwest by cotmc Dec 30, 2003 (6:33 pm)
I haven't researched this to an appropriate level, but I seem to recall that the our RX330 will provide some mild acceleration, or take a gradual incline, without downshifting to 4th (or below) when travelling at 70-75 mph.
#48 of 1744 d, g, & i by cotmc Dec 30, 2003 (6:41 pm)
I, too, am not deaf, geriatric, or indifferent. Totally agree with indiana97. These 18" rims with lower profile tires will cause some additional road noise versus the RX300, but not enough to make a difference to us! These new rims/tires look so much better, and they provide better grip on the pavement. The engine may also be a bit louder at higher rpms, but not enough to even begin to sour our driving experience!
#49 of 1744 re: noisier rx330 by gardencar Dec 31, 2003 (3:07 am)
It's great to see that there are those out there who don't mind the noise. I actually enjoy the way the engine revs back to me when I step on the gas and the 7.8 seconds to 60mph is really cool. I remember that one of the few criticisms of the older RX was that it was too quiet, slow, and sedate. Well, here's the remedy. The new RX is one of the fastest SUV's out there now, so it has to SOUND the part. If Lexus figured out a way to make the engine sound racier, and save a little money by using different exhaust manifolds, without compromising reliability, kudos to them! And, I agree with indiana97 and cotmc, those 18 inchers look waaaay better!
#50 of 1744 re:noisier rx330 by austinb Jan 01, 2004 (11:05 am)
My RX is not as quiet as my GS, but never expected it to be. It's a SUV and I kinda like the growl the 330 attained. Bottom line, bought mine in March, now have over 12K miles and my black-on-black has been solid as a rock. No issue with shifting either. And I agree, the 18 inchers with graphite wheels on my 330 makes a great profile.   Just returned from the Wash DC auto show. There are some great SUV (luxury or otherwise) offerings out there and the end result is the consumer is the winner. But for my money give me Lexus style, ambiance, reliability, and service every time.

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