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Lexus RX 400h: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

202 messages,  Last post on Oct 25, 2006 at 7:35 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 400h, Hybrid Cars, SUV

Messages Page 18 of 21

#164 of 202 Re: RX400 slight noise problem [andyski] by colomark

Mar 27, 2006 (7:46 am)

Replying to: andyski (Mar 24, 2006 10:18 am)
Is there any chance you can provide contact information for the dealer that fixed this? My RX400 does exactly the same thing and beyond adding some insulation on the battery vent sheet metal they have not been able to identify the problem. Maybe I can get them to call your dealer. The battery did ratle, but the main noise changes with the wind so I knew it wasn't the only problem.

#165 of 202 Re: RX400 slight noise problem [colomark] by andyski

Mar 27, 2006 (10:10 am)

Replying to: colomark (Mar 27, 2006 7:46 am)
No problem. It's Hoffman Lexus in East Hartford CT. Their web site is http://nitra.lexusdealer.com/hoffman/en_US/. While I was there I asked them to do the ISC learing procedure, since my mileage was only averaging about 21.5 mpg with mixed city/highway driving. They did the procedure and my mileage increased by approx. 2 mpg. I noticed that the electric motors run a lot more now, especially once the engine heats up. Good luck with your issue!

#166 of 202 It seems to me.... by wwest

Mar 27, 2006 (10:39 am)

that if the need for the catalyst being kept up to temperature is the reason the ICE needs to be run more often/longer than otherwise why not provide a good insulation jacket for the catalyst such that it does not cool so rapidly.
 
The only shortcoming I can see would be the possiblity of overheating the catalyst when the ICE is REQUIRED to run continuously. Seemingly that problem could be easily overcome via the activation of a blower system to reduce the overheating probability.
 
More weight and complexity but that would be more than overcome by the improvement in FE.

#167 of 202 Re: RX400 slight noise problem [andyski] by hilandr05

Mar 28, 2006 (5:11 am)

Replying to: andyski (Mar 24, 2006 10:18 am)
Thanks for the great info Andy!
I went to the dealer to pick up my registration paperwork (things are a little different in Florida) and I was going to have them look at the noise. On the way there, I could not hear the noise, so I didn't take it to service dept. Of course on the way back on the turnpike, there was the noise.
So I followed your information and sure enough, the heat shield. It is just thin metal and is secure on the outboard side. On the inboard side it flexes and is close enough to the underside of the car that certain wind conditions cause it to flutter and make the noise. I bent it down slightly and no more noise. When I take it in for first service I will see if they have something to make it more secure.
If they don't have it, sounds like (OK, pun intended) they need a service bulletin on the problem.
 
jc

#168 of 202 Re: It seems to me.... [wwest] by stevedebi

Mar 28, 2006 (10:48 am)

Replying to: wwest (Mar 27, 2006 10:39 am)
You are suggesting adding insulation to the converter and then going to extra lengths to cool it down. That is a lot of complexity.
 
However, this still would not help the short trips, since the converter still has to warm up for the first time...

#170 of 202 Re: RX400 slight noise problem [andyski] by colomark

Mar 29, 2006 (4:37 pm)

Replying to: andyski (Mar 27, 2006 10:10 am)
Thank you. I really appreciate it. Let's see if they can fix it tomorrow.

Messages Page 18 of 21

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