im4kar

My '99 RX300 runs at very high RPM and does not engage to high gears for an unusually long time (compared to my Camry) at temperatures below 40-50F. Transimission oil was changed recently but didn't help. Is this supposed to be the way for heavy SUV?

I bought this RX300 a little more than a month ago. Very good driving except some headaches mentioned in another thread plus slow engine oil leak .

Rx300Mat

Timing Belt maybe? How many miles are on the car?

salimshah

First, the RX does remain in low gear to help engine warm up quicker. The only thing the driver has to do is ensure that they do not try to run at high speed without letting the engine and trans warm up [hard if you live near a Hwy].

Idle warm up does not help as the trans needs to warm up too.


If you think the time to warm up is very long (more than 10 minutes in 50 outside) then there may be an issue with thermostat. Also cut down on cabin heat to help engine block get hot quicker.


Salim

im4kar

120K. Is there any test to tell if the timing belt is worn?

im4kar

It takes around 5 min.

Rx300Mat

After the temp. has gotten to normal operating temps., does the idle seem to lower back to normal? Not not you might want to check to see if the idle is set to high, just a thought.

im4kar

Yes, the idle comes down to around 500rmp. I am just not sure why it takes longer than I would expect for other cars.

salimshah

It is Normal behavior.

Salim

im4kar

That is comforting. At least one mystery solved. A few more remaining. Thanks a lot.

HarrierAWD

Many in the forum have reported this and it appears to be a normal behavior. Though I have not seen it in cold Colorado weather.

salimshah

We never discussed the "very high rpm" ... I was commenting on stuck in low gear ..

im4kar: With the tach in dash, please post what rpm you get at cold idle, hot idle, hot idle with headlamp on and AC (actually) running.

Salim

Lexmex

I have seen it once a blue moon here, even with modifications at my elevation in Mexico City and when it is cold, though the cold weather does seem to keep it up.

I tightened up the accessory belts not too long ago and that seemed to help bring back some low rpm issues I was having along with cleaning the IACV. I can sometimes get to idle at 1000 RPM at the stoplight.

Over the years I have been here when it dips to 50s and sometimes 40s, I have noticed it does take longer for everything to warm up, which is I went to a 0W40 oil and then the German Castrol 0W30, now I am testing out 10W40 Redline (well it it sits in its pan until we start her up again), but didn't notice an extended low pressure light or anything. If I am at about 3000 to 4000 miles with my oil, I do start to notice the low pressure light staying on a bit longer.

miniround

I live in South Florida and when I start up in the morning, around 10am (yea college), the car usually idles a little higher compared to when I start it leaving school in the later afternoon. Usually it also holds second gear as I cruise through my neighborhood when at night ill ride in 3rd or 4th. I'm guessing the car has to warm up...

trhs75

The Lexus advisor told me this is normal for warm-up, also. I was puzzled at first. I know the timing belt is new, so it's not that.