Has your RX 300 surpassed 200k miles??
#46
#47
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#48
Nice! my RX300 01 oil change today at 171171k everything original, I' m getting ready to do the 2 time around timing belts replace and tune up when it reaches 200k the magic numbers lol!!!! Sweet RX300 Lexus
#49
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knock sensor
Neither did my mechanic. He was positive that wasn't the issue but I assured him it was based off of what my trans. specialist said and a forum on here that had about a handful of rx owners with the same problem/solution. It's because the ecu gets a bad reading from the sensor which then affects the transmission control from the ecu. Weird, I know. Hardly makes sense but proven true
#50
Moderator
Neither did my mechanic. He was positive that wasn't the issue but I assured him it was based off of what my trans. specialist said and a forum on here that had about a handful of rx owners with the same problem/solution. It's because the ecu gets a bad reading from the sensor which then affects the transmission control from the ecu. Weird, I know. Hardly makes sense but proven true
Knock-sensor are just one of the reason why the ecu would lock out overdrive. If it is emission related lock-out (like the the signal from bad knock sensors) there will be a CEL. With the CEL on, have that diagnosed before trying to find out what else is wrong.
Salim
#51
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knock sensors
No offense salim but its common sense to run a diagnostic but if you're dealing with someone who is unfamiliar with this problem (which probably consists of about 95 percent of non specialized mechanics, including dealership) you can plan on spending hundreds if not thousands (say for a new or rebuilt transmission) on unnecessary replacements. Which dealers love to do!!
#52
Moderator
No offense salim but its common sense to run a diagnostic but if you're dealing with someone who is unfamiliar with this problem (which probably consists of about 95 percent of non specialized mechanics, including dealership) you can plan on spending hundreds if not thousands (say for a new or rebuilt transmission) on unnecessary replacements. Which dealers love to do!!
Knock sensor repair (labor + parts) is not cheap ... I am estimating about $1200 at the dealership. I hijacked your post, to make a point that rely on CEL + codes to diagnose the knock-sensor issue.
There can be dishonest mechanics and dealerships.
My personal experience with local Lexus dealership has been positive. I have seen the staff go out of the way to help other customers. Granted the service is not cheap, but I have no reason to think they indulge in deceptive practices. At times they might replace a module instead of a switch and that is because how the part is stocked and for some other times extra things eliminates return service [rotor surfacing].
Salim
disclaimer: The above is my personal experience. The free snack bar (which is available to all customers) has not influenced me.
#53
205k on mine. Daily driver for the last 11 years (added another RX to the stable this month). Am one of the lucky ones in 2001 with the transmission issue- was fixed at 120k miles in 2008 has been running fine since. Other things that have gone wrong
Door lock actuator @ 90k and 180k
Air Mix servo at 200k
Other issues that I will live with
Carpets are kinda worn out at the bottom
Driver seat edge has a small tear
Rear hatch opens slowly
Engine mounts need to be replaced- there is a vibration at idle (at stoplights etc) which is annoying but goes away when being driven. It is a $50 part that will cost 1500 in labor
Maintenance= Oil change every 5k until 50k then every 7500 until 180 and every 10k afterwards. ALWAYS Mobil 1 EP done at Toyota (cost = $15ish labor)
30k/60k intervals done per factory (not dealer) spec at Toyota/Lexus
90k intervals done at independant mechanic.
Buy most parts myself. My 90k costs ~1k (incl pads/rotors/plugs etc)
Door lock actuator @ 90k and 180k
Air Mix servo at 200k
Other issues that I will live with
Carpets are kinda worn out at the bottom
Driver seat edge has a small tear
Rear hatch opens slowly
Engine mounts need to be replaced- there is a vibration at idle (at stoplights etc) which is annoying but goes away when being driven. It is a $50 part that will cost 1500 in labor
Maintenance= Oil change every 5k until 50k then every 7500 until 180 and every 10k afterwards. ALWAYS Mobil 1 EP done at Toyota (cost = $15ish labor)
30k/60k intervals done per factory (not dealer) spec at Toyota/Lexus
90k intervals done at independant mechanic.
Buy most parts myself. My 90k costs ~1k (incl pads/rotors/plugs etc)
#57
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I just picked up an RX last week. I'm the second owner, 211k, all original. It needs three lock actuators and both valve cover gaskets leak. Otherwise, it's all good. It'll be getting the timing belt and the works soon, but I'm ironing out the little details for now.
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#59
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2000 rx300 just went over 205k......tranny rebuilt @ 175K due to moron mechanic not putting in enough at fluid when he changed filter and pan gasket...cost 2475 to rebuild...otherwise all normal maint. issues...
#60
Lexus Test Driver