I just bought my 2000 RX 300 a couple of weeks ago, it's got low miles( 29,000), But that means it sat around in the garage for a few years. Anyways I noticed when it's dark out from a cold start the headlamps on the far outside flicker when sitting idle warming the car up. Also the interior light that comes on when a door is open does it too. When put into drive the headlights quit filckering. By the time I get home,put it in park no filckering.Old Battery?

 

You didn't mention if it was the original battery. The original battery would have been made in Japan. On my 2002 model, it had a peep-hole that showed a blue color if there was adequate fluid/charge. Replacement batteries are made in the USA.

If you have a 7-8 year old battery, I'd go to Costco, Sears, or a Toyota/Lexus dealer and get a new battery; just to rule out the battery being a factor. There are other places to get new batteries too. If you search the archives, you'll find discussions on this subject. I decided to get my replacement from Costco. The cost was under $60.

 

Just have the battery tested under load and replace if there is a need. I would not suggest premptive battery change as it has impact on "greeness of planet earth" [I know they recycled but still ... I know this SUV forum but lets avoid as much as possible].

Flickering is not abnormal. It happens due to alternator output, battery condition and the load.

Salim

 

I started a thread about the flickering a while back when I first noticed it in our '99. Looked bizarre to me at night, but the dealer thought everything was fine. I replaced the battery not long after that when the clock continually reset itself at 1:00. (I learned this from another thread!)

Since I replaced the battery, I don't notice the flickering. I agree with Salimshah, though. As long as the battery isn't causing any other problems, let it keep working for you as long as you can!

I wonder if the normal occasional flickering gets noticeably worse as the battery reaches the end of its life.