Alf59

If the front end needs replacing, you're out of luck, unless you can source one from a breakers, etc. That's why I pointed it out in my post as it seems crazy that they're no longer available and will cause a problem if you need to replace?

I'm not for one minute suggesting that we select reverse gear and head out on the highways, searching out cars that are driving towards us! When reversing, the car in front of you won't be blinded as headlights are designed not to dazzle but reversing lights that are "over bright" could dazzle cars behind. Obvioulsy we reverse when there are cars behind, surely it can't just be me - that's why reversing lights are there to warn other drivers which direction you're going in. I'm all for bright reversing lights and wish I had them - all I'm saying is I think if you had ultra bright LED's without the shield, the glare would be pretty bad and the rule is that any light fitted to a vehicle should not dazzle other road users, regardless of what direction they're facing. I'd happily fit a couple of Cibies on the tailgate if I thought I could get away with it.

Have been reading with interest the posts about the reversing lights. Removing the shield seems to be of some benefit but if they then don't illuminate the road (even with a brighter LED) would it be better to remove the shield then cut off the rounded end, leaving the top part of the shield, then fit them back in again? This might keep deflecting the light downwards onto the reflector (to point at the road) but also throw light straight back? The round end of the shield is obvioulsy to stop bliding the driver behind (well, hardley blind!!) but it does seem to stop a lot of the light. I have read so many other forums where people are complaining about the lack of light output form their reversing lights so it's not just the RX. Seems to me that that the tinted rear screen is the biggest problem - I live in an area where there are hardly any street lights and often have to reverse along farm tracks/un-made roads and I can't see a darn thing. The camera would benefit from being a night vision version (lower lux rating) and I'm wondering if there is a straight forward plug n play swap for another (better) camera so that the reversing light issue wouldn't be such an problem? It amazes me that members on here are convinced there is not a problem with the lights - they must live in areas where there are a lot of street lights - try backing up a country lane at night and see how near impossible it is to see anything. I've looked at various cree LED's and as they are VERY bright, if the shields are removed they would surely blind the driver behind?

I think the reversing lights are really awful. Every car I've ever owned has had 2 reversing lights using 21w bulbs but for some reason, the RX uses 16w bulbs? The very dark rear screen tint is probably the main problem but also the positioning of the lights themselves - too high up I reckon (maybe this is why they're 16w, so as not to blind cars behind?) They would have been better if they'd been located with the fog lights on the bumper to throw more light on the road. Having read the numerous posts about improving the lights, or rather, not being able to, I'm thinking of recessing 2 lights in the bumber and disconnecting the existing lights. This way I could use 2 x 21w bulbs (not LED) Another option might be to change the camera for one that operates in lower light conditions but additional light would be the best route I think? Slightly off thread but still concerning lighting: I think the fog light switch seems daft. You can't have your rear fogs on unless your front fogs are on! If you're at the back of a line of traffic, you don't need your fronts on but have them on to allow the back ones to be on - hope this makes sense?! Why couldn't there be 2 switches (wifes RAV4 has independent switches)

When I start up the car, the time showing on the clock is the time that I last turned the car off - not the current time. It normally takes about 5 minutes for the clock to show the current time and I wondered if everyones does this or is mine just "odd". I've never had this in any other car I've owned. It's not a big deal and I don't loose sleep over it - just wondered?

Merry Christmas to all and their families on the Lexus club. Hope that 2013 is a safe and healthy year for all.

Thanks for your reply Steve. Will have the fluid & filter change done anyway and get a code read done. Have read a few (!) articles on the trans. faults and realize I'm not the only one. Kind of makes me feels better, but only kind of? Thanks for your help.

Wonder if anyone can advise? When the car changes up from 4th -5th gear (when in auto) it quite often (but not all the time) snatches the gear and then judders for about 1 second. Doesn't do it as much when changing up in manual mode but is still there a bit. Car has done 48K and wonder if a fluid change might help it or could it be something more sinister? Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks.

Have just had a set of mud flaps fitted by my local dealer (Poole Lexus) Andy in the parts department is the most helpful dealership parts man I've ever dealt with and can't praise him enough. Nothing is too much trouble and he's always managed to get the parts I want. Having had Mercs and BMW's in the past, moving to Lexus has been a pleasure - plus I love the RX. Had an issue with my wheel balance (had 4 new tyres fitted and the tyre company who fitted them said balance was "spot on". I was geting wheel wobble at 67-70mph and it just felt loose. When Poole did the mudflaps I got them to balance the wheels. Car now runs as smooth as can be with no wobble at any speed and steering is tight and positive again. (So much for being "spot on") Anyone in the SW who needs a good and supportive dealer - Poole are in my opinion great. Just thought I'd pass on some good news as sometimes it's only complaints that are discussed but not on here obvioulsy!

Thanks for all your help Andy - good job I didn't say anything bad!

Thought I'd follow up on this thread. Contacted dealer and was told the later grille will fit. I realised it was the grille from a 2009 400h that I'd seen and liked so ordered one of these. (Had to order a new badge too as it's bigger on the 400) Fitted last night and looks great. Interesting thing is though, the parts dept. checked and told me these grilles are no longer in production! He was as amazed as me as they're for 2009 cars? After a lot of searching he eventually managed to source one for the Russian market. Thought I'd pass this on as if any 400 drivers have a front end ding, they'll be told they won't be able to get a new grille for it, so tell the dealer to look up the Russian spec. and they should be able to order for you. Was delivered in 2 days and the badge had to be sent from Belgium.

Many thanks Steve2006. Thought it would be OK but know how sensitive some of these things are and didn't fancy creating a problem for the sake of an LED! Thanks again for your reply and assistance.

Think maybe I either asked a very difficult question, or asked a very simple one that I should have known the answer to? Never mind, it was worth a try.

Would like to illuminate the mirror fold switch area with a small LED and wondered if if it's OK to tap into the LED footwell light? I know I could take a feed from the cigarette socket light but as the footwell lights are dimming and also part of the illuminated entry, it would be ideal. Sorry if this question has been asked before but couldn't find anything in the search. Many thanks

Thanks noby76. I will speak to the dealer but just wondered if anyone had changed theirs as dealers have a habit of asking for chassis numbers, etc., and sometimes not too keen to advise when it comes to making changes from standard spec. Will give them a try though. Thanks again.