WilliamOrbit

I haven’t got the solar type charger as yet. I see that their are two types available one with standard cig lighter and the other with OBD connector. No feedback from anybody in the forums on which might be best, however, it appresrs that both work. Meanwhile, the opening and closing of the Windows did not work. The drivers window is still out of kilter. I’m due a 60k service end of March so I’ll let them sort it out then. Meanwhile I’m away a lot so not driving the 450 much. I would sort it myself if it was possible but out of ideas! Best.

When you say "reprogram" you mean "reset" using button controls as normal? Or is there something more complicated involved?

Thanks for all the helpful replies guys. In the end I decided to run with the advise from Lexus and disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. A word of warning here. When you have disconnect the battery, do not allow the tailgate to close fully. If you do, it will catch/lock. It's a pity that the Lexus tech didn't mention this to me before I followed his advise. Anyway, when I get back, I will have to put the seats down and scramble inside to pull off a small cover and use a screw drive to push a special unlock catch you allow the tailgate to open again. Annoying, but at least there is a solution. I will probably invest in one of those neg terminal switches in future. To be clear, I refrained from simply putting a trickle charger on, because this is my first hybrid, and naturally one is concerned about potential voltage issues with such a huge second battery system in the vehicle. So I checked with my Lexus service department and the answer I got back was to disconnect the negative terminal rather than use a trickle charger, so I did. I am sure many here use TC's on their rx400,450's however, if Lexus is being cautious on this, then I guess I will have to be too. I can just imagine the conversation if an electric fire started whilst a TC was connected for 9 weeks! "We did tell you sir, to disconnect the negative terminal......... As time passes and more feedback from members occurs, I expect the use of TC's on Lexus hybrids will become standard practice as with all non hybrids. best William

Hello, I plan to leave my 450h sitting in the garage for 3 months. A quick email to Lexus asking if a trickle charger on the 12v battery was ok, got the response that I could just leave the negative terminal disconnected. They also said a trickle charger was ok, but don't leave it for too long! Howling is too long? Anybody have experience or advise? Many thanks William

Hi Folks, Would any Rx400h owners agree that we are better off without the darn moon roof? I mean given all the blockage problems and water ingress, coupled with the distinct lack of UK sun, does anybody really need it! Anybody got a good reason why a moon roof is still a must on the RX400h experience? Regards

Gliderpilot, the AA charger seems like a great idea :-) Makes me wonder why Lexus didn't just issue all 400h owners with solar chargers rather than pretend there wasn't a problem! I just need to keep the 12v in good nick when the car is standing for over two months at the airport. Where is the OBD plug situated in rx400? Will a solar/OBD work out of the box or does the connection require any kind of modification to work. I can of course keep a booster handy but, not ever having a hybrid before, I was wondering if boosting a hybrid is somehow different or can somehow affect the main cells/electronics. Chosen one, I'm no where near as handy as you! So a simple plug and play solution would be best for me. Does anybody know if the main hybrid cells do well if the car is not driven for extended periods? With no regenerative braking happening, what keeps the main cells in good shape? Thanks to everybody william

Hello everybody, I have made my mind up to very shortly buy pre owned a 2008 Rx400h :-) Having read this forum extensively I am well aware of the issues/solutions regarding the 12v battery issue. I have a particular problem in that I will be forced to leave the vehicle in an Airport long term for for 9 weeks, and then later on for a further 6 weeks. I am thinking of taking the car straight to Lexus to have the power socket converted so that I can have a solar trickle charger fitted. I concluded that this is superior to disconnecting the 12v or fitting a battery cut off switch (somebody said here, Lexus said dangerous to main hybrid batteries/explosion). Can anybody who has already done this confirm their experience. May I please ask members for their latest thinking/experience on this issue. Have I selected the best option here and I plan to get the Bosch battery fitted as well. Mad excited about my first Lexus experience to come! kind regards william