Rx400H Battery Performance V Outside Temperature

Budgie · December 21, 2011

Hi all. I've recently purchased a 2005 RX400h and I guess since purchase temperatures have been sub 10 degrees. Was commuting today and it was unseasonably mild, up to 14 degrees. I noticed straight away how much quicker the car would move to Battery only mode, especially at higher speed and heavier throttle. In some parts of my commute where I can never get it on Battery only (although I try) it easily ran without engine power. My home to work has a fair bit of downhill but I still got my all time record of 36mpg. Today on various commutes around town still averaged 32mpg. I can only guess the higher temperatures helped, looking forward to the summer already...

On a side note just installed an iPod kit from Ipodcarkitdirect. It was the Dice Silverline one chosen after a fair bit of research. Really really pleased with the integration. Had a few false starts as the seller confirmed I could navigate using the touchscreen. I spent some time trying to do this but discovered if you cannot access media on the touchscreen (assume this was the cd versions that couldn't play DVDs on the front screen) then the system won't be on the touchscreen as it doesn't create a new interface. Not a deal breaker as it keeps that space for nav etc. On the radio LCD display I can browse by artist then album within artist. You can start from A or reverse from Z so it is reasonably fast to select tracks if you have a large mp3 collection. It also displays the album or song playing. It was on sale at about £97 so good value as well. Apparently some cars won't show text I think with my own testing the iPod used may be part of this. Installation very simple plenty of threads on how to remove the radio. My advice would be to utube removal of rx stereo as it really helps watching the trim getting removed, if only to see how easy it is. Recommend a magnetic 10mm socket as you WILL drop 2 bolts which are recessed deep. Well I did....took a while with a magnetic rod and torch to find them I'm sure they would have rattled and driven me mad. When refitting don't bother with the 2 difficult bolts, they aren't needed. You don't need to make extra connections for power and the leads are long enough to locate to the glovebox. The only negative comment I have is on the Mark Levinson stereo itself which I think is very average.

Another side note, my side bars from direct4x4 just arrived. Xmas present from the wife, ordered by me and paid for by me. :winky:

Installation instructions really poor so one for the holiday.

Spot441 · December 22, 2011

Hi all. I've recently purchased a 2005 RX400h and I guess since purchase temperatures have been sub 10 degrees. Was commuting today and it was unseasonably mild, up to 14 degrees. I noticed straight away how much quicker the car would move to battery only mode, especially at higher speed and heavier throttle. In some parts of my commute where I can never get it on battery only (although I try) it easily ran without engine power. My home to work has a fair bit of downhill but I still got my all time record of 36mpg. Today on various commutes around town still averaged 32mpg. I can only guess the higher temperatures helped, looking forward to the summer already...

I had noticed this. I am also a newbie, although I owned a GS450 previously. I have noticed that its much happier to run on Battery with the heater/air con turned off.

I am only getting 27mpg, but I have Yokohama off road tyres and these could have an affect. I'll swap em after winter!