williz

But the issue here is that you perhaps have the benefit of snow tyres which makes a huge difference to the way a car will handle...well in snow. Here in the UK it is an unwarranted expense to buy Snow Tyres just for the day (or three!) you get snow on our roads - so you are stuck with what one may refer to 'all weather' or even Summer tyres all year round (not that we get a Summer!).

So with proper tyres and gentle persuasion, I am sure you manage to negotiate your driveway. Here, it is a completely different story and a FWD 400h will struggle.

i fully agree with you, the tires make a huge difference (the most important factor between the drivers brain and the street surface are the tires!).

but even with summer tires the RX400h handles not bad in snow (the first february march i drove with summer tires because winter tires of that dimension had been out of stock).

i think people believe to much about marketing talk and then expect that FWD drive cars are not bound to the laws of physics and when reality struck s they complain about the "bad" car!

Agreed braking is a no no..........but you can only get so much engine breaking out of the 400h box....

Grip is another issue but my experience this morning is by far the worst i have ever experienced in 20y of driving all sorts of cars. If i had the option the lexus would go back now!

i am sorry to say that it is definitely NOT the car that is poorly handling in bad conditions, you need the right tires (and some driving experience in this conditions will help to).

i am driving this car now for more than 100.000 km and the only thing i can say is that it handles great on snow and ice. i live in the lower alps and we have snow from november to march every year.

the electronicaly controlled AWD is working eficient and the VDIM is the best system of this kind i have experianced so far.

the only thing i realy miss is the "snow button" to disable the traction control in low speeds (will be in the RX450h)

this is the road in front of my house and my daily driving experiance during wintertime

Hi everyone,

I now have destination input while in motion even with the DVD version 1!

I just wanted to share some info on the newly released Nav maps that allow the imput while in motion.

I live in Italy and have a RX 400h purchased new in March 2008.

I was very interested in the possibility to input while driving, not only destinations but also Mp3 folder browsing and phone dialing.

After searching here and other sites on the internet, phoning Lexus and a couple of dealer I was not able to have sure answers on what exactly the new maps were allowing. So I was lucky enough to find a very helpful dealer that let me try the dvd in my car for a test. He swapped the central Europe Map DVD in the reader with the new release the answer is:

ONLY the destination input was allowed, NO phone or audio input.

But here comes the amazing part: after reinserting the original dvd in the reader in the trunk I STILL HAVE THE POSSIBILITY TO INPUT DESTINATION IN MOTION! And this was 3 days ago so I used the car normally in this period and still am able to use the option!

My suggestion to all those interested is to go out and try, as I don't think this is limited to Italy or just a lucky fact: I think the recent DVD changed something in software and now is permanent!

Alex

i am very sorry, but this effect will only last until you next time disconnect your 12V Battery. then you will have to reinsert the new nav DVD.

try it out!

well come to the forum!

same here, RX 300 04, have taken everything out to isolate the problem so far

have emptied

all goods, storage

taken out rear shelf cover completely

all tools, jack under boot stuff out of car too

secured spare wheel to most possible

even the little metal thing that holds the under boot storate open

still the same noise, quite annoying on these unmaintained small roads

so would be most glad to hear if anyone finds an answer

this is one of the best descriptions how to cure your RX rattle

Sources of rattle

based on this i did a detailed description with photographs on how to do it. this is currently in german language, but have a look at the photographs, and if needed i will translate them to english and post them here. please scroll down to the pictures.

how to cure the rattle in the rear

I would have to say if you have had the battery replaced numerous times and it fails after short periods of time that would indicate a faulty alternator as it is obviosuly not charging the battery while the car is running.

(Although as the hybrid is slightly more complex in terms of "running" this may also well be a software problem where the normal battery is not being charged as the car doesn't register when the petrol engine kicks in as I am assuming the alternator only works when the petrol engine is running) either way I would suggest to Lexus they look at this angle rather than just replacing the battery.....

the RX400h is charging the Battery via an electronic inverter, so it is completely independent of the petrol engine. as soon as the "ready" is on (means the computer-systems are up and running), the 12V Battery is charged.

one of the problems is that maximum charging voltage is normally 13,9V (only if the Battery temperature gets down to zero degrees, voltage will be increased up to 14,5V). to fully charge a 12V Battery you have to increase charging voltage up to 14,5V. lexus is not doing so to increase Battery lifetime.

this means on the other hand that the 45Ah Battery in the RX400h normally never gets fully charged by the car itself, i would assume it will reach at maximum 80% of its full capacity by using 13,9V charging voltage.

this is another indication that the 45Ah Battery is absolutely to small for the car.

i needed about 6 jump starts with my RX400 over the last 3 years and all tests have shown that the Battery itself is OK.

I was wondering just how far the RX400H could be taken off road, I realise that it's not an off roader as such, but given its size etc I was wondering just how far it had been pushed. I have done some seaching on the tinternet but so far haven't come up with stories relating to this topic. So a challange to you all, how far have you pushed yours? it would be interesting to see how far it could go. (Sainsbury's or Tesco's car park is not really far enough).

this is what i am doing from time to time. but i would NOT conside this as offroad driving!

but this is real offroad driving!

RX400h 2006, 90.000km. all 4 wheels corroded and fixed by lexus under waranty.

regards from austria

Surely this whole problem could be easily be eliminated. The Lexus Mark 1 starting handle. Only £99.99 from all good dealers. A high tec. fix seems a long way off. Why doesn't the Prius have this problem? Or does it?

good idea!

but how do you crank on a computersystem with a handle? (there is no engine to start, only some computers have to be powerd on).

Hi folks,

I'm new to this forum, having just bought a RX400h. I have a question regarding downloading the phone book.

I have a Nokia 6300, which contects to the bluetooth fine, but I have no idea how to download my phonebook, does anyone know how to do this?

when I go into the menu on the car, it just instructs me to download the phonebook - but the phone doesnt seem to have any options to transfer it across.

All pointers gratefully received. :)

Williz - you are great! many thanks, will try this when I get home tonight.

Williz, just to let you know, it worked. Thanks for your help :D

super! thanks to let me know.

it is a shame that lexus europe has not kept there promise to come up with a web site for compatibility issues between handy and hands free system like the us lexus web site is offering

willi

I have left the car sitting (running for 15 minutes) and the transferrring screen just stays on as if it is frozen...no activity.

As I said my phone disconnects once I initiate the transfer (which I believe is supposed to happen) but it never makes connection again unitl I cancel the transfer action.

Can anyone tell me where I am going wrong or what I can do?

Give me one or two days and I will do the process step by step, write it down and do a detailed description.

Meanwhile you can check your telephone numbers and make sure that you have no blanks in there like +49 178 342 567. such numbers must be changed to +49178342567 or +49-178-342-567. the RX hands free system don't like the blanks and fills up the rest of the tel. number from the first blank with "IIIIII"'s.

Names should not contain special characters like "umlaut" or accents.

Now we transfer the N95 contacts to the RX hands free system step by step:

N95: Go to contacts, select options; mark/unmark, mark all

Select options; send business card, via Bluetooth

Now wait until “Last Device used:” screen will come up, in my case with about 500 contacts this will take 90 seconds.

Meanwhile start car, press info button, select Telephone, Settings, Transfer Phone Data, stop here and wait until your N95 shows “Last Device used:”

When N95 shows “Last Device used:” press “Overwrite” on Hands free, now Bluetooth connection will be disconnected, now select on “Last Device used:” screen your Hands Free, N95 will connect to your Hands Free again and starts transferring/sending data.

After data transfer is finished it will take some time (my bee 30 seconds or so) until your Hands Free screen will go back to the Settings screen.

Now you should have added your contacts to the Hands Free phone book.

Your RX400h model 2007 should support 2 phone numbers per entry. This means if you have more than 2 numbers stores at a contact in your N95 only 2 will be added, the rest will be truncated.

Hope it works!!!

Hi folks,

I'm new to this forum, having just bought a RX400h. I have a question regarding downloading the phone book.

I have a Nokia 6300, which contects to the bluetooth fine, but I have no idea how to download my phonebook, does anyone know how to do this?

when I go into the menu on the car, it just instructs me to download the phonebook - but the phone doesnt seem to have any options to transfer it across.

All pointers gratefully received. :)

seems that i got a new job here :winky:

it seems that your nokia 6300 is not supporting the download of the phone book. you will have to transfer it one by one.

Nokia 6310i

Pairing

• Select “Add Device” on Handsfree system

• From your phone, press MENU, select Bluetooth, press SELECT.

• Select SEARCH FOR AUDIO ACCESSORIES, press SELECT (searching).

• Select Handsfree System, press SELECT (connecting).

Sending contacts one-by-one to the Handsfree System.

• Select PHONE BOOK TRANSFER MODE on Handsfree system

• Select NAMES on Handset

• Select the contact you want to send over Bluetooth (SEARCH).

• Select DETAILS, select OPTIONS and SEND BUS. CARD (VIA BLUETOOTH).

• Select Handsfree System, press SELECT (waiting...).

• The contact is now added to the phone book.

I have left the car sitting (running for 15 minutes) and the transferrring screen just stays on as if it is frozen...no activity.

As I said my phone disconnects once I initiate the transfer (which I believe is supposed to happen) but it never makes connection again unitl I cancel the transfer action.

Can anyone tell me where I am going wrong or what I can do?

Give me one or two days and I will do the process step by step, write it down and do a detailed description.

Meanwhile you can check your telephone numbers and make sure that you have no blanks in there like +49 178 342 567. such numbers must be changed to +49178342567 or +49-178-342-567. the RX hands free system don’t like the blanks and fills up the rest of the tel. number from the first blank with “IIIIII”’s.

Names should not contain special characters like “umlaut” or accents.

A review of the Vaistech soundlinq unit

http://playlistmag.com/reviews/2006/06/sondlinqsli/index.php

the Dice unit he is talking about in this review will become available in about 10 to 15 days with new microcode. right now Dice is not shiping to international/europe. members of german LOC are trying to get a unit for testing with the european model.

Guys, could you please advise out of the Sounlinq and Dice unit, which one provides superior sound quality? Also, has anyone heard of the POD RDS solution which is a bit like the Dice kit that plugs in to the aerial socket of the head unit? It is suppose to be Italian...

Sound quality with the soundlinq from vaistech is excellent, no difference to the disc changer. A very important function of the soundliq is the USB microcode update. If you change over to a new iPod or do an iPod microcode update, sometimes you will experience an incompatibility between the old soundlinq and the new/updated iPod. With the USB microcode update you can easily upload the latest microcode revision to your soundlinq device and your system works as it is supposed to again. The new microcode will be send to you via e-mail from vaistech. You then connect your notebook via USB/iPod connector to your soundlinq and do the update.

Last information from a member of the german user forum is that the DICE unit is still not available for the European RX (this info is about 2 month old). So if you go for the DICE please make sure that your unit will work with your European RX model.

Lexus is selling an iPod interface as well. Maybe this is an alternative for you?

Thanks williz!

So would you say that the SOUNDLINQ is the best solution out there? Also, there are a few Dice kits available on ipodcardirect.co.uk but I dont know if they are the US or UK spec.

The Lexus interface, I'm told by Lexus is not compatible with my 04 RX300 SEL (Whats the point of the interface then???)

Also, could you please advise how can I have a hardwired Bluetooth car kit installed in the RX300? There seems to be a massive problem with regards to a compatible harness!

Well, I can not say which one is the best because I have only vaistech SLI experience.

The DICE would be great if it would work in the European RX model.

So if the Lexus Adapter is not working in your car, your only choice is in fact the SoundLinQ from vaistech and it works very well!

I do not really understand why you would like to get a Bluetooth harness system. Would it be for charging the handset or do you like the aerial/antenna connection for better reception?

There was (or is) a “Lexus Bluetooth Complementary Kit”. Question is if you will get a cradle for your Handy, most likely not I suppose.

If I would be you I would call up this guys http://soarer.tv/ , they should be able to answer your questions, looks that they have the experience and knowledge you will need.

A review of the Vaistech soundlinq unit

http://playlistmag.com/reviews/2006/06/sondlinqsli/index.php

the Dice unit he is talking about in this review will become available in about 10 to 15 days with new microcode. right now Dice is not shiping to international/europe. members of german LOC are trying to get a unit for testing with the european model.

Guys, could you please advise out of the Sounlinq and Dice unit, which one provides superior sound quality? Also, has anyone heard of the POD RDS solution which is a bit like the Dice kit that plugs in to the aerial socket of the head unit? It is suppose to be Italian...

Sound quality with the soundlinq from vaistech is excellent, no difference to the disc changer. A very important function of the soundliq is the USB microcode update. If you change over to a new iPod or do an iPod microcode update, sometimes you will experience an incompatibility between the old soundlinq and the new/updated iPod. With the USB microcode update you can easily upload the latest microcode revision to your soundlinq device and your system works as it is supposed to again. The new microcode will be send to you via e-mail from vaistech. You then connect your notebook via USB/iPod connector to your soundlinq and do the update.

Last information from a member of the german user forum is that the DICE unit is still not available for the European RX (this info is about 2 month old). So if you go for the DICE please make sure that your unit will work with your European RX model.

Lexus is selling an iPod interface as well. Maybe this is an alternative for you?

I am having trouble transferring my phonebook from my N95 to my 07 RX400H. It shows transferring on the screen but the phone disconnects its bluetooth connection.

Has anyone else had this problem and is there a solution

Same problem with my N73 had to put numbers 1 at a time. Also had to reconnect each time. My wifes samsung phone book transfered all in one go.

Hope this helps.

sorry, all N series nokia phones work perfect, especially the N95. only the telephone book transfer takes a bit long because the phone book entries will be converted to vCard format first before transferred.

what kind of connection procedure are you guys using?

i am using a N95 for about a year with my RX400h model 2006 and transferred my phone book many times. my N95 phone book (approx. 600 entries) gets automatically synced with the PC and then at least once a month transferred to the RX400h.

Hi there, can anyone help me with a problem that I am facing with my 04 RX300. Last week I had a flat battery that I fixed by having a jump start (not sure if this is relevant but the problem occurred after this). Now I find that the 'auto' drop on the electric windows doesn't work - the windows go up and down but not all the way down or up in an 'auto' fashion. Also, the drivers side switches do not operate the other windows in the car.

Can anyone provide advice as to how I can fix this?

i can only tell you how it works in the RX400 but i think it will be the same in the RX300.

you have to reactivate this function by operating the windows from the switch at eacht door by moving it completly up and down. then it should work from the drivers door aswell. but have a look at the owners manual, the procedure is described there.

All,

What's the protocol for taking a 400h on the roads of Europe regarding headlights, and that Auto light thing AFS?

Do I need to put little black triangles on the headlights?, or just avoid driving at night, or can I tell the car I'm driving on the right and it re-configures the left right modes etc????

Anyone have any experience of this?

Cheers

Jon

if you come for vacation i would do no changes to the lights. but if you like to be sure i can do some telefone calls and find out for you.

regards

willi

Just reporting back:

Lexus thought the Black & Decker was a good idea, but have not reported on their tests. If they DO finally advise it, I think we should all get a free one. As mentioned previously, they eventually replaced my 12V battery a couple of months ago. I returned yesterday after 21 days abroad, and the car which had been standing outside, started with no problem. Perhaps I had had a dud battery all the time. I am still worried about leaving the car for a longer period - will have another chance to test it on my next longer vacation. When I hear from Lexus about the Black & Decker I will share this information. Ruth

thanks to make me aware of the Black&Decker BDV040!

i tested it and it worked great.

it fits perfectly in front of the middle console and is fixed by moving the middle console to the most forward position.

If necessary the unit can be charged while driving by pressing the charge button. The led's show the charging condition.

If the RX400h's 12V Battery is having less then 10V the power up sequence (starting) is not longer possible.

In this case you bring the ignition key to the radio position (in this position all 12V plugs are connected to the 12V system), make sure that all 12V devices are switched off, B&D BDV040 is connected to the 12V plug, switch the B&D on and press the vehicle boost button.

The voltage comes up to about 11,9V. Wait for 2-4 minutes and then turn the ignition key to the starting position and READY comes up.

Hi Everybody,

I have 2002 RX300SE and am going to update the sat nav disc.

I have the serial numbers and I wondered if anybody knows if there will be a new disc for 2008 out shortly and if it is better to wait for a couple of months to make sure I get the newest edition ?

Any help would be great as my dealer doesnt want to answer me.

Thanks

Graham

Hi, I called Lexus on the same issue - they advised the new maps tend to come out in january. The one they are advising me to replace was last issued November 2006 so it would seem a new one is due.

normaly map updates coming out in the september/october timeframe.

last version (2007-2008) is on the market since october.

it contains now 4 DVD's. one for europe west (GB, ireland, benelux, france, italy, spain and portugal), europe central (france, benelux, germany, swizerland, austria, italy), europe north (norway,sweden, finland, danmark, benelux, germany, swizerland, austria, czech and slovak republic and poland). europe east (italy, swizerland, austria, czech and slovak republic, hungary and poland).

the version from 2006 (issued september/oktober 2006) is the last version with europe on one single DVD but without east europe (poland, czech and slovak republic and hungary).

... confused: is the new 4 disk dvd compatible with the 1 disk earlier model, you just use the relevant disk for your region? If i access the lexus map website its still recommending the November 06 update PZ485-L03EU-06, no hint of any October 07 update...

the latest 4 DVD version is fully compatible to the old Navigation units, at least it works well in my RX400h model 2006.

the DVD's show 2007-2008 Ver.1 and 86271-0W070 and 86271-60W360 on all 4 DVD's.

Hi Everybody,

I have 2002 RX300SE and am going to update the sat nav disc.

I have the serial numbers and I wondered if anybody knows if there will be a new disc for 2008 out shortly and if it is better to wait for a couple of months to make sure I get the newest edition ?

Any help would be great as my dealer doesnt want to answer me.

Thanks

Graham

Hi, I called Lexus on the same issue - they advised the new maps tend to come out in january. The one they are advising me to replace was last issued November 2006 so it would seem a new one is due.

normaly map updates coming out in the september/october timeframe.

last version (2007-2008) is on the market since october.

it contains now 4 DVD's. one for europe west (GB, ireland, benelux, france, italy, spain and portugal), europe central (france, benelux, germany, swizerland, austria, italy), europe north (norway,sweden, finland, danmark, benelux, germany, swizerland, austria, czech and slovak republic and poland). europe east (italy, swizerland, austria, czech and slovak republic, hungary and poland).

the version from 2006 (issued september/oktober 2006) is the last version with europe on one single DVD but without east europe (poland, czech and slovak republic and hungary).

Two things I would like to upgrade on my RX400h - anybody done anything about these?

The quality of the speaker during a (bluetooth) phone call is very poor (I also suspect the mic is not very good either). Does anyone know if a speaker and/or mic upgrade is possible?

The reversing lights are worse than useless - anybody fitted any better bulbs? If so, which ones did you use?

i tried different bulbs. bulb size is limited so you have not to many options. i tried 35 watt halogen bulb, result was damaged plastic connectors.

the best result i got with the standard bulbs and removed bulb covers.

actualy the bulb covers are the problem. if you look at them you will see that they will make the reversing lights shine up and not down to street level.

all RX owners having removed the lamp covers reported dramatic improvement.

have a look at the instructions.

removing bulb cover from reversing light

Hi everyone,

Hope the following will be of interest.. Before I retired I worked in the Battery Industry for over 30 years. I do know a little about this subject.. but first :-

I run a 2002 RX300. Purchased second hand from Lexus Oxford last year. After only a few months I encountered the same problem with the battery.. Leave the car for a couple of weeks and no way would I get a start. Out came the jump leads.

I was APPALLED to see the car had only a 40 amp hour Lucas battery fitted which I assumed would have been the first original fit ( Lucas batteries were taken over by Japanese Yuasa).

As the car was purchased second hand, I had no idea what the guarantee would be . However I complained to Lexus and Lexus Coventry (nearer to where I live) came to the rescue. The fitted a new battery free of charge for me ... HOWEVER.. the replacement battery fitted was a 70 amp hour.TOYOTA GENUINE PARTS. 'OPTIFIT' QUALITY PRODUCT. MADE IN FRANCE. SEALED FOR LIFE WITH THE MAGIC EYE STATE OF CHARGE AID. From my past experience I am fairly sure this is an AC Delco product. made from LEAD CALCIUM plates, probably one of the best products ( in my opinion second to VARTA)

made. So far I have no had a starting problem.

With the present installation, the comments made about 'space to fit a bigger battery' not available are correct. the 70ah Toyota battery however is the same size...

Plese consider however the 'parasitic load' problem .. ie all the drain taking place all the time the car is stored from the pre-set radio, the relays, the alternator etc... My car does not have a Lexus Sat Nav. Their is proably a constant small drain from the sat nav.. I am not sure on this point however.

If any members get their battery replaced by Lexus on either the 300 series or the hybrid models INSIST Lexus replace the battery with the OPTIFIT (pt. no. 28800-YZZ ) 70 ah.

Hope this has been of interest.

Their is no doubt the starter battery spec on these cars is UNACCEPTABLE. My other car a 330D BMW has a 90 amp hour battery to 'sop' up all the quiescent drain.

Roy

yes this is of high interest! could you provide me with the dimensions (L/W/H) of this Battery?

OK, sounds like a real mess regarding the 12V battery and large current drain.

I was thinking about this, am I correct if I say the 12V battery does turn the engine over when starting - this is done by the traction batteries driving the front electric motor ?????

If this is so, then in order to "jump" the car, you don't need too much current? Only enough to get the electronics going etc. Therefore could you carry a small 12V battery like I have in my mower or a 12V motorbike battery as backup? I had to replace my mower battery the other day - £34 and it would fit in the glove box! On occasions when you know you will be leaving the car for a while, you just take this along - no need for RAC/AA. A bit crap, but we are where we are, as they say.

If my theory is correct, you might get away with 8 'D cell' Duracells in series - I'd like to see someone do that!!!!

Jon

yes, a RX400 owner in swizerland is exactly doing this. he is carrying a 20A/h batterie in the trunk and connects it to the 12V connector in the trunk if he need to jumpstart the cars 12V batt.

I would like to share with you the problem of restarting the car when the battery is flat. The RAC started the car with their jump leads. and advised me that I had to keep the engine ticking over. This is easier said than done. If the engine is not ticking over, the car once again "dies". The RAC instruction was to keep the engine ticking over by keeping the accelerator fully depressed for 20 minutes before releasing the accelerator. Releasing the accelerator earlier resulted in the engine cutting out, and the hybrid needing re-jumping. Of course I was nervous going for a ride to charge the battery in case it cut out at the traffic lights or in heavy traffic!!

sorry to say this, but your RCA guy does not have the slightest idea how your RX400 is working.

the 12V Battery is getting charged from your 288V Battery (the one below the back seats) as soon as the computers are in ready state! your cars engine is ONLY charging the 288V Battery.

Just to keep everyone interested up to date: Lexus eventually contacted me. Even though the battery had been checked already, they want to re-test it ober a prolonged period. So - on my next holiday coming up soon, I will leave the car with them for testing. At least I won't have to call the RAC to start me up on return, but will have to take a cab home.

i will be with my RX400 next week at my lexus dealer to measure the current which is drawn from the 12V Battery in parking mode and we will compare this to other RX400 in order to find out if my car does have a problem.

will keep you informed on the findings

willi

so my lexus service checkt my car and it is acording to specs and they also compared the mesurements to a new one and the two cars are drawing the same current from the 12V batterie.

so the RX400 is drawing around 0,177 Amps from the batterie. all lexus sources i asked are telling that the car should not stay for longer than 10 days without charging the 12V batt to make shure that you can start the car again. the 10 days multiplied by the 0,177 amps resulting in 42Amp/hours, the 12V batt of the RX400 has a capacity (fully charged) of 45Amps/hours so we have a perfect match here.

i was also told that the problem is very well known at lexus but nobody at lexus is taking aktion or at least there is no official statment from lexus to there dealers.