robroy

Hi Everyone...

HELP please anyone..

My RX300 (2003model) has developed a nasty water leak from the tailgate...Tried almost everything but still cannot find it.

After a fairly heavy fall of rain a really nice 'puddle' always appears on the nearside rear right on top of the luggage cover.

Tried some sealant along the top edge rubber seal running along the edge on the inside ... Driving me nuts..

Could it be from under the 'roof box rails' ? Any ideas icluding the correct sealants etc would be gratefully appreciated.

Fingers crossed... Roy

This is a recurring thread. I too have had problems with my battery. It seems if you do a reasonable journey everyday then there is no porblem. However, if you do a short commute, such as myself (3M) then the battery discharges and does't recover. I have however done some longer journey's and then come left it overnight and come to a flat battery in the morning. It is also affecting my stereo i.e. sometimes it doesn't work, but after a little run it will burst into life. This is an alternative to just a heavy 'hotel load' and I believe that there is a constant drain which may be coming from a small short somewhere. My guess is the fuse box (dry joint). Its going back to the dealer in Feb as its still under warranty and hopefully then I will get an owners manual and try and figure this out.

I will let you know how I get on.

Hi Malcolm

If you read through all the postings on this problem, you will fall asleep

In a few words.

Check your starter Battery capacity on the Battery label ? Is it 40ah or 70ah ? Mine was a 40 ah and I got it changed to a new 70ah as a warranty.foc. Also check your sun visors .. On the RX300 if the mirror is not closed securely, the light stays on. The car requires a deep cycling/starter Battery around 90 ah ... I have discovered that a Elecsol 70 will fit the tight space with a little bit of persuasion. This is a deep cycling/starter Battery (albeit 70 ah) I have ordered one and I'll post back on here how I get on (If it arrives soon through the snow.) In a nutshell all the poxy batteries fitted by Lexus are to small in the ampere hour capacity department to handle all the toys on these excellent cars if the car is stored for longer than a couple of weeks. Regards Roy

Roy,

The gadget is called an "Engine Starter with air compressor" No branded name. It is a yellow plastic case which has a built in 12 volt battery with a live and negative heavy duty jump leads attached. It is charged either by a mains transformer supplied, or via the 12 v socket through a type of cigarette connection, also supplied. It has an air compressor built in and a good lamp. Mine cast about £25 from The Range in Kidderminster, and I think Halfords, HomeBase etc also stock these.

On the 400h it kicked the "Ready" system in, and I have also used to jump start my SL320 and garden tractor. Happy new year and trust this will give you peace of mind! Linehill

Thanks Linehill, I am on the search... Will keep up with postings as more info is received . We will crack this problem.Roy

I have also ordered (so I am told) the best Battery Charger/Conditioner availabe at present, the Accumate 6/12v Battery Conditioner/Charger..

You could also look at one of these - I have one and can thoroughly recommend them.

They actually take the Battery through 7 levels of charge automatically whilst constantly monitoring the internal resistance of the Battery and adjusts the charge current accordingly.

The charge stages are:

1. Desulphation

2. Soft start

3. Bulk

4. Absorbtion

5. Test

6. Recondition

7. Float

Cheers

The Ed

Hi, Ed, Billy and Linehill.

Thanks to this excellent web site and the exchange of ideas, We will crack this Problem.

Ed. The AGM batteries you mentioned are first class Varta products and the 90 ah product is JUST WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR... Unfortunately it will not fit the existing tray on the RX300/350 . It is to long. I also believe the terminal posts are wrong handed for the older RX300's.. I have fired E Mails off asking more info on the layout....

Obviously, I will make postings as more info comes in... For interest, Varta are now part of Johnson Controls. The same Company that owns Optima... From what I can make out the product line up of these SUPERB batteries is very similar...Also we are getting prices around the £175 each level.. Probably get a better price if we can find what fits ?

Billy and Linehill.... PLEASE can you forward me details of the 'Jump Start' gadget you have both purchased ... ie Where from ? How much? Do you fit a smaller starter Battery in the boot ? etc...

I know I am going on about this problem... My wife has just returned from Hospital following a replacement Hip operation.

The Lexus RX is a superb vehicle for an older person getting in and out of with the hospital supplied metal supports..

The 3 series BMW we have is definitely not advised.. Far to low down like a sports car.....

The beast would not start today (without a jump start in these very low temperatures). If I cannot crack this problem, I have no alternative to get rid of it for a more reliable car (starting issues only) .Dont want to do this as like Linehill I think it is a superb vehicle.... with a) to low a Battery Capacity on ther Ampere Hour side ie low drain and B) To high a quiescent drain from all the live relays supporting all the toys (mainly the alarm system), sun visor lights etc. etc etc. Like Billy I agree that a first class deep cycling Battery around 90 ampere hour would crack this problem. Alternatively Lexus should fit 2 batteries like the Mercedes E and S series ... One Battery for starting and one completely independent to sop up all the drainage from the toys... regards Roy

Hello to Billy and Roy and Editor. Very interested to hear about your opinions on this problem, although there does not seem to be a simple solution like fitting a more powerful battery, I have now got a rechargable jump battery device which I have connected to the 12 volt socket in the luggage area. I now should not be left stranded at 1.a.m. as before! However I hope Lexus feel ashamed that such a superb vehicle has to carry a £25 product to keep it running! By the way have Lexus got the same problem on the RX450h?

Hi Linehill!#

Yes, that is exactly what I have done! It has got me out of trouble many times :)

I don't know about the 450. Perhaps someone else does?

Happy New Decade Everyone.

Billy

Why has the RX400h such a tiny battery? I learned the hard way over Christmas not to be a good citizen and put the parking lights on. The owners hand book does not tell you it will flatten the battery in less than 1 hour and you will not be able to start the car! Brilliant!! My Lexus dealer in Cheltenham told me I should have been warned about this when I purchased the car. Also don't run the Air Con, Sat Nav, Radio/CD etc for long if the engine is not running. Why on earth did Lexus not fit a decent battery with adequate back up power? Otherwise the RX400h is a fantastic car and in over 50 years of driving the best car I have ever had.

Hi Linehill in Worcestershie. Roy here in Warwickshire, next door...

The flat batterryproblem on the RX series is as old as the hills... I have had mine just over 4 years and have been plagued with this problem from the start. If you check on the forums you will pick up many pointers from myself and other users. Alas we have not solved this problem... Maybe this will be helpful...

My RX300 was purchased for summer use only. ie pulling our caravan throughout the UK and Europe.. Cannot fault it. It is a superb tow car and apart from the battey problem , has been trouble free. Shortly after buying it ( and storing it in a well heated garage over the winter,) I realised it would not start... In this case Lexus were very good. I bought the car from Lexus Oxford with the first initial equipment Battery fitted ( a poxy 40 ampere hour Lucas). Lexus arranged for me to take the car to Lexus Coventry as we live in Stratford... Lexus Coventry changed the Battery to a NEW LEXUS 70amp hour Battery which was the largest and only Battery one could fit in the RX frame... Problem solved (nearly) now the car is able to stand for between 3 and 4 weeks .. After that no start on the button is possible.....

As I was employed in a tech position with Chloride for around 26 years, I think I know a little bit about batteries..... This is not really a Battery quality problem.

In a nut shell the 70 amp Battery on an RX 300 or 400 series is just not up to the job of coping with the very high ' Hotel Loads' which discharge the Battery when it is stood... There is virtually no problem with starting in the summer months when the car is used every couple of days or so.. I have today ordered the latest state of the art ACCUMATE charger/conditioner.. Google Accumate Charger and Conditioner and let us all know what you think ! I will put some postings upon the site if I can find any improvements. Money won't solve this one if you find a 90 ampere hour Battery like ambulances fit ( and our 3 series BMW) you still will not be able to shoe horn it into the tight Battery tray.... If anyoner out there has found any improvements with this problem I would love to know how to improve this dreadful design problem

Hi, As mentioned in several previous threads, I also have been plagued by flat batteries in my RX400h

But my problem is that I sometimes leave the key in the ignition switch for too long, maybe 3 hours, and when I go back the Battery is flat. The reason I think is that the solenoid which tilts the steering wheel is drawing power all the time.

My solution is twofold:

1. I always carry a small jumpstart box in the boot which is on permanent charge through the "lighter" socket. This has saved my bacon numerous times!!! ( I am starting to remember to remove the key!!)

2. I have a small security Battery connector, which disconnects the Battery completely when I loosen or remove the nut on the top of it. I can use this if I am leaving the car for more than 2 weeks while on holiday etc.

I believe that Lexus should fit Leisure batteries for Hybrids which don't need high current to start. but allow a longer slow drainage time, but nobody wants to listen to me!!!

Cheers

Billy

I forgot to mention that the downside of disconnecting completely is that all windows and bootlock and radio have to be re-initialised again, but now that I know about it is no problem (but a bit annoying!!)

Hi Billy, Happy New Year. Nice to hear from you again... Like me you have tried almost everything with the flat Battery problem.... As we live (hopefully) in a secure area and we have another car parked behind the Lexus, not only do I never lock the car. I NEVER leave the key in ever.... RESULT still a flat Battery after around 3 weeks parking... Over the last few weeks of freezing weather, this period has gone down to 2 weeks..... In a nutshell the RX does require a deep cycling leisure Battery to increase the time frame down to discharge condition when the car is stood... There has never been an issue (unless someone pops up on here and tells us otherwise) with engine starting... when the Battery is well up to charge my car always start at the first time. When I bought mine (2nd hand) it had a Bluetooth car phone hands free phone system fitted... As the kit married up easily with my Nokia phone I have left it in... Testing the car the other day it appears as though the Bluetooth is live all the time and not through the ignition... Dont want to remove it but I am considering it.

If you get a minute can you briefly go through the procedure of resetting the radio, windows, locks , alarm etc when you shut off all the power with a cut off switch on the Battery.... Cheers Roy

Hi Roy

And a Happy New Year to you :)

To initialise the windows just go to each window and if you look carefully you will see the little LED light flashing on the switch. So open an shut it by holding the switch up while it shuts and the light will stop flashing. Done! You may need to send it up and down a couple of times though. Then test them from the drivers door.

repeat performance for moon roof.

Re boot, just lock and unlock car doors by remote or by switch on drivers door.

I am afraid you will have to retune the radio manually!

I hope this helps.

Billy

Hi Billy.

Thanks for the info.. Will certainly keep it in mind...

Now then , if we keep chipping away at this problem, we all may get some where... fingers crossed.

A couple of points if I am not boring everyone... namely.

1. The best 3 car batteries on plant earth at the moment are :-

OPTIMA bcI 34 ...

SONNENSCHEIN DEEP CYCLING 70AH LEISURE BATTEERY

ELECSOL 70AH, 300a CCA.

I have a Sonnenschein from the caravan and an Optima which I use for jump starting , blowing tyres up etc.

I will have a go at fitting them to my RX to see if I can 'shoe horn' one of them in..... At present I have a damaged hand so this may take some time.

I have also ordered (so I am told) the best Battery Charger/Conditioner availabe at present, the Accumate 6/12v Battery Conditioner/Charger.. This should arrive next week, now that the hols are almost over.

Watch this space and I'll pass on as much info as I can get.... In the meantime , keep those sun visors closed, remove the key, disconnect any Bluetooth phone equipment ... also let us all know if anyone cracks this one.. I do not think however we will get much technical help from the main Lexus Dealers... If I cannot improve the problem before Easter, I feel it will be Good Bye Lexus and hello to a BMW 4x4.

PS Google in the above products and let us know what you think?

Why has the RX400h such a tiny battery? I learned the hard way over Christmas not to be a good citizen and put the parking lights on. The owners hand book does not tell you it will flatten the battery in less than 1 hour and you will not be able to start the car! Brilliant!! My Lexus dealer in Cheltenham told me I should have been warned about this when I purchased the car. Also don't run the Air Con, Sat Nav, Radio/CD etc for long if the engine is not running. Why on earth did Lexus not fit a decent battery with adequate back up power? Otherwise the RX400h is a fantastic car and in over 50 years of driving the best car I have ever had.

Hi Linehill in Worcestershie. Roy here in Warwickshire, next door...

The flat batterryproblem on the RX series is as old as the hills... I have had mine just over 4 years and have been plagued with this problem from the start. If you check on the forums you will pick up many pointers from myself and other users. Alas we have not solved this problem... Maybe this will be helpful...

My RX300 was purchased for summer use only. ie pulling our caravan throughout the UK and Europe.. Cannot fault it. It is a superb tow car and apart from the battey problem , has been trouble free. Shortly after buying it ( and storing it in a well heated garage over the winter,) I realised it would not start... In this case Lexus were very good. I bought the car from Lexus Oxford with the first initial equipment Battery fitted ( a poxy 40 ampere hour Lucas). Lexus arranged for me to take the car to Lexus Coventry as we live in Stratford... Lexus Coventry changed the Battery to a NEW LEXUS 70amp hour Battery which was the largest and only Battery one could fit in the RX frame... Problem solved (nearly) now the car is able to stand for between 3 and 4 weeks .. After that no start on the button is possible.....

As I was employed in a tech position with Chloride for around 26 years, I think I know a little bit about batteries..... This is not really a Battery quality problem.

In a nut shell the 70 amp Battery on an RX 300 or 400 series is just not up to the job of coping with the very high ' Hotel Loads' which discharge the Battery when it is stood... There is virtually no problem with starting in the summer months when the car is used every couple of days or so.. I have today ordered the latest state of the art ACCUMATE charger/conditioner.. Google Accumate Charger and Conditioner and let us all know what you think ! I will put some postings upon the site if I can find any improvements. Money won't solve this one if you find a 90 ampere hour Battery like ambulances fit ( and our 3 series BMW) you still will not be able to shoe horn it into the tight Battery tray.... If anyoner out there has found any improvements with this problem I would love to know how to improve this dreadful design problem

Hi, As mentioned in several previous threads, I also have been plagued by flat batteries in my RX400h

But my problem is that I sometimes leave the key in the ignition switch for too long, maybe 3 hours, and when I go back the Battery is flat. The reason I think is that the solenoid which tilts the steering wheel is drawing power all the time.

My solution is twofold:

1. I always carry a small jumpstart box in the boot which is on permanent charge through the "lighter" socket. This has saved my bacon numerous times!!! ( I am starting to remember to remove the key!!)

2. I have a small security Battery connector, which disconnects the Battery completely when I loosen or remove the nut on the top of it. I can use this if I am leaving the car for more than 2 weeks while on holiday etc.

I believe that Lexus should fit Leisure batteries for Hybrids which don't need high current to start. but allow a longer slow drainage time, but nobody wants to listen to me!!!

Cheers

Billy

I forgot to mention that the downside of disconnecting completely is that all windows and bootlock and radio have to be re-initialised again, but now that I know about it is no problem (but a bit annoying!!)

Hi Billy, Happy New Year. Nice to hear from you again... Like me you have tried almost everything with the flat Battery problem.... As we live (hopefully) in a secure area and we have another car parked behind the Lexus, not only do I never lock the car. I NEVER leave the key in ever.... RESULT still a flat Battery after around 3 weeks parking... Over the last few weeks of freezing weather, this period has gone down to 2 weeks..... In a nutshell the RX does require a deep cycling leisure Battery to increase the time frame down to discharge condition when the car is stood... There has never been an issue (unless someone pops up on here and tells us otherwise) with engine starting... when the Battery is well up to charge my car always start at the first time. When I bought mine (2nd hand) it had a Bluetooth car phone hands free phone system fitted... As the kit married up easily with my Nokia phone I have left it in... Testing the car the other day it appears as though the Bluetooth is live all the time and not through the ignition... Dont want to remove it but I am considering it.

If you get a minute can you briefly go through the procedure of resetting the radio, windows, locks , alarm etc when you shut off all the power with a cut off switch on the Battery.... Cheers Roy

Why has the RX400h such a tiny battery? I learned the hard way over Christmas not to be a good citizen and put the parking lights on. The owners hand book does not tell you it will flatten the battery in less than 1 hour and you will not be able to start the car! Brilliant!! My Lexus dealer in Cheltenham told me I should have been warned about this when I purchased the car. Also don't run the Air Con, Sat Nav, Radio/CD etc for long if the engine is not running. Why on earth did Lexus not fit a decent battery with adequate back up power? Otherwise the RX400h is a fantastic car and in over 50 years of driving the best car I have ever had.

Hi Linehill in Worcestershie. Roy here in Warwickshire, next door...

The flat batterryproblem on the RX series is as old as the hills... I have had mine just over 4 years and have been plagued with this problem from the start. If you check on the forums you will pick up many pointers from myself and other users. Alas we have not solved this problem... Maybe this will be helpful...

My RX300 was purchased for summer use only. ie pulling our caravan throughout the UK and Europe.. Cannot fault it. It is a superb tow car and apart from the battey problem , has been trouble free. Shortly after buying it ( and storing it in a well heated garage over the winter,) I realised it would not start... In this case Lexus were very good. I bought the car from Lexus Oxford with the first initial equipment Battery fitted ( a poxy 40 ampere hour Lucas). Lexus arranged for me to take the car to Lexus Coventry as we live in Stratford... Lexus Coventry changed the Battery to a NEW LEXUS 70amp hour Battery which was the largest and only Battery one could fit in the RX frame... Problem solved (nearly) now the car is able to stand for between 3 and 4 weeks .. After that no start on the button is possible.....

As I was employed in a tech position with Chloride for around 26 years, I think I know a little bit about batteries..... This is not really a Battery quality problem.

In a nut shell the 70 amp Battery on an RX 300 or 400 series is just not up to the job of coping with the very high ' Hotel Loads' which discharge the Battery when it is stood... There is virtually no problem with starting in the summer months when the car is used every couple of days or so.. I have today ordered the latest state of the art ACCUMATE charger/conditioner.. Google Accumate Charger and Conditioner and let us all know what you think ! I will put some postings upon the site if I can find any improvements. Money won't solve this one if you find a 90 ampere hour Battery like ambulances fit ( and our 3 series BMW) you still will not be able to shoe horn it into the tight Battery tray.... If anyoner out there has found any improvements with this problem I would love to know how to improve this dreadful design problem

Hi Roy

Thanks for your comments on the flat Battery posting.

Like myself you seem to be 'electrically minded' and keen to help to solve or improve this very bad design situation with the RX.

Re your comments.

1.Drain from the diode. All OK and noted. Have you any idea what the other high qiescent drains are from the rest of the alarm system ? my feeling still is that the security alarm system is probably the main culprit with this problem.

2. During this rather 'Heath Robinson' test, I never charged the Battery from the alternator. When I checked the car for a start, I immediately switched off.

3. I agree around 100ma from other equipment is around the norm. This figure must be similar on other high quality cars who apparently do not have this problem . Is it back again that Lexus are fitting to small a Ah Battery .... My BMW 3 series diesel has a 90 amp hour Battery fitted (similar to the starter Battery capacity on a standard ambulance.... Never had a starter

problem in the 6 years I have had the car...

4. The only charger I use is a 5 amp constant voltage automatic charger. Never keep it connected all the time...

Since suffering this problem and now learning of the complication of changing a front side light bulb... coupled with the punishment we are having to suffer with the future Road Tax we will be getting rid of the RX during the summer.... A shame really as the car is 'as new' with only 26k on the mileage.

Regards Roy (same name)

Hi Everyone.

No wish to bore anyone with yet more threads on the 'flat' battery situation.. I do feel however that this may be of interest to members who have suffered the battery problem on the RX

Following on from my previous postings, I would confirm. My car is a 2002 RX300. 26k miles .As new.

The car was bought only for use as a caravan towcar during the summer months and like many members I ran into trouble very quickly with a flat battery. The battery fitted was a 40amp hour Lucas

battery (I presume it was the OE fit)... A scream of a complaint about this to Lexus Oxford (where I bought the car) arranged for a 70 amp hour battery (AC Delc Toyota branded) under warranty.

OK so far.

I took the car off the road in November 2007 and I will be taxing it again rom 1st May. The car is stored in my garage adjacent to the house. The car is not locked. (the garage is) and the keys are removed.

I then charged the battery correctly on my electronic automatic charger.

The following are the results.

SAT 8th March ..... Following charge. Voltage 12.75 volts.

SAT 15th March Voltage 12.20 volts end of week 1

SAT 22nd March Voltage 12.01 volts end of week 2

SAT 29th March Voltage 11.80 volts end of week 3 (car still starting OK)

TUE April 1st (No jokes please) Voltage 9.47 volts. No Start . Everything completely dead.

Battery back on charge last night and has come back up OK this morning....

My RX is nothing special, it has all the electronic toys that are standard... I am however concerned that

ALL THE TIME the car is standing the RED FLASHING DIODE on the panel is flashing.

personally I do not agree with this. I feel the flashing red light should only be flashing when the car is locked and alarmed as per my BMW and my previous Mercedes. Not when ever the car is parked without the keys in.

I wonder could this be part of the problem ? Obviously the 40 amp hour starter battery should be replaced with the 70 ah one...

I will investigate the wiring of this diode to see if it can be re-routed... In the meantime guys, any ideas and comments on this would be welcome

Roy

From my stand now, the car will NEVER stand for more than 3 weeks without a freshening charge or a long drive.

A number of points:-

1. The flashing diode is not the cause of any significant Battery drain. This is likely to average only a few millamps. So a minimum of 100 hours per AH Battery capacity.

2. Did you recharge (By engine running?)after the 20th March start? The starting without adequate recharge would account for the subsequent voltage is very low.

3. There is about a 100mA steady drain from other equipment which is much more significant than the diode.

4. Yes, ideally keep charged from a constant voltage 13.6 supply. This will ensure no overcharge to cause premature Battery degradation.

5. Such long periods of inactivity are also likely to cause air-con compressor seal failure.

Regards,

Roy

Hi Everyone.

No wish to bore anyone with yet more threads on the 'flat' Battery situation.. I do feel however that this may be of interest to members who have suffered the Battery problem on the RX

Following on from my previous postings, I would confirm. My car is a 2002 RX300. 26k miles .As new.

The car was bought only for use as a caravan towcar during the summer months and like many members I ran into trouble very quickly with a flat Battery. The Battery fitted was a 40amp hour Lucas

Battery (I presume it was the OE fit)... A scream of a complaint about this to Lexus Oxford (where I bought the car) arranged for a 70 amp hour Battery (AC Delc Toyota branded) under warranty.

OK so far.

I took the car off the road in November 2007 and I will be taxing it again rom 1st May. The car is stored in my garage adjacent to the house. The car is not locked. (the garage is) and the keys are removed.

I then charged the Battery correctly on my electronic automatic charger.

The following are the results.

SAT 8th March ..... Following charge. Voltage 12.75 volts.

SAT 15th March Voltage 12.20 volts end of week 1

SAT 22nd March Voltage 12.01 volts end of week 2

SAT 29th March Voltage 11.80 volts end of week 3 (car still starting OK)

TUE April 1st (No jokes please) Voltage 9.47 volts. No Start . Everything completely dead.

Battery back on charge last night and has come back up OK this morning....

My RX is nothing special, it has all the electronic toys that are standard... I am however concerned that

ALL THE TIME the car is standing the RED FLASHING DIODE on the panel is flashing.

personally I do not agree with this. I feel the flashing red light should only be flashing when the car is locked and alarmed as per my BMW and my previous Mercedes. Not when ever the car is parked without the keys in.

I wonder could this be part of the problem ? Obviously the 40 amp hour starter Battery should be replaced with the 70 ah one...

I will investigate the wiring of this diode to see if it can be re-routed... In the meantime guys, any ideas and comments on this would be welcome

Roy

From my stand now, the car will NEVER stand for more than 3 weeks without a freshening charge or a long drive.

Just got my 2006 RX400h but got a few queries:-

1. The side mirrors are so dark at night i cannot see out of them when reversing.

Before i hit something or someone can anyone tell me how to make them usable and lighten them.

The camera is very good but i need to see the sides as well.

2. Unfortunately i did not get an owners manual can you tell me if you can download a copy.

3. I am really pleased with the car but i am not getting more than 24 mpg over a tank. Is this correct.

I am driving short journeys of about 2 to 4 miles in town.

4. My next job is to get a towbar fitted. the lexus garage in cheltenham is quoting £1100 fitted for a detachable type. Is there any cheaper installers.

Thanks for your assistance

I cannot believe these silly prices for fitting a towbar (and electrics, I presume). I have had my previous 2 towbars plus all electrics fitted by:- MOTA-BARS. 42 MORTON ST. LEAMINGTON SPA. CV325SY. TEL 01926 426382. www.motabars.co.uk.

My last fitting (a couple of years ago) was on my 2002 RX300. The bar was a detachable BRINK (WITH KEY), full electrics with

relay for fridge etc. Price incl VAT £434.75. Super job. Super price . Wouldn't even consider using a Lexus Distributor for work of this kind. For people outside this area, Leamington is a very pleasant place to spend half a day or so whilst the work is carried out... Regards Robroy in Stratford u Avon

Just got my 2006 RX400h but got a few queries:-

1. The side mirrors are so dark at night i cannot see out of them when reversing.

Before i hit something or someone can anyone tell me how to make them usable and lighten them.

The camera is very good but i need to see the sides as well.

2. Unfortunately i did not get an owners manual can you tell me if you can download a copy.

3. I am really pleased with the car but i am not getting more than 24 mpg over a tank. Is this correct.

I am driving short journeys of about 2 to 4 miles in town.

4. My next job is to get a towbar fitted. the lexus garage in cheltenham is quoting £1100 fitted for a detachable type. Is there any cheaper installers.

Thanks for your assistance

Well I am glad you have sort of got things sorted a little bit for yourself, but it would be good to hear that Lexus are working on solving this issue in the longer term.

I wonder what is different on the alarm system between the RX and other models? Has anyone measured the current drain on say a GS or LS - both large cars. If similar to the RX, then why don;t their batteries flatten as quick?

Regarding the booster pack, I pressume that the cable is a thick one. The fact that its only over a short period of time will help, as the cable will obviously get hot, but not for any length of time. I guess its pulsed output or something too not continuous?

Kev,

Thanks for post yesterday. My voltge , car stored in locked garage with key in has hardly moved... I will keep it in this mode for a month or so to see what I come up with before I contact Lexus... The booster pack sounds great... My fear is that it could blow a fuse somewhere in the line... any ideas on this from anyone would be of great interest.

Also a very good point re flat batteries on GS and LS models ! Can anyone out there tell us what the Battery size (Ah) is on these cars ?

Roy

I saw that thing advertised, and in my experience things like that wouldn't jump start a fiat Uno if the battery was dead.

That said, as all you have to do is give the 12V system on the 400h a couple of amps to start the ECU's (the traction batteries actually start the V6), then this product is probably exactly what is required. I'm still on for trying 8 D Cell Duracells though!

I have no problem starting an IS with a 100% flat Battery using a booster pack. think it supplies 900A for 5 secs - more than enough to start the car.

Thanks for replies guys... As you've gathered I intend cracking this nut or creating one hell of a stink..

NOW THEN..So far GOOD news and BAD news.

The good news. Following Kev and Jons replies, I have just come out of the garage where the car (2002 Lexus RX300 with 26k miles whas been stood for over 24 hours with the Ignition key in the lock and a Battery OCV of 12.46v.

The voltage still reads 12.46v.... NO NOTICEABLE current drain whatsoever. I am convinced here that the problem lies in the high

current drain when the car is parked up and locked in the normal way with the keyfob which automatically sends in the deadlock and alarms the car as it should do... I also have a BMW 3 series diesel with a similar system... 3 weeks in Teneriife have been enjoyed with the car stored and secured near B'Ham Airpot .... Started first time.

NOW THEN The BAD news , first the quiescent loads flattening the Battery (40 ah ot 70ah) whilst the veicle is in storage ar FAR to HIGH. None of us can fix this... It requires a complete re-design of the security ignition system and a system introduced with a far lower storage discharge. This should also be coupled with a higher Ah Battery. The smaller BMW 3 series diesel as a 90 ah Battery (the same size as an ambulance Battery.

The comments from Jon have been noted... No, I have never used the automatic Headlight on and off thing. For my motoring this is a feature I can do without.

I will continue to monitor Battery voltage and report back from time to time... From my end I think I have cracked quite wrongly, this problem by storing the car in the locked garage and leaving the dam key in the dashboard all the time the car is off the road.. ie all winter.

WILLIZ over there in Vienna , where are you ? You are the man on these things and with your RX400 have suffered... There are many people over here would love to hear your views on the above.. kind regards Roy.

Before I go... VERY INTERESTED in the 900 booster pack.... However are you happy that the cable with this kit can handle 900A?

If I get the RX nicked the laughs on me !

Hi Guys and Gals

The Battery saga rolls on..... I am so cheesed of with it I am in the throws of jumping ship and going back to Merc... A pity really as I do like the car and it is a super tow car...

To our friends who read my last screed and how I managed a new 70 ah Battery foc out of Lexus Coventry, I thought my problems were at an end.... WRONG after 8 or 9 days untouched and with a voltage of only 11.7v the car would not start.. A jump start soon had it running. This seemed to happen after a couple of frosty nights.

On Monday I 'mothballed ' the car by moving the caravan from in front of the car and putting the Lexus in the garage... Hang on. I noticed something strange..... When I removed the ignition key... and closed all doors BUT DID NOT LOCK THEM... The red security diode still FLASHED.. Put the key back in the lock. Leave everything switched off. Leave the doors unloked... NO DIODE FLASHInG

Everything on the security side inactive.... Goodie goodie from this area NO PARASITIC LOAD from the ignition.

Obviously I am not going to recommend we all leave our cars unlocked and leave the key in the dashboard....... In my case for the time being this is what I am doing... OK the garage is locked, there is a caravan and another car in front of the garage door... I will take regulary voltage readings and dates to see how the Battery discharges... If I come up with something I will report it on the forum immediately.Is it the drain from the security side that is flatening our batteries ?

Could anyone out there help me on a lttle puzzle in this area please.... My worry is... If we disconnect the Battery on the RX and say leave the car overnight, question 1 Do we loose all our memory stored in the radio pre set stations,? 2. Do all other things work OK

things like electric windows etc... 3. Is the Lexus radio coded ? I did this with my previous car (Merc E series E300D 210 model..) I had a devil of a job to reset the windows.

Sorry to ramble on. Like you all I think the way Lexus are trying to put this matter right is a complete disgrace. I would be very nervous of changing my RX300 to a RX400/450 where jump starting becomes a real problem if you are on your own.

Roy

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?

Hi Williz,

Nice to hear from you again. I'm still in your debt for the help you gave me with 'Bluetooth' set up when I bought my Lexus..

The dimensions of my 70ah Lexus supplied Battery are. L 260 W 170 H 204 (H is to top of Battery box not top of posts.)The state of charge magic eye sits near the neg posts. The up and over clamp is the same as originally fitted.

If I had an RX400 hybrid giving the type of problems explained on the site, I would certainly consider carrying another Battery in the rear wired in parallel to the main starter Battery ... care must be taken, if someone wires another Battery in series, I am sure you know the result.... Incidentally if anyone out there is interested this is exactly the problem encounteed by Rolls Royce in the 1970's.

They eventually solved it by fitting the same high spec Battery in the boot, wired in such a way that it was seperated from the main starter Battery (also in the boot) . This Battery handled all the 'hotel loads ie relays, pre-programmed radio. alternator etc.etc. The second Battery was charged from the same alternator but seperated from the drain by blocking diodes... The result was a 100% success.. Maybe Lexus should introduce a second Battery to the RX400 ?

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

OK - how about tax band for RX400h? My disc shows "Alternative Fuel Car" and is priced at £180 - its a Jan 06 car but I only bought it last month and it was taxed last month.....

It shows as Band F but I'm not sure which way it's taxed. Ken Livingstone has kindly exempted me from Congestion Charge for a £10 fee.... How does Gordon Brown see these vehicles?

Jonathan

Edit: Just found answer for myself at DVLA Website.

Alternative Fuel car band F - now £190 - so compared with "normal" cars RX400h owners save £15 per year on car tax!

Thanks Guys for the replies.... What a dog's dinner. I really do wonder who thinks all these weezes up down at the Westminster village.... I have had confirmed by Lexus that both my Lexus RX300 (2002 model) and BMW 3 litre diesel (also 02 model) are Band F and the charges are £205 pa each... If we are careful in our house we may still manage the evening meal... Roy

Hi Guys,

Could some kind soul out there help an old man with info on the new Road Tax for my 2002 RX300SE.?

Last year when I bought the car from Lexus Oxford they taxed it for me. The sum of £190 is written on the tax disc.. The car also had an MOT but no Co2 figure sheet was provided with the MOT certificate

The new list following Gordons rip off budget illustrate :-

Private Light Goods TC11 over 15449cc ... £180.00 for 12 months tax.

Petrol Car TC48 Band E 166-185 Co2 £165.00

Band F Over 185 Co2 £205.00

Band G Over 225 Co2 £ 225.00

The sums of only a £5 or £10 increase on older cars are banded about on the Radio and I am totally confused.

Can anyone give me an idea on what tax I will have to pay on my lovely old RX?

PS My wife has a 2002 BMW 3 litre diesel ... anyone got any ideas on this one. Last years CO2 figures were READING 1.49 LIMIT 1.50

Thanks to anyone who can help

I have just taken delivery of a 2003 Mk 11 RX300 SE Nav from Lexus Croydon and will be getting a towbar fitted at Lexus Hedge End (Southampton) next week.

Normally it is recommended that rear tyre pressures are increased when towing caravans and the like, but I can find no such recommendation in the car's handbook.

Does anyone have any experiences as to whether or not tyre pressures should be increased.

I had a good experience dealing with Croydon, It was a bit sad to see my trusty Honda CR-V go but the RX is in another class so I am well pleased so far.

In the absence of special towing recommendations from your vehicles' manufacturer, the rear tyres should be set to the "fully laden" pressures. Where "fully laden" and "standard" pressures are the same, increase the tyre pressures at the rear of the car by 4 to 7 psi (0.3 - 0.5 bar), cold, compared to the "standard" pressure.

Hi Guys.

We tow a 17ft. Tabbert 540 single axle van with our 2002 RX300. Without a doubt the Lexus is the best towing vehicle we have owned. We moved from a Merc 300TD and it was the best move we ever did.

I always keep the tyre pressures at 32psi front and rear , whether towing or not. I have found that increasing the pressure above 32psi tends to 'bounce ' the car a little and reduce the quality of the ride.

32 seems to suit the car solo and with the van on the back....

If it is of interest I have followed this web site recommendations and I only use Shell High Octane Petrol, since the fuel prices came down... I notice no difference solo or towing HOWEVER, I have been getting 3/4 miles per gallon more on a run (solo) on an run...

Robroy

Well I learned something new about the car today!

All Lexi have an 'open all windows' function where if you press the unlock button on the keyfob twice & keep it held in, the windows all open remotely. Similarly pressing lock twice & keeping the button in closes them. 3 cars over 5 years & I've only just found it out!

It does beg the question why my dealer didn't tell me about this in August last year.

Steve

Interesting one this Steve.

I've just been out to my late 2002 RX300 and tried it with both keys... No chance, nothing happens to the windows. The only control to the windows on my model is that all 4 windows ( and sun roof) open when the key is used as a key in the door lock and turned anti clockwise. When locking the car with the key in the lock turned clockwise , windows and roof close... What niggled me is that the dealer did not tell me this when I bought it.... What do other members think ? Roy

Hi everyone,

Thought this will be of interest...

I reported to Lexus Oxford that my 4 years old Battery was on its last legs and had to recharged every few days.

They phoned me back to arrange for 2 guys to come over to my house (near Stratford) to pick up the car, take it back to Oxford, replace the Battery and deliver it back to me....

Whilst I appreciated this superb service, I asked them if they had a knock for knock agreement with Lexus Coventry which would be easier and cheaper all round .. They said hey would check this out and come back to me.

They phoned back , made arrangements and gave me a name and phone no.

I shot over to Coventry the following day had a new Battery fitted whilst I was taking coffee.FOC under warranty.

There are 2 other points here that will be of interest... I E mailed Lexus UK about the warranty cover on 2nd hand cars bought from the Lexus network... The reply that came back that there was no official warranty period. However one could take out exended warranty if the mileage was under 140k

The other interested point was ... I was convinced the 450 cold cranking amp Battery (45Ah) OE Battery was to small for the car.(I am not the first to be let down with this)

The new Battery I now have fitted is 75Ah with a cold cranking figure (measured accurately of 675 amps)

quite a difference .

I can only assume that the batteries fitted to the newer RX range have been uplifted to handle the electric tailgate etc... A very big improvement.

Service like this is a major reason why Lexus is 'Top of the pops' .. I am very satisfied with my purchase. By the way Lexus Coventry tell me they give a 1 year warranty on 2nd hand cars which does cover the Battery regardless of its age.

Can anyone tell me please details of the used car warranty on used Lexus cars purchased from the Lexus deal network ?

It certainly appears as though a new Battery is required on my RX300. I bought the car from a main Lexus Distributor on the 2nd June 2006.. (02 model)... Am I covered for a freebie replacement ?

Simple fact.

There is an enormous tax on fuel.

If you have a 'gas guzzler'....the more fuel you use, the more tax you'll be paying!

So you're ALREADY paying for your road use.

Hitting easy targets is just cheap politics, like keeping Pensions down......

It's the same as trying to tax 'Road use' with complex schemes about tracking EVERY CAR and charging! The same logic applies. The more miles you drive, the more petrol, ergo the more tax you're paying!

There's even no point in having CAR TAX! Takes a huge amount of people to administer the concept.And the concept of 'the user pays' would have worked.The more you drive, etc......

They WERE going to scrap Car tax about 10(?) years back, but it would have poleaxed Cardiff! So they didn't!

Revolving number plates?

I agree with all the comments made... We will get punished regardless....

What are the views on us paying £1800 pa Road Tax. ? If Comrade Livingstone wavers the congestion charge for LPG vehicles, will our RX300's fitted with LPG still have to pay the full wack or will they pay the normal cost.. What are your views ? ( I think I know the answer but would welcome other RX owners views)

Roy