Chosen One

Thankfully we live in a crimefree area, although I can see what you mean.  In addition to the standard Lexus alarm system I've fitted a tracker which is very well hidden, which has a feature in it that enables me to not only trace the whereabouts of the car, but I can disable the ignition from my mobile phone which turns off the engine etc.  So even though a thief might take the car I don't know about it, I can do something about it. 

On ‎29‎/‎04‎/‎2018 at 1:04 PM, SLACKBLADDER said:

You can get chrome covers for them check out eBay or Google 

I've fitted them on my RX400h together with door handle and light trims from https://www.direct4x4.co.uk cost about £100

Years ago trackers were about £200 a go and more, it wasn't until my daughters car was stolen (and burnt out) that I thought of looking into them and was surprised at how inexpensive they were now.  Like you my house is covered by cameras, unfortunately they're no good when the car is in Manchester or anywhere else than outside my house.  Regarding confidence, I am a lot happier knowing where my car is simply by going online and looking at the display on the website, and also that  can disable the car should  need to.  If a thief wants to drive MY car at 130 MPH I don't mind cutting the engine on him, although it can be done so it only cuts the engine when going under 12 MPH.  Do a search on amazon (other sites are available) and it will show you alternative sellers who do have them in stock.  I have the 'B' version which has a remote fob, but that doesn't really do much (I just like gadgets).  Here is part of the display of my car being moved from the secure parking to the Airport and some of my journey home after returning from Spain last month, each of the dots indicates date/time.

The tracker notifies you when the door is opened, the ignition is turned on; as well as other features, and as to whether the signal can penetrate the container, I wouldn't know. but would it end up in a container AND on board a ship in less than an hour after being stolen, I doubt it. But I do know that I knew where my car was exactly in the UK whilst I was in the south of Spain. I  But then if you immobilise the car in the first place,  

It is the TK103B from amazon for £29.59 here is the link to Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DEZU6FQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1   It's easy enough to fit, obviously I'm not say saying where mine is located, but I know it will never be found.  There is a web link they provide that enables you to locate the movements of the car (and its history).  You insert a SIM card into the tracker (I used Giffgaff)  and then with your mobile send a text to the tracker and it will reply, there are many instructions you can send with this method. I leave my car at the Meet & Great parking when on holiday and wondered where they parked it, (is it really in a secure place) and yes it is as I monitored it whilst abroad, and knew it never moved.  One of the features is that the car engine can be 'Cut off' remotely, this bit was out of my skills and had to employ an Auto Electrician (finding one that was prepared to do this wasn't easy but I found one).  So if my car is stolen I can cut of the engine power, or when I park the car I could ensure it never started in the first place.

I've fitted a tracker to my RX400h and one of its features is that I can track the movement of the car and more importantly immobilise the engine by sending a text from my mobile.  Best money ever spent.

As you look at the panel, underneath along the edge nearest you there are 3 square holes, insert a medium size screwdriver blade and gently prize it open, as there are small plastic clips fixing it to the underside.  The rear of the panel is only located into 3 holes in the back so just lift out by pulling forward.  Don't forget to unplug the connector for the little light.

My RX400h 2005 suffers from the same problem of a flat Battery.  I have put up with recharging it overnight, for it to be flat again after a few days.  As it was about 6 years old I replaced the Battery with a genuine one from Lexus to no avail. Fitted solar panels to the spoiler, that helped somewhat, but still flat Battery after a few days.  Latest trial was to fit a secondary Battery in parallel in the luggage area of the car, early days yet but will provide feedback when I know more.

I've used the suction type dashcam for a few years both back and front just in case.  I have recently installed a different type from amazon called  'Hidden Dashcam' it's located behind the rearview mirror so I don't have to worry too much about it bein nicked if I leave it when away for some time.  It doesnt have a screen, but how ofter do you need to look at the screen anyway?  A micro card is used and the recording can be viewed on your mobile.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HO24KPM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1P2AFSCM3WVVR&coliid=I34DB0ABZJEOOC&psc=1

7 hours ago, DanD said:

You may be right. I take it I would need one for the front and one for the back?

Which have you got and how easy was it to install?

How is the Headlamp unit on the RX400h fixed in, I can only see two bolts on the top, are there any more elsewhere?  I want to update my bulbs and I think it would be an easier job with the whole unit out.

Where is the fuse for the fuel pump located, is it under the dash or in the engine bay?

Sorted, As suggested it disables the powered back door so it can't be opened.  Odd really as all I used to do when I didn't want the back door open was NOT to press the button on the dash or key fob.  So seems to be a it of wasted plastic and wires.

Don't know anyone called Cliff, but a Garry will do nicely.  :-)

I'll give that a try, so see.

What is this button for?  Found I just inside the edge of the glovebox.

I had the problem of rubbish Lexus R400h Battery too.  Using solar panels worked but meant having to store when not in use or driving, so my solution was.  The power point was fixed to permanent live, I dismantled the panels, fitted them into the rear spoiler with a control panel fitter between the panels and the power point.  I can then rely on the daylight to do the work for me.  It isn't 100% but it is far better than it used to be. 

If all else fails I carry around a Battery booster/starter which starts the car in seconds, which is better than waiting 20 min.

Tony

Not read all the replies but have also suffered from a 'Lexus Battery' illness. Had power outlet fixed to permanent live cost £25 installed Solar panels into the rear spoiler with a regulator in the boot with a feed to the power point, this has reduced the drain by 75% also carry around a booster costing about £70. Follow my profile and look at my pics.

Just had my Cam belt AND tensioner changed AND an MOT done for £397 inc VAT at my local Lexus dealer. :-)

To get round the problem of the poor Battery that is fitted to the RX (I've got the Rx 400h 1995) tried the trickle charge method, which was fine when at home, but no good if parked at the airport when on holiday. Eventually I went down the route of using solar panels, which worked that well that I fitted them into the rear spoiler, Not had a single discharge problem since. Just search for my posing 'Solar Charged RX400h' or something like that.

I had exactly the same problem a couple of years ago, the answer was A MOTH, as soon as I got him out problem solved.

Yes it is only the RX400h that is effected by the poor/weak/small/cr@& Battery, no other model (that I'm aware of or care about).

It's drifting off topic because of BoxBrownie mentioning boats

Shouldn't think so, I 'm near Chester, so not exactly known to be a colder than normal area, nor along the coast. It's just that RX400 batteries are CR@&, even my local dealer admits it, it's a bit like the metal used for the wheels, they did nothing about it.

Snag is the extra weight of the Perspex could make the opening of the rear door difficult on the electric motor, I had to keep the weight down.

Batteries are still CR@& :megaangry:

I didn't know about boats using solar, but it again makes sense, I will not be surprised at the arrival on the market of a 'vehicle' where the whole roof is a solar panel and the size of the Battery is a fraction of what it is now.

And Dan, I do hope by saying that has given your car the kiss of death.

Not possible to have a single panel due to the curve of the surface. I have them recessed in order to reduce drag.

Why I had to do it? Because the RX Battery is CR@&

I can't see Lexus bringing out a mod, but I can see a car in the future having it as standard, enough power is produced to actually start the car :hocus-pokus:

Patent is possible, but more guidance is available should someone want to do it.