TO ramsascooby ,I don't know what kind of problem you have with your lexus but i can help you by answering your second question,
You can disengage your RWD motor by turning your traction control off. but you'll have to do these steps every time you start your car ( at least until you figure out your problem ).
NOTE: i read about this method in a forum and was posted by a Toyota mechanic for CAMRY models, i tried it and now i can have FWD or AWD without traction control,
How to do that :
WARNING: The RX has open diff(s) on all wheels ! with that amount of power and torque wheel spin will occur on slippery tarmac & wet roads and your Lexus will understeer SO BE CAREFUL ( DO IT ON YOUR OWN RISK ) !!!!!!!
Method 1 ( FWD Maintenance Mode )
1- put your key in the ignition and switch to on BUT DON'T START THE CAR
2- press and hold the brake pedal ( until the end of the process )
3- GEAR IN PARK - fully press the throttle and release 2 times
4- GEAR IN NUTRAL - fully press the throttle and release 2 times
5- GEAR IN PARK AGAIN - fully press the throttle and release 2 times
6- DONE - the information display should show the following message ( FWD Maintenance Mode ).
7- you can start your car now and release the brake, only traction control is off now but in FWD only ... just turn the ignition key off and re-start your car and every thing is back to normal ( AWD with traction )
Method 2 ( FWD Certification Mode )
1- put your key in the ignition and switch to on BUT DON'T START THE CAR
2- press and hold the brake pedal ( until the end of the process )
3- GEAR IN PARK - fully press the throttle and release 3 times
4- GEAR IN NUTRAL - fully press the throttle and release 3 times
5- GEAR IN PARK AGAIN - fully press the throttle and release 3 times
6- DONE - the information display should show the following message ( FWD Certification Mode ).
7-you can start your car now and release the brake, only traction control is off now but in FWD only ... just turn the ignition key off and re-start your car and every thing is back to normal ( AWD with traction )
Let me know if it works,
Cheers,
