superwang

Hi All, Just thought I would share my experience with others as the posts in this forum certainly helped me get through my air suspension problem on my 2004 RX300 SE-L at 86000 miles. I made a 3 point turn and heard a loud metallic clunk noise coming from the rear of the car when I reversed. All seemed ok when I drove home that evening. Next morning, I drove the car and the ride was very strange and felt bouncing but steered ok without drifting. I looked down at the dash and discovered the yellow "OFF" light slowly blinking under the H-N-L indicator. When I stopped I could not hear the suspension air pump operating. I turned off ignition then back on and the OFF came on but went out again. but when I started to drive the OFF indicator began flashing again. I read the posts of Chris Kaye and others and assumed the suspension ECU had gone into safe mode to protect the pump. However, the suspension remained stable and level in the N position and stuck in the N setting. All this did happen and Chris was correct. I took the car to my local garage who plugged in a diagnostic reader and discovered the code C1714 present in the system. This was defect on Rear Nearside height sensor. I was quoted approx £400 for a new Lexus sensor or £250 for a used Ebay supply. However, on closer inspection the mechanic noticed a metal piece on the rear sensor was broken and after a bit of basic engineering, fabricating a metal repair the assembly was put back together and system tested. The ECU did not need to be cleared by disconnecting the car battery as the pump just started to level up the car again. minor adjustments were made and the Yellow OFF blinking disappeared and the up/down switch became active again raising and lowering the car as it should. A test drive proved faultless and a final bill for £97 sent me on my way with a large smile knowing I had a lucky escape of not having to pay a mega large bill for a pump, sensors or air bag struts. A simple fix indeed after my initial concerns. Many thanks to all who posted on here it certainly helps anyone to steer in the right course in problem solving without running off to the Lexus main dealer every time. Phil

Hi everyone, I have just purchased a 2003 RX 300 SE-L with air suspension fitted. I plan to fit new tyres but a friend commented at the time of the tyre fitter fitting the tyres, I would have to switch off the air suspension system. and there is a switch hidden somewhere? Is this true and if so why? can anyone help explain. does jacking up the car interfere with the air suspension? many thanks Phil

Thanks for your info guys, As a point of interest I phoned Lexus dealer today and they confirmed a 95AH Battery is best for the is300 especially in winter when a large loading would occur.....cold winter starts, heated seats, demisters, lights, and air con used to defog all being used. However, they could not give any specific sizes but suggested as a tip, I buy correct battery from a Toyota Dealer as its cheaper say £85 as opposed to £200 plus for genuine Lexus Fitment from Lexus dealer. The average price I find from battery suppliers is £88 so the Toyota deal is quite good. Thanks Phil

wow!!!!.........serious money Chris.... My car done 74000 miles and had new cam belt and water pump fitted at 63700. Lexus Dealer in Cardiff said the service book indicates a 10yr full service but, just a routine full service would do... all Lubs etc (no belt/pump etc) around £450 If I travel the 120 miles round trip to Lexus dealer, the fuel will cost ??? so to add to the cost on the day. My main Toyota dealer is a 3 minute walk away. is it a 'no brainer' ? lol I was just concerned the Toyota service would be say.....a little inferior in quality and attention to detail? I could have the day at Cardiff shops with the wife while waiting.........that may rack up the cost to £950 lol Thanks Phil

Hi everyone, Apologies if this is repeated but cannot find battery data for my car on here, so any help appreciated. I recently purchased my is300 Sportcross and very pleased. While cleaning the engine area, I noticed a Halfords HB005 car Battery fitted. The Halfords Battery data is as follows..... AH - 60 CCA - 450amps Reserve - 105 amps L 232 x W 173 x H 225 On search the internet for correct battery suppliers give conflicting advice and data for the correct size and rating. It appears, my car may have an is200 (2.0Ltr) saloon car battery fitted? My car is the is300 (3Ltr) engine and some suppliers recommend the following battery AH -95 CCA - 830amps L 306 x W 173 x H 225 This battery is much bigger in power and physical size. Does anyone know if the bigger battery is correct and will it fit my car as the battery holding base is like a moulded unit to accommodate battery? Winter is coming and to start a 3 Litre engine I need the correct rated battery but I seem to be confused.com !!! Many thanks Phil

Hi, Found this on Ebay........its shows the style of dog guard but not the actual vehicle....need to read the whole advert. It may be of use to you as it seems quick fitting and easy removal. see link below http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dog-Guard-for-Lexus-IS-Sport-Cross-2001-2006-/120831558720?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Touring_Travel&hash=item1c221f4440 Phil

Hi, I only owned my Lexus is 300 auto about 10 days and been driving everywhere buying loads of petrol............. I too noticed the fuel nozzle cutting off repeatedly. so the solution was to reduce speed of the trigger fuel delivery and hold the nozzle just into filler hole and at an odd upwards angle . now works and fills easy ok each time no cut offs. Always use Esso and tried both Esso 95 ron and 97 ron. the car seems to prefer and perform better on standard 95 ron petrol so I stick with 95. My only concern is the fuel system cleaning and fuel injection performance.....yes, 97 ron got more detergents. does anyone think when I used the 97 petrol the detergents were doing their stuff and actually cleaning the system, hence I noticed the funny unsmooth engine feelings to drive? is a fuel tank additive any good to try for a cleaner fuel system or just fill a tank full of 97 now and then? thanks Phil

Hi thanks for replies .....most interesting. I chat to a Toyota dealer mechanic today and he states Toyota can do any service, easily get the parts but only have access to some diagnostics reading levels as Lexus block full access. He say I'm better of going the 60 miles to the Lexus dealership and get a proper job done with no restrictions or worries especially as they have a maintenance care service plan to pay monthly etc......at least the engine oil will be hot for the oil change etc lol!! so I guess this extra news now fully answers my initial question...its Lexus dealer every time ! thanks Phil

Thanks for the valued information. The coolant level has at last stabilised and just expands up and down as reported. Does anyone know if one can buy 'ready-mixed' coolant from Lexus or Toyota dealers. The user manual states to buy Toyota coolant. Thanks Phil

Hi everyone, As a new club member and proud owner of a 2001 Lexus is300 Sportcross auto, I am looking to have a 'Full' Service done at a Lexus dealership. However, my nearest is 60 miles away but I have a Toyota Dealership just 60 yards away !!! I called in the Toyota service department and asked did they carry out a proper service on a Lexus? The manager said yes they could service but not able to carry out any diagnostics reading or resets, only Lexus main dealer can do that job. Is that the case or is it because my car is an older model? Toyota make the car using Toyota parts. I though Toyota would be able to plug into my car a diagnostic unit to read the car for defects etc. By the way, I am looking for the diagnostics socket but cannot locate? Anyone know the secret location of this on my car please? Thanks for any replies Phil

Hi, I just buy my 2001 is 300 Sport cross auto and the coolant level was near bottom of sight glass tank when engine cold. no overheating and engine performed faultless for about a 200 miles trip. I checked inside engine oil filler cap no sludge, checked dipstick no contaminants just clean oil. So I topped up bottle with coolant to just below the top level mark (say 1/2" below the top mark) and drove car a few miles.. inspected when hot and coolant level gone up above top limit mark. a few hours later, I checked the level again and it was 1/4" lower than my previous cold level after the top up. so topped up again. no apparent coolant leaks anywhere. I was wondering if the coolant level was supposed to increase when engine hot then drop back when cold ??. I did think I overfilled but the level dropped back when cold. can anyone confirm this expansion of coolant level is normal please? I will monitor the levels closely this week. Thanks Phil

Hi Everyone, I am just a new member and just buy my 2001 Lexus is300 Sportcross, which I cant fault except....the dreaded Satnav problems. I have searched this forum exploring satnav info and advice but cannot find an answer to my problem.... so, my satnav opens and closes ok and a 'Lexus' screen flashes on and off, then a message shows DVD unable to read data then nothing more. then the panel buttons by handbrake lever do not function accept off?? I found the DVD unit in the boot by the spare wheel, it contained a copied disc of maps and the machine rotated/ loaded ok. My main question is.....Lexus dealer can sell me a dvd disc of updated maps for £150 however, from what I am learning the master default first issue map dvd disc should be loaded first, and the £150 update maps disc to follow / load afterwards. How can I discover my model/type number for a 2001 year is300 car? How can I obtain a copy of the first master disc? is ebay my only hope? any help, advice and guidance most appreciated as I get the feeling we are saturated with satnav problems on here. Thanks all for a good interesting forum. regards Phil