Cymro

On my TT there's always about 4 minutes of whirring & gurgling after I switch off. I didn't know why. Prompted by this thread, I asked on the TT website (it's brilliant - http://www.tt-forum.co.uk/ttforumbbs/viewforum.php?f=2 ) and was immediately advised by the Vice-Chairman of the TT Owners' Club that "It's a water pump for cooling the turbo...". Which begs the question: "Why isn't it necessary on the RX?"

You didn't say whether you cleaned the MAF or the lights just came on. Thanks for your helpful reply. No - I hadn't touched the MAF sensor (a job for 'next week' again!). The lights came on at the end of a long run, when (without switching off) I stopped on a steeply-sloping drive [nose downhill] to let off my passenger, and when I moved off again on the level road, on came the 2 lights. The following day, after filling with fuel, the lights went out - only to return after about 15 miles and stay on. So then to the dealer, who diagnosed the oxy-sensor failure. It wasn't convenient to have the job done then. Of course, with predictable cussedness, in the last few days the lights have gone off again.... ! Thanks again for your reply. May I also thank ColinBarber for his reply. I suspect discretion / timidity will prevail!

Having read with interest this thread about cleaning the MAF sensor on the RX300, Mk 1, I've just been told that I need a new oxy sensor. [That follows a dealer check after 2 warning lights (engine management and VSC) appeared]. The sensor costs £150+, plus fitting. So I wondered whether, like the MAF sensor, the oxy sensor can be cleaned? If so, where is it and how do I get at it to clean it?

Having read with interest the recent thread about cleaning the MAF sensor on the RX300, Mk 1, I've just been told that I need a new oxy sensor. [That follows a dealer check after 2 warning lights (engine management and VSC) appeared]. The sensor costs £150+, plus fitting. So I wondered whether, like the MAF sensor, the oxy sensor can be cleaned? If so, where is it and how do I get at it to clean it?

Depends what you mean by a plate. In my case, the rattle was also caused by a thin metal clip (about 2cms long) which fitted at one end of the brake pad. A retaining lug on the clip had broken, leaving the clip to rattle about. Indeed, I was able to lift it out. I too was worried about safety, and rang my dealer, who explained the function of the clip [which I've forgotten!]. It wasn't a safety issue. so it was ok to drive until they fixed it. Had to replace all 4 clips (I think) on the wheel involved, at a silly price. Can look up details later (not at home now).

Exactly as I had on mine. Frightening at first: noticed it when using rough country roads with window open. Sounded like loose wheel nuts rattling in a metal hob cap - only RX doesn't have hub caps! But it was the brakes. Sorted by dealer.

"It was a "T" piece to the rear of the heater matrix". Thanks - I'll suggest they inspect at forthcoming service. Hope they don't ask any follow-up questions, as I too haven't any idea of what it is!

Yes - noticed coolant level had dropped suddenly to minum [sE-1; 39K]. I check engine fluids regularly (old habits...). Lexus dealer gave me top up coolant f.o.c. and I'm keeping an eye on the level in the header tank. No obvious leak. Due for the expensive 40K service / MOT next month so they can invetigate professionally. I'd be interested to learn the cause of your loss of collant, so I can check.

Thanks to this thread, we seem to have established this: 1. Lexus say " The high voltage battery used for the Hybrid Synergy Drive cannot be compared with conventional car batteries. It uses state of the art battery technology and is designed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle. In the unlikely event that your battery needs changing, your Lexus dealer will take care of that."; 2. But it's only guaranteed for 5 years; 3. The current vat-inclusive price of that 'battery' is £4,037 [but it isn't clear whether that includes the fitting costs or whether associated parts will / should be replaced (as is the case when changing a cambelt) - can Gecco:8 elaborate, perhaps?]. It is, of course, too soon to know what will happen in practice, but not doubt this LOC will keep an eye on reports. If the systems to start failing after just over 5 years then there would inevitably be some impact on residual values.

Shoggy's query [life expectancy of the fuel cells] deserves a more serious consideration and response. The cost of replacing the cells will be a material fact for many private buyers when deciding whether to go for a hybrid such as the 400h. Some of us adopt a policy of buying new; keeping for c.10 years or c.100k miles or major repair costs; and replacing. Thus, if the fuel cells are likely to expire after 8 years or so (or whenever), the cost of their replacement - or the corresponding drop in the trade-in value of the vehicle as it approaches that time - is a major determinant in the decision to buy. So I think Shoggy's pertinent question deserves an authoritative answer. How long will they last, and how much (at today's prices) will replacements cost, installed?

Have a mark 1 RX300, new March 2003. Corrosion appeared on the 4 used wheels after a year or so. Dealer changed the 4 (but not the unused spare). Now out of guarantee (March 2005) but corrosion extensive on front two, and evident on rears to limited extent. Shall be taking in to dealer next week in forlorn hope that they'll change them. Wheels on my TT (2 years older) are perfect. It is possible to make decent wheels. Why can't Lexus?

I should have asked this question some time ago, having had the RX300 mark 1 for the last 3 years... But - am I being "twp" [as we say around here] or is there no hook on which to hang a jacket? The need has surfaced again as the weather improves. Nothing in the handbook. No sign of a hook on the grab-handles at roof level. Yet it's a pretty standard basic fitting - even my 1964 Beetle had two!

Does the wireless on the RX receive stations other than Radio 3, then?

" And I'm also getting a rattle from just by the side of my right ear...." I've also been tortured likewise. In the case of my RX300-1, it's the seatbelt upper securing bolt, which has play in it. Compare it with the front passenger's by tugging it: if there's play on the driver's, then that's probably the cause. I asked for it to be sorted at 20K and 30K services. Was told that they'd tried WD40 or equivalent, which eased the rattle but if it came back [which it did within days] then the car has to be returned because, to tighten the securing point, the head lining has to be removed. Can't face the hassle, but confess that the eattle in my right ear is infuriating!

I'm gald this issue has been raised. Of all the cars I've owned, only the RX300's handbook implies that the tyre pressures do not need to be increased when the vehicle is fully loaded. The pressures (on my RX mark 1) are to be set at 33psi all around, irrespective of load. I too wondered whether that was an oversight: it's not as if the tyres are huge, or are set at a very high pressure. But as no-one has come up with anything to the contrary, so be it. Does anyone know whether the same is so for other 4x4s of about the same size e.g the Merc ML; Range Rover / Discovery; BMW etc? Or is this a lexus-only quirk ... in which case it warrants an explanation!

By way of conclusion, I report on the washing of the cream floormats. Both mats were in the same condition - 2 years' wear, although having been vacuum cleaned fairly frequently. In view of the range of advice which Members kindly offered, I tried both methods: carpet shampoo diluted foam applied with a sponge, and vaccuumed when dried; and the same application (by sponge) of the carpet shampoo foam, immediately blasted off by power washer spray. Obviously, the first method was much quicker overall because it took far less time to dry. The second method took 2 days to dry - one hanging on the washing line, and then in the airing cupboard. Verdict: method 2 wins by a considerable margin! Much cleaner. And no ill effects for the mat. Not surprising, really, given that the majority recommended it as the way to clean the mats. Many thanks to you all.

GOSH! What a site! That was my first post, having just joined the site, and I get three very helpful replies within a short space of time. My thanks to the three kind respondents: I'm most grateful for your advice based upon experience. That's got me hooked on this site!

I have Lexus foot mats in my RX300 Mj 1 (i.e. the additional accessories to protect the original carpeting). They match the carpeting - in an utterly impractical cream colour! Although I hoover them frequently, after 2 years they definitely need a good clean. There is no information about the mats on the reverse side (which is rubberised, I think). I'm tempted to bung the mats in the washing machine and see what happens. But before taking the plunge (so to speak) I wonder whether anyone has done this and can offer advice? Thanks,