jumbojake

we had the same problem with our Rx450h ... after a lot of searching, both my own and from someone on here, the conclusion is the only good solution is a genuine one  ... try Lexus Parts Direct, they were a little cheaper.

There are nearly alternatives, but  they don't quite meet the spec, either in terms of size or safety ... for me, it wasn't worth the risk on the safety side.

time for a dumb question on a Friday ... but MOT tomorrow, hence a little panic ....

How do you replace the rear wiper blade on a Rx450h (3rd gen).... I've had a look and can only figure you turn off the ignition with the blade facing down, then extract/replace the rubber... but seems like a hack to me

What's the official way ?   I cannot see any mention in the user guide

I've had some frustrating sales & service related issues in Canterbury, and a service issue in Tunbridge.... but really good service experience so far in Maidstone... weird as they are the same group of companies... I expect purely down to specific people rather than company policy.

best to speak (email) to them direct, as listings on their website are very limited... they have the full stock available and I've found them to be helpful.  Sometimes good value, sometimes not, but typically my first place to check  to set the baseline price.

get a quote from lexus parts direct.... you'll get the part number confirmed, plus a comparative prices for genuine.... I've found them to be competative to after market stuff.

I had the same with my IS200d when nearly new..... the dealer wasn't interested, apparently outside the warranty.   But I spent some time with some felt tape and things improved dramatically... still creaks as the seasons change, lean on the middle console, knee of the door card  etc .. but I agree, really frustrating, especially in an otherwise very quiet car.

My wifes' 2015 Rx450h is solid, but a demo 2018 Rx450h was terrible

if you want genuine, give lexus parts direct a look .. send them a question and they'll respond... usually with some discount off official prices.

I have a genuine one for m IS200d, got it from Lexus Birmingham's eBay store, but I don't think they run that anymore.

Good response and I agree about treading carefully... but this website is linked from Lexus UK site, as the location for non franchised service and repair (to meet EU rules). Lexus do have a reputation for dodgy initial s/w releases as we did see in the US a couple of years ago, it’s just a shame they have taken this approach in the EU as it appears an underhanded way to collect field issues prior to dealers using it.  They can waive their responsibilities due to warnings and collect revenue to replace units in faulty states. As I said before, this site is genuine, but wait until after dealers have been using it for a while, get the bug fixes version, not the beta.

sadly, I have seen this approach across the whole software industry.... years ago we would test to destruction, then release to the wild and find some obscure fault we never considered in test.  Now the world has followed the microsoft model of release early and capture those real life issues faster.... call it efficient if you like, but  the danger is brand damage as a result and a shame to see Lexus has again gone this way (remember the huge problem in the US a couple of years ago).

This is of course an official release, but it might be a 'beta' version, and when the dealers get it, some of these bugs will have been fixed, thanks to the keen techies out there playing with it first.  For me, from what I see across the software industry (my world is Telco), I would hold back on a new release (whatever the product)... lets them iron out bugs first.

I believe there is a company in Thailand who makes and sells them ... for most of us here, we purchased via Michael in Australia... really nice chap, who we fear is no longer with us.

This is the only link I can find now , not sure if manufacturer or another retailer (google translate isn't perfect) .... you may need to ask them what variant you need for Lexus  - http://www.po-40.com/prod_data/rcm_index.html

we had something similar on our Rx, was only 1yr old at the time.  Luckily the dealer agreed it was covered under warranty and replaced the media unit.. apparently over £3k to replace .... just for a 50 pence fan!

For us, the noise would start after driving for some time... more quickly when we had the media unit running (screen, radio etc)... exactly the sound of a worn cooling fan.

if it happens again (now out of warranty), I would look to see if possible to fix myself... plenty of instructions around for pulling out the media unit, before having a better look.

to be fair, I had the same issue with my IS a few weeks after I bought it (2yr old at the time), Lexus dealer said trim issues are not covered by warranty and sent me away.

I found a simple fix, with some felt tape, took me 5mins... that dealer would have retained by business if they could have been bother to help.... soon learn the good and bad ones.

I suspect that's why Toyota spent nearly 40 years developing the prius... they knew it needed to be bomb proof.   the good thing is that it is rare to hear of any problems.   Just be thankful Rover didn't design it

as above, the whole system is designed around the traction Battery.

The traction Battery is used to start the engine... the engine itself has little power at low revs (have a google for atkinson cycle engines), so needs torque of the electric motors  to get the car moving.

If you have concerns, have a look around on these forums for any problems, and for more history look at the same for the Prius ... Battery issues are very rare and if you keep up the yearly check (£56) then it is covered for 15years.   The biggest common gripe is brake calipers... that's one job you can easily do at home.

we had an NX as a loan car for a week ... and agree, despite all the toys and quality interior, it didn't feel like a Lexus to drive, it was ok, but a bit harsh ... I wonder how the ride compares to the Rav4 ?

the PO-40 is a single unit for the car, all done from the drivers door.  The unit is universal, I used it on my IS220d, but I I found the instructions for the Ford more useful than those for the IS250.... as the Ford one details each wire's function.. that way I would relate it to the Lexus wiring diagram for my model (the colours were different).

Install is ok, just need to be careful with the trim and patient and logical with the connections... I no longer have to go back to the car to check I locked it!

Happy to help, just fire a PM and I'll send over what I have,

yes, he had some serious health issues when I spoke to him, maybe 4years ago, shame as a very decent chap

The single unit does the whole car... I do not see why it will not work for the GS ... all it does it pickup on the lock signal and inject a fold/unfold to the mirror... should work on any car with manual folding mirrors.

I found the instructions were slightly out, but after a study of the Lexus wiring diagram and some help from the chap in Australia, all sorted ... best mod I have ever fitted!

we had the same with out Rx... AA put a plug from the outside, and sent us on our way to a tyre shop for a proper puncture repair.  AA chap said we were safe at 50mph, so pretty much the same as a spare for a basic puncture,..and avoid the goo if that's what you have

My mate learnt the hard way to NEVER put lubrication on spark plug threads ... it's something people used to do with cast iron heads (copper grease) .. to avoid them rusting in... but with an soft alloy head  it is very easy to strip the threads.... made an easy job very hard, and expensive!

looks like the premium option has lost the Takumi seats, but gained a big screen .. for much lower price... I like the new price, but shame to loose the seat upgrade.

My decision for an ES is delayed due to employment stability.... so at least if I don't like the new, there should be some further reductions on nearly new 2019 stock.

I've used them for both our cars (IS200d and Rx450h) for service parts ....  on the whole great service. 

Only thing is to double check is the correct parts listed .... they tried to sell me the wrong engine oil for my IS200d .... but other than that usually very accurate and very competitive prices

I went for the thinkware... it's a bit pricey, but very discrete, superb quality..... not a fan of nextbase... seems to be fashionable in the UK, good prices, but limited specs

100% Agree with Herbie, don;t go anywhere near Halfords to fit anything ...... it is straightforward for DIY, but if you are nervous, then an auto electrician will do a great job in 30mins.. shouldn't cost too much

I thought about using the pump I use for the diff, but the engine oil is so thin I wasn’t sure about control, plus doing that for 6litres is a real faff... first time I’ve used 0w20 oil, it’s like water... still saved a fortune over the dealer doing it

Agree with Herbie ... they look like a universal  aftermarket kit ..... if they were properly integrated into the dashboard it would look better.

I get the benefits of varying angles, but a mirror is pretty simple ... but the need is small (in my eyes) .... beyond auto dimming at night, I cant recall wanting any improvements to a mirror

it will take a few years before these become a thing... but cars are already becoming more 'self aware' with self driving capabilities... this feels like a bit of tech that is too late