RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Do AWD's have the power/snow switch?

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Old 02-28-11, 09:50 PM
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JRDroid
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Default Do AWD's have the power/snow switch?

I was sold a RX300 today and was told it was an AWD but it seems like this switch was the traction control for the FWD model. Did I get duped?
Old 02-28-11, 10:06 PM
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Carver
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You could look under the car to see if there's a drive shaft to the rear. You should whip over to lexus.com and register your car. You will be able to see every service it's had in it's life at a Lexus dealer.
Old 02-28-11, 10:44 PM
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thug9030
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I highly doubt it but i could be wrong. if you dont see the button that says snow on then you do not have it
Old 03-01-11, 01:01 AM
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salimshah
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Lexus did away with the switch within few years of introduction.

improved emission, if I am not mistaken.

Salim
Old 03-01-11, 10:39 AM
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LA4Mead
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Mine is an early '99 2WD: It has the three-way toggle switch labelled ECT which toggles through to select PWR/Normal/Snow.
My 2WD has a separate switch in the center stack to disable the traction control TRAC on/off button (option on 2WD and not available on 4WD on the early model years).
Different models had different configurations of these switches, and later ones had VSC.
The best and most reliable way to check for 4WD is by looking under the car for the very obvious driveshaft down the center to an obvious differential between the rear wheels. If you've got lots of empty space instead of seeing these, it's 2WD!
You can also check the VIN online. 2WD has a "G" in the 4th digit. I think 4WD should have an "H", but I'm not sure what the letter is other than G.
Old 03-01-11, 07:01 PM
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carguy07
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Originally Posted by JRDroid
I was sold a RX300 today and was told it was an AWD but it seems like this switch was the traction control for the FWD model. Did I get duped?
Your VIN will answer your question.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/2771654-post5.html
Old 03-01-11, 09:46 PM
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JRDroid
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Originally Posted by carguy07
Your VIN will answer your question.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/2771654-post5.html
Thanks! AWD confirmed!
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