tomrx330

Quote from Edmund forum:

..... a recall notice for SSC3LE issue. Quotes from the notice:

Condition - certain early 2004 model year rx330, due to manufacturing error in the 2 exhaust manifold converter assemblies, an abnormal noise could be generated from exhaust system.

Lexus will - replace at no cost.....


Thank you for sharing,

parula

Tom it is my understanding that a law passed by congress granted manufacturers about an 18-month grace period until making their repair information available to the public. You may not be able to see a TSB for a 330 for a year and a half if that is correct.

Lexmexico

I had a similar issue with my RX300. A welding torch took care of that problem.

tomrx330

EOM

parula

Lex, what year was/is yours, I am wondering if they fixed it by '03?

Lexmexico

Mine is a 99 AWD.

There is an accordion piece below the engine on the way to catalytic converter. Usually on the top in the middle of this accordion section it rupture. A while back, fellow Club Lexus member posted a picture of the fix. It seemed like a brushed aluminum, cross-hatched piece that fit over the damaged area. I was not impressed with this fix. I figure even if they did this or replaced it, it would still break and cause problems.

Usually you would hear a slow fart-like sound (really) from below the engine when you accelerate at low speed 20-30 mph. I used to think it was my injectors until I took a closer look. A mechanic and I joined with fun in taking a welding torch to the damaged area and fixing the problem once and for all.

LexusTech

Yes the 330 manifolds are replaced under warranty,and depending on the condition of the manifolds you may get a free oil change with the service campaign.

That RX300 exhaust issue is different,a pipe was the cause and not the manifolds. Pre 2000 or 2001 RX's had a flex joint on this pipe that was very prone to breakage. An improved part using a different flex joint design (stainless-steel mesh overlay,like in good aftermarket flex joints) came out. Almost all the front pipe replacements I've done were covered under warranty,and the new style pipe was always used.

parula

LexusTech, tks, I upgraded to the '03 to lose the problems on the '99, glad to hear they fixed this one too.

Lexmexico

It depends. I had a few 2003 friends who had to get that part replaced. My being in Mexico negated the fact that I could do it, so I just welded the part shut.

parula

LexM, argghhh I can't believe they didn't fix!!

But having been in remote areas of Mexico maybe it's the roads there jimmying the parts loose, I hope.

If I ever have the chance to get back to Mexcico I'll look you up and buy ya dinner, tks for your posts and input.

Lexmexico

There are no Lexus dealers in Mexico whatsoever, just Toyota. They cannot even order parts for any Lexus, even if I enter a Toyota part number into a Toyota computer. Amazing, ain't it. Anyway, you learn to do your own mechanics here, and it beats paying Lexus service prices. The service manual was the best investment I ever made into my car. Lexus will be testing in October, and will arrive after NAFTA kicks in on Jan. 1, 2004, so hopefully they can make amends.

Funny story but really good. Last night I was at BMW here to see the premiere of the new 5-series in Mexico. Strangely enough, a fellow American pulled up in a brand new 2004 LX470. It is extremely rare to see a Lexus this far south in Mexico. According to a friend in the government, there are only about 5 Mexican plated Lexuses, and about 30 with people here under work permits (like myself). Anyway, BMW thought the 5-series was the car, when in fact more people were turned on by our two Lexuses and began asking all sorts of questions to both of us. The BMW guys were absolutely steamed

I also have a friend with TWO SC-430s here, and he swears that several people have bumped into other cars taking the time to look at his vehicle. I should know, because one person was a guy I work with

When Tom Cruise's Minority Report came out, two guys in front of me at the movie were saying in spanish, "I bet we will never see a Lexus here." I almost took them up on the offer.

When Terminator 3 came out, similar situation to Minority Report, there was a Lexus SC430 in the movie, and similar words were uttered, "I bet we will never see one of those, MUCH LESS TWO" My friend did take those people up on the bet

Parula, do come down, I will even show you the only place in the world where you have a drive-in volcano (extinct of course), here is a link: http://www.vivanatura.org/TolucaPhotoVl3.html

parula

LexM, it sure is great to hear LX once again one upping BMW!!

Mexico is a beautiful country, I sure hope to get back there, will look you up Lex, and bring a case of synth.!

Keep your baby running well there !