We have 2008 RX350 with 14000 mi.
We've noticed that the air flow dirction changes by itself.
Is this normal?
We usually have it down ward and when we are driving without any changes on A/C or fan, it would automatically changed to upper airflow mode.
Anybody had similar problem?

Also when we drive slight down hill, the transmission would take a few second to kick in when we accelerate(a brief raise in RPM occur at the same time). Is this a sign of transmission problem?(transmission slippage?)

 

1) the air flow is normal. it determines where to put the air automatically depending on the temperature of the cabin and of the air temp. the higher the air temp, it will point downwards, the lower the air temp, it will point it towards passengers.

2) that is the hesitation with the transmission. A common problem that cant be fixed.

 

Thanks RXSF.
When you mention the hesitation with transmission, do you have a same problem with your RX?

 

yes, you learn to live with it. it is a design fault that is very common with the 5 speed. however, i believe its even better in the 350 than it is on our (my) 330s. you might feel that the transmission takes a few seconds to actually engage the next gear, and you will feel a litle jolt in the process as it catches that gear. its a very dim-witted and slow transmission. as i said, you learn to live with it.

If you still feel uncomfortable with it, they can reflash the tranny ECU. This often helps because the tranny "learns" your driving techniques, and if you have multiple drivers, this may confuse the car with the two styles. You can tell your lexus dealer to do this, and it will be just like when you bought it. some CL members say that after they reset it, and if they drive vigorously for a while, then the tranny is better

 

Thank you RXSF for your info.