Is there an updated program to raise transmission shift points to improve drive ability?

 

is your RX in ECO mode?

Salim

 

the car is an F Sport with 8 speed. I can’t find a way to choose a non eco mode.

 

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this car does not have the eco sport **** shown in the video.

 

The eco green light that appears off and on your dash usually is just an indicator that you are driving efficiently for good gas mileage. It is on all Lexus models I believe. It does not mean anything about what mode you are in.
Have you searched through the menus on the Nav screen for more information?

If you do not have an owners manual. Go to the Lexus Drivers Site linked below, and join for free. Then enter your VIN to get information about your car including the owners manual, other instructions and you can see the dealer service history, although it takes a bit of hunting to navigate the somewhat cryptic web site.
https://www.lexus.com/My-Lexus/account/create-account

 

I have not found any ECO-Sport selector in any of the menus. I have found that you have to be aggressive with gas pedal to get any performance.

use of the paddle shifters is helpful too

 

Sounds like you are expecting the RX350 to be a performance vehicle. Rest assured, it is not.

 

The only difference in the F Sport from the regular model is the stiffer struts and shocks and some programming in the vehicle dynamics control system. There are also front and rear alleged lateral stiffeners that do not do much of anything.
You do get the 8 speed transmission, but whether that is an advantage is up for argument. I think the 6 speed shifts and operates much more smoothly and quickly than the 8 speed. They used the 8 speed to improve mileage numbers for the government.

Everything else is the same, engine, springs etc. Mostly it is an appearance package. Even their stiffer struts & shocks are not very good. You are better off replacing them with Bilstein B6, but that belongs in another thread as it has been discussed many many times. Just search Bilstein.

 

Thanks for the info. We have a 2012 V6 Camry that has more performance. Just trying to get as much performance as possible out of the FSport. We are learning a lot about the paddles and shift points. Thanks

 

Do some general internet searching on the Toyota 8 speed transmission. It has a lot of haters, including the Car Care Nut, who is a Toyota Master Tech with a great youtube channel.
It is known for hesitating to shift, hunting for gears etc. It works best the way you figured out to drive it, aggressively. I bet the https://www.toyotanation.com/
forums have a lot of complaints and info on the 8 speed. Just do a little searching. It has been used in many Toyota and Lexus models since it was introduced about 9 years ago. It took them a few years to get the bugs out of it. Try the Highlander, Camry and Avalon forums at Toyota Nation.
​​​​​​https://www.toyotanation.com/search/...on&o=relevance

 

Do you think there may be software upgrades to give better performance? How would I check?

 

Do a Google search using the following

​​​​​​toyota 8 speed transmission software update

You will find answers. I just ran this search.

You can then call a Lexus dealer service department and tell them you want the software and/ or firmware update for your RX. Have the VIN with you as they may ask for it. Then they can check if there really is one applicable to your model year. You may have to call a couple of different dealers, or call back to speak with different service writers as some may not be responsive.

FYI here is a link to the NHTSA list of communications with Toyota/Lexus regarding the 2014 RX and it lists some powertrain stuff. You have to click on each one to determine if it is relevant. These are also known as Technical Service Bulletins. So save the TSB number of any relevant ones to pass on to the dealer.
​​​​​​https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/L...Communications