Hard Starting RX300

[MONKEYMAN]

I went to wash the Lexus this morning. Had to crank it about 5 seconds times two before it would start. I have a Saturn and it starts in about 1 or 2 seconds. Little history. This in a 2001 RX300 with 34,000 miles. Was taken on a long trip when new, since then about 3,000 miles of short trips around town per year. Oil changed once a year (I believe). Serviced at Lexus dealership. I put a new Lexus battery in it after 5 years. It belongs to my landlord. This first time she opened the hood was when I replaced the battery. I have some Techron in the garage. Thought it may be a good start. Also, I was going to check the air filter. It may be the original one. It has taken 8 years for me to have the owner pop the hood a few times and learn to turn the gas cap until it clicks. Her Lexus was throwing a lot of codes due to a loose gas cap. As you can tell, I only intervene when needed. Not my vehicle.

What would you guys recommend to keep this vehicle performing like it should? Regular fuel injector cleaner? What brand and how often? Thanks in advance!

 

[Not the Autorx Frank]

Should start instantly, Bum battery?????

 

[flacoman]

You sure the oil got changed? Sounds like a prime candidate for the Italian tune up! Let the gas run down to the warning, add the techron and idle for two minutes. After an overnight snooze , fill it back up and let 'er rip!
my 2c
Jorge

 

[MONKEYMAN]

I was thinking of inviting some of you over to drive the Lexus like you stole it. But then, if something happens I may be looking for a new place to live...


I check the oil occasionally. Looks like it came out the bottle (clean looking). I have seen stickers on the windshield for 5w30 Pennzoil with when the next service is due. The dates did change. I believe her engine may be one of the sludge prone ones. It is the 3.0. Maybe they fixed the problem by then.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Originally Posted By: Not the Autorx Frank
Should start instantly, Bum battery?????


It was turning over good. After I installed the new battery I was asked to park the Lexus in the garage one evening. I did not understand the fancy smancy auto light setting. I thought it was in the automatic shut off position and ran the battery down instead. So, maybe the battery is not quite as strong as it should be. But, even in the summer I noticed the Lexus was hard starting the few times I washed it.

 

[PT1]

That engine is one of the sludgers. Have her start running pennzoil platinum only with a toyota filter. Run the first 2 changes 3000 miles (then the rest no more than 5000) and change the PCV valve out. As for the starting issue I would have the batery load tested. Run a few tanks of techron through it and change the air filter. It should come back nicely. When changing the air filter clean the throttle body with spray cleane that is safe for sensors.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

That is what I figured. However, I know she just does not want to hear that. Her 95 Windstar had the transmission go out in the 30,000 mile range and the engine blew after 60,000 miles. The Lexus was to be a reliable, trouble free vehicle.

Not sure if she will go for the Pennzoil Platinum. Thought, I have a lot of it. So, maybe I could do the oil change since it would be very expensive done elsewhere. She is doing about 3,000 miles a year. If I do it I would keep track of when it was changed and could get guidance here.

Those all sound like good suggestions PT1. There is a Toyota dealership close so maybe I could check out filter prices.

 

[PT1]

The filters should be about $5-6 no issue. If she only does 3000 miles a year then she is fine for the annual oil change.

PP will keep her engine clean at a very low cost. $20 for the oil at Walmart and $6 for a filter. No problem. 2 bottles of techron is $14. PCV valve is about $12. TB cleaner is $6. Fram air filter is $15. So for about $75 she gets the whole enchelada. You could use a Wix or Fram filter as well. But they are not much cheaper.

She might want to do a trans drain fill as well since that trans is famous for grenading at 70-100k. You will need about 4-5 quarts of atf. Use the Toyota brand specified. If it takes DexIII use Mobil 1 atf. If it specs T-IV then use the Toyota T-IV. Check the manual for the fluid and be sure to get a crush washer for the trans & engine drain plugs.

BTW, if she keeps up with that car it will live a long life. If not she will repeat history.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Thank PT1. I just spent the last hour reading posts at Club Lexus about the grenading transmission. She has the AWD version, which probably does not help. Looks like oil change is a bit of a pita due to the filter location. She has been using 5w30 Pennzoil. Would 10w30 Pennzoil Platinum work in the winter? I have that in stock right now. Not sure if the sludgemonster would know the difference.

She has stated this may be her last vehicle. I will have to see what she has had serviced first, then go from there. Thanks!

 

[Kruse]

Change her fuel filter, add a bottle of Techron fuel cleaner on her next fill-up, give her an oil change with PP with a good oil filter, throw in a new air filter and she might give you some free rent.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Umm, it is already free if you are talking about paying money for rent. But, I pay a high price at times for my living space. I am more like a butler, a maid, a handyman, and a therapist all in one. Or as someone once said when I was a monk. It is like being married without the advantages....

Now I am going to have to decide how involved I want to get in the maintenance of her Lexus. The problem is if something goes wrong with the Lexus I may be blamed. If what I do ensures a more trouble free experience with her vehicle, it will never be acknowledged.

 

[demarpaint]

If the battery is supplying enough power to crank the engine fast enough, then I'd look toward the fuel injectors. I had some starting issues, then a surge on a warm engine restart. FI cleaning via the rail, twice in ~1000 miles, and a few bottles of Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner got things much better for me.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
Thank PT1. I just spent the last hour reading posts at Club Lexus about the grenading transmission. She has the AWD version, which probably does not help. Looks like oil change is a bit of a pita due to the filter location. She has been using 5w30 Pennzoil. Would 10w30 Pennzoil Platinum work in the winter? I have that in stock right now. Not sure if the sludgemonster would know the difference.

She has stated this may be her last vehicle. I will have to see what she has had serviced first, then go from there. Thanks!


On the AWD there should be 2 differentials (not sure if the ront one is integrated in the trans so check) They should get 80w90 GL5 gear oil. Valvoline Durablend 80w90 works well and each takes about 1.2qts. Don't forget crush washers on drain & fill bolts. 10w30 is thick for that engine for Winter and if it is a VVT I woud stick with the 5w30. I had an RX330 and would do the whole drivetrain in a few hours. The front diff is a real PIA to get to if it is a seperate one as you may have to remove the plastic underpan.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN

Now I am going to have to decide how involved I want to get in the maintenance of her Lexus. The problem is if something goes wrong with the Lexus I may be blamed. If what I do ensures a more trouble free experience with her vehicle, it will never be acknowledged.


That IS just like being married.

I would do the oil change and give her the laundry list of what "should" be done.

1. trans drain fill or beter yet cooler line fluid exchange.
2. diff oil replacement
3. air filter
4. TB cleaning
5. techron fuel system cleaning
6. pcv valve replacement.

Tell her with the history of that engine & trans this maintenace is mmore than casual PM but critical to keeping that vehicle trouble free or becoming a total money pit. This is no over reach as there is a sludge warranty fix program on that engine put out by all the lawsuits against Lexus by owners. Go to the NHTSA website and look up her vehicle under the recall & defects section and show her. OR have her call the service dept at her dealer. No joke.

BTW, I would do all the drivetrain fluid maintenance & PCV every 30,000 miles on the RX300

 

[charbaby]

Originally Posted By: Kruse
Change her fuel filter, add a bottle of Techron fuel cleaner on her next fill-up, give her an oil change with Pennzoil Platinum with a good oil filter, throw in a new air filter and she might give you some free rent.


The Fuel Filter is all part of the float/pump/filter assembly and it's inside the tank.

Monkeyman,
I'd stay with the fuel system cleaner first. As mentioned by demarpaint, try the Red Line CFSC or as Kruse has mentioned, Techron. I have the exact same vehicle/year/AWD. Right now, mine is taking longer to start but, not long, just longer. I blame the winter gas and the 10-15 deg F outside temps. I've just recently changed out both A/F sensors(summer 09) and the downstream O2 sensor(summer 08). The oil filter isn't too bad as long as you start to loosen(and I mean just loosen a bit) the filter while cold and then warm the engine. Use the Pennzoil Platinum 10W30 that you have in stock although 5W30 may be only a bit better. My RX seem to like 10W30 a bit better the 5W30. Her RX just need some TLC and it need to be driven. It doesn't like sittin'.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

The problem is she expects the Lexus to be trouble free without the details your talking about. If I check the oil on my car she always asks if I am having problems with it. I am sure if I present this maintenance list to her, she will be very overwhelmed. When that happens, she will do nothing. I hear you regarding all the things that are needed and will work toward doing what I can. The PCV, air filter, and Techron are within my reach. Some things may be better just to take to the dealer. My problem is time. I have so many "when you have time, could you do this". Somehow, this list gets longer every year.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Originally Posted By: Kruse
Change her fuel filter, add a bottle of Techron fuel cleaner on her next fill-up, give her an oil change with Pennzoil Platinum with a good oil filter, throw in a new air filter and she might give you some free rent.


The Fuel Filter is all part of the float/pump/filter assembly and it's inside the tank.

Monkeyman,
I'd stay with the fuel system cleaner first. As mentioned by demarpaint, try the Red Line CFSC or as Kruse has mentioned, Techron. I have the exact same vehicle/year/AWD. Right now, mine is taking longer to start but, not long, just longer. I blame the winter gas and the 10-15 deg F outside temps. I've just recently changed out both A/F sensors(summer 09) and the downstream O2 sensor(summer 08). The oil filter isn't too bad as long as you start to loosen(and I mean just loosen a bit) the filter while cold and then warm the engine. Use the Pennzoil Platinum 10W30 that you have in stock although 5W30 may be only a bit better. My RX seem to like 10W30 a bit better the 5W30. Her RX just need some TLC and it need to be driven. It doesn't like sittin'.


I may go for changing the oil then. Do you do your filter from the top?

Her mom was 4 miles away so she made that short trip for years. Plus, she travels so it will sit for months without being driven. My parents are 75 miles away, so maybe I will take it down there and blow some carbon out.

 

[charbaby]

I'm sorry! I wasn't suggesting the you replace the 02 sensors. I was just mentioning that it was something that I had to do to eliminate the CEL after 7/8 years. Yes, by all means, change the easy stuff. I've had Toyotas(Hondas too)for a long time because of their quality/reliability and although this RX hasn't givin me any issues excepet those sensors which I replaced my self, the sludging engines and failing transmissions on a $40,000.00 Lexus doesn't sound like what I want in my driveway. But those issues weren't known to me when we purchaced our RX in '01.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
I'm sorry! I wasn't suggesting the you replace the 02 sensors. I was just mentioning that it was something that I had to do to eliminate the CEL after 7/8 years. Yes, by all means, change the easy stuff. I've had Toyotas(Hondas too)for a long time because of their quality/reliability and although this RX hasn't givin me any issues excepet those sensors which I replaced my self, the sludging engines and failing transmissions on a $40,000.00 Lexus doesn't sound like what I want in my driveway. But those issues weren't known to me when we purchaced our RX in '01.


I did not take it that I needed to change the O2 sensors. That seems to be the least of my concerns. Looked at the window sticker said due for an oil change 2/09 or 35,000. I unscrewed the oil fill cap and was shocked. There was a thick layer of black carbon. It looks like it is so built up that adding oil is almost not possible. Not sure how thick it is? But, it does not seem right. What is is supposed to look like? Looks like the engine is already sludging or sludged. Now what should be done? Looks like the valve cover needs to be removed to assess damage and so the deposits can be cleaned...

PS The owner is in a very emotional state. Her mother recently died. So, I don't know if she can handle the bad stuff right now. (But I can).

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Thanks everyone. Off to get oil filter. Did not know it was not being changed. Maybe it is not as bad as I thought. Maybe 1/8 of carbon type residue under the oil fill cap. Should I just use the Pennzoil Platinum, or additives?

I noticed some blue stuff by the positive battery cable. It had about 1/4 or more of corrosion. Guess I know what I am doing after work today.