For U Solution

If your Lexus RX 300 cigarette lighter will not remain in place when pushed inward, there are a few steps you can take to repair the problem. You can fix a cigarette lighter for a Lexus RX 300 as a do-it-yourself project, but if your efforts do not solve the problem, you should take it to your local Lexus dealership for repair service.

Instructions

1

Retrieve your manual. Then, check the fuse box. The fuse box of a 2001 Lexus RX300 is located behind the coin holder drawer, to the left of the steering column. Check your manual to see which fuses operate the cigarette lighter socket. If the fuse is blown, you will see a small, broken wire in the interior of the plastic shell of the fuse. Replace a blown fuse with a fuse rated for the same amperage.

2

Pull out the ash tray to gain access to the lighters wiring connector. The 12 volt and ground wires are connected to the socket. Also, identify an L-shaped wire that has a rubber coating. This is a fuse. Find the two small terminals at the bottom of the L-shaped, rubber-coated fuse. Remove the fuse, then bend a paper clip in an L-shape and place it where the L-shaped, rubber coated fuse was positioned. You should position the L-shaped paper clip at the end of the socket.

3

Remove the ash tray from its panel. Remove any small Phillips screws. Then, remove each spring found on the side of the ash tray.

4

Disassemble the lighter assembly or lighter housing, by loosening a hex nut at the bottom of the lighter assembly. To accomplish this task, the panel must be off. Then, reassemble the lighter assembly. Check to see if your lighter will stay in position when pushed inward.

5

Replace the lighter with a standard size cigarette lighter from your local auto parts store. If a fuse is not burned out, and if disassembling and reassembling the lighter socket still does not help the lighter stay in, take your RX 300 to a Lexus dealership.

6

Explain the problem with the RX300 cigarette lighter fixture, and ask a Lexus service professional to inspect your cigarette lighter socket. The dealership should inspect your RX300 to check for any possible wiring or electrical problems.

The Lexus ES 250 was the companys first entry-level luxury car. To keep costs down, the ES 250 was based on the Toyota Camry, but with a nicer interior and more sound-deadening material. To ensure that the ride was comfortable and luxurious, the Lexus ES was equipped with fully independent suspension, front and back. This was notable because most manufactures would only spring for front independent suspension and use a torsion bar setup in the rear. The struts provide the cushioning in an independent suspension setup; however, they can wear out over time and need to be replaced.

Instructions

1

Drive the Lexus ES 250 to a flat piece of pavement --- your garage is best if there is ample room to either side for the removal of the wheels. Place the car into "Park" and engage the parking brake. Turn the sedan off and empty the car out --- the additional weight will make the jacking up that much harder.

2

Jack the car up by sliding the car jack under the jack point, then raising that corner up. Slide in a jack stand when that corner is elevated, then go on to the next corner. Jack the car up enough so that the wheels are no longer in contact with the ground. Use the tire iron that came with the Lexus to remove the lug nuts from each of the wheels, then pull the wheels off by hand and roll them out of the way.

3

Locate the antilock sensor on the strut --- its the only thing connected by an electrical wire to the car. Unplug the sensor, then unbolt the sway bar on the bottom of the strut. Caully lower the sway bar to the ground to avoid deforming it. The sway bar relies on its straightness to transfer kinetic energy from one corner to the other. Unbolt the two bolts that secure the bottom of the strut. On the front wheels, the strut is bolted to the steering knuckle; on the back wheels, the strut is bolted to the bottom control arms. Unbolt the two bolts on the top of the strut, then pull the strut out by hand.

4

Bolt in the new strut by first bolting in the bottom two bolts. Then slide in the two top bolts and wrench them down flush. Plug the antilock sensor in the struts, then bolt in the strut on the other side of the car. Both the left and right strut must be installed before the sway bar is bolted in or else the sides will be uneven and you will have to force them into place while bolting. Repeat this process for all the corners.

5

Bolt in the tires back onto the axles, then lower the car off the jack stands. Make sure all the corners are level, then take the car for a test drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received several complaints about electrical problems in the 2000 Lexus ES300. Although no deaths or injuries were reported, some consumers are reporting severe and costly damage to their vehicles. As of 2010, no recall has been issued by the manufacturer to repair these problems.

Electrical System and Airbags

Some 2000 Lexus ES300 owners have reported electrical system problems as it relates to the vehicles airbag system. In some cases, the airbags have failed to deploy during an accident. In other cases, drivers have been injured when electric/wiring problems in the air bags failed to protect them during crashes.

Ignition Module

NHTSA has received complaints about electrical problems in the ignition module of the 2000 Lexus ES300. The vehicles may fail to start, and the engine warning light may come on. Some Lexus owners report that replacing the sensors and engine control unit (ECU) remedy the problem, while others continue to experience problems.

Dome Light and Battery

Reports to NHTSA indicate that intermittent electrical problems with the dome lights wiring system may excessively wear down the battery in the 2000 Lexus ES300. One consumer reports having had the battery in her ES300 replaced twice, even after having the dome lights bulb and fuse changed.