New to me LX570 (3 Viewers)

[Philip J]

Hello all!
Thanks for all to their input, I pulled the trigger on this 2017, one-owner truck from TX. The undercarriage is clean! Living in the snow belt, that was important. However, there are a few issues and I was wondering if anyone had any input.
1. The exterior door handles are flaking and peeling. Any suggestions on how to fix this? I saw some people using the LC handle covers, but I'm not really sure what my options are.
2. Sometimes, I get the 4lo light flashing when I start the car and it won't shift into 4lo. Both times this has happened, I had left the AHC in Low when I parked. After shutting off and restarting a few times, the lights turn off and 4lo works normally. Any ideas what this could be? I just got a Carista dongle to change a few parameters and to clear codes on the road, so I'll check later today to see what the code was.
3. The top of the tailgate is worn down. The previous owner must have left the tailgate up when loading/unloading and scraped off the top lip of the tailgate. Any ideas of how to protect this area? I was thinking of something similar to a pool noodle, but much smaller.

Overall, this thing is a huge upgrade from my 2015 4Runner, although I'm definitely going to miss the simplicity of the 4Runner. Looking forward to towing our RV with the new toy!

 

[gasman4u]

For your tailgate, amazon sells XPEL paint protective film in strips of varying width. I'd start with that on a clean substrate (tailgate) if you're wanting to protect it from future loading goofs. Mine has helped save me from serious scrapes by sacrificing itself. I'd recommend this.

 

[Willie G]

Congratulations on the upgrade from the 4Runner! You're going to wonder why you waited so long.

1. No idea on the best solution.

2. You may want to exercise your 4-lo by finding a suitable location with a loose surface (I use my pasture) and toodle around in 4-lo for a while - and switch back and forth. This may or may not solve your current issue, but exercising the transfer case every so often is a good idea.

3. I'd suggest something more subtle like 3M protective film ( Amazon link ). Depending on the amount of wear, you may want to apply some touch-up paint first.

Good luck!

 

[Mingus Dew]

I bought this for the tailgate on the recommendation of another forum member. Have not gotten around to installing it yet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KC2B4DW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Definitely recommend touch up paint on any bare metal before you install any protective coating.

As for 4Lo, the actuator gets pissy and sticky if it's not exercised often. You want to turn it on and off at least once a month. You can drive on hard pavement in 4Lo as long as the center diff is not locked. I will drive mine around the block in the evening when there aren't cars on the road.

If you lock the center diff, you can drive on hard pavement but only straight. Do not turn the wheels as that can cause damage. You want to exercise the center diff locker once a month too for the same reasons.

If I were you I'd replace the door handles but I don't know what that entails.

 

[LTSR]

I bought this for the tailgate on the recommendation of another forum member. Have not gotten around to installing it yet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KC2B4DW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I've had this on my tailgate for the last 4 years and it has held up great. I'd also recommend this from real world experience. Takes a few minutes to install.

 

[Mingus Dew]

I've had this on my tailgate for the last 4 years and it has held up great. I'd also recommend this from real world experience. Takes a few minutes to install.

Call it divine inspiration to get off my lazy ass!

P.S. Beautiful LX in a great color. Congrats on finding a rust-free specimen.

 

[doru]

Congrats!
Not sure what the finish is on '17 handles. But from pic looks like it is celar coat. Don't know if that is from the factory or previous owner applied it to fix scratches on the chrome. The sure simplest fix is replacement.
Depending on the damage you may try to sand it and clear coat it, but it looks to me beyond that. You cannot sand it completely without scratching the chrome. Maybe that is a look you are Ok with: brushed chrome and then clear coat. Or paint in the truck color.
Compare cost of new handles to the cost of painting. Maybe you can save a bit on painting by removing/install the handles yourself and have a shop do the spraying. For a clean look I recommend removal, not spraying on the car.

 

[doru]

If the chrome piece can be separated from the handle, you may try a paint stripper to get the clear coat off, then a chrome polish to restore the shine and then clear coat again or leave it bare. If the trims are actually chromed plastic this may not work.