What have you done to your 200 Series this week? (13 Viewers)

[bjorn240]

Can you show how big holes, etc how everything looks like below the floor mat? Good idea with 19 floor mats. I wonder if LX floor mat would fit LC.

Sure; I'll take pictures when I get home tonight.

Basically - the four seat latch points remain in the middle (obviously) and you will have three palm-sized or smaller holes on either side where the seats mount; I intend to fill these with some foam and carpet remnants. Lastly you will have the bolt from the vertical seat mount stick out from the fender well. It looks fine, but there is a small risk that this could scratch luggage. My plan is to mount a set of luggage tie-downs to the vertical seat mounts and then cover the bolt head with a rubber cap.

I can confirm that the LX mat is a perfect fit for the LC, provided you can stomach the prominent LEXUS branding! Pics to come.

 

[Mendocino]

I changed my oil and filter for the first time. Man, there are a lot of skid plate bolts to remove, especially with the addition of the ARB bumper.

 

[highrisk]

I changed my oil and filter for the first time. Man, there are a lot of skid plate bolts to remove, especially with the addition of the ARB bumper.

I also changed my own oil for the first time this weekend.

You are correct. I need the easy drain valve. I splashed a lot of oil on and off of my catch pan and the passagener side front wheel. It’s been a while since I’ve changed the oil in anything.

 

[Markuson]

I also changed my own oil for the first time this weekend.

You are correct. I need the easy drain valve. I splashed a lot of oil on and off of my catch pan and the passagener side front wheel. It’s been a while since I’ve changed the oil in anything.

How much did it cost (oil & filter)?

I ask because when Toyota charges me all of $41, it’s just not worth the mess to me any more. That’s not synthetic, tho.

Just curious.

 

[highrisk]

That’s real cheap and if that’s what they were charging me I would let them change it! I would make sure they are using the right oil first, but I would let them change it. That is somewhere near the cost of oil and filter.

*RANT*
The main issue for me is this. I bought the truck and had the dealership perform the maintenance for the first 85,000 miles. When the service plan was up I started going the dealership closer to work. The experience there has been less than great. When I went in for my 90,000 mile service, I was quoteed $84 for the oil change. I had the transmission flushed at the same time. When I went to pick the truck up the oil change was now $124 dollars and I threw a fit. The quick math is a 50% add on. Oh that's because it's synthetic oil. I was quoted $84 and you knew what the truck was and what type of oil and filter it needed. Long story short I paid $84 dollars that day.

You may recall the sway at speed thread I posted to a while back, I took the truck in to the same dealership to have it inspected. They couldn't find anything wrong. They didn't charge me but the tech did deflate my tires to 33psi and told me this should fix the issue. I discussed the tire pressure requirements with their tire "expert" and left there feeling like they were not trustworthy. I re-inflated my tires to the appropriate pressure and may not go back to that dealership unless I just absolutely have to. I got under the truck and started checking components myself I came to the lateral control rod and it was loose enough to wiggle ever so slightly by hand. I tightened it down and the sway went away.
*RANT*

So for $124 dollars. I'll change may own damned oil.

I apologize for the rant in the middle.

 

[Markuson]

That’s real cheap and if that’s what they were charging me I would let them change it! I would make sure they are using the right oil first, but I would let them change it. That is somewhere near the cost of oil and filter.

*RANT*
The main issue for me is this. I bought the truck and had the dealership perform the maintenance for the first 85,000 miles. When the service plan was up I started going the dealership closer to work. The experience there has been less than great. When I went in for my 90,000 mile service, I was quoteed $84 for the oil change. I had the transmission flushed at the same time. When I went to pick the truck up the oil change was now $124 dollars and I threw a fit. The quick math is a 50% add on. Oh that's because it's synthetic oil. I was quoted $84 and you knew what the truck was and what type of oil and filter it needed. Long story short I paid $84 dollars that day.

You may recall the sway at speed thread I posted to a while back, I took the truck in to the same dealership to have it inspected. They couldn't find anything wrong. They didn't charge me but the tech did deflate my tires to 33psi and told me this should fix the issue. I discussed the tire pressure requirements with their tire "expert" and left there feeling like they were not trustworthy. I re-inflated my tires to the appropriate pressure and may not go back to that dealership unless I just absolutely have to. I got under the truck and started checking components myself I came to the lateral control rod and it was loose enough to wiggle ever so slightly by hand. I tightened it down and the sway went away.
*RANT*

So for $124 dollars. I'll change may own damned oil.

I apologize for the rant in the middle.

Ya, I truly hate when any service shop assumes I know NOTHING. I’m no guru...but I’m fairly well informed as are you.Don’t blame you a bit.

It’s also pretty alarming how many techs apply blanket assumptions toward what they do. Like...reading the PSI off the door panel and then mindlessly apply that to any tire or size or weight. That plate flies into oblivion as soon as you move away from factory tires.

 

[linuxgod]

That’s real cheap and if that’s what they were charging me I would let them change it! I would make sure they are using the right oil first, but I would let them change it. That is somewhere near the cost of oil and filter.

I don't recall what Toyota charges but my local mechanic charges $65 for up to 5 quarts of QS fully synthetic 0W20. Includes filter and labor. 7.5 quarts puts it at about $80. I want to say the local dealer I go to is similar.

 

[highrisk]

I don't recall what Toyota charges but my local mechanic charges $65 for up to 5 quarts of QS fully synthetic 0W20. Includes filter and labor. 7.5 quarts puts it at about $80. I want to say the local dealer I go to is similar.

That seems reasonable to me. I just couldn't agree to $124.

 

[Overland Tailor]

How much did it cost (oil & filter)?

I ask because when Toyota charges me all of $41, it’s just not worth the mess to me any more. That’s not synthetic, tho.

Just curious.

I think thats a great price even for dino oil... I did the first change on the wife's 2018 last night and Toyota charged me $57 for filter kit, drain plug washer and 8 quarts of synthetic oil and thats with my 10% off dealer.

I do all my own maintenance, but $41 is about as good as it gets~


Cheers,

John-

 

[Markuson]

TIME-SAVING TRAVEL
**BREAKTHROUGH!!!**

Why didn’t I think of this before???

 

[stayalert]

Prolly fit a roll of paper on your RAM too!!

 

[mcgaskins]

TIME-SAVING TRAVEL
**BREAKTHROUGH!!!**

Why didn’t I think of this before???

View attachment 1857005

Just don't take any high G turns!

 

[Markuson]

OK... The real reason my seat is out...


Finally managed to get my cool box taken apart. The secret is drivers seat removal! Woo hoo!

Also... Contrary to commonly held belief… The cool box actually has its own cooling system With AC refrigerant running through its own little mini system within the center consul. In the past I think we have often assumed it was merely feeding cold air into the cool box… But it is far more elaborate than that. This also makes it clear that removal of the cool box it’s self would be highly problematic, since two, metal refrigerant tubes feed in and out. In the past I think we have often assumed it was merely feeding cold air into the cool box… But it is far more elaborate than that. This also makes it clear that removal of the cool box itself would be highly problematic, since two, fixed refrigerant tubes lead into and out of the assembly.

The reason I had to remove my seat was because the very last screw that allows removal of the main unit that house is my faulty fan is upward facing, and literally impossible to turn… Even with ultra low profile screw bits. It turns out the front drivers seat is incredibly easy to remove. Just for bolts, disconnect three plugs, and then just tip it back and out-of-the-way.

So now my hope is that the replacement of the fan is the only missing piece left. Then it’s a matter of taking it to Toyota and letting them evacuate the refrigerant… And recharging it fully… Making sure no water condensation is left inside.

Replacement fan on left...

 

[bjorn240]

Good lord. I’m going to learn to like warm Coke. Just in case that ever happens to mine!

 

[Markuson]

Good lord. I’m going to learn to like warm Coke. Just in case that ever happens to mine!

Totally agree.
I was about to post a similar sentiment. But I didn’t know how nuts it would be til I tried and I already had the part. Not gonna put it all together until I’m sure it’s the only bad link in the chain though.

But ya-It is INSANELY ridiculous accessing/servicing if this thing. Toyota would have to charge a mint for labor.
One of those times where you think you’re aaaaalmost able to access something....but you not. And so you inch your way deeper until the insanity of it is just nuts.

But...almost over the hump.

 

[highrisk]

Good lord. I’m going to learn to like warm Coke. Just in case that ever happens to mine!

It will be pure hell to have to pull over on the trail and get a cold beer out of the back fridge.

Pure hell.

 

[Markuson]

It will be pure hell to have to pull over on the trail and get a cold beer out of the back fridge.

Pure hell.

Ya ya...

I like stuff to work. Been staring at a replacement fan for it for over a year...
If I’m gonna have my center console taken up by a coolbox...I’d just as soon have it work.

Some folks don’t even use theirs, so I do understand some wondering at the hassle. But Honestly, I’ve always used mine & it changes the way I use and organize my fridge if the coolbox is functional. On longer trips, it actually makes a real difference. It means you can use the full fridge for food rather than constantly taking out drinks and putting more in. Also means it’s more efficient because it’s staying closed.

If I can get it working, I’ll be glad I did it.
If not...the hassle will Definitely be extremely annoying...

Frankly I would NOT recommend diving into this. What a huge hassle it’s turned into...

 

[highrisk]

I think it’s awsome and I was serious.



Pure hell.

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

Ya ya...

I like stuff to work.
If I’m gonna have my center console taken up by a coolbox...I’d prefer that it’s not a complete waste.

Honestly, it changes the way I use and organize my fridge if the coolbox is functional. On longer trips, it actually makes a real difference.

If I can get it working, I’ll be glad I did it.
If not...the hassle will suck even more.

My hats off to you for trying. Not many tread in the bowels of greatness known as the coolbox.

 

[finslx]

Had serpentine belt replaced. Original dried out. Recently purchased 2015 LX @ 63k miles. Dealer was kind enough to pay the tab. Picking her up tomorrow.