Question re: replacing RX 300 Stop/Tail Light

How ridiculous.

Call the dealer and explain you don't want to make the long drive just to replace the bulb, and ask them to fax you the instructions for changing it.

Failing that, buy yourself a service manual. It sounds like you'd make good use of it.

'After only 2 years' 'covered the lightbulbs under their 4 year 60,000 warranty' Your kidding ? in the uk/europe no warranty covers 'wear & tear' items I suppose the manual also tells you to make an appointment when you require fuel? :)

What's wrong with covering it under their warranty? If I need it replaced, I'd just drop by and they'd replace the bulb at no charge with no hassle. To me, that's great service!

Unless the nearest Lexus dealer is four hours away.....

It wasnt anything wrong, just pointing out that you get a great deal in US as apposed to the rest of us.

I would try the local Toyota dealer. Obviously, they have designed the replacement so it requires special tools and several hours at $75.00 per hour to change. Have you considered changing it yourself -- try to figure the most likely way to get at it.

Strauss Auto was quite helpful. They sold me a pair of 7443 bulbs for about $6.00 and told me to remove the trim on the inside of the tailgate, twist out the bulb holder, pull out the bulb, push in the new bulb and reverse the procedure. It took me 3 minutes and saved lots of money and travel time. Now why couldn't Lexus just put that simple info in the manual?

Top posting removed.

Lexus wants you to go to the dealer so they can charge you for bulb replacement. Also, "remove the trim" would freak out some un-mechanically inclined owners.

There had to be a way....but they should put info like that in the owner's manual.

Why should an auto manufacture put detailed maintenance procedures in the owners manual? Should they provide procedures for change the oil? How about rebuilding the engine?

Gus (99 RX300)

Because some owners don't leave next door to a dealer, and some owners prefer to do routine maintenance themselves. I would catagorize routine maintenance as the required maintenance schedule that is shown in the owner's manual, along with replacement of items catagorized as "wear" items such as windshield wipers, light bulbs, etc. Rebuilding the engine isn't a maintenance item.