My mechanic was trying to charge me like 600 with parts and labor to fix this I just went outside and fixed it with nothing thank you this videos very very helpful
I had the same problem and I followed your instructions and it worked! Thanks for taking the time to post this for all Lexus RX 300 owners! God bless you man you save me a lot of time and money 👏🏽
This worked just like the video for me. Brilliant…..THANK YOU!! This has all the attributes of a outstanding and rewarding project: - Easy to do project - Fast project - Saved a lot of money - No special tools needed - No special talents - Makes you look like a wizard -Zero waste THANK YOU!!!!
Congratulations and thanks for making the video. The heater in my car just suddenly stopped working this weekend. I will have to try this before replacing the servo motor.
Thanks for the video. My Lexus Rx300 (99 model) had the same thing, I clean the moving level and pin on the serve. It magically works. Your video give me idea and help a lot. Seems this is the common problem for this model of the car.
I have 2000 Toyota Harrier, same as Lexus RX300, had the same problem, took out both the servo controls, opened them up and cleaned the insides out. Shame I cannot these outside the Car. So will have to pop them back in the Car to test. BUT this Video helped me a lot to figure everything out. Thank you very much !!!
I appreciate this video very much. We had this problem before and took it to the mechanic and had them put in a new hot/cold motor. After watching this It was super easy to do.
Oh man thank you so much for this video I'm here in 2024 so this is years later I haven't done it yet but just knowing that I can do it has made my day. And this is very major because my days have been very bad for a minute now and I can't afford anything and I ended up getting the heating element replaced to no avail! So sincerly thank you!! Wish me Godspeed
Thank you so much for posting this video! Had the exact same problem and it turns out it was also the exact same solution! Saved me the trouble and cost (for now?) of buying a new servo, which I'm not sure I would even be capable of replacing on my own.
Good Job! MOST HELPFUL! THANKS !! GREAT PICS and LIGHTING, too! As you say ... after some 2+ decades things do "Go South" The new cars in the past few years are literally becoming "throw-away items ... no matter how wonderful when new. Plus, since very few can work on their own cars nowadays, the Dealers and Shops love it ... they are happy to have us at their mercy! $100+ per hour and mark up the part 3 or 4 times cost. It LOOKS like (in hindsight) ... that your "cycling" the connector did it. Perhaps a "dirty" contact or two! BTW - WD-40 is a CLEANER that you can safely spray onto male and female "Connectors" to clean them ... WD-40 is NOT a conductor ... and is ONLY lubricant before it evaporates. So, no shorts from one contact to another. FYI: WD-40 was developed for spraying connectors in humid missile silos ... WD = Water Displacement. 40 (so they say) number of tries before selling it commercially. :-) Special Lexus tip just learned: Stiff Key ... scary hard to turn ... Looking at many hundreds of dollars for a new lock, new key and re-programming. Local locksmith suggested I squirt WD-40 into the lock, to clean it; cycle the key in and out (wiping it with a clean micro-fiber cloth) & repeat 3 times. Then spray the lock with Tri-Flow (to lube it) and cycle the key ... repeat 3 times. Wow! many months now and works like new! I have recently a beautiful 2003 Lexus RX300 and now have one or more servos "Hunting" ... I might try opening and cleaning the encoder wheel and fingers ... using WD-40 to clean it and the little copper contacts ... then Tri-Flow (just a DROP / HINT) to lube the contact surface of the printed encoder. If THAT attempt fails, I will probably buy an "OEM Equivalent" actuator and try that. Note: ON Ign Coils ... use ONLY Denso ... knockoffs will fail. As you say: OEM Parts are EXPENSIVE. The local dealer here also charges $150 per hour (one hour minimum and no fractions) Adds up FAST. Aside ... on a 1992 (yes almost 30 now) minivan I own, it developed a number of electrical "intermittents" aka "Gremlins" ... about a decade ago ... super expensive to try to find "gremlins" at $100 / per hour plus ... and the shops hate it ... SO ... in the engine bay I cleaned and tightened about 6 grounds (some with new lock-washers with TEETH ... then opened and sprayed every connector with WD-40 ... then closed them ... Bingo .. From dash to cruise control ... No More Gremlins. Best to all and thanks again! John in Oregon.
It worked I checked out your video and it worked I did exactly the process now tomorrow what I’m going to do is take the glove box out again and I’m going to grease up the linkages on the hot and cold door thanks again buddy
No doubt! Happy to hear it. Dealerships are crazy-expensive and I do my best to go there as a last option. I’ve had plenty of help from videos like this so I’m glad I could help others too.
Thank you so much, had the same issue, the cabin was so cold blowing cold air, but after watching your video got it got inspired and patched it up so to get heat I don't think I'll buy both servos cause they are broken, but for me it's more important the heat during the Winter time.
Thanks so much! Unplug and re-plug it again worked on my Toyota Corolla Verso 2006, though from the second try and after some time. You save my life in this cold weather :) Thanks again for sharing this!
Thanks a lot for the information. This worked for me as well. Just pull the plastic piece from under glovebox from the front, the panel to the left - remove tab and pull towards front of vehicle, and unplugged it from there. No need to remove all that other stuff.
I watched your video and it worked to me thank you brother really appreciate it cuz my wife is driving around to it starting to get cold in has to make sure her my kids are all set thank you very much
Good Video - nice summary of steps to access the Servos - and showing the difference between (1) Air Mix Servo, (2) Mode Servo, and (not touched) - (3) Air Recirculation Servo. If you are like me - your problem may not be a contact problem (fixed by re-seating the contacts/plug) but the tiny metal collar that is press fitted on the shaft of the DC Motor - inside the black box - and connected to the worm gear internally - (other videos show how to nudge this collar back up to reduce play) - I'm off to poke around mine. WIsh me luck!
Thanks for vid! I just did this fix, maybe an hour? some cursing? Got the part on ebay from china for $25!! works fine so far. Glove box took me a minute to figure how top part comes out, 3 wedge type metal clips at top that gotta be worked out, pulled on sort of, then a panel under glove box with 3 same clips on tops, 2 on bottom. The screws on actual part replaced weren't as bad as I thought, using a long phillips larger head, and a stubby phillips where needed, the screws came out ok with quite a bit of angle on screw driver, same going back in. Before I even took out old part, I plugged in new part just to test it, and it worked. The alignment of where the moving part was looked to be in a different start/stop position than replacement one, but it did move the car side lever part correctly when installed.
Unplugging and re-plugging it does the trick most of the time, but I eventually had to buy a new Servo motor on Amazon. Do NOT go to your local Lexus dealer because they will rob you! Amazon it and do it yourself. You WILL need a very stubby (low profile) screwdriver Phillips head type. All good now!
Did this on my new-to-me 2000 rx300 today. Thanks for the video!! I removed that panel on the lower left that we didn’t really need to take off, but it did make the job easier by opening up the area of concern. Unfortunately, when putting it back in, I broke the little black clip or pin with the standard/flathead slot that holds that panel snug. I figured out after breaking it that it’s a two piece clip. Where can I get a replacement for one of those?
Damn my Mexican mechanic did it in 2 hours... Air filter changed, cabin filter changed and all that you mentioned changed for $150 no need for the G-Compartment to be removed
Mine does the same thing n I just order my blend door. Dammit I shoulda have try this first before ordering but anyways thanks a lot for the video. Its a great help.
Hello I have the same problem with the heating of the temperature there is no hot air as you described in the video but we miss the black piece and the gray ones that move where can we buy them?
Hi, yeah, that worked a good handful of times, but eventually I had to replace the Servo, but I managed to find new one on Amazon for much less than any place in town!
I need some help buddy I have the same problem I don't kno what the problem is but I'm watching ur video and it's all the same issues I tried what u did but I still have no heat my servo motors work I'm going crazy my man trying to figure this out if u can give me some pointers I would appreciate that thanks for ur video tho it really helped me out foreal THANKS A LOT
No, all Servo motors are on the same side. In the video I tried to be as specific as possible pointing out which Servo controls the heat and the one for cold air. Eventually, pulling the pin plug to reset the motors won't work and you'll be forced to replace the motor(s). When that happens PLEASE get it from Amazon; do NOT buy it from the dealership or you'll OVERPAY!
Hi jamsk8s, yes, at first I simply disconnected the Servo motors and reconnected and it worked the first few times. BUT, eventually, I had to replace the bad Servo motor. If you need to buy new Servo motor(s) go to Amazon. Do NOT buy it at your local dealership; they will rip you off!
@@MichaelSanchez-qz2ro nice, mine does what his does, thanks for the response. I was specifically looking for this in the comments. Going to try it tomorrow.
Lexus/Toyota has so many issues with these actuators on so many years/models of their vehicles it's pathetic. There should be a factory recall to replace all these defective items for free.
Don't you love that electronic powered cheap ass plastic gear box to open and close the vent door, what a joke i love the old style where it had just a cable that opened and closed that door, my friends Lexus has the problem ur having so in the summer i flipped the vent door open then in the winter i flip it back, dont know why she just doesn't just get a new part its not like she can't afford it cuz if ur driving a damn Lexus i think you should be able to afford a new part, as for me i will stick to my 40 year old bronco 2 cuz new cars have to many unnecessary bs put into them not to make them better but to make the manufacturer more money, have fun and be careful cuz them plastic parts over time become brittle and the plastic parts will break with ease
My mechanic was trying to charge me like 600 with parts and labor to fix this I just went outside and fixed it with nothing thank you this videos very very helpful
I had the same problem and I followed your instructions and it worked! Thanks for taking the time to post this for all Lexus RX 300 owners! God bless you man you save me a lot of time and money 👏🏽
This worked just like the video for me. Brilliant…..THANK YOU!!
This has all the attributes of a outstanding and rewarding project:
- Easy to do project
- Fast project
- Saved a lot of money
- No special tools needed
- No special talents
- Makes you look like a wizard
-Zero waste
THANK YOU!!!!
Congratulations and thanks for making the video. The heater in my car just suddenly stopped working this weekend. I will have to try this before replacing the servo motor.
I just went and followed your directions and it worked.
I honestly can’t tell you how bad I’ve been worrying about this.
Thank You!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the video. My Lexus Rx300 (99 model) had the same thing, I clean the moving level and pin on the serve. It magically works. Your video give me idea and help a lot. Seems this is the common problem for this model of the car.
I have 2000 Toyota Harrier, same as Lexus RX300, had the same problem, took out both the servo controls, opened them up and cleaned the insides out. Shame I cannot these outside the Car. So will have to pop them back in the Car to test. BUT this Video helped me a lot to figure everything out. Thank you very much !!!
I appreciate this video very much. We had this problem before and took it to the mechanic and had them put in a new hot/cold motor. After watching this It was super easy to do.
thanks man you saved me over 400 for both servos
Thank you so much! Fixed my 2003 Lexus RX300 in less than 30 minutes! Awesome!
Oh man thank you so much for this video I'm here in 2024 so this is years later I haven't done it yet but just knowing that I can do it has made my day. And this is very major because my days have been very bad for a minute now and I can't afford anything and I ended up getting the heating element replaced to no avail! So sincerly thank you!! Wish me Godspeed
Thank you so much for posting this video!
Had the exact same problem and it turns out it was also the exact same solution! Saved me the trouble and cost (for now?) of buying a new servo, which I'm not sure I would even be capable of replacing on my own.
Good Job! MOST HELPFUL! THANKS !!
GREAT PICS and LIGHTING, too!
As you say ... after some 2+ decades things do "Go South" The new cars in the past few years are literally becoming "throw-away items ... no matter how wonderful when new. Plus, since very few can work on their own cars nowadays, the Dealers and Shops love it ... they are happy to have us at their mercy! $100+ per hour and mark up the part 3 or 4 times cost.
It LOOKS like (in hindsight) ... that your "cycling" the connector did it. Perhaps a "dirty" contact or two! BTW - WD-40 is a CLEANER that you can safely spray onto male and female "Connectors" to clean them ... WD-40 is NOT a conductor ... and is ONLY lubricant before it evaporates. So, no shorts from one contact to another.
FYI: WD-40 was developed for spraying connectors in humid missile silos ... WD = Water Displacement. 40 (so they say) number of tries before selling it commercially. :-)
Special Lexus tip just learned: Stiff Key ... scary hard to turn ... Looking at many hundreds of dollars for a new lock, new key and re-programming. Local locksmith suggested I squirt WD-40 into the lock, to clean it; cycle the key in and out (wiping it with a clean micro-fiber cloth) & repeat 3 times. Then spray the lock with Tri-Flow (to lube it) and cycle the key ... repeat 3 times. Wow! many months now and works like new!
I have recently a beautiful 2003 Lexus RX300 and now have one or more servos "Hunting" ... I might try opening and cleaning the encoder wheel and fingers ... using WD-40 to clean it and the little copper contacts ... then Tri-Flow (just a DROP / HINT) to lube the contact surface of the printed encoder. If THAT attempt fails, I will probably buy an "OEM Equivalent" actuator and try that. Note: ON Ign Coils ... use ONLY Denso ... knockoffs will fail.
As you say: OEM Parts are EXPENSIVE. The local dealer here also charges $150 per hour (one hour minimum and no fractions) Adds up FAST.
Aside ... on a 1992 (yes almost 30 now) minivan I own, it developed a number of electrical "intermittents" aka "Gremlins" ... about a decade ago ... super expensive to try to find "gremlins" at $100 / per hour plus ... and the shops hate it ... SO ... in the engine bay I cleaned and tightened about 6 grounds (some with new lock-washers with TEETH ... then opened and sprayed every connector with WD-40 ... then closed them ... Bingo .. From dash to cruise control ... No More Gremlins.
Best to all and thanks again! John in Oregon.
Fantastic video! Thanks for all the detail and explanation of how things work.
Yes because I have been contemplating on taking it to a Lexus repair shop 😱
It worked I checked out your video and it worked I did exactly the process now tomorrow what I’m going to do is take the glove box out again and I’m going to grease up the linkages on the hot and cold door thanks again buddy
Saved our cold butts big time! Thanks for the walk-though.
Dude. This video saved me mucho money. Thank you.
No doubt! Happy to hear it. Dealerships are crazy-expensive and I do my best to go there as a last option. I’ve had plenty of help from videos like this so I’m glad I could help others too.
Bro your a legend explained it perfectly and now i wont drive to work i the cold anymore
you saved me a lot of money. thank you. a very easy fix. I suggest adding some grease to the actuator path
My servo was doing exactly the same thing,I unplugged then reinserted plug and now works it works as it should!
Thank you so much, had the same issue, the cabin was so cold blowing cold air, but after watching your video got it got inspired and patched it up so to get heat I don't think I'll buy both servos cause they are broken, but for me it's more important the heat during the Winter time.
Thanks so much! Unplug and re-plug it again worked on my Toyota Corolla Verso 2006, though from the second try and after some time. You save my life in this cold weather :) Thanks again for sharing this!
Thanks a lot for the information. This worked for me as well. Just pull the plastic piece from under glovebox from the front, the panel to the left - remove tab and pull towards front of vehicle, and unplugged it from there. No need to remove all that other stuff.
Best video ever, a huge help!
Man. Thank you SO much. Awesome simple
Video just saved me a lot of hassle. Thanks a million
Can you tell me what was happening that started this repair? When I turn my heat on there is a horrible rattle and vibration. Same?
I watched your video and it worked to me thank you brother really appreciate it cuz my wife is driving around to it starting to get cold in has to make sure her my kids are all set thank you very much
My pleasure man. I hope this video helps countless others. I’m glad you appreciated it.
Having the same problem, haven't fix it yet but thanks for the tip
I tried this and it worked great!!! THANK YOU FOR THE INFO!!
Its 2020 and this video is still helping. Thanks brotha!
Good Video - nice summary of steps to access the Servos - and showing the difference between (1) Air Mix Servo, (2) Mode Servo, and (not touched) - (3) Air Recirculation Servo.
If you are like me - your problem may not be a contact problem (fixed by re-seating the contacts/plug) but the tiny metal collar that is press fitted on the shaft of the DC Motor - inside the black box - and connected to the worm gear internally - (other videos show how to nudge this collar back up to reduce play) - I'm off to poke around mine. WIsh me luck!
Thanks for vid! I just did this fix, maybe an hour? some cursing? Got the part on ebay from china for $25!! works fine so far. Glove box took me a minute to figure how top part comes out, 3 wedge type metal clips at top that gotta be worked out, pulled on sort of, then a panel under glove box with 3 same clips on tops, 2 on bottom. The screws on actual part replaced weren't as bad as I thought, using a long phillips larger head, and a stubby phillips where needed, the screws came out ok with quite a bit of angle on screw driver, same going back in. Before I even took out old part, I plugged in new part just to test it, and it worked. The alignment of where the moving part was looked to be in a different start/stop position than replacement one, but it did move the car side lever part correctly when installed.
Unplugging it and plugging it back worked on my 03 Es300! Thank you so much!
@sanchito Now my driver side is stuck. Is the servo for the drivers side on the driver's side? Or are they all in the same place? Thanks!
Thanks for the info. No need to over explain what you had to do. Gonna give it a try.
Thanks. It works for me today. Save me a couple hundred bucks.
Thanks for the video. I am having issues with the mode actuator . At least I know where it is now
Unplugging and re-plugging it does the trick most of the time, but I eventually had to buy a new Servo motor on Amazon. Do NOT go to your local Lexus dealer because they will rob you! Amazon it and do it yourself. You WILL need a very stubby (low profile) screwdriver Phillips head type. All good now!
sanchito Unplugging it and plugging it back worked on my 03 Es300! Thank you so much!
That’s awesome bro. My damn old rx300 blow cold mid October now too.
Perfect video.. I needed to see this and thank you....
Thanks for the vid. Sadly it didn’t work for me but it was worth a try 👍🏻
Thanks for the video!! I have a ES330 with same problem. Your video helped diagnose.
Thanks for Sharing your video, I'm having the same problem right now..
Did this on my new-to-me 2000 rx300 today. Thanks for the video!!
I removed that panel on the lower left that we didn’t really need to take off, but it did make the job easier by opening up the area of concern. Unfortunately, when putting it back in, I broke the little black clip or pin with the standard/flathead slot that holds that panel snug. I figured out after breaking it that it’s a two piece clip. Where can I get a replacement for one of those?
Damn my Mexican mechanic did it in 2 hours... Air filter changed, cabin filter changed and all that you mentioned changed for $150 no need for the G-Compartment to be removed
Great video!!! Ive to look mine, the heater not working only AC.
Good Job My Friend I Will Try It Soon On My Car. Great Video Thanks..
great video!!!! Helped me fix my issue
Mine does the same thing n I just order my blend door. Dammit I shoulda have try this first before ordering but anyways thanks a lot for the video. Its a great help.
Thank you for the video! I'm going to give it a try. Hope it works!
Hello, I have the vsc and engine light on. Changed both sensor but didn't do a thing. I have a 2001 rx300.
Best regards
Yo you saved me a lot of money. Thanks for the tip.
Same procedure for mode control servo? Same part #?
Thank you so much, i will try to do my lexus tomorrow
If my servo motor works then what can be my problem
Thank you saved me $$$$$ You the man
Thank you for saving the rest of us our hard earned money!
Hello I have the same problem with the heating of the temperature there is no hot air as you described in the video but we miss the black piece and the gray ones that move where can we buy them?
Thanks dude I have a 1998 model and the nobs are just set to cold I will try this.
Just like that unplug the motorcontroler? Thanks for the video and it helps alot
Hi, yeah, that worked a good handful of times, but eventually I had to replace the Servo, but I managed to find new one on Amazon for much less than any place in town!
Great vid ! Do you think a 2009 rx350 has the same format ?
I need some help buddy I have the same problem I don't kno what the problem is but I'm watching ur video and it's all the same issues I tried what u did but I still have no heat my servo motors work I'm going crazy my man trying to figure this out if u can give me some pointers I would appreciate that thanks for ur video tho it really helped me out foreal THANKS A LOT
Then apparently it's time to get new Servo motors
They work tho so what could be my issue
Hey Corey Moon did you ever find your answer to this question and what did your problem end up being? Please respond back?
Thank you so much it’s very good information I have too Lexus RX 300 2003 🙏🙏🌹🌹💐💐🍷🍷
Your wife going to do more than kiss you .. thanks man just fixed mine this video was very helpful
I tried to do the same but my servo motor is not reliable.
awesome because i changed my top servo but couldnt find 2nd one.I bought my servo for $50 dollars of of EBAY.
great video
Would this be the same issue I'm having my '99 gs300...?
Is there one of these on each side I have one side that heat is working and driver side it stays cold
No, all Servo motors are on the same side. In the video I tried to be as specific as possible pointing out which Servo controls the heat and the one for cold air. Eventually, pulling the pin plug to reset the motors won't work and you'll be forced to replace the motor(s). When that happens PLEASE get it from Amazon; do NOT buy it from the dealership or you'll OVERPAY!
Mine is stuck on hot air hoping this is the issue did you just disconnect and reconnect and it started working again
Hi jamsk8s, yes, at first I simply disconnected the Servo motors and reconnected and it worked the first few times. BUT, eventually, I had to replace the bad Servo motor. If you need to buy new Servo motor(s) go to Amazon. Do NOT buy it at your local dealership; they will rip you off!
@@MichaelSanchez-qz2ro nice, mine does what his does, thanks for the response. I was specifically looking for this in the comments. Going to try it tomorrow.
Thanks a million 🤗
Very informative great video
it really work thanks
Worked for me......thanks
Great job! And thanks!
Thankyou will try it.
Thank you I did it!!
Glad I could help! :)
Congratulations
I was thinking about getting one thats a 2000 with 120k. Has it given you many other issues? I heard this model had some trouble with transmissions?
We had no problems with the tranny whatsoever. Fortunately, we bought it from a family member who took real good care of it.
Huge thanks! 🙏🙏🙏 2024.
My heater is not working at all…. Off to find some screwdrivers
Lexus/Toyota has so many issues with these actuators on so many years/models of their vehicles it's pathetic. There should be a factory recall to replace all these defective items for free.
Thanks 🙏🌹🙏
Doing this today!!!!!
perfect!
EXCELLENT !!
5 stars
Great video! hope your wife kissed you lol
Don't you love that electronic powered cheap ass plastic gear box to open and close the vent door, what a joke i love the old style where it had just a cable that opened and closed that door, my friends Lexus has the problem ur having so in the summer i flipped the vent door open then in the winter i flip it back, dont know why she just doesn't just get a new part its not like she can't afford it cuz if ur driving a damn Lexus i think you should be able to afford a new part, as for me i will stick to my 40 year old bronco 2 cuz new cars have to many unnecessary bs put into them not to make them better but to make the manufacturer more money, have fun and be careful cuz them plastic parts over time become brittle and the plastic parts will break with ease
Hey buddy good info...question...will the unplug and replug in for the top sevo work to?
I have an sc430 blowing cold air on the driver side only, I wonder if this would work on mine?