Transmission And Gearbox

alex.g.bennett · February 19, 2009

Hi,

Hoping someone with knowledge out there can help me through my transmission issue.

Inherited RX300 which was 'pinking' after 87k miles turns out it had not had plugs changed. As the problem got worse (i did not immediately fix issue) gearbox started to slip and became noisy in first gear!

Changed plugs, cambelt and changed oil and filters and all seeemed 'better than good' for 1,000 miles, this week lost all gears and traction and now can not find D, 2, Low but can get reverse if I rock the car to engage this?

Can not afford to change gearbox or put into dealer/ specialist without some idea of cost.

I just noticed that I seem to be able to move from N to D to 2 but not Low or Reverse without engaging shift button - does this suggest a solenoid problem rather than gearbox itself?

Any clues or comment welcome.

ColinBarber · February 19, 2009

The gear selector movement you describe is normal so there is no solenoid problem.

The plugs and engine oil etc. are not related. Have you checked the transmission fluid level?

The only other thing I can suggest is to replace the transmission fluid however it may be too late for that. I would recommend you look on the forums in the US (clublexus.com) as this is a common issue over there and hopefully you can find some better advise.

alex.g.bennett · February 20, 2009

The gear selector movement you describe is normal so there is no solenoid problem.
The plugs and engine oil etc. are not related. Have you checked the transmission fluid level?

The only other thing I can suggest is to replace the transmission fluid however it may be too late for that. I would recommend you look on the forums in the US (clublexus.com) as this is a common issue over there and hopefully you can find some better advise.

alex.g.bennett · February 20, 2009

The gear selector movement you describe is normal so there is no solenoid problem.
The plugs and engine oil etc. are not related. Have you checked the transmission fluid level?

The only other thing I can suggest is to replace the transmission fluid however it may be too late for that. I would recommend you look on the forums in the US (clublexus.com) as this is a common issue over there and hopefully you can find some better advise.

Thanks Colin all is becoming clearer now. My plan now is to get Lexus or a Toyota specialist to agree to fit a new generation transmission (with Steel planetary and six gears) to my 2000/01 RX, presumably they will willingly support this, knowing it to be the 'logical' fix?

As I did not buy new I have no issue with design or recall, given the mileage at which failures become more common, I would not expect this, I just want a fix to enjoy the car some more.