2003 Transmission ES300
09-29-16, 10:46 AM
#1
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2003 Transmission ES300
I have heard that there are some issues with the transmissions in these cars, is this true? does it go out altogether or just have minor annoyances?
what mileage do they commonly go out at?
what mileage do they commonly go out at?
09-29-16, 12:04 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
I have heard many things in my life...
My previous 97 ES300 was at +280k mile on original engine and transmission.
My current 06 ES330 is at +100k miles on original engine and transmission.
I service my vehicles and follow the service interval as specified in the owner's manuals.
My previous 97 ES300 was at +280k mile on original engine and transmission.
My current 06 ES330 is at +100k miles on original engine and transmission.
I service my vehicles and follow the service interval as specified in the owner's manuals.
10-01-16, 08:22 AM
#3
Minor annoyances is all.
The complaints are that the shift points are not programmed as well as they could be, and sometimes exacerbated by the fly-by-wire throttle action. It is noticeable most in stop-go situations. The reliability of the U151 is quite high. It is in a gazillion V6 toyotas from 2002 to 2009 and rarely has any issues. The other issue is that Lexus made a poor choice in switching to three lower mount points on this powertrain unit (2002 to 2006) in the 4ES. It is generally inadequate and causes quicker mount wear. Once one of them (either one of the three lower or the upper "torque strut") wears it creates more perceived harshness. Watch the engine as someone sits in it with brakes on and shifts through the gears. The engine should not move. If it does, check the mounts and torque strut.
Just change the fluid periodically - a drain/fill every 30k should take it to 400 or 500k miles or more. Don't change the filter; it is a mesh screen with high flow and substituing a flow-restricting aftermarket one can cause issues. Fortunately, these units still have a dipstick for ease of checking fluid condition, unlike a lot of later transmission types.
Our car has ~265k on it and works without issue. Between 200 and 240 I had to replace the upper strut and the transmission side lower mount (the one behind the LF wheel).
The complaints are that the shift points are not programmed as well as they could be, and sometimes exacerbated by the fly-by-wire throttle action. It is noticeable most in stop-go situations. The reliability of the U151 is quite high. It is in a gazillion V6 toyotas from 2002 to 2009 and rarely has any issues. The other issue is that Lexus made a poor choice in switching to three lower mount points on this powertrain unit (2002 to 2006) in the 4ES. It is generally inadequate and causes quicker mount wear. Once one of them (either one of the three lower or the upper "torque strut") wears it creates more perceived harshness. Watch the engine as someone sits in it with brakes on and shifts through the gears. The engine should not move. If it does, check the mounts and torque strut.
Just change the fluid periodically - a drain/fill every 30k should take it to 400 or 500k miles or more. Don't change the filter; it is a mesh screen with high flow and substituing a flow-restricting aftermarket one can cause issues. Fortunately, these units still have a dipstick for ease of checking fluid condition, unlike a lot of later transmission types.
Our car has ~265k on it and works without issue. Between 200 and 240 I had to replace the upper strut and the transmission side lower mount (the one behind the LF wheel).
Last edited by Oro; 10-01-16 at 08:28 AM.
10-11-16, 12:24 PM
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ok thank you for the help, which fluid should I use? should I get it directly from the lexus dealer?, I have not changed the fluid (hope its ok) I have about 138,000 on it, the owners manual says not to change it unless you are having major work done.
10-11-16, 05:22 PM
#5
Itll be the Toyota t-4 fluid. Others have gone aftermarket, but I highly suggest keeping with the OEM fluid as the price between that and a supposed substitute is minimal. As long as you don't do a flush, you should be fine. Even then, I've seen more instances where flushes help than hurt. Just do a drain and fill, get out 3-4 quarts, and be on your way for another 30k miles
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