bloodyKnuc

Hi,

I'm considering purchasing a 1994 GS 300, 192,000 miles, with a failed transmission. The fellow selling it says he recently purchased the car when the transmission shifted fine when cold but when warmed up only shifted into first gear. He thought a flush would do it, but now he says it won't shift at all cold or warm. He says the tranny fluid is dark red. Not wanting to mess with it any more put it back up for sale.

He says the only other problem he knows of is a worn out drivers seat, and body has a few dings, but AC works, and engine doesn't smoke. Asking price is 800 bucks.

Better to rebuild or replace? I've been reading here about the 2JZGTE tranny swap. Like this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Aristo-Supra-GS300-Twin-Turbo-3-0L-Automatic-Transmission-JDM-2JZ-2JZGTE-/390590795604?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5af1068f54&vxp=mtr
Or is it better to pass this one up. I'm looking for a low cost, reliable car. Does the GS 300 fit the ticket?

Jay Scott.

Salcedo90

i would say drop the price a bit but price seems fair if interior in ok shape also how the engiine
and parts aint really low cost for lexus

Nixspeed

Its usually the shift solenoid on the valve body. They are about $200 each and super easy to replace. If it needs more than one its best to just get a used trans in good shape. Depending on your mechanical skill level I say get it.

bloodyKnuc

I plan on checking the car out tomorrow. I'm ready to jumper for engine codes a-la http://www.troublecodes.net/Lexus/ although I don't see any codes there to help determine if the shifting solenoid is a problem.

This thread:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/7165411-post18.html

...suggests checking the solenoids' resistance at the PCM although that one's not a first gen gs3 and I'm not sure where or what PCM is. Closest thing I came across is the Passenger Control Relay/Fuse Panel. I'm wondering if what I'm looking for is actually the ECU, apparently behind the glove box. That I expect I can find, but the solenoid connections are another story.

All is well.

joewitafro

I bought mine for 750 when the asking price was 900 and swapped in a R154 manual 5 speed... So you know my answer now!

bloodyKnuc

Oh cool joew...is the manual for performance, mpg, or both?

I'm looking for a daily and my skills are not up to par with that level of mod, and I'm not about to have the fellow I plan on hiring to repair this one to do something that requires that much attention to detail.

I figure shifting problems are either, electronic controls, solenoids, or tranny mechanical failure. If the tranny is kaput or as Nixspeed says, more than one solenoid is bad, then what are my options for automatic transmissions?

bloodyKnuc

It is done, I've slipped into the fold!

Decent looking on the outside, tired on the in, but engine sounds real nice and at least half of the accoutrements still work!

bloodyKnuc

As far as I know primary problem is the transmission. No response at all with the tranny running through the gears. The indicators light up just fine. I'm told it was slipping for some time, then went into limp mode, and now nothing.

Check engine light is on and I pulled codes 21 and 25 out of her:

21 - Main O2S & Heater Signal
25 - Air–Fuel Ratio Lean Malfunction

http://www.troublecodes.net/Lexus/

I'm somewhere between and .

joewitafro

I did the transmission for performance and what I prefer to drive. I plan a 6 speed some day with big power but for now I am trying to turbo it and stay under 700. Although with my auto rear end the gearing is really short.