patrock61

I own a 2000 RX 300 with 120k , It has stopped shifting into OD and the engine light comes on every time it is not shifting properly , I have found a Transmission from a 2002 with 34k on it my question is are these two transmissions interchangeable ??? Or is there some issue I should no about before I purchase the 2002

Thanks Patrick

Lexmex

Offhand, I don't recall any change to the trannies over the years that would prevent them from bolting up. However, you do need to make sure whether you are getting a U140E (FWD tranny) or a U140F (AWD tranny) as there is difference there.

mikey00

I wouldn't swap that transmission just yet. Are you sure the check engine light is not indicating some type of engine problem (knock sensor, o2 sensor, etc.) and the ECU is preventing the transmission from shifting into overdrive due to the CEL. This is the way it works. The fix could turn out to be fairly easy compared to a trans swap.

patrock61

Mike , I did take it to Auto zone and it said I had a bad knock sensor .this would stop it from going into OD ?? and not to sound silly but what is a ECU and CEL any help you could give me would really be appreciated

Thanks Patrick

mikey00

CEL = Check Engine Light
ECU = Electronic Control Unit (Computer that controls everything)

Yes a bad knock sensor will prevent it from going into OD. Do a search on your error code in this forum (or try Lexus Owners Club) and you most likely will be able to read about others who encountered the same problem. Good thing you posted on this forum. I think you just saved a unnecessary transmission replacement.
Be sure and post back after your problem is resolved so that it may help others.

patrock61

Okay so I take the code I received from auto zone and go to the post and search that code??? And I will find how others handled the same problem??This is the first message board that I have used so excuse my inexperience. I did have the fluid change and the mechanic said there was some metal in the bottom and smelled burnt but after all it does have 119,000 miles on it. So you would replace the knock sensor before the transmission.... I really appreciate the help; cars are not my strong point. But if you have any electrical question maybe some day I could pay back the favor.
Patrick

salimshah

It is your call to publish your phone number, but I strongly suggest to edit your post and remove it. The forum provides "private mail" for one to one contact.

Salim

patrock61

thanks for the heads up I changed it .

Patrick

mikey00

My suggestion was to search this forum with your error code or even just the words "knock sensor" to find others who experienced the same problem and the action they took to resolve. Once you enter the RX300 forum on top of the far right column you will see the words "search this forum". Click here and enter the words "knock sensor". You will see posts by others who had the same knock sensor problem complete with no OD and their solutions. I also supplied the name of another good forum where you may want to search for info. I haven't had the knock sensor issue myself yet, so I pretty much exausted my knowledge on the subject.
As far as your trans goes, burnt fluid is one of the common problems with the RX trans. I do a drain and fill every 15K to keep it as fresh as possible and hope for the best. Metal particles in the fluid is never a good sign but your trans could go a lot longer if you just change the fluid regularly. Same as the search for "knock sensor" do a search on "transmission failure" for a lot of info.
Any other questions, just ask and I will try to help.

I also edited your quote contained in my previous response to hide the phone # (thanks, Salim).

patrock61

thanks guys I have done some research and my next move is to replace the knock sensors about a 900 dollar job at the dealership I will do some shopping and see what I can find ...I feel much better now and want to thank both of you guys for the help .

Patrick

Lexmex

Patrock61, whenever you have a code/CEL, feel free to toss it over to me in the forum or via PM...we can go over it.