Locke1313

So where to begin.. I bought a used 1999 rx 300 from a car lot for six grand out the door, sounds like a great deal right? Well its been a couple of weeks and the other day when I was getting on the freeway my car was no longer accelerating. It accelerates but you have to turn the car off and then back on. I was talking to a friend of mine who works on cars and he said that it sounds like the car isn't down shifting and there could be a blown solenoid I am not a car guy and am kind of clueless here. I'd rather not spend 2500$ on a new transmission if I don't have to. I had just gotten the oil changed I don't think that has anything to do with it though and it needs two new o2 sensors. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

-Robbie

JAB

Do a search and you will learn that early RX transmissions are prone to failure, and what you are describing is fairly typical. Bummer.

code58

$2500. would be an incredible bargain. Depending on whether it's FWD or AWD it is likely to be more like $4000. or more, and that's overhauled at an independent trans. shop. Good Luck. Sorry you had to find out about the RX trans. problems this way.

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

I think we are jumping to conclusions without much information. Are you sure it's not accelerating, or does it feel like it is in 3rd instead of 4th? What are the rpm's at highway speeds? (mention the speed and rpm)

Is there a check engine light? If so, what codes are there?

Locke1313

I tried taking it to a autozone so they could run a diagnostic on the computer to see what codes it is throwing. On my way there the car was slipping out of gear and the engine would rev but there was no acceleration. I turned the car off and it was fine for another ten miles and then the problem would repeat. So I'm currently waiting on a aaa tow to autozone. Ill repost with the codes. Thanks to all for the replies its a real bummer but I am in love with the car.

-Robbie

hypervish

That certainly doesn't sound good. Originally I thought the issue was only at highway speeds.

Have you checked the transmission fluid? What color is it? How many miles on the RX?

JAB

The symptoms you now describe are exactly how mine behaved shortly before it became completely undriveable and I had the transmission replaced.

Locke1313

Codes
Po125
P1135
P1155
Po171
Po770
P1133

code58

That's what I'd call a "cluster of codes" which are essentially of no value. You MAY have transmission failure but You MAY not. P1135, P1155, P1133 and P0171 have to do with both front A/F ratio sensors, P0125 is insufficient coolant temp., and P0770 with trans. solenoid E. I think you can discount almost all but P0770 as having anything to do directly with trans problems. I wouldn't assume because your trans is acting up that it is automatically toast. Electronics run a car these days and also cause nightmares. Solenoids in the transmission are all electrically operated anymore so if the electrical is in anyway interupted (all of the wires to these solenoids are immersed in the trans fluid) or if the solenoid gets a spec of dirt in it or the electromagnet in it fails, it's going to cause problems. The PCM (power control module, controls the engine and trans) gets a bug in it's fanny and gives bad commands to the transmission electronic controls, you have problems. Anything is possible, but I can almost GUARANTEE, no matter what is, or is not wrong with it, either Lerxus or an independent trans shop is going to tell you"Yup, needs a new transmission" Sad, but they are for the most part not knowledgeable enough (and sometimes not honest enough) to tell you anything else!

Locke1313

I've decided to go down with the ship. Any ideas where I can find a good used transmission. A co worker suggested that I check out junk yards ect... I found a website that offers rebuilt trannys with a one year warranty. I'm just not sure what the right road to go down is. Thanks to all for the reply's it's greatly appreciated.

hypervish

You can go the junkyard route if you find a transmission that has already been replaced in the RX you are getting it from.

Use this site, they list if the transmission is a REMAN unit. www.car-part.com

lexus114

My advice; look up a good ATRA shop in your area. (Automatic Transmission Re builders Association) Word of mouth can possible get you started. Or the good ole internet.