Bobster999

Are you saying the pre 2010 Rav4 uses the same trans as the RX300 ?

mtom01

Well a used one of course is cheap, but are we not taking a bet....I'm note inclined towards a rebuilt one from the stelership. I looked at a few online Lexus dealers, I can probably snag one at $2.2K.

Well 15.3 hours of labor @$112 is a killer at Toyota, again I'm assuming they are more in tune with getting in a Toyota tranny than the Aamco or Cotman Transmission people.

I'm kind of in a jam, thinking of should I get it fixed or just junk it.

jimsRX300

If it were me, I'd buy a U140 off eBay from the RAV4. The RAV4 came equipped with a 5 and a 4 speed automatic. Yes, the 4 speed is the same transmission. It's a big job, but I'd swap it.

The only other option I see, unfortunatly, is to junk it. You can pick up a 330 or 350 for cheap. Much much better vehicle. Personally, I'm getting a 2011+ Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 Limited 4x4 as my next vehicle. Much better than Toyota can pump out right now. Now that Fiat owns Chrysler, they technically are no longer a US automaker.

Friends of mine that have had their transmissions in various Japenese cars rebuilt or remanufactured have had serious problems. There is nothing wrong with a junked or JDM used transmission. They all give modest warranties.

jimsRX300

I tow those small u-haul utility trailers with mine. I'm careful to observe the 3500 pound limitation (although the highlander has the exact same guts with a 5000 pound tow limit)

mtom01

I have been thinking of moving up to a 330 or 350 too, are these third generation?
What are the main issues of the third generation? Am now like three steps forward and then two backward, this is the second well maintained toyota crappinng up on me

Bobster999

are those for only the AWD or do they also fit the 2WD?




Troubleshooting Transmission Problems: The Toyota U140F

Posted by Regis on Friday, January 18th, 2013

The Toyota U140F transmission is made by the Toyota Corporation. It is a 4 speed automatic transmission used in four wheel drive and all-wheel drive Toyota vehicles including the 2001 -2003 Highlander, the 2000 – 2010 RAVE4, the Lexus 1999 -2003, RX 300 and the 2009 to present Matrix. The U140F is part of the U1xx family that includes the U140E, U142E, U151E and the U151F.

- See more at: http://etereman.com/blog/toyota-auto....7odNtofC.dpuf

jimsRX300

Toyota made the U140F and U140E. Oddly the F model is for Four wheel drive.

They used it in a variety of vehicles. It's a really smooth shifting unit... It just can't handle a load or any abuse.

Oh, I'm done with Toyota. It's back to Jeeps for me. This RX300 has been an unmitigated disaster. Now, I'm stuck with it for a while unless I want to eat a huge financial loss. I'll be around helping out when I can.

The 330 still has an MZ engine and the early 2GR has some issues as well. I'd personally avoid those all together. Go with at LEAST an 08 or newer.

mtom01

Well finally i caved in took the Rx to the nearest Lexus dealer, well as expected the diagnosis came in today.

Transmission has to be replaced.

Price breakdown:
1.Remanufactured Trans: $2632
2. Labor: $1200

Additional parts recommended to be changed:

3. Trans cooler lines are rusted: $226.00
4. Front exhaust pipe is aftermarket, might not fit under the reman trans: $333.00
5. All Seals / Flex plates gaskets: $95.00
Tax: $314.00

Total: $4800.12


Warranty : unlimited miles/ or 1 yr, whichever comes first.

I'm hoping to convince them to reuse the front exhaust pipe (the one that has the flex pipe), not sure why they are thinking this might not fit under the reman trans, sound a bit fishy. Well, trans cooler lines, its true its rusted, it would be a pain getting those rusted bolts out, and then refilling with T-IV, I might even out price wise with the part & T-IV( Will I do better than $226.00 if i do it myself, its cold agin, i have to wait until next
spring))

What do you guys think?

Today I called Lex of America, to beg for some assistance, within two days a Lex Case Manager will call me and the dealer, any tips here when I talk to him.

pilot2

Not that I am having any transmission problem, but I asked a local transmission over-hauler who I have used previously what he would charge for a complete RX300 AWD trans overhaul. His quote was $2800.00 and that would include a lifetime warranty so long as I owned the vehicle.

Will a Lexus dealer provide a better trans overhaul justifying their significantly higher price--especially when the dealer offers a shorter warranty?

Bobster999

Is it worth $5k dropped in an old vehicle ? With the age, what's next? A/C, windows, locks, engine etc... ? IDK but i would sure think hard on that one.

hypervish

+1, unfortunately I hate to say this but, I wouldn't do it.

A 2000 RX300 is only worth about $5k anyways, putting in $5k doesn't make sense.

I've done it in the past on a different vehicle, very similar scenario. After I did spend the $5k on the transmission, I felt obligated to keep fixing it whenever it broke. Racked up another $4k in repairs over the next 5 years that I drove it. I had close to $9,000 in repairs (that I recorded, probably more that I forgot to record) on that vehicle. I ended up selling it for $700 at 226,000 miles. Would I do it again? NOPE!

mtom01

I was able to the price down to $2800.00.

Well I read the thread for RX owners with high milage......boy is kind of giving me second thoughts to keep the RX.

Lex dealer is recommending replacement of rusted tranny cooler lines for $222; I will be able to do it next Spring myself, but again I have to account for at least half a dozen of T-IV.

Do it myself or let them?

Thank you