taylorsd

Hello,

Thanks everyone for all the information!!!! I've lurked around and been able to find anything I have need over the years on the boards. Mainly minor things, but now I have possible transmission issues....I have read the sticky/DIY on transmission fluid change.

I have a 2001 RX300 with 75000 miles. Never any trouble, no slipping, hard shifts, etc.
Pulled into parking spot, went to leave and no reverse. It went into gear, forward or reverse but wouldn't move. Felt like the e-brake was on.

Had it towed to the house and checked codes and had nothing transmission related show up. But I replaced an A/F sensor that had just got bad recently.

I decided to drain and drop the pan to see what the fluid looks like and check the magnets. I didn't do the cooler drain / partial converter drain yet. Wanted to get some advice first.

I attached a couple pictures of what I found in the pan. The magnets are pretty full and there is a pretty good amount of debris scattered about.

How does this look to you guys and any thoughts / plan of attack? I know some amount is "normal" but not sure how much to expect.


Thanks is advance!
And again great site with wealth of time & money saving information

Scott

2KHarrier

Hmmm.... Well, When I did my fluid change last fall, the pan was mostly clean, except for a small amount of deposit around the magnets. Nothing like what your photos show.

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

Unfortunately that is not normal. I'd prepare for the worst, and get your funds ready for a replacement transmission.

In the mean time you could try a couple of drain and fills to get fresh fluid in there and test your luck to see how many miles you can get out of it.

kalali

Going by the appearance of the metal shavings on the magnets, the condition of the fluid, and the amount of grime in the pan, I would guess this is the fluid that was in the car when it left the factory. If it were mine, I would do a complete drain and fill by disconnecting the cooler lines and run fresh fluid on one end until I see fresh fluid come out from the other end, the so-called back flushing using the transmission's own pump. There is little to lose at the point. Its a shame though to see how some people could neglect such an important component in their vehicles and basically run it to the ground. At 75K miles this should not happen. Expect $2000-$3000 price tag for such neglect.