fastnoypi

check out Drcoffee's method of the flush, maybe some useful tips here that may not need as much ATF as the typical drain and fill method. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...aka-flush.html

ChaoSki

Well, I changed the fluid 4 times before it was pink after running it.

Car does shift into 2nd, but if I press the gas too much, it slips. Doesn't want to shift into 3rd.

Reverse still not working.

Last resort will be doublechecking the speed sensors with multimeter and Lucas Slip Stop.

Any other ideas? Could bad ECM cause these issues? Is there a way to check it?

ChaoSki

Lucas Trans fix thing did nothing. Still slipping upon extra gas in 2nd. 3rd is a no go at all, slips entire gear.

No reverse still.

I doubt the speed sensors would be the culprit here at this point (already swapped them, was just going to check the voltage with multimeter).

I think I'v reached the end of the road here.

fastnoypi

that completely sucks about your transmission, did you see any metal in the pan when you drained the first time? Just speculating that some passageways in the AT are completely clogged. The dilemma is that you can't drive long enough to get the fluid hot to help dislodge some solids.

ChaoSki

Funny cause there was no metal shavings at all. Even the magnets looked pretty clean.

I drove it for about 15-20 min today.

I will drive it some more and give it more time perhaps. Take her on the highway too, see if it engages 3rd at all, let it shift around.

Good news is, getting TONS of replies to buy it with a bad tranny......

salimshah

You are getting diagnosis over the net ... well meaning and best intentions ... but imho you need to drive to a transmission shop and hear it from them

Salim

fastnoypi

i agree with Salim, you need to get a transmission specialist to look at it...but first i would scan for any codes on the possibility that your CEL light is burned out. Its a long shot, but if it is fruitful, it can point to a sensor that needs attention. Its still cheaper than tearing the transmission down.

ChaoSki

No CEL, i reset the ECM and rechecked for codes # of times.

I already swapped the Speed senors and cleaned them as well.

Every specialist I called simply said "new tranny" without any troubleshooting......they want to make the most money possible. Easy solution is NOT a profitable solution in their book.

fastnoypi

you've definitely done your homework. Good thing you have some other vehicles to use. Used transmissions average around 1k without a core exchange on ebay and car-part. Depending on your time, curiosity and your will to do the labor yourself, you'll have to decide if its worth it to just part ways or take the time and make a project out of it. Since you did not find any metal, i would be optimistic that it would be salvageable with a tear down and internal cleaning.

ChaoSki

From what I understand, removing transmission on these cars is a pretty major job (AWD). Subframe removal and lifting the engine.

I guess I can undertake it, problem is, taking transmission apart. From what I understand it's one of the most complex pieces of machinery there is.

I'm usually the one to take on ANYTHING, but this might be quite a bit outside of my comfort zone hehe

Putting in a used tranny has too much of a risk IMO. If it was another car that has no usual transmission issues, I would do it. But with the flaws this car has in the tranny unit, I'm just going to be dealing with the same issues down the line.

Not worth taking the risk IMO. Also, I need to to tow....which means extra stress on transmission...which means, lesser life.

Sucks cause it is a great car, we really love it.

fastnoypi

a used transmission is a risk anyway you look at it because of the unknown maintenance. There are examples of 1st gens going into the 400k mile mark. Most likely the owners changed fluids in 40k intervals or so. The way i look at it, if you can use the vehicle for 2 more years, you've gotten your money back out of it and then some for the transmission and labor for install. Alot of the resellers give anywhere from a 30-90 day guarantee.

I would install a filter and better transmission cooler if i had towing needs. Drcoffee wrote up a DIY on that...IMO, a filter would be a must if i were to put in a used transmission and do a flush after a week or so after the install. Either way, good luck with your decision!

And yes, you definitely need a lift to do this job. There are some members that have slowly taken the car up in the air with railroad ties and blocks! Thats some serious determination.

Bill Dowd

I have to give you credit you sure don't give up too easily that's a mark of a successful person, as everybody's been saying change the filter whether it looks clean or not. You have already changed the oil four times with I believe to be Maxlife if it still does not work I would just drive it till and let's go. Meantime I would check around with several different transmission shops and find out the cost of a rebuilt transmission prices do vary I've heard too many bad stories about buying used ones. drive it may just improve itself job well done.

ChaoSki

I've been driving it past 2 days. Not getting better at all. 2nd still slipping, 3rd is a complete no go. No reverse still.

But will keep going/trying.