pennda

Newby user here. Rx300 approx 150K miles. Replaced solenoid about 3,000 miles ago. Now showing up again - but this time it will not shift to overdrive. Outside of a needed engine tuneup, is there something else, ie electrical, that is causing this solenoid situation. Transmission was running fine until the first solenoid error.

Does not shift into O/D at all - from cold start to driving temps.
Looking for troubleshoot solutions.

salimshah

This is not a problem, but a feature to help warm up the engine and transmission warm up sooner. Driver has to limit speed till that time.

Salim

pennda

Thanks. No O/D shift even after 45 min driving.

Lexmex

Before I forget, welcome to Club Lexus.

I think one other person had this issue a few years back. I am not familiar with this one on an RX300, but I have heard of this occurring on VW transmissions, and in those cases sometimes just making sure to check the fluid level and the consistency of the fluid itself revealed issues. Barring that, there are three possibilities:

1. Short circuit in the solenoid itself (the code mentioned is only applicable to D, not A or B), take a look at the connectors.
2. The actual solenoid itself
3. The ECM of vehicle computer in the glove compartment (highly doubtful as other things should be screwy then).

I know its a little bit time consuming to take off the tranny pan and then the valve body (I did this once a few years back), but beats paying $$$ for service.

pennda

Thanks for the help. An update. Discovered a whole bunch of code issues ranging from ignition to fuel mix and engine insufficient coolg temp. A relative who is an experienced auto mech - told me with about 10 or 11 codes showing, that it might be 'outhinking itself' recommended to disconnect the battery so the codes would reset.

After a test drive, the engine light came on (and I know the engine needs a tune up) but the good news is that my O/D shifting problem disappeared, even when doing manual shifting with the automatic transmission. I seems to be shifting very very smooth now.

So, a tuneup is in order! And I've learned that before jumping to the wild side of major transmission $$ repairs - make sure all other diagnostics are in the 'norm' - because everything is related to something! Will keep you all updated.