98LexusNJ

-1998 ES300

I have a question regarding my transmission. I recently noticed how high my RPM's are on the highway. The engine seemed to be louder than normal. There is also noticable engine braking when you let off the gas on the highway.

Is it normal for a ES300 to be running 2,000 RPM @ 55MPH and 2,500 RPM @ just under 70MPH?

My first concern was the torque converter. Overdrive seems to be working fine since the RPM's go up much higher after disabling O/D but I seem to recall the RPM's dropping down more after achieving sustained highway speeds.

I've only had the car for a few months and rarely go on the highway but I swear the RPM's were different when I first bought it.

Thanks for the great site. There is so much information here .

boxlvo

I'm new to this forum too. I just bought a 2000 ES300 lexus and after 90k maintain, the engine still making some noises. When i drive fast about 50-70 mph(2-2.5rpm), its prety quiet. But when i first press the pedal and going like 35-40mph, the engine seem louder. Is this typical or is there something wrong with my lexus? Thanks alot in advance, this is the best forum ever!

AzNMpower

Yup, normal. It's only a 4-speed guys.

Pheonix

Yes the RPM's are normal. Yes, your torque convertor lockup should be fine. If it had a problem of not un-locking, you wouldn't be able to crank the engine. Nor would you be able to drive under about 10-15mph without stalling.
The engine sound changes because of the ACIS. (Varriable intake)

98LexusNJ

THANK YOU very much for the quick replies. I don't really have any issues with it. I was just concerned that I had a major expense coming . At 85,000 miles, I guess there is a chance that something like the motor mounts are going or something along those lines which is resulting in more buzzing and vibrations. Or, its just the nature of the car. As long as it works and is reliable, I really don't care!

Thanks again for the clear explanation

draikonz

at 85k mileage, you still have a long way to go before you have any major problems

suloh

I have the same problem but my car is a 1997 Toyota Avalon 120K(I believe that it has the same tranny - I also have a LS 400 200K which is why I am on this forum).

1)Like in your case, at highway speeds 70mph if I were to lift off I can feel a slight jerk it is like the lockup is doing something. Anyway tranny is doing something funny.

2) In the mornings, when tranny is cold, tranny will hold on to a gear maybe 3 gear till the car warms up a little - 4 minutes drive - anything wrong with that

3)In the city when I am at 45mph and have to step on the brakes to slow down, I notice that the rpm will drop off for a few seconds then just bounce back up. It seems like tranny still in OD lockup (kind of like keeping manual tranny in 5th gear at 25 mph) for too long then all of a sudden it unlocks. It appears to be slow in unlocking

I am think of doing a drain and flush with Mobil ATF (it will be mixing with non synthetic ATF), what do you guys think. Or do you think I should so a complete flush and change completely to Mobil ATF (any sites on DIY for tranny flush)

Thanks