Bad transmission filter/CEL
 

I have a '93 es300 w/automatic and 132k. Will a bad transmission filter set off the check engine light?? I hope it does, because it may have just crapped out on me. The CEL has been on, but I don't know for how long because I just discovered the CEL bulb was missing 5 days ago and replaced it. After I did that, the light came on. I have an appointment Monday to have the CEL checked, but tranny crapped out this morning. I shifted to L, then I went to upshift and it wouldn't go into 2nd gear. I've had a lag problem for the last two months and have done the tune-up, replaced fuel filter, PCV valve. I changed the tranny fluid after I bought the car, and it definitely needed it, but I did not change the filter/gasket (dumb move on my part). The mechanic I that is doing the scan, said he had the same problem on his Infiniti and he replaced the filter and everything was golden. Should I give the filter change a shot??

You should, but Im pretty sure the C.E. light on a 93 is for the engine only. If there are stored tranny codes, the O/D OFF light should come on. You might have 2 separate problems. Your tranny problem was more than likely caused by bad, low, or wrong fluid.

I changed the fluid the day after I bought the car. The old fluid was not burnt but it wasn't red either, but it needed to be changed. I do suspect the CEL is for something else. I am going to replace the tranny filter anyway, just to say that I did it. I am having the CEL checked out Monday. The result of the filter change will determine if I drive the car up there or have it towed. Thanks for the advice.

do the filter and the fluid, again. did you do this before/prev owner every 30 K miles or so?
get the check engine codes asap and let us know

I will post any and all code results. I am going to change out the fluid and the filter when I get off of work. I just hope I didn't fry the transmission or this will be the shortest time I have ever had a car. I like the car and the ride, but a new or rebuilt tranny is not an option for me. That's just too much dough for my blood. I just bought the car back in February and it only had a 130k. This lagging issue has been there since day three and discovering the check engine light bulb was missing gave me a real sinking feeling. I just hope that I am wrong on this transmission!! I can deal with the small stuff, but not a $2400.00 tranny!! Keep your fingers crossed.

I just changed the tranny filter/gasket today, and it now shifts again!! I still have the CEL/lag problem, but the car is very much drivable. I will post some pics of what a truly nasty filter looks like soon. I'm taking the car for the OBD scan tomorrow. At least I have part of my sanity back!! Thanks for the tips!!

glad your transmission is better. can't wait for the pics! but one pressing question.........

taking what where for what?

to get the codes, you need a freggin paper clip... i hope you can do it yourself? lol

Yep, and with a 93 w/ 132K, id be willing to bet your check engine light is on because of an O2 sensor or EGR. Easy easy fix.

I know I can do the self check, but since I found that the CEL bulb was missing last week, I decided to pin this responsibility on the dealer!! I've only had the car two months. I will post the pics this week.