Ebp609si

Ok I need a little help from the knowledgeable members on here.
Here's the run down.
2000 Es300 platinum edition, it has 143k miles on it.
No warning lights on, or any indicator lights on the instrument cluster.

I was driving yesterday waiting to make a left hand turn. While waiting I felt a shudder/vibration. I didnt think anything of it until i pressed the gas and noticed that the car didnt want to move. The transmission was slipping really hard. I stopped at the next traffic light and turned the car off for a few seconds. When i started the car again i put it in drive and the car moved enough to get me back home. When i got here i checked the trans fluid and it seemed fine, the levels were normal and it didnt smell burnt. So i started the car again and i put it in drive and reverse to see if itll take the gears. It took the gears for only a few minutes until it became unreponsive.

I let the car sit over night and tried it again today only to get the same results. It'll take all the gears for a few minutes and then the transmission will become unresponsive again.

I would like to know if this can be a simple fix with a little transmission work or would i have to replace the transmission.

Sorry if i rambled, im a bit stressed due to this situation. Ive been out of work for two years, now that i finally got a job last week the car decides to leave me on foot with no transportation to my new job.

mdbrown

You need a Toyota or Lexus scan tool so you can read transmission codes. What it sounds like is it's losing pressure which would indicate either a weak front pump or internal pressure loss. Assuming the level is good and it's not burnt that would be the best guess. If it's either then a transmission overhaul or replacement is the solution. Hard to diagnose over the net but those would be my guess based on what you've posted.

Ebp609si

Would a check engine light be on if the transmission is throwing a code? I would hope this wouldnt be a costly fix

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

New transmission needed. Mine just did the same over a month ago, uncalled for. No codes, no errors.

A professional scanner indicated solenoid failures in mine, which a standard 200$ scanner cannot "read".

Anyways get it rebuilt if its worth it in the USA... A rebuild here was going to run me 3500$, the three solenoids were over 1000$, and as per the Lexus manager & techs it wasn't guaranteed to be source of the problem. I ended up getting a "new" used trans put in with roughly half the mileage my car has now.

Ebp609si

Thanks for the info 01LEXPL

PETERPHAN8

replace transmission filter located inside of transmission fluid pan.. the filter and gasket cost around $26.. I had a same problem like you have last month. replaced the filter fixed the problem. I end up selling the car last week, because I didn't trust the transmission and the car after the problem.

Ebp609si

I might try that out before letting the car go for sale. I have it listed locally for a pretty cheap price due to the trans. If i can get it running again i might keep it

msekanha

ooofffffff... that's tough man.

I hate to be a debbie downer, but... I don't think a fluid and filter change will save this one.

Quite a few members has had transmission issues with their 2000/2001 Es300.
I've also seen many 2000/2001 Es300 on craigslist with bad transmissions.

My 1997 Es has over 235k with original A541E transmission.

I believe the 1999/2000/2001 Es300 uses the U140E transmission.

I'm wondering if there's an unheard of problem with the U140E transmissions.....

Ebp609si

Im sure its done for. Im pretty sure there is a defect issue with these transmissions. My brother has a rx300 with the same trans. It died with only 40k on it. At the time the dealer replaced the transmission with a new one due to his warranty. But now its only been a few years and he said his trans acts up when its cold. Mine died out of no where, no signs of failure

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

I think you're onto something here. I just looked at OP's FS thread and his ES has 144k on it, mine went out at around 145k or so as well. coincidence? most likely, but the fact that a lot of times the FWD RX & ES' of this year range will be sold with a bad trans or at least a rebuilt one.

In the last year on this forum alone, which is a very limited 'niche market' of drivers/enthusiasts vs. the rest of the general public there's been three that reported trans issues/replacements [myself included]

Yup must be a defect since they replaced these quite often in those RX's under warranty and some due to sludge build up... but that's another issue.

PFB

I'm just wondering if at least some of those transmission failures could be attributed to their owners having performed a transmission flush thinking its a good idea.

Phil

rlx101

one man's 140kmiles is another mans 280kmiles. it all depends on the driving conditions and stress on the transmission. a lot of folks commute and live outside of the city in this case trannies are known to go for over 200kmiles without any issues. other folks have to drive into the city and sit in traffic every day, this is when tranny experiences the most amount of stress. constant shifting up and down, stop and go traffic, from one stop light to another.

so basically its a wear item like anything else. when it is time to go - then it is time to go.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

^ right, what i forgot to mention above, is that my coworker has his '97 all original with 225kmiles [360k kms] on his, but being the 97 its the a514 trans. those don't seem to be plagued with new transmission issues.

So I'm going to maintain that there has to be something with the 99+ VVTI motor/trans combos...

guarddog

Sounds like your fwd clutch pack wore out and needs to be replaced. My 2001 ES300 had same problem after 235k. Transmission started slipping at 80k but periodic transmission filter/fluid changes silenced the slipping/kicking until the clutch pack finally gave out. If you are up for rebuilding yourself, this diagram may help you:

http://www.automaticchoice.es/Catalo...ue/aw_u140.pdf

EPayne42

REALLY GOOD THREAD HERE. I'm planning to grab a transmission from the u-pull-it salvage yard and try the rebuild. Would really like to have a spare trans on the shelf. Any leads on where to buy parts? Does anyone know of a rebuild kit?