Hello everyone,
We are experiencing some (20-45 degree) temperatures presently, and to my amazement, when I started my 2007 Lexus ES350 and put the gear shifter in drive, it was barely moving, like the transmission had gone bad. I mean, I have never practiced starting any of my automobiles and immediately put it in gear and go. I always let it idle a few minutes first, warm and cold weather. It was just last month, I had it serviced at the Lexus dealership. The service advisor said all the fluids were topped off, and the car in general was in excellent shape. I was really worried because like I said, I thought the transmission had quit on me.

I went online to find out if this is a common problem with this year and model, and the information I saw said that it is. Have any of you experienced the same issue with this year and model? If so, have you fixed the problem or is there a solution or is it it just one of those factory flaws that can't be corrected?
Thanks,
-John

 

How many miles on the car? Have you ever serviced the transmission?

 

I purchased it last year with 69k original miles; it has 72k miles on it now. No, I have never had the transmission serviced. Thank you so much.

 

The transmission functions perfectly when the weather is warm.

 

I suppose the SLT solenoid is sticky, so the first step would be to change the oil/filter.

 

Um, I recently had the oil and filter changed, but maybe changing them again might help. Thank you.

 

[QUOTE=EsLux007;12006645]I purchased it last year with 69k original miles; it has 72k miles on it now.Thank you

 

You should have the transmission fluid changed. If the Lexus dealer won't do it, call some local Toyota dealers as it is the same transmission. Many members have their Lexus vehicles serviced at Toyota dealers. I have done it myself. You may also want to have them change the brake fluid and power steering fluid as some offer discount packages if changing a few fluids at the same time.

 

Good morning, and thank you, sir.

 

Good afternoon, sir. I apologize for the late reply. I took your advice to heart, and had the transmission fluid changed, and as you also suggested, I changed the brake and power steering fluids, but I wanted to wait until the mercury plummeted again, and it did, last night.

I started it up and drove it this morning, and the issue I had with it not wanting to move, is gone. I am very grateful to you for the sound advice you shared. Thank you so much, and may all go well in the new year.
-John

 

Thanks for letting me know that my advice helped resolve your cold weather transmission issue! It's great to get feedback from other members regarding resolution of problems with these aging vehicles.
I trust you will have many more years and thousands of miles of trouble free driving with this ES350.
Happy New Year!

 

Thank you, and you likewise, sir.