Hello, I am having problems with my 2000 Lexus ES300. The car has 104,000 miles on it. When I start my car and its cold, when I put it in reverse, it won't go in til I give it a little gas, then it will jerk it self in. Also shifting from first to secound is fine, but from secound to third it is really rough and feels like it goes in gear, then out of gear, then back in gear. I am wondering if I can put some type of addictive into the transmission fluid that might be able to help fix this? Any chance charging the tranny fluid would help? Any help would be gladly appricated.

Thanks
Ben

 

There could be a number of reasons why your ES is behaving like it is, but first of all, you must check the color and condition of your tranny fluid. Do this check-up after your car has been driven for a couple of miles. If it's darkish brown or greyish, the fluid needs to be replaced. When was the last time you got your tranny fluid drained and refilled?

 

Probably about a year ago at the 80,000 mile checkup.

 

I found this: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...owtopic=11844&

But I have a 2000, so is it going to be way different? Is their any tech guides on the 2000 year ES300 to change the fluid? I have done many tranny flushes before, but I can not mess this one up.

 

Even though that was for a 2002 ES, the procedure shouldn't be different at all on your 2000. Tranny drain plug should be in the same location under your car, and you'll realize it's just like changing your own oil. If you have the tools necessary to do the job, by all means do it, but like I said in my post, I highly advise checking the fluid first before doing anything else. From my experience, tranny fluid should be drained and refilled every 30K miles (or 15K if you drive hard and/or carry heavy loads frequently).

Also, does your ES throw out any check engine light? What is your RPM when sitting at idle?

 

You may not have the plug for the front differential, as it a FWD transaxle, but you will have the pan plug. It's a 10mm allen hex type. I always recommend using a Craftsman #GK 42679, 10 mm hex 3/8 drive socket. Much easier to handle than an ordinary "L" allen wrench. And you can use a torque wrench to measure how tight you reinstall the plug. I tighten mine to 35 Ft Lbs. The aluminum plug seal (washer) is reusable.

Since I live and drive in high heat, fine dust condictions, and AWD, I drain and fill my transmission every ten thousand. At $20 for the fluid, it's cheap insurance against premature failure. My 2000 RX just turned 40K.

 

What kind of transmission fluid would you guys recomend?

 

Also what is my transmission code? And when driving at a constant speed, it might drive fine, but then all of a sudden it will jerk and then be fine for a little bit longer.

 

I use the Toyota Type IV ... $5 at a toyota dealer. Your capacity is 3.8 quarts.

 

Get the 2001 FSM http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=26449
Dry fill is 8.72q
Drain & fill is 3.7q
Toyota T-IV, or Toyota T-IV spec fluid is all that's know you can use OK.

Flush the transmission, drain & fills don't accomplish a lot until you've done it several times.
(Drain, fill, shift to all gear positions, drive around the block park repeate)