Potential transmission problem - no reverse
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: MI
Potential transmission problem - no reverse
My 2007 ES350 was running fine with no issues. 140K. All of a sudden on the highway the cruise control disengaged, the RPM spiked to 8k (but no change in sound/handling), and the power steering failed. I coasted to an exit. Shutdown and restarted to see if that would help. Had a check VSC light and check engine light. Tried driving but it would only shift with great difficulty. I initially thought it was a power belt and it was in limp mode, but a local mechanic (whom I do not know or trust but was the only place to tow it to) said it needs a new transmission and would be $8k, which exceeds the value of the car. There is no reverse, and when I drove it to its final resting place before the tow, it would shift very erratically and not above 3rd gear, even in sport manual mode. How likely is it that the whole transmission needs to be replaced vs another issue? Does limp mode have reverse? After I said I would sell the car for scrap, the mechanic said they would pay me $300 for it and indicated they would work on it more and then sell it as a functional car. Am I getting hoodwinked?
Last edited by JetSetGo; Dec 1, 2023 at 06:27 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 987
Likes: 288
From: NJ
$8k for a transmission, which I assume will be some rebuild they will order (unless they do rebuild themselves) is a very high price considering its not a Lexus dealer. You can shop around in transmission specialized places and likely can get it rebuilt for 4-5k. Definitely seek second opinion and estimate from a reputable transmission specialized location
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: MI
$8k for a transmission, which I assume will be some rebuild they will order (unless they do rebuild themselves) is a very high price considering its not a Lexus dealer. You can shop around in transmission specialized places and likely can get it rebuilt for 4-5k. Definitely seek second opinion and estimate from a reputable transmission specialized location
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,150
Likes: 1,711
From: VA
It is the transmission. They are known to fail at around this mileage, especially if running on the original fluid.
If you decide to keep the vehicle you need another opinion and to find a shop that will put a used transmission into it. A used transmission wil be your least expensive option and makes the most sense on a 16 year old vehicle. I would only consider that or sellng it for junk.
I would not spend the money for a rebuilt or new transmission. $8000 is better spent toward a newer replacement vehicle.
You are likely to face other expensive repairs and maintenance to the engine and suspension in the next few years. Do you want to keep investing in this aging high mileage vehicle or try to find something newer that will be less of a headache to own and provide fewer surprises of stuff to fix.
If you need help finding a good shop near you use this database to find shops recommended by listeners of the NPR Car Talk car repair radio show. https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files
If you decide to keep the vehicle you need another opinion and to find a shop that will put a used transmission into it. A used transmission wil be your least expensive option and makes the most sense on a 16 year old vehicle. I would only consider that or sellng it for junk.
I would not spend the money for a rebuilt or new transmission. $8000 is better spent toward a newer replacement vehicle.
You are likely to face other expensive repairs and maintenance to the engine and suspension in the next few years. Do you want to keep investing in this aging high mileage vehicle or try to find something newer that will be less of a headache to own and provide fewer surprises of stuff to fix.
If you need help finding a good shop near you use this database to find shops recommended by listeners of the NPR Car Talk car repair radio show. https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files
Last edited by Clutchless; Dec 1, 2023 at 06:38 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 315
Likes: 90
From: Ontario
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 987
Likes: 288
From: NJ
Bottom line is that you need a good transmission specialist shop that can explain you different choices for you to make, you can then decide what to do. If you dont know anything about this shop than you should definitely not use them, they might be trying to take advantage of you because you are in a bad situation
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