Help! I've already rebuilt transmission twice!
 

I inherited an 08 es350 with 200k on the odometer. After having it about one month the tranny died . Seemed to be out of nowhere. I was driving down the interstate and noticed I suddenly had no power and my revs were high as if i had it neutral. I was able to move it off the interstate with almost no power. Same old story I've read on here 100 times since researching this stuff, Everyone said I need a new transmission.

I find what I thought was a good shop in atlanta and pay them to rebuild the transmission. It came with a one year or 12k mile warranty. At about 9k miles the tranny cuts out while my son is driving it. He says he was in stop and go traffic and it lost all power. After towing it back to the transmission shop, It did appear to drive correctly in all gears for a bout 10 minutes, once it got warm it lost power. Anyway, the shop rebuilds it again and i drive it with no problems another 5k miles.

So I let my son drive it again, Same thing, He is in stop and go traffic and it dies out. This time I have him tow it to the house so I can set it on fire. After cooling off for a week, I went out today and read the codes.

This is what I got , p2714, p0741 p0746 p0796 p2808 along with a check VSC - which had popped up a few times but always went away after a day.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...486eb79c7a.jpg

Now the repair shop has rebuilt it twice, I cant imagine it needs to be rebuilt again. It has to be the ATF level, or something like a worn out valve body? Now, I had been driving the car with no problems at all, no check engine, nothing. weird. I did crank it up today , cleared the codes and it seemed to drive fine the 100 feet from the street into my driveway..

I decided Id rather not burn it in the street, but no way am I rebuilding this POS 3 times.

I keep searching for info but it looks like everyone abandons their threads or just gives up and buys a new car. Im out of town now but when i get back Im going to try to check the fluid level, but how would I know if the transmission shop even used WS fluid? Im also going to inspect the TCM unit.
If it was really rebuilt twice would a shop already replace solenoids?

Also just ordered an ebay TIS Techstream cable before reading the threads saying they are hard to get running and may give you a virus, and or be buggy. I do have a copy of Torque and a bluetooth ELM reader, Is it worth it to download their toyota module?It looks like it had bad reviews. I also read about zip kits for the valve body, Is there a place that will just sell you a reman valve body with new solenoids?

Something wrong with the work of the transmission shop that does the work.

They are probably using old parts rather than replacing all the solenoids and switches. They may also have an incorrect fluid level.
I think you are usualy better getting a transmission rebuilt by a national builder, not a local shop. Similar to getting a Jasper rebuilt engine and let the local shop install it. Such as CertifiedTransmission or reman-transmission etc.

Also what is your son doing when he drives the car that it always fails only when he is driving?
Is he using manual mode and switching gears himself? Loading up the gas while holding to brake to peel out like he is in a Fast & Furious movie?

Parts are available from several sources online
https://www.transmissionpartsonline....SION_PARTS.php

See this video from a Toyota Master Tech on how to check and adjust the transmission fluid level. Watch it all as he covers a few different models. The ES has the U660E 6 speed transmission.
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Thanks Clutchless,
I asked the very same thing about my son. He is 19 so no telling . But the only time the check VSC light comes on is when he takes it for the day. For some reason when I get it back the light goes out and stays out. I think I've learned my lesson about rebuilding transmissions. However I called a local place that is very well respected. ToyoTechs in Decatur ga told me that these guys do their transmission rebuilds. I guess my first task is to check the fluid level. I was hoping all the symptoms together would point to one particular cause. I hate to give up on her! Lets say the fluid level is correct. what would you say I should check next?

These may be helpful
​​​​​​https://gearsmagazine.com/resources/issues/130101000301826000.pdf

https://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/toyotas-aging-front-wheel-drive-six-speeds-common-issues-with-the-u660e-and-u760e-transmissions/

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads...olved.1306905/

And you can get a solenoid kit online from a few places
​​​​​​https://transpartsnow.com/u660e-zip-...-kit-u660-zip/

Thanks. Would it drive fine for awhile on low fluid? I drove it another 5 to 6k after the last rebuild. What is a beater es350 with a bum transmission wortb as scrap / parts car? I absolutely love the car. Ive had tons of BMWs currently have a 2018 porsche panamera and a civic. But this little beater lexus has really won me over. Hands down best bang for your bick as far as "luxury" brands go. Looks like I could eaxily drop another grand trying to figure it out though. Or just junk it and use the cash to buy lunch at mcdonalds. Then start over with maybe a LX

I believe you can buy a remanufactured transmission from a dealer. I’m seeing a price around 3k for Part # 30510-07020-84. I would go this route and pay a reputable shop to install it.

Take it to Carmax and find out how much they offer to buy it. You need an appointment and can make them online. Hope the transmission acts okay that day.

You could always just try adding a pint of Transmission fluid to see if it runs better. Get some Valvoline multi vehicle in the red bottle that says Toyota WS compatible on the back.