New to the group, just picked up a 2013 ES 350 with 182K. The transmission is on its way out and I am having a hard time finding anything specifically for the es350. Not really looking for a rebuild at the moment, just a remove and replace. I’m curious if anybody knows a select range of of year transmissions that fit this particular car? Will any of the transmissions from V6 Camry‘s or Avalon‘s also work? I know the trans is the u660e I just don’t know if they are interchangeable between models. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance. Semper Fi!

 

The ES is one of, if not the, most reliable vehicle out there. What makes you determine you need a new transmission only after 182K miles?

 

The trans is slipping and or not going into gear at all, i understand this a “supposed to be” a reliable car but just like anything else mechanical with heat, friction and moving parts it will eventually fail, I purchased it last week with these issues and here we are, asking questions trying to get to my solution. Let me know if you have any knowledge on trans interchangeability.

 

Likely the Fluid is the result of the Trans failure. There are so many different things that go into interchangeability of Model years and parts. For what you are asking you need to get on the phone and call some used parts places with your specific Vin# of the car. They will be able to cross reference the exact compatibility you are asking here. If I remember correctly there are Camry's and Avalon Trans that do fit, but there was something different in the Parts number for the Lexus ES350 Trans. My guess was it had something to do with a difference of the ES350 having some minor different like the Sport Mode or something like that.

If I were you based on your conditions you stated I would try a complete Fluid exchange 1st and see what happens, unless there is more to it than you stated that you have found.

If you want a suggestion...... I would start looking on car-parts.com for lowest miles, lowest cost, that are a match by the Vin#. I also would get all the Toyota Fluid out of the Replacement Trans and put in Valvoline Full Synthetic For Toyota Fluid.

 

In the 9 years or so since the Generation 6 ES was first built and sold, this may be the first time that I've seen a post here on CL that reported a transmission failure.

 

Closest or exact match will be 2012-2017 Avalon, Camry and ES350. But given running changes that don't show up in part numbers etc. try and find one as close to your year as possible, better if exact year. I will echo the sentiment this transmission is not known to fail, has the unit taken physical damage? Lack of transmission oil? A new unit 30500-33641 from Toyota is about $4500.

 

At higher Mileage there are Transmission fails. Its not common here, but don't think all ES350, Camry and Avalon Owners are Members here. As the Car gets Older with Higher Mileage with contaminated fluid it will happen. Keep believing in the Toyota Lifetime Full Synthetic fluid, that's Not Lifetime, and Not Full Synthetic either.

Is why I Drain and Filled my Trans with New Valvoline Full Synthetic Trans Fluid every 30k or more. My 13 ES350 U/L with 148k Shifted like New, and quit whining completely. My GS360 has only 37k. Due to the age I have drained and filled the Trans 2x's already.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-6th-gen-2013-2018/924111-2013-lexus-es-350-dead-transmission.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lexus/comments/hkgtzn/2013_lexus_es_350_transmission_failure_96k_miles/

 

Well i went ahead and did the dirty work and tons of independent research and its confirmed, a u660e 6 speed auto trans from a 2014 V6 Toyota Avalon did indeed fit this car with no issues and is currently running great and is now for sale. feel free to reply with any questions you may have

 

Good news. I saw a shop do this on one in stages over a few days.

Did you take the Trans ECU black box mounted on the Old tranny and swap? Or did you just plug and play the one on the Avalon Tranny? Also did you test Drive and use Sport mode?

 

06/2012-05/2018lexus es350/300havv60,gsv6035-01: Transaxle or transmission assy & gasket kit (atm)
09/2011-05/2017toyota camry (hybrid)asv50l-c*****,avv50,gsv5035-01: Transaxle or transmission assy & gasket kit (atm)
10/2012-03/2018toyota avalonavx40,gsx4035-01: Transaxle or transmission assy & gasket kit (atm)

 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...8430578280506/

 

Why did you sell it tho

 

Hi.. had my 2013 ES350 for 5 months .. without warning my transmission started slipping and jerking. Eventually it stayed in 1st or 2nd and around 3500 rpm wanted to change gears and it would jerk and return to 2nd gear . The slipping was limited to when i started to move from a full stop at traffic light. Hesitated, paused before it started moving .. then at 3500 rpm.. etc etc. Made it to my mechanic and had him check the CEL. Numerous codes associated with Solenoids (A B C G i believe). Torque converter, intermediate shaft speed sensor. Left there and was 'guided' home by an angel. I managed to drive into my driveway, where it decided to permanently rev.. no gears engaging. Some fluid under rad and middle of underside of car. When i exited car, noticed a burning smell. Now its pissing rain , i was going to check under car and see if i can move car to top of driveway. Today I'll be calling around for quotes. I have 2 friends in transmission business and a referral from my mechanic. Im new on here, so if i can figure out how to update this reply, i will...

 

It may be that the leak and low fluid are your main problems. Probably a cooler line failed. How many miles/KM? Or your transmission is toast and you need a new/used one. There are many used ones out there as this transmission is used in a lot of Toyota & Lexus vehicles.

I would not move the car by driving it without first pouring in a couple of quarts of ATF or talking to your transmission shop friends..

I think on yours if you remove the driver side front tire there is a small flap and the front edge of the wheel liner (facing the transmission) remove it with a 10mm wrench, then you will see the 24mm transmission fill bolt. Get a long funnel and a couple quarts of Valvoline Max Life multi vehicle in the red bottle (it says Toyota WS compatible on it) and pour them in before driving.

 

Thanks for your concern and advice .. wanna be my mechanic ..lol.. i have calls into 2 aquaintences/friends that do transmissions. One owns a Mr Transmissionm, they came back with a parts shortage concern for my Lexus. recommended 2 reputable wreckers they send customers to to source used transmissions. these wreckers have yet to respond back. my mechanic recommended me to his transmission guy .. first words out of his mouth after i said it was a Lexus ES350, i assume half jokingly he said, oh boy ..id rather work on BMW or audi or mercedes!! then he explained what could be wrong and worse case was rebuild including planetary gears ..etc .. $3500 to $4500 cash. i managed to source a used one imported from Japan with 60k kms ..cost $3500 + tax with only a 3 month warranty .. 1 yr is $300 extra.

now im in Ontario Canada .. Toronto area .. believe me very rare to find a used U660E .. so im waiting. Oh the transmission place who referred me to the wreckers would install the used one if it was warranteed 1 yr .. $1500 .. Canadian dollars.

Im gonna see if i can move my car up to top of driveway today or by weekend .. its friggin cold out there .. windchill -10C ... ive lost my liking for winter ever since living in Garland TX for 5 yrs..lol.

thanks again