Hello,

We have a 2009 LX with 180,000 miles. The check engine and several lights came on so I brought the car to the dealer, who said I need a new transmission. I took it to another garage to get a second opinion/estimate and he said I need a new transmission.

A friend had an older LX and had his mechanic rebuild the transmission so I took it to him for a third opinion.

This mechanic said there is a computer update that may fix the problem. That in essence, the transmission may be ok but the car's computer system could be causing the lights to come on.

The dealer quoted me $8000 for new transmission, the 2nd opinion quoted $7000. The 3rd opinion said the computer update would cost $400. Obviously, $400 is much more affordable but I don't want to throw good money after bad if we do in fact need a new transmission.

Has anyone heard of something like this?

Thank you!

 

If you replace the transmission, you should update the software anyway, So do the update 1st & see what happens.

 

Iirc, there was a Toyota TSB related to transmissions. Your dealer's service department should be aware of that, even though it was a while ago. There was no charge for the TSB trans update.