Hi All,

I'm extremely new to this Forum so I apologize if the question has been previously addressed.

Car Details

• Year: 2008
• Model: IS250
• Type: AWD
• Transmission: Automatic
• Mileage: Approx 50, 000 miles/80,000 km
• American Car but I live in Canada

Issue

I've noticed in the last 3 days when I first start the car, and drive (20-40km/h or 12-25 miles/h) that the RPMs are already at 2,500 - 3000. When it does this, the car loses power and sounds like the engine is in a high gear. Normally, my RPM is at 2,500 when I'm driving 100-120 km/h. I'm a commuter and most of my drive to work is on the highway. So I notice this the most when I'm leaving work and the highway is about 1-2kms from my workplace. Because of this issue, it's scary to hop on the highway because it takes a few minutes before the car can get to 100km/h (60 miles/h). After driving on the highway for a few minutes, the RPM situation seems to fix itself and goes back to its normal 2,500.

There is also one more weird thing. When braking because I want to turn onto a street, and then accelerate after the turn, the car almost jumps like I slammed on the gas. It doesn't do this every time, but it has happened 2x's in the past week.

Does this sound like a transmission issue? Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think this is covered under the powertrain warranty?

I don't want to take it to the dealer until I have an idea what it might be. I've had an issue with them doing extra unrequired things in the past.

Any info or suggestions you may have would be most helpful.

Thanks,

Sugah

 

-Do you have ECT PWR on?
-The car does does jerk like that when turning from deceleration going directly to accelerating our of a turn when ECT PWR is on.
-With the high RPMs is it cold in your area? are you driving highway with the ECT PWR on?

 

Hi Joshohoho,

Thanks so much for responding! No, the ECT PWR is not on. Question about that though. If it was on, would it fix itself after a few mins on the highway? It was 24 degrees Celsius (so pretty warm) today when it happened.

Thanks

 

No. ECT PWR wouldn't fix that. I was asking because if it was on, the transmission would stay in gears longer and you would see your car staying past normal RPMs.

 

Ok. Can you think of anything else it could be? Transmission possibly?

 

I don't think it would be transmission at such a low mileage. and I have a RWD so I wouldnt know about your AWD.

 

Maybe your transmission fluid is low? Check to see if you have any leaks

 

Thanks bumminit, I'll check that today and report back.

 

Carbon build up maybe? Just throwing it out there...

 

Hi Zydus,

If it is carbon build up, how do I check?

Thanks

 

Carbon build would make his RPMs go down though, not go up.