Transmission slip between 2nd -3rd
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: arizona
Transmission slip between 2nd -3rd
Need advice on the following issue on our 2000 RX 300.
Had the vehicle since 32,000miles. now reads 106,000. transmission serviced twice by me. (standard drain and refill) Lexus service center always said the fluid was good for the life of the tranny. I disagree.
Current symptoms ( long winded but bear with me)
while driving last week I noticed the tranny had a slight slip between 2-3rd gear while under moderate to aggressive acceleration. does not slip much mabye 300-400rpm. In addition slipping is not present at all times. sometimes is slips sometime it does not.
Pulled dipstick, fluid dark in color ( not amber cherry) but then again it was never cherry in color from the day we bought it. I am thinking a transmission service and flush is in order? thoughts on this? or am I delaying the obvious that this tranny is on its way to the junkyard? anyone recommend a good competent service shop in the east phoenix metro? Lexus of scottsdale wants $240 to flush and drop the pan. They quoted over $4k for a re-built transmission. OUCH! I am hoping that this may just be some old fluid caught in the valvebody causing slipping???
Needing some advice.....
Had the vehicle since 32,000miles. now reads 106,000. transmission serviced twice by me. (standard drain and refill) Lexus service center always said the fluid was good for the life of the tranny. I disagree.
Current symptoms ( long winded but bear with me)
while driving last week I noticed the tranny had a slight slip between 2-3rd gear while under moderate to aggressive acceleration. does not slip much mabye 300-400rpm. In addition slipping is not present at all times. sometimes is slips sometime it does not.
Pulled dipstick, fluid dark in color ( not amber cherry) but then again it was never cherry in color from the day we bought it. I am thinking a transmission service and flush is in order? thoughts on this? or am I delaying the obvious that this tranny is on its way to the junkyard? anyone recommend a good competent service shop in the east phoenix metro? Lexus of scottsdale wants $240 to flush and drop the pan. They quoted over $4k for a re-built transmission. OUCH! I am hoping that this may just be some old fluid caught in the valvebody causing slipping???
Needing some advice.....
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 959
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
I would first try cleaning the 2 transmission speed sensors and swapping their positions. It is fairly easy and has worked for me and others. The directions are here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=speed+sensors
If that fixes the problem I would do drain and fill immediately and then every 15K to keep your fluid clean.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=speed+sensors
If that fixes the problem I would do drain and fill immediately and then every 15K to keep your fluid clean.
Last edited by mikey00; Jun 24, 2008 at 10:31 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Need advice on the following issue on our 2000 RX 300.
Had the vehicle since 32,000miles. now reads 106,000. transmission serviced twice by me. (standard drain and refill) Lexus service center always said the fluid was good for the life of the tranny. I disagree.
Current symptoms ( long winded but bear with me)
while driving last week I noticed the tranny had a slight slip between 2-3rd gear while under moderate to aggressive acceleration. does not slip much mabye 300-400rpm. In addition slipping is not present at all times. sometimes is slips sometime it does not.
Pulled dipstick, fluid dark in color ( not amber cherry) but then again it was never cherry in color from the day we bought it. I am thinking a transmission service and flush is in order? thoughts on this? or am I delaying the obvious that this tranny is on its way to the junkyard? anyone recommend a good competent service shop in the east phoenix metro? Lexus of scottsdale wants $240 to flush and drop the pan. They quoted over $4k for a re-built transmission. OUCH! I am hoping that this may just be some old fluid caught in the valvebody causing slipping???
Needing some advice.....
Had the vehicle since 32,000miles. now reads 106,000. transmission serviced twice by me. (standard drain and refill) Lexus service center always said the fluid was good for the life of the tranny. I disagree.
Current symptoms ( long winded but bear with me)
while driving last week I noticed the tranny had a slight slip between 2-3rd gear while under moderate to aggressive acceleration. does not slip much mabye 300-400rpm. In addition slipping is not present at all times. sometimes is slips sometime it does not.
Pulled dipstick, fluid dark in color ( not amber cherry) but then again it was never cherry in color from the day we bought it. I am thinking a transmission service and flush is in order? thoughts on this? or am I delaying the obvious that this tranny is on its way to the junkyard? anyone recommend a good competent service shop in the east phoenix metro? Lexus of scottsdale wants $240 to flush and drop the pan. They quoted over $4k for a re-built transmission. OUCH! I am hoping that this may just be some old fluid caught in the valvebody causing slipping???
Needing some advice.....
Maybe we can put our heads together and get one good transmission going.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,335
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
Do you have AWD? Because if so the transfer case having old fluid can cause issues witht the 2nd to 4d changeover.
I'd also pull the battery cable and let the system reset and then drive normally and see if the 2nd to 3rd issue still repeats itself.
I'd also pull the battery cable and let the system reset and then drive normally and see if the 2nd to 3rd issue still repeats itself.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: arizona
Yes Its AWD. Any links for Instructions to change the transfer case? ** FYI tonight I am going to try and clean the speed sensors. Is this something that you can get to without removing the airbox? or do I need to pull it off. I don't have the car here with me at work.
Last edited by bjz3638; Jun 24, 2008 at 12:55 PM. Reason: extending response
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: arizona
Mikey 00 I noticed the link shows one speed sensor. where exactly is the 2nd sensor? How can you just clean / swap sensors? are they exactly the same? assuming wireing harness remains in the same locations, just swap sensors from one hole to the other....... correct?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Yes you do need to remove the air box (piece of cake) and their are two speed sensors.One is on top of the trans.under the air box.The other is toward the front at a 45 degree angle.
Trending Topics
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 959
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...717&hl=mikey00
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: arizona
So i read the directions and I see that when I drain the transfer case there is not a seperate "fill" plug for the transfer case, rather you add additional fluid to the transmission fill tube and its connected to the transfer case? Sorry for the abundance of questions but I am pre-planning on doing all these fixes today and want to make 100% sure I am doing this right.
Thanks guys... I will keep you posted on the upcoming speed sensor cleaning and tranny drain and fill. hopefully this will cure our issues.
Thanks guys... I will keep you posted on the upcoming speed sensor cleaning and tranny drain and fill. hopefully this will cure our issues.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 959
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
So i read the directions and I see that when I drain the transfer case there is not a seperate "fill" plug for the transfer case, rather you add additional fluid to the transmission fill tube and its connected to the transfer case? Sorry for the abundance of questions but I am pre-planning on doing all these fixes today and want to make 100% sure I am doing this right.
Thanks guys... I will keep you posted on the upcoming speed sensor cleaning and tranny drain and fill. hopefully this will cure our issues.
Thanks guys... I will keep you posted on the upcoming speed sensor cleaning and tranny drain and fill. hopefully this will cure our issues.
Just a suggestion: I would do things one at a time so you know what fixes the problem. I would do speed sensors first and if they fix the problem, do a drain and fill and keep fluid clean in the future. If speed sensors do not fix the problem, I would do a little more than a d&f. Maybe the filter is plugged. I would drop the pan, clean the pan and magnets and clean or replace the filter.
Edit: I just re-read lexmex's post. Don't forget about his suggestion of disconnecting the battery cable. You may want to try this first, being that it is the easiest.
Last edited by mikey00; Jun 24, 2008 at 03:21 PM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,335
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
So i read the directions and I see that when I drain the transfer case there is not a seperate "fill" plug for the transfer case, rather you add additional fluid to the transmission fill tube and its connected to the transfer case? Sorry for the abundance of questions but I am pre-planning on doing all these fixes today and want to make 100% sure I am doing this right.
Thanks guys... I will keep you posted on the upcoming speed sensor cleaning and tranny drain and fill. hopefully this will cure our issues.
Thanks guys... I will keep you posted on the upcoming speed sensor cleaning and tranny drain and fill. hopefully this will cure our issues.
When I have changed out my transfer case (and rear differential), I notice an improvement (faster shift) between 2nd and 3rd.
The transfer case you are referring to is what I call the front differential and that is related to automatic transmission fluid as shown here by TunedRX300, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=220061
Of the two, I'd do the second one, the transmission first, that is the more critical component.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,335
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: arizona
Ok will keep you posted. I have no time tonight, I am working on getting everything to start early saturday AM on the job. sequence
1. disconnect battery cable for 10-20 min. re connect and see if that works
2. clean speed sensors on tranny. see if that helps
4 followed up with a drain and fill x 2. I have bought 9 qts of toyota type IV fluid. how much should I drive betwen drain and fills?
Hopefully this works. Thanks for everyones input. this site proves very beneficial.
Stay tuned
1. disconnect battery cable for 10-20 min. re connect and see if that works
2. clean speed sensors on tranny. see if that helps
4 followed up with a drain and fill x 2. I have bought 9 qts of toyota type IV fluid. how much should I drive betwen drain and fills?
Hopefully this works. Thanks for everyones input. this site proves very beneficial.
Stay tuned
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,335
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
Ok will keep you posted. I have no time tonight, I am working on getting everything to start early saturday AM on the job. sequence
1. disconnect battery cable for 10-20 min. re connect and see if that works
2. clean speed sensors on tranny. see if that helps
4 followed up with a drain and fill x 2. I have bought 9 qts of toyota type IV fluid. how much should I drive betwen drain and fills?
Hopefully this works. Thanks for everyones input. this site proves very beneficial.
Stay tuned
1. disconnect battery cable for 10-20 min. re connect and see if that works
2. clean speed sensors on tranny. see if that helps
4 followed up with a drain and fill x 2. I have bought 9 qts of toyota type IV fluid. how much should I drive betwen drain and fills?
Hopefully this works. Thanks for everyones input. this site proves very beneficial.
Stay tuned