I need help on 2 issues:
1) I just had the transmission replaced on my 2001 RX 300 (118,000 m). It is back in the shop after 2 days because it does not shift properly. Seems to do fine on hard acceleration (merge onto highway) but bucks during low rpm, gentle acceleration (1500 rpm). The mechanic is saying the computer needs to be reprogramed. Does that make sense?

2) I was reading another post about a bad solenoid on the transmission, not being able to shift into OD and the D (drive) light being out on the dashboard. The D light is out on my dashboard. I thought it was a broken bulb. Does the D light failure represent a specific problem? The post was implying it is related to the solenoid valve. Is this true?

Any help would be grateful. Thanks

 

The fact that the "D" light is out even though the transmission gear selector is clearly in Drive means nothing other than that the bulb is burned out. A very common problem. Most owners conclude that the cost of replacing the bulb is not justified.

 

I Replaced my "D" bulb (DIY) and 15,000 later its out again. It's going to stay out now! By the way, it has nothing to do with the transmission.

 

D light. Been there done that and now it's out for good. I like not having it glow there when I'm driving at night.

On #1, check the fluid level of your transmission fluid. I know this sounds strange, but you might need to add some more ATF (happened to me, too) as we underestimated when I did some transmission work 2 years ago. The shifts can seem smooth some times then at other times they will get into a kind of surging mode, where you step on the accelerator and then all of a sudden the shift becomes jerky.

Also make sure that any electrical grounds were put back and screwed into place, that's another issue that happened to me and we had not fully tightened down a ground (you'll see those little black wires with screws all over the place).