Generally, how much does this job cost? How about if he orders the filter and replaces that as well?

 

Did he miss the front differential drain on this one?

 

Yeah, he didn't open the front differential drain plug. I left a comment on the video before, he replied and said the transmission ended up being replaced.

 

That should be an hour of labor or less as long as you have the right tools.

I should also ask you, is your RX300 AWD or FWD?

Reason I ask this is that if you have AWD, if the rear differential and especially the transfer case fluids haven't been replaced in a long time, I would notice a significant difference before and after fluid replacement, with the higher gear switchovers, particularly between 2nd and 3rd...much less hesitation. Don't deal with that right this instance, because as others mention, deal with the tranny fluid first.

You can let your mechanic go ahead and get the filter.

However, if you are going to do a drain and fill, I recommend you do it at least 3 times and then on the last drain and fill, that would be when I would open the tranny pan, replace the tranny filter and clean the magnets. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...er-change.html shows it quite well, with the only difference being that many of us don't drain the tranny cooler lines (that's not required).

Very important, do have them drain from the front differential as well shown here, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/1933460-post3.html (a lot of people forget this step and don't get all the fluid out.

Between each drain and fill, drive the vehicle at least 100 miles or do it once a week after your a week's worth of commuting. That new fluid will help in cleaning up the system.

Yes, you can use Toyota Type-IV or the Castrol fluid mentioned. I have used synthetics like Amsoil ATF and now Redline D4, but the are more expensive and may not be readily available.

 

It really depends on the labor rate. The fluid cost is about $20. The labor to change just the transmission fluid should be about $10.

To replace the filter and fluid, is when it get's to become expensive. You can probably get it all done for under $85.

 

That's unfortunate.

 

Thanks for all the advice, its very helpful.

Would you guys recommend driving it there or towing it there given my description of what's going on with the shifting? It's really just a matter of money, I don't have a truck with a towbar to tow it myself at the moment so would have to get someone to bring it there. I'm just afraid of damaging it further by driving it any more.

 

How far is it to the mechanic?

In addition, have you ever disconnected the battery cables for like a minute, then reconnected them. That can help reset some driveability problems (but won't reset a truly mechanical issue).

 

It's about 5 miles. I've never tried disconnecting the battery cables, I could give that a shot.

 

It might help with disconnecting the cables. Keep in mind, that once you do, it may take a few seconds once you start up and then again when you are moving forward for the vehicle to get enough 'pep' to go forward. That's just the way the vehicle computer works (i.e., may feel like it is about to die or not moving enough, but it will).

What is the fluid on the dipstick (one nearest the battery in the engine bay) look like(color)/smell like?

 

So I took it to the guy today, he said based one what I've told him, that doing the fluid and filter change probably wont have much effect. The fluid is pink, but smells burnt. He was pretty confident I need a rebuild/replacement and didn't want to just "take my money".

So I guess I'm looking at a rebuild...I have two questions...

First, is it even possible to cover up transmission issues for a period of time? say, to sell a car? I may just have bad luck but one has to wonder if I was screwed over or not. I've had the car for two months and put 2-3k miles on it.

Second, can anyone recommend where I should get this rebuilt? I will need a warranty obviously, but just wondering if I should go to a chain or private. In the Texas area, from Houston up to Austin.

Edit: I've tried disconnecting the battery cable, didn't work, however, I wish I knew for sure that a filter/fluid change won't work. The reason why the mechanic said it probably wouldn't help is because the filters only there to catch the real big chunks. He said if it's burnt than somethings up with it...not really sure how to proceed here. He said that if I did take it to the dealer, they wouldn't open it up to make a diagnosis, they would just suggest I replace it...not sure who to believe, lol.

Should I still go through all the steps to make sure I need a rebuild? or just take it into the dealer or private transmission specialist?

I know it probably sounds like I can't take care of myself haha, but it's just because these things are very inconvenient when you live in a rural community, I'd just like know all the options I have.

 

How was he pretty confident it needed a rebuild?

A lot of people these days will tell you something, but if they are going to, it pays to at least get some more facts. Lexus would at least open up the pan and drain out the fluid to see what is up. Last time I checked, Toyota Type IV was about $5 a quart. That's about 4 or 4.5 quarts depending on whether you have AWD or FWD. If I were there, I'd be draining out that fluid in the tranny pan and front differential, opening up the pan and seeing what exactly was in the pan. Even if you drain the front differential, that bolt has a magnet on it and accumulation would show on there, even small little bits of metal if something was really wrong.

As for the AWD or FWD, you can look underneath the vehicle and see if you see a long shaft pipe running parallel to the exhaust piping or the 4the letter in your VIN number is an H if it is an AWD or a G if it is FWD. The rear differential and transfer case may also never have been changed (or not changed in a long time) if you have an AWD.

 

You have already put 2-3k miles on your car, how could you ask the seller to pay it back, except, he is a very very good-heart man. But $3.5 k repair bill would make anyone to think about it. Even you call the Lexus headquarter, they will not help you because it is a pre-owned car.

Replacing the transmission fluid is your last way, but you know, it is just like betting on a lottery.

If you can find a reputed specialist, you may let him to rebuild. I would install a remanufactured one, for longer warranty, 3y/36k miles.