Ground problems?
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Oklahoma
Ground problems?
The wifes 2001 RX 300 has had several issues. I will list them and beg for solutions.
Here we go......
1. Transmission has acted up 3 times in a month, and not on a regular bases(first time it happened she put it in reverse and it didn't move....the next 2 times she was at a light and when it turned green she pushed on pedal and she said it felt like she was pulling a semi trk for a couple of feet then worked fine. It hasn't acted up in a week)
2. She has the "light symbol out" on her instrument panel(indicating a park, turn or stop light is out), and there are no lights out that we can find.
3. Engine light, Trac, VSC lights come on and go off by themselves.
Now, can there be a remote possibility that all these happen because of a grounding problem? You could take one problem at a time and diagnose it, but is there a common problem here?
If someone thinks that it could be a grounding problem, what grounds should I start with(besides battery)?
If they are indeed separate, any solutions on the problems. Im afraid the first(if not a ground problem) is a new or rebuilt trans. The second one.......I no idea. And on the third one, we cant get to Oreillys or Advanced before the check engine lights go off.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
David
Here we go......
1. Transmission has acted up 3 times in a month, and not on a regular bases(first time it happened she put it in reverse and it didn't move....the next 2 times she was at a light and when it turned green she pushed on pedal and she said it felt like she was pulling a semi trk for a couple of feet then worked fine. It hasn't acted up in a week)
2. She has the "light symbol out" on her instrument panel(indicating a park, turn or stop light is out), and there are no lights out that we can find.
3. Engine light, Trac, VSC lights come on and go off by themselves.
Now, can there be a remote possibility that all these happen because of a grounding problem? You could take one problem at a time and diagnose it, but is there a common problem here?
If someone thinks that it could be a grounding problem, what grounds should I start with(besides battery)?
If they are indeed separate, any solutions on the problems. Im afraid the first(if not a ground problem) is a new or rebuilt trans. The second one.......I no idea. And on the third one, we cant get to Oreillys or Advanced before the check engine lights go off.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
David
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: NJ
Not a ground issue.
I'd start with the transmission issue first. These are the symptoms of a failing transmission based on what I've read on this forum. I'd seriously considering changing the fluid immediately and checking for metal shavings.
For the second issue, did you check the third brake light? A lot of times, it is overlooked.
For the third issue, check for any pending codes.
I'd start with the transmission issue first. These are the symptoms of a failing transmission based on what I've read on this forum. I'd seriously considering changing the fluid immediately and checking for metal shavings.
For the second issue, did you check the third brake light? A lot of times, it is overlooked.
For the third issue, check for any pending codes.
Thread Starter
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From: Oklahoma
Are you suggesting drop the filter and add fluid or drain the entire 11 quarts(I think)
Yes, we have checked every bulb imaginable. My wife even thought "that one looks dark but still works so its gonna go out". Gotta love women! I told her that even though its a nice vehicle, it can't the future(as in a bulb "is about to go out")
Yes, we have checked every bulb imaginable. My wife even thought "that one looks dark but still works so its gonna go out". Gotta love women! I told her that even though its a nice vehicle, it can't the future(as in a bulb "is about to go out")
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Ca.
Are you suggesting drop the filter and add fluid or drain the entire 11 quarts(I think)
Yes, we have checked every bulb imaginable. My wife even thought "that one looks dark but still works so its gonna go out". Gotta love women! I told her that even though its a nice vehicle, it can't the future(as in a bulb "is about to go out")
Yes, we have checked every bulb imaginable. My wife even thought "that one looks dark but still works so its gonna go out". Gotta love women! I told her that even though its a nice vehicle, it can't the future(as in a bulb "is about to go out")
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,723
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Are you suggesting drop the filter and add fluid or drain the entire 11 quarts(I think)
Yes, we have checked every bulb imaginable. My wife even thought "that one looks dark but still works so its gonna go out". Gotta love women! I told her that even though its a nice vehicle, it can't the future(as in a bulb "is about to go out")
Yes, we have checked every bulb imaginable. My wife even thought "that one looks dark but still works so its gonna go out". Gotta love women! I told her that even though its a nice vehicle, it can't the future(as in a bulb "is about to go out")
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Oklahoma
David, your wife is right about a bulb being on it's LAST legs when they turn dark. In automotive work I had a habit of doing one thing before I ever buttoned a light back up. Take the bulb FIRMLY in thumb and forefinger. Give it up to 4 good "thumps" with your middle finger (other hand obviously). IF the bulb is weak that will break the filament. If it doesn't break at 4, it's good to go. I GUARANTEE the bulb filament will not break doing this if it is not short lived. The "light out" light is sensitive and sometimes is even finicky about the bulb you put in (correct # but maybe doesn't read just the right ohms or something). I have experienced this myself. David, there may be an apology in your future.
I agree with the "darkening" of the buld but is the computer that smart to know the filament in the bulb "about" to go out?
Thanks guys for the help. I'll try dropping pan and changing filter
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Pole Position
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From: MA
Also, once the light bulb warning light gets triggered, it will stay on until you shut the car off.
So even if a bulb 'starts working' again after the light gets triggered, it will stay on.
This happened to me last year - every time I went to check which bulb was out, they all worked.
Finally I was able to determine which bulb had the problem.
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So even if a bulb 'starts working' again after the light gets triggered, it will stay on.
This happened to me last year - every time I went to check which bulb was out, they all worked.
Finally I was able to determine which bulb had the problem.
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Thread Starter
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From: Oklahoma
That's the problem....I've replaced about 3 bulbs that "appeared" dark but still worked and the warning light won't clear. I even took off battery terminals for about 10 mins to see if that would "clear" the light on the dash
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Sacramento, California
Usually its the brake light (third light assembly) it may have burned contacts where the bulb is plugged in and intermittently working. As for the transmission it will take 4.2 qts.
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From: Oklahoma
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From: Ca.
(never had a single bulb glass break yet from good hard thumping)
Pole Position
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From: MA
Every time? Or only when it was old and weak?