I have a rx300 year 2000 I am wondering if anyone has had an issue with the transmission. does anyone know what can make the transmission not go into 3rd or 4th gear ?

 

Welcome to Club Lexus!

Are there any CEL's?

Please do a search, there is so plenty of information on here.

 

what are CELs?

 

no my check engine light is not on It is just won't shift into 3rd or 4th gear

 

There are sensors that check the transmission fluid temp and engine temp. If they are low [like on cold mornings] the higher gears are locked out.

Since you do not have CEL on, it is not an emission issue.

Do you get all gears when you reach operating temperature [coolant near mid point ...mostlikely 1/8 less than the 50% mark]. If yes then every thing is normal.

If not then a visit to a mechanic is needed.

Salim

 

Hi Slimguy, I too have just joined this club which I have been watching and learning from for over a year. I too also have the same model as yours and the must agree with Salim that the truck will not shift into the high gears until it has warmed up. Up hear in North Bay Ontario where it is already snowing or thinking about it, my rx will not shift into 3rd until I have driven it for at least a mile. Hope this puts' your mind at rest.

 

When my rx300 is cold the tanny works fine but as soon as it warms up it wont go into 3or 4 gear and wen i reach 40mph the rpm needle starts to go up to 3000. the faster i go the higher the rpm gos up, tranny needs 1/2Qt of fluid.but would that make the tranny not go into 3or4 gear n if i ad the 1/2qt n that does not do it then what else can it be n what fluid can i use?