Hi, all.

I have a buddy that has a '01 RX300 that developed a shifting issue (according to him it's stuck in limp mode, 2nd gear). He took it to some shop that tried to tell him his tranny is shot. He then offered to sell it to me. I searched around and it looks like the knock sensor is potentially responsible for "tranny issues" (he has codes for the knock sensor bank 1 and oxygen sensor bank 1, I believe). However, most people report it not being able to go into OD, not 3rd gear. He could be mistaken, but I haven't test-driven the car yet. He said it shifts rough as well. I've read up on the "hack" thread and willing to test that out if I end up getting the car (he doesn't want to jack with it). Wanted to check in with the gurus first to see what my odds are before checkin it out. The rough shifting part kinda scares me, but if it is, indeed, just the knock sensors, I'm game.

Appreciate it!

 

The association you made between knock sensor code and transmission is not right. Knock sensor is emission related code and it prevents overdrive. You can clear codes and drive for few minutes .. depending on how quickly the knock sensor code comes back.
Maybe because I am more purist and would like no faking, troubleshooting with unknowns and overrides is beyond my skills.

Salim

 

Absolutely. I will try to get to it this weekend if he has time. Just wanted to check in with the Lexus crew first. Thank you.

 

Got to drive it today. The tranny shifted ok for the most part. Had a slight hesitation gong into 3rd a few times and reverse seems a bit hard to engage (had to use the gas pedal on am incline and it jerked, but engaged). Tranny fluid is brown, but doesn't smell burnt and no shavings on the dipstick. From what I've read so far, it's definitely due for the fluid change. Codes are p0330 and p1155 for a/f sensor. Cleared them but a/f one came back instantly and knock sensor one was back after the drive as well.
He wants 2k for it. You guys think it's worth it, given that the tranny may be shot? I could source one and even do it myself or give it to my friend mech that could pop it in for me as well. I think this one is just a rwd trans.
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hmmm .. typo I think .. else dont bother spending $1.
RX come as FWD or AWD. The AWD gets most of the traction from the front. The power to the rear is through viscous coupling.

Salim

 

Lol tells you how much I know about these cars. It is fwd.