My uncles RX300 has a delayed reverse but shifts forward mostly fine. Like it takes a good 5-6 seconds to go into reverse and it shifts hard into reverse. I need to know if there's a solution that doesn't involve replacing the trans or rebuilding it. I'm thinking there's a bad solenoid but I don't know which solenoid does what. Can someone explain which solenoid maybe responsible for reverse if any? Is there a solenoid that's responsible for pressure overall? Could it be a bad valve body? I know the obvious answer is to take it to expert but I'm looking for a cheap fix. I've already flushed the trans in my driveway, and changed the filter. This had no effect on the delayed reverse. I also tried AT-205.

 

Add Lubegard Red.

 

What's it going to do? I've already used AT-205 which actually worked well for my father's 2001 RX300. Yea my family likes these cars. Didn't do **** to my uncles 1999 RX300. I was thinking of buying refurbished solenoids and seeing if replacing all the solenoids solves the problem. Maybe just take down the valve body and give it a cleaning with brake cleaner. I wish I knew which part of the trans is responsible for reverse. Once it engages reverse it's fine but it's always delayed and slams into reverse.

 

Well, we don't know what it will do. Lubegard is a friction modifier, i.e. it makes things more "slickery". It may not do **** to your situation, but it's worth a try. Give it a shot. If it does not help, then you can attack the solenoids and the valve body.

 

Delayed reverse usually means low pressure in other words the transmission is on the way out. It could be an electrical problem if you're lucky. Good way to know is dump in a bottle of friction modifier if the delay improves then it's likely not a "solenoid" issue.

 

You mean like the Lubegard Red? Ok I'll give it a try. Do local stores like AutoZone carry it?

 

Change transmission filter immediatly stop driving car in either direction until you do. The flow is blocked and only spot it is going to block is in the filter. If you drop transmission pan to access and change filter and oil right now you have a chance of saving the transmission if you keep driving it now it will destroy transmission overheating it.

 

I already changed the filter like a couple of years ago, and a few weeks ago I did a flush to the trans. I did a driveway flush where I discounted the line to the radiator and ran the engine while pouring fluid in from the stick. It's parked for months, since this started to happen. You think changing it again will help?

 

I did just that and now the delay is better and doesn't slam into gear. I'm amazed that Lubegard Red actually improved the transmission. Now it takes 1-2 seconds to get into reverse and it doesn't slam into reverse. Though the trans is having a hard time shifting into gears like 1-2 and 2-3. So what does that mean about the transmission?

 

Do what you want, but I'd drop the pan and see what things look like. Are you checking the fluid after it is fully warmed up, idling in park?
To me it is either low on fluid, the filter is stopped up, or the transmission needs looked at by a professional. If he plans on keeping it, ask around to find a good transmission place, not a chain transmission shop either. There are repair shops that specialize in foreign car repairs, but don't do transmission work. You can check with them and ask them who they use for transmission repairs. Talk to the guys at AutoZone, Advance, etc. and ask them who does good transmission work in the area. I live in a small town so it's easy to get the low down on who does what, who to stay away from, who to go to, etc. You could even check with the dealer (Toyota or Lexus) explain that you have an older Lexus that needs the transmission looked at and ask who they would recommend.
Hope it turns out to be something simple. Let us know!

 

Definitely drop the pan and inspect the magnets and debris/metal. Post some pics. Since you saw improvement with the additive that says to me the transmission is worn out especially the clutch packs. Could try Lucas it is especially good and reviving worn clutches.

 

You have to drop the pan to get the filter out where it is blocked you are really damaging it further until you do.

 

Yes and it shows a little too much fluid. I'll probably drop the pan and take a look since so many people here are mentioning it.
I know a few guys that deal with transmissions. I'm going to try the honest guy first before I try the dishonest guy. The dishonest guy did rebuild the trans in my fathers RX300 for $2k, but he tried to convince us to replace the computer module for the trans.
Gonna buy a filter and I'll try changing it to see what happens. I may try putting lucas in as well.

 

Thankfully it is easy to access the pan and it has a drain plug. I've done a few rear wheel drive American manufactured vehicles with no drain plug, not lift, no ramps, and no easy way to access anything. Jack it up, put it on stands and crawl under!
I'd do the filter, put it back together, fill it up, and see how it does. If it still acts up, then add the Lucas; which of course means you will have to drain or siphon some fluid out. It's better to be a little under than overfull!
Also, not to beat... To properly check the fluid: Drive it for 15 miles (longer if it is cold outside), stop vehicle, slowly go thru all the gears waiting 5 seconds between each (reverse, wait, neutral, wait, drive, wait, 2, wait, 1, wait, back to 2, wait, drive, wait, neutral, wait, reverse, wait, then into park). Next, set the park brake, leave it idling and get out and pull the dip stick. Wipe it clean, reinsert, wait 5-10 seconds, and recheck. The end of the dip stick will be HOT when it's fully warmed up. Thankfully the dipstick on my 2000 RX is easy to read. The one on my 2001 Solara was a nightmare. It was shiny like chrome and soooo hard to get an accurate reading. That's what is nice about catching all the fluid and pouring it into a jug that has measurement lines on it. That way you know what to put back in.
One caution though: when I purchased my RX two years ago, I of course did all the fluids. When I did the transmission fluid, it took more to fill it back up than what came out. I measured what came out at 3 and 1/2 quarts, but I ended up putting in a little more than four to get it all the way to the full mark. I checked it over a few days and added a little at a time so as to not overfill it. Cannot tell you the number of vehicles I have purchased over the years that were overfull on transmission fluid, especially American models. People don't wait long enough for the transmission to warm completely up! They just keep adding fluid

 

Thank you Fit1too.

Only thing worth mentioning is 'warmup' .... for transmission it is means drive and warm up the fluid and not let the vehicle idle. [idle warm up only makes the engine warm up].

Salim