I recently bought a 2004 rx330 with 50k miles. Car is in excellent condition and has been maintained very well. I just changed the transmission fluid since it appeared the original fluid had not been changed before. Car shifts and performs well. My first question is this: when coming down a gentle hill near my home, I have to brake slightly at about 45 to 50mph; after applying the brakes gently for a couple of seconds, the transmission downshifts into 4th gear until I accelerate again. Is this normal? It's not radical or violent, but just a gentle gear change down a gear. Second question, car is fwd only; does it have a transfer case that needs to have the fluid changed also? I've searched the archives and can't find anything on this. If anyone can answer these questions, I'd appreciate it.

 

Yes, this is normal. I notice it most when traveling in the hills of PA though less here in the flats of FL. Keep in mind that 5th gear is more overdrive than anything else and meant for those higher speeds rather than those around town.

No transfer case in FWD.

A 2004 with 50K miles... good find.

 

Thanks for your feedback. Good to know that all's well in the transmission dept.