Hi All,

I'm a new owner of a 2008 RX 350 w/66,000 miles on it. I have been reading the forum about the car and haven't seen anything describing the sensation that my vehicle produces at lower speeds. The vehicle seems to be lagging in a gear when coasting below approximately 40mph that feels like engine braking. The RPM's stay low, but it doesn't feel right. I don't know how else to describe the sensation. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

I have an '04 with 60k on it. Mine does the same thing. I asked this question earlier in another post and was told that it was completely normal. It seems the computer senses that no throttle is being applied and shifts into 4th gear. Fifth is overdrive and the car helps do the slowing instead of gentle braking on slight decel. Watch your tach when you know this is about to happen. It will go up 300-400 rpm usually.

 

That's just it though, there is no change in the tach. It still hovers between 1 - 2 and I haven't experienced this with my Nissan's or infinitis. It just feels wrong. I do appreciate your reply!

 

You were just going too slow for the higher overdrive (5th) gear to have been engaged. Is all about how the transmission has be programmed and gearing. What Toyota/Lexus does will be different than Nissan/Infiniti or others.

 

what you are describing is exactly engine braking, it's completely normal

 

Thanks for that replies. I guess I just didn't expect the engine braking to be so noticible.

 

Just an update - issue wasn't the tranny, but rather a bad wheel bearing that had to be replaced. I knew there was no way the roughness I was experiencing was normal. Runs buttery smooth now.

 

FWD or AWD?

Which wheel went bad?

 

Hi,
The engine braking is a Toyota design and is eveident in many Toyota & Lexus cars. I experience the sensation in my 98ES300 and 04RX330. As well as in Landcruiser and Prado.
It is especially noticeable when decelerating from around 80km/h. Its a great feature.