I have a 2007 RX350 and began having issues a couple of days ago. It was having a hard time accelerating and reverse was particularly dragging. After the dealer ran diagnostics on it, they said the transmission solenoid is stuck and the only way to fix it is to replace the transmission, estimated at about $5k. Of course I'm about a year out of warranty. I won't go into how frustrating it is that a 61k car needs a new transmission. I'm looking for advice on what to do right now. The last couple of miles getting to the dealer was a bit scary as the car felt like it could stop running any second so I'm not keen on having to move it. But I also wonder how much a price difference it would be to take it to another shop, like aamco. Any advice is appreciated.

 

Sorry for your trouble, for that low mileage it is unfortunate. I would do two things in this order:

1. call lexus corporate and discuss - hopefully they are generous. I have had them pay for labor when I only paid for parts for an issue.

2. Find an actual tranny-specific shop. Most lexus dealers to not 'work' on the tranny they just replace it with a new/remanufactured one so that is what you are paying for. If there is any way to get it rebuilt it will save you money.

 

Thanks alchemist for the tip. That seems very unlike a corporation so never crossed my mind. But it certainly is worth a try. I will give them a try today.

 

dealer will not just change the solenoid because they don't just sell solenoids, but the entire transmission. I don't know why they would do this as this is a common problem for Lexus.

An independent mechanic may be able to change out just the solenoid if there is a left over part or has connections at lexus. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine with IS went through the same ordeal as you (dealer charged $6K for transmission), but was a Lexus specialist in my area was able to get just the solenoid and ended up with only $700 labor included.

I would suggest that you contact a mechanic that specializes Lexus in your area.

good luck!

 

It's a shame that the OP never bothered to post back. It would have been helpful to know how Lexus corporate handled this or didn't and what the outcome was.

 

same thing happened to my DD (96 Camry). Went to a local transmission specialist and they replaced the solenoid....problem solved!

 

yup! seems like the way to go. You can even find it yourself at a junkyard. example: http://www.usedtoyotalexusparts.com/lexus-parts.html These guys ship within the States i think.

 

Agree. Seems like there are ppl that just post then never log back in. very disappointing...