Hey everyone

Recently received a 2004 rx330 from a family member. They reported no transmission issues for the past 12-13 years they've been driving it. However, from searching the 2nd gen rx forum, there seems to be quite a lot of transmission issues.

The car currently has 200,000 km (124k miles).

Transmission fluid was changed at 113k km (70k miles) and 186k km (115k miles), first by the lexus dealer, then by an independent shop.


What I've noticed is the following:

1. Regardless of speed, whenever I let go of the gas pedal completely, and then press down on the gas pedal again with some force, I noticed a 'clunk' noise (probably from the transmission), followed by a split second shake/jerk.
-occurs whether I let go and depress the gas at any speed such as going 10 to 20 miles per hr or 40 to 50 miles per hr.
-this doesn't happen (or is VERY much lessened) if I depress the gas pedal slowly

2. I noticed that even at very small inclines, the car seems to roll backwards if I let go of the brake
-is this indicative of the transmission going?

3. There are no issues when I am pressing on the gas pedal to gain speed, such as from going from 0 to 60 miles per hr, but as soon as I let go fully of the gas pedal and press down on the pedal again with some force, the clunk noise reappears

4. I have already disconnected the negative battery terminal for 10 mins, so that the car and relearn my driving style.

5. I am in Canada, so my family member never did the TC005-03R ECM CALIBRATION firmware update

So I guess my question is, at this rate:

A. Does this sound like the transmission is crapping out?
-if so, would it be better to get it rebuild at a transmission shop?

B. If not, should I go ahead and get the ECM firmware update done in hopes of improving the transmission performance?


Thanks for reading!

 

Mine does something similar, as have a few different cars I've owned. It's not a serious issue. Your relatives most likely adjusted to how these transmissions behave, as they definitely have quirks. I'd say plan out 3 drain and fills of the transmission fluid (spaced out at least a weak apart), and see how it behaves after each one. If no improvement, get the firmware update to see if that helps.

Yours is a first year model, which had a few more quirks than the '05+ models. At lower speeds, my '05 was worse than it is now, but two drain and fills so far seems to be helping the issue. It's not 100% gone, but it's nowhere near as bad as it was.

I've been using Valvoline MaxLife synthetic fluid, which meets Toyota T-IV fluid specs.

 

I had the same issue many years ago,the dealer did update the firmware and cannot remember I think they replaced a hose and no more clunk

 

Thanks for the reply. My main worry was catastrophic transmission failure going down the highway or stuck somewhere! My main issue was given the mileage on the car and that my relative was driving as is, would the firmware update be beneficial at this point



Great thanks, I read about the hose replacement in a previous thread (see here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ing-fixed.html) and it seems to happen for those who are stopping rather than accelerating.

 

Correct when stopping

 

Highly suggest that you register as a Lexus owner at the website. You will input your VIN and will be able to retrieve information on your car.

This will also list any and all TSB, recalls work done on the car.

My RX330, I had a thump issue, around 30 mph, related to a TSB on the transmission oil cooler, I bought the cooler line and replaced it myself and the thump was gone.

The other description you had, is concerning. My RX had an update to the latest firmware for the transmission before the extended warranty ended. It killed my battery though, obviously the let the update run with the IGN on. Had to replace right after this work was done. Back then the battery was 5 years old, so it was time to get it replaced anyway.

Good luck on your RX.

 

Thanks for the reply. I emailed the lexus dealership for a quote. Read in other thread it's about an hour of labor but we shall see.

So i take it the update helped your transmission issues (whatever they are?)

 

Generally it should have updated the system software-firmware whatever you call it. hard to tell though. It was covered with the extended warranty, so I had it done, it was a TSB. Killed the battery though. But if the cost is reasonable, invest on it.

 

just a quick update

went to the dealer was charged $130US to update and reset the ECM.

the clunk/thump seems to be a lot less pronounced now and the accelerator is much more sensitive than before.

it's only been a couple of days, but i think the update was worth it.

They didn't put a sticker anywhere on the hood as per the TSB though.

Will change the transmission fluid out soon.