I don't drive the RX much given my wife drives it most of the time unless it's on special occasions or the weekend.

I noticed when I start the vehicle and move the shifter from Park to Drive. There seems to be lots of resistance to do that, is that normal? It's isn't smooth gliding.

I don't have this issue on my GS where the shifts are smooth and effortless.

Is that a problem or it's normal?

This on the 2019 Lexus RX 350L AWD btw.

Thanks.

 

Do you set the parking brake or is it in auto mode or you don't use the parking brake at all?

 

The parking brake is setup in auto mode.

 

So it could not be the pawl, weeellll may it still could, have it checked there may be something putting pressure on it.

 

What is idling RPM when you shift out of Park?

 

At idle, it's at 1000 to 1100 RPM in Park.

 

That's a little on the high side, probably because of the cold start. That might cause a "thunk". Warmed up, idle should be around 750. But it should not be hard to shift.

 

Thanks for replying.

Your shifts on your RX are smooth from Park to Reverse?

Anyone else also?

 

You are onto something. The routine shifts from Park to Reverse in our otherwise perfect '21 RX are not so harsh as to require a service visit, but they're definitely noticeably hard regardless of the RPMs (especially when parked uphill). My far-more-powerful LC shifts (and all of my previous BMWs shifted) from Park to Reverse far more smoothly.

 

P->R on mine are very smooth.

 

Thanks All, I'll setup an appointment to have this looked at dealership as a warranty thing.

 

My 2018 is slightly clunkier on the first shift out of Park when it is cold. Once warmed up, it is as smooth as any other car I've owned, and much better when parked on a hill.

 

Next time try this and see if it's any different:
come to stand still. Car in neutral. Hold brake. Engage parking brake. When fully engaged let go of brake and then shift gear to P position.

See if after this it is the same. If it is smooth, then you might have to hold your foot on your brakes until parking brake engaged to prevent preloading the parking gear pawl. Just my opinion. ​​

 

It was the same all the way thru.

 

No problem shifting to Park. No problem shifting from R to D. It's just from P to R or other gears are different and at times, there's no traction. Totally weird feel. Really unusual.