Transmission Question
12-11-18, 07:44 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Transmission Question
My 2003 SC430 (61,000 miles) "pops" out of reverse when I am backing down my inclined driveway. (Backing down hill) As soon as I get on level pavement, reverse re-engages. I have had the car visually inspected and checked the transmission fluid (normal level) and no one has found anything wrong. This is the only issue I have with the transmission - otherwise, it's fine. Any ideas?
12-11-18, 10:07 AM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
My 2003 SC430 (61,000 miles) "pops" out of reverse when I am backing down my inclined driveway. (Backing down hill) As soon as I get on level pavement, reverse re-engages. I have had the car visually inspected and checked the transmission fluid (normal level) and no one has found anything wrong. This is the only issue I have with the transmission - otherwise, it's fine. Any ideas?
define pops out of reverse...like shifter moves to N or D?
post a pic of the fluid on the dipstick?
is it red, dark red, brown or black?
define visually inspected?
12-11-18, 11:24 AM
#3
Pole Position
Did it happen only once or every time?
12-11-18, 01:08 PM
#4
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
QUICK REPLY:
Thanks for your assistance!
Q: how are you checking the fluid? A: Warm engine/Level ground/Not running
Q: define pops out of reverse...like shifter moves to N or D? A: The shifter remains in "R" - but the gears disengage
Q: post a pic of the fluid on the dipstick? A: Will do tomorrow
Q: is it red, dark red, brown or black? A: Red to Dark Red.
Q: define visually inspected? A: I mean the car has had 2 different Pre-Purchase Inspections. 1 by an independent Lexus service tech and 1 by a Toyota dealership service department. Both PPIs said all fluids were good.
UPDATE: I've determined that the problem only occurs when the engine/transmission is cold. Allowing for warm-up (1-2 minutes) this morning, I did not experience this condition. I'm ready to replace the transmission fluid if that's the likely cause.
Thanks again. NSG
Thanks for your assistance!
Q: how are you checking the fluid? A: Warm engine/Level ground/Not running
Q: define pops out of reverse...like shifter moves to N or D? A: The shifter remains in "R" - but the gears disengage
Q: post a pic of the fluid on the dipstick? A: Will do tomorrow
Q: is it red, dark red, brown or black? A: Red to Dark Red.
Q: define visually inspected? A: I mean the car has had 2 different Pre-Purchase Inspections. 1 by an independent Lexus service tech and 1 by a Toyota dealership service department. Both PPIs said all fluids were good.
UPDATE: I've determined that the problem only occurs when the engine/transmission is cold. Allowing for warm-up (1-2 minutes) this morning, I did not experience this condition. I'm ready to replace the transmission fluid if that's the likely cause.
Thanks again. NSG
12-11-18, 01:42 PM
#5
The fluid is low. You checked warm but not running. The proper procedure is warm, engine running, work the shifter through all the gears, check fluid level with engine still running.
If you check without the engine engine running the fluid level will read higher than it actually is.
If you check without the engine engine running the fluid level will read higher than it actually is.
12-11-18, 02:10 PM
#6
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thanks -- That makes sense. I think rather than having the transmission fluid "topped off," I will get it replaced (it's kinda dark red anyway). The service records do not indicate when it was most recently changed. Appreciate the help, folks.
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12-17-18, 03:38 PM
#8
Driver School Candidate
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Coleroad (12-17-18)
03-29-19, 03:09 PM
#9
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
COLEROAD... Closing the loop on this... The SC430 had the transmission fluid flushed and replaced. At the same time, the oil & filter were changed and the power steering fluid was flushed and replaced as well. (The cooling system had been addressed recently and did not require any attention.) The problem of the car disengaging from reverse while backing down a steep driveway has disappeared. Your suggestion that the fluid level was low appears to have been spot-on. Thanks!
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