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1 17177-20020 GASKET, INTAKE MANIF $36.37
1 17178-20020 GASKET, INTAKE MANIF $34.93
1 00272-1LLAC-01 ANTIFREEZE GALLON W $29.92
2 89615-12040 SENSOR KNOCK CONTROL $353.32
1 16492-21050 RING, O RADIATOR $5.38
1 82219-07010 WIRE, SENSOR $35.42
The wiring harness looked a little funky so I went for the $35.42. If it went bad later then alot of labor would be involved so I told him to go ahead.
When getting off the freeway now it shifts to O drive with no problems. At 75MPH the tack now reads approx. 2700. Before, I wouldn't do that speed on the freeway with the problem I had. Getting on the freeway with my old problem would show ma at 50MPH approx.32-3300 rpm. So I would just get off and take streets home. I would have to drive the car very slowly to keep everything healthy, about 35MPH at 2500 RPM. With 108,000 miles on the car I hope to get another 108,000. I hope all this helps. What a nice running car (again!). The problem was computer feedback from the sensor. It was explained to me how the computer in the car works but after a while it got confusing...Good Luck.
We have a 1996 ES300 with the 3.0L V6, and have experienced problems in the past, and recently with the transmission:
at about 70,000 miles it started not shifting into any gears above 2nd. We had to have a new Toyota tranny put in, and then a year later it did it again.
Just today it started acting up again, but this time its running 1st all the way up to about 4000 rpms, then shifting hard into second, and then its fine throughout the rest of the gears. I drove it about 100 miles home today, and at every stop light it did that, regardless of the overdrive. I think that the plates between 1st and 2nd are sticking, but i dont know much about transmissions. This is really making me mad, and im thinking of selling the car. I love the Lexus's, but im questioning Toyota's late 90's and even early 2000's trannys. Is this problem common among 2001+ RX300's too? Or do they run a different transmission? And to any potential buyers be sure and beware of these mechanical problems, although the 3.0 liter v6 is a great engine.
We have a 1996 ES300 with the 3.0L V6, and have experienced problems in the past, and recently with the transmission:
at about 70,000 miles it started not shifting into any gears above 2nd. We had to have a new Toyota tranny put in, and then a year later it did it again.
Just today it started acting up again, but this time its running 1st all the way up to about 4000 rpms, then shifting hard into second, and then its fine throughout the rest of the gears. I drove it about 100 miles home today, and at every stop light it did that, regardless of the overdrive. I think that the plates between 1st and 2nd are sticking, but i dont know much about transmissions. This is really making me mad, and im thinking of selling the car. I love the Lexus's, but im questioning Toyota's late 90's and even early 2000's trannys. Is this problem common among 2001+ RX300's too? Or do they run a different transmission? And to any potential buyers be sure and beware of these mechanical problems, although the 3.0 liter v6 is a great engine.
Funny, I have 86000 miles on my 96 ES. The transmission is and has been fine, but the engine blew up and just required a complete rebuild. So, I'm not sure that 3.0L is so great. When the thermostat fails, they over heat and blow the heads up.
So, I guess, my conclusion is: the car is great, except for the engine and the transmission......
The other day my husband drove the car and when he stepped on the brakes the car didn't want to stop and was idling badly? Very dangerous!
The throttle position sensor for this car was replaced in 2006 because the transmission was not shifting properly into gear and lunging forward after putting into drive.
What could be the problem, now?
Have someone check the idle air bypass system and if that's okay then suspect a burned intake valve.
With a '99 I would vote for a clogged idle air bypass port/channel. Once it's cleaned out disconnect the battery for 10 minutes or so to force the engine ECU to more quickly learn/adjust to the new free flowing idle air bypass.
"..both pressure caps.."
Only the cap on the radiator should be of the pressure type.
ATF cooling loop within the radiator leaking..??
Did you by chance initially type this post on a 33ASR teletype..??
I'm overwhelmed by the amount of information and number of Lexus owners that have this issue and no resolution has been found.
I think we need to organize a grass-roots campaign and go to the top if need be to get this issue out in the open and addressed. Maybe we should enlist the media. Anyone have any ideas/contacts?
Terri
I bought my used 2005 in Nov 2008 with only 50k. I was impressed with Lexus for all of about 1 week, when I realized the transmission hesitation was not about me. I took it into the dealer and was asked if I was the primary driver, and that it needed to learn my style of driving. Well that impressed me too, never heard of such a thing, but fool me twice shame on me. After 5k of just me, the damn car had learned nothing. When I brought the car in AGAIN, as if they had never heard of this problem before, they told me reprogramming will fix the transmission problem I was having. I asked twice, will this fix the problem and the service guy said it will be like driving a new car. The dealer flashed and reprogrammed the computer ($150 charge to me) and guess what, it never got better and now at 80k, its even worst. Every time I come to a rolling stop and then start to move forward, as in heavy traffic or 2nd to 3rd gear, it will jump down to 1st gear first and then surge back to 3rd gear. The car will jerk very uncomfortably and there is nothing I can do to prevent it. I don’t know about you but when the transmission jerks like this it is not normal. No new or old car will do this. I could get a whiplash driving this car. I am very very disappointed with Lexus. They have done nothing to address this problem. I was there for this problem inside my 7yr 70k timeperiod, but they obviously tricked me a third time......This is my first and last Lexus and Lexus Dealership.
I bought my used 2005 in Nov 2008 with only 50k. I was impressed with Lexus for all of about 1 week, when I realized the transmission hesitation was not about me. I took it into the dealer and was asked if I was the primary driver, and that it needed to learn my style of driving. Well that impressed me too, never heard of such a thing, but fool me twice shame on me. After 5k of just me, the damn car had learned nothing. When I brought the car in AGAIN, as if they had never heard of this problem before, they told me reprogramming will fix the transmission problem I was having. I asked twice, will this fix the problem and the service guy said it will be like driving a new car. The dealer flashed and reprogrammed the computer ($150 charge to me) and guess what, it never got better and now at 80k, its even worst. Every time I come to a rolling stop and then start to move forward, as in heavy traffic or 2nd to 3rd gear, it will jump down to 1st gear first and then surge back to 3rd gear. The car will jerk very uncomfortably and there is nothing I can do to prevent it. I don’t know about you but when the transmission jerks like this it is not normal. No new or old car will do this. I could get a whiplash driving this car. I am very very disappointed with Lexus. They have done nothing to address this problem. I was there for this problem inside my 7yr 70k timeperiod, but they obviously tricked me a third time......This is my first and last Lexus and Lexus Dealership.
Also, I can buy an extended warranty. I have not seen info re: if these trannys just eventually fall apart/out or what I should expect, so was wondering if I cant get $$ back would it be advisable to purchase said warranty? Any info you can give me would be great. Thanks.
I just joined here this evening because my wife's 2009 ES350 has the transmission software issue. I happened upon your message: I have a 1996 ES300 which I bought in 2000 which I am in love with! Over 200,000 kilometers and I'm happy!
I had that seat leather seam sewn before it got too bad. I never had a seat belt issue but I understand they are indeed common. From day one, I thought the transmission was odd, but that's only when it's cold. Once warm, no problem. The sunroof leaks a tiny bit in high-power "touch-less" car washes, but's that's it.
Pls fix that seat and keep up with all repairs.....that car is a bloody marvel of engineering. I've heard of '96's flipping end over end at highway speeds and the driver walking away! (I'm a retired cop).
I'm holding out for 500,000 km, myself.
Have a nice day, ok?
I never get to hear my old lady's 2009 ES350 in the cold a.m. but my '96 ES300 ain't happy until it's warm.
Once we all warm up, no problem
Except for that hiccup in the wife's transmission that supposedly needs a software upgrade. Problem is, I can't find anyone addressing that problem. Have looked all over ...will now reboot and try again.
And you're right....we love both our cars!
Continued to have problems since the engine light was coming on. Took it back to dealer who cleaned out the pan for free (still under service warranty). Runs fine now. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I am not sure that I will buy a Lexus again.
Overfilled, and once it grows in volume due to rising heat it might begin to be stirred, FROTHED, by contact with the rotating gear train. It's hard to maintain the downstream (of the pump/relief valve) pressurization of ATF that is highly "contaminated" with millions of "tiny bubbles".
Not that your 2001 RX300 wasn't due, even overdue, for a transaxle failure as a result of the direct mechainical coupling from the accelerator to the throttle.
I drove 10 miles and it started doing the EXACT same thing. Turned around and took it back to the dealership. Guy calls me this morning being a smart butt. Anybody experienced this type of "cutting out" problem? Any suggestions?
SOP.
when you step on the gas it gasps but it idles fine.
My name is B Boyles and I have been reading all of the forum posts regarding the ES Transmission problems. I could not find out if any of the other members on this forum have had these problems with the ES 330 - 04 model. That is the year that I have. I thought that I was crazy thinking that it was just me with the hesitation of my transmission. Everything that I have read on here is exactly what I have been dealing with. I have taken it into Lexus and also Toyota many times and they also tell me that there is noting wrong with it. Often times it jerks when shifting or when you are slowing down coming to a stop. I also have the problem of it when getting on to the freeway. I now have a faint exhaust problem in the cab- when I have the AC on. It is enough to give me a migraine swell up my glands and also makes my hair and clothes smell bad. I took it into both Lexus and Toyota and they say there is nothing wrong with it - they said there is zero smell. Has anyone had this exhaust problem? I don't know what to do with the car.....I was thinking of getting a used vehicle - this car works for me since I have had a severe spinal fusion- the ride and seats are comfortable and they work for me......but not if I have to smell exhaust when I drive the car of turn on the AC. I don't know if anyone knows of a better car to try that has a similar ride in the comfort of this car. Any help that anyone can give me - I would really appreciate it so much. I have been offered a small trade in value for my car- I don't want to keep it if the Transmission is going to go out or possibly get me into an accident by having the terrible hesitation. For some reason Microsoft email does not work on my computer- that is why I went ahead and registered on here. I hope that I am able to communicate with others on this site. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely, B Boyles
But DO NOT use this method if the climate dictates the need for heat, too much danger of (sometimes SUDDEN[***]) windshield fogging due to the build-up of cabin Rh from human metabolism.
*** Thanks to the idiot design engineers at NipponDenso, Denso US.
PS: Is it truly exhaust you smell with A/C on or is it maybe the "leavings" of the microrobes that make up the mould and mildew "family"..?? Also a VERY common problem with the NipponDenso, Denso US, automatic climate control designs.
If the latter there is an aftermarket kit available that will intermittently run the A/C blower for up to an hour after ignition off in order to disperse the residual mosture, breeding "ground" for those microbes, remaining on the evaporator core.