Lexus RX300 Transmission Problems – Any Serious Issues?

Transmission is an intricate part of the car because it enables the engine to keep your wheels moving. It can be scary when you experience transmission problems, but it gets more expensive when you keep on driving by ignoring the signs of damage.

Lexus RX300 automatic transmissions highlights

• Average lifespan:220,000-260,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:No
• Price for repair after failure:$1,200-$1,500
• Price for replacement:$4,000-$4,500
• Availability of parts:Good
• Common problems:high-mileage problems, jerking, lack of smoothness, lack of flexibility, bad MPG.

Common Issues

1. Leakages, Low Fluid, And Burnt Smells

Leaking concerns or low fluid are one of the transmission issues in the automobile. The fluid serves as an important element as it cleanses, conditions, and oils any lids while acting as a hydraulic fluid. If the component stays at the lowest level, the engine is nonfunctional and fails to operate.

2. Torque Converter Issue

This is a fluid-built clutch that links the engine with the transmission. It plays a major role in transmitting the engine's signal to the transmission. It resembles a flywheel device, manages the oil pump, and intensifies the received torque. When the torque malfunctions in RX300, the gears slip. A bad torque convertor causes trembling in the car, polluting the fluid and interfering with the entire system. 

3. Slipping Transmission Issue

When you apply the throttle in RX300 but the car speed fails to increase, there is a problem with the transmission. It is a major problem experienced in this model because the car engines generate more energy than required without affecting the speed. When the components fail to fit together properly, it leads to slipping. The transmission connects the engine and the wheel, and whenever the engine is running, it delivers power to the wheels. There will be no power transfer to the wheels whenever the transmission fails. 

4. Shifting Issues

This world-class SUV includes an automatic transition. Thus, you should know that it is common to experience a sluggish change when shifting gears. Low transmission fluid will cause you to experience a sharp shock each time you switch gears. Remarkably, anything might occur in any vehicle. Whenever you have such an encounter, you should change the fluids. Unexpected shocks and rough shifts when shifting is an alarm for you to check the transmission fluids. If you are not conversant with the vehicle's functioning, you can ask for a hand from the mechanic. However, the slowness in shifting gears results from the low transmission fluid on most occasions.

5. RX300 Fails To Start or Respond

In this case, you might conclude the problem is with the alternator or the battery. This problem likely emerges from a malfunctioning clutch, and you will have to see a mechanic to deal with the problem. You might have left the car in any gear sectors by mistake where the automatic transmission was left in the sport, reverse, low, or drive. This model has a Neutral Security Switch. This element allows the car engine to start whenever parked in neutral. It implies that the engine will not start if left in any other gear. When your RX300 fails to start, begin by checking the shifter. You may shut off the car when you leave and activate the e-brake to keep the car stationary. Thus, when the Lexus fails to start, you will assume the battery died. Since it is a common occurrence, before calling the mechanic, check the vehicle's state.

6. RX300 Fails To Shift Into Reverse Or Drive

With the shifting problem in the automatic gearbox, it becomes physically impossible to change your vehicle. The transmission fluid also plays a major role in this issue. Transmission problems can come up due to different reasons. The first step is to check the fluid. The shifter might also be involved, and the car key could be needed. Try changing the reverse and shift gears while having the car key in its slot. Whenever there are no notable results, you may require to progress to another step. Before contacting a mechanic, you must take note of the necessary symptoms. Also, if you have problems detecting the issues, you can always ask for help.

7. Delayed Engagement

Whenever you apply the drive gear and press the gas pedal, and the car fails to move, it delays engagement. Before moving, the car might take a while, showing a late response to the applied gear. There is a high probability you need to change the transmission liquid, or it could be low. The stretched-out bands and old seals could also have a role to play in this issue. If any parts are worn out, this could contribute to the problem.

Minor Issues

• Whenever the transmission overheats and the issue is not addressed, the parts of the gearbox melt, resulting in a damaged transmission. Whenever the transmission fails to run properly, the car becomes noisy. A grinding and vibrating noise could arise whenever you apply the accelerator or brake pedal.
• Whenever there is a worn-out valve, the channel can expand and interfere with the proper functioning of the car. Ultimately, it leads to fluid leaks and slipping gears. The valve issues also delay the gear shifting process.
• A dragging clutch occurs when the clutch does not release the engine when you let off the pedal. It emits a loud gear change and destroys the gearbox, affecting the transmission.
• Whenever RX300 is in neutral mode, it creates annoying noises, which amplify transmission issues that need to be fixed immediately.

Solutions

• There are major downside reviews concerning the fluid levels of RX300; thus, you should check the power steering fluid amount. A power steering injector behind the engine needs monitoring since it could burst or leak. While cleaning the transmission system, following the manufacturer's manual is important. You can clean the tracks by flushing out the fluid after covering 60,000 miles.
• When the slipping problem arises, attend to the speedometer and tachometer. Turn on the car's engine and drive away. The gauges should escalate as you press the accelerator pedal. Raising the engine speed leads to acceleration in horsepower, thus increasing the car speed.
• To check if your Lexus RX 300 has problems with leakage and low fluid, you will require taking a drive to help warm up the vehicle. First, have the car on level ground, check the cover, and inspect the dipstick. Also, adding the transmission fluid helps plug up seepages and overhaul seals to stop the leakage. Although if the drips persist after the addition, it might imply a bigger problem which will require a mechanic to attend to the car. Also, it would be best if you refilled the tank to the brim with an anti-leak additive and fresh transmission fluid. Also, before adding the liquid, you may flush the system, which will help clear any impurities before filling in the new liquid.
• In case there are leaks on the driveway, it is important to fix the hole from which the automatic transmission fluid passes. A leak may occur in the transmission cover in some vehicles in the 40,000 range. When replacing the closure, poor fixing can result in fluid leaks, damaging the transmission. Darker fluid having a burnt smell implies you will have to change the liquid and carry out some repairs. If the liquid smells burnt, it implies the fluid in use is sub-par or compromised, requiring you to drain the liquid completely. The burnt smell could result from improper lubrication of some parts, increasing friction. The transmission will eventually damage, which leads to a costly repair.

Conclusively, transmission is a vital component in Lexus, and it plays a major role in its smooth functioning. Most of the issues in RX300 result from the transmission fluid. Maintenance helps to improve the car's overall performance. Thus, to keep Lexus safe from the listed issues, you should monitor the oil frequently. Reading the common problems in Lexus RX 300 should assist you in discovering what is wrong with your SUV or what to be aware of in the future.

Accordingly, you will know what to face if the vehicle has one of the listed issues. Transmission problems do not end on their own, and when not attended to for a long time, they may demand a complete transmission replacement. Luckily, there are several warning signs the car issues when the transmission is out. Thus, it is easier to carry out repairs when your transmission is in good shape.