Hey, all -

After an extensive search through the many, many transmission-related ES300 threads, I felt I need to solicit opinions specific to my particular situation.

I recently purchased my family's second-hand 1998 ES300 with 145k miles (it was replaced with a RX330). The car was exclusively driven by my 63 year old mother who, for the most part, takes excellent care of her vehicles. She acquired the car when it was three years old with 70k miles on the clock. At 98k the dreaded transmission whine surfaced, after which she replaced it with a donor transmission from a 55k mile car. Also addressed during the transmission swap were the rear main seal and axle, as well as the filter.

Immediately following the swap, the new/used transmission shifted uncharacteristically firm. The 1-2 shift is feels like a turbo 400 with a shift kit, the 2-3 shift is firm and also a little sloppy, the 3-4 shift is acceptable by my standards. Each shift seems to occur at the appropriate RPMs, and kickdowns are achieved as expected. Also, there is a moderate shudder when downshifting from 2-1 while stopping.

It's worth noting that all of these symptoms lessen after driving 20 miles or so. The fluid looks clean and has no smell. I know for a fact that the car isn't abused; however, I can't speak to the owner of the 55k miles donor transmission.

My questions are:

1) Does this sound like a solenoid issue?
2) Could something be "out of adjustment" from the new/used trasmission installation?
3) Based on the consistency of the shifts, the fact that there's no slip, etc., I'm lead to believe the overall health of the transmission is in tact. Is that a fair assumption.

Thank you very much, in advance, for any guidance.

Matt

 

are you shifting the gears from 1-D? ... no slip, fluid good, doesn't smells... all is well ... just don't constantly downshift

 

I'm not manually pushing the gear selector from L-D. I'm leaving it in D with the overdrive button engaged - letting the car shift on its own.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say "just don't constantly downshift". The hard shifting occurs during upshifts (i.e. - 1-2, 2-3, etc.).

Thanks for chiming in.

 

Anyone else have any input?

 

was the torque converter replaced when the transmission was replaced?
is the check engine light on? I dont think its a solenoid issue as shift solenoid issues tend to set a DTC fault code in the system....i feel like there could be a torque converter issue, but dont quote me on that as im not 100% sure.

 

The torque converter was not replaced, and there are no warning lights showing.

A torque converter can cause these symptoms?