GrayES300

I have had an ongoing transmission problem. My '01 ES300 has the U140E trans and it no longer goes in overdrive. I tried finding a new solenoid, but Lexus couldn't even get the right one after numerous attempts. Now I just want to swap out the trans. What are my cheapest options? It's very hard for me to find one out of a Lexus, but I heard a '02-'03 V6 Camry would work. Would it just bolt in or are there electronics that need to be changed? The earlier trans A541E is fairly cheap. Could it be installed with some electrial components or would it not work at all? This is not my daily driver so I am not in a rush to get the job done. Just want it done as cheaply as possible.

PFB

I am assuming that the problem was diagnosed correctly, as there could be several different potential reasons for your symptom.

However, you are looking for trouble and expense by doing what you want to do. There is no reason why Lexus can not provide you with the proper part.

Make sure to give them your VIN number, and make sure that your diagnosis is correct.

GrayES300

Thanks for the reply. My original problem was a code indicating a problem with Solenoid D. Even with giving them my VIN code, the solenoids they gave me did not match mine. Don't know what the deal is, but at 200,000 miles, just patching the solenoid problem probably not worth it anymore. After playing around with the solenoids, the code stopped coming up, but car still does not go in overdrive.

Thought about having the trans scanned somewhere, if they can do it, but I'm leary that I'll pay $200 for a scan only for them to tell me I need a new/rebuilt one.

I can get the trans out myself so there will be no expense in that. I have no idea about the electonics of a trans though. If a V6 Camry will work without problems, I can get one for $600. I don't want to spend $1,500+ for a rebuilt U140E. If the Camry works, it would be better for me to spend the money on that then dump the $200 on a scan, only to still need a new trans.

GrayES300

Found a listing for transmissions from junk yards around the country. Range from $1,400 - $1,800! Makes the rebuilt ones on e-bay look pretty good, even if they are not totally rebuilt.

http://www.autopartsfair.com/lexus-u...ec1f&seq_num=3

01ES300NYC

iTrader: (2)

besides the overdrive issue how does your trans shift? is it skipping? have u changed the trans filter? have u checked the overdrive cable under the hood?

GrayES300

OK...I'll start from the beginning...

One day while driving home at about 70mph, the car suddenly downshifted out of overdrive. The check engine light came on. I shifted into neutral and back into drive. Overdrive seemed to work again, but soon jumped out again. When I got the car home I scanned it and it said there was a problem with shift solenoid D. After 3 attempts at two different dealers, I gave up trying to get the right one. Every time they would give me one that was different from mine, even with me giving them my VIN number. After trying the ones they provided, the check engine light went away, but the car still does not go into overdrive. Other than the overdrive, the car shifts and drives normally. No slipping in gears or harsh/delayed shifts. I changed the filter once and the fluid every time I tried a different solenoid.

Where is the overdrive cable under the hood? I was not aware there was one. Anything else I should check?

01ES300NYC

iTrader: (2)

my fault no cable under hood...
did u reset the cel codes after u replaced the solenoid?

01ES300NYC

iTrader: (2)

did u check the trans speed sensors?

GrayES300

I reset the CEL after the first attempt at changing the solenoid. It never came back on after that.

How do you check trans speed sensors?

01ES300NYC

iTrader: (2)

dont know exactly how to check if they're working but i believe there are 2 transmission speed sensors...dont know if that can be the cause....
check the tran fluid levels again....maybe a leak?

01ES300NYC

iTrader: (2)

could be maybe ur torque converter....
dealerships suck imo...u should have a transmission specialest look at it if u can...
it can get expensive but tranny work almost always is

GrayES300

Thanks for the ideas. I may break down to have someone scan it. I would think I would have a lot more problems than just not having overdrive if the trans was really trashed.

I don't think it is the torque converter because it does not stall or idle funny when coming to a stop.

01ES300NYC

iTrader: (2)

hmmmm... i also believe "not to sure though" solenoid 2 has a sensor.. might be worth looking in to...could be they changed the solenoid and not the sensor...might just be that sensor....either way good luck

01ES300NYC

iTrader: (2)

also if u can check the atf temp sensor

01ES300NYC

iTrader: (2)

maybe they didnt reconnect the shift solenoid sensor after they installed the solenoid....
good luck man..