We've had our used 02 FWD RX300 since end of December. This morning was cold for our area (Dallas) at 34 degrees. I took my oldest to school and when I got back in the car to come home, the display panel was only showing partial info...the heat/ac display and the mileage display wouldn't light up. I hit the "info" button on the radio to see if that prompted anything and did not. I got in the car about and hour and half later to get out and upon starting, everything came back on the screen.

Could this be a cold weather glitch? Anyone else experience this? The clock is keeping perfect time...no other issues with car, and this is first time its happened. NOTE: one of my prior posts about a "lose change" sound in my steering column is typically only audible during cold days I've noticed...during our recent warm snap (60-70's) I did not hear it like I had been.

thoughts/comments??

 

I have had that happen at least once, I don't know to this day if it was my battery or something, but it was about a year after I had my Optima battery installed, so I am still not sure why the sensors weren't picking up the information. It must have also been around winter time (we get down into the 30s, too) since it was a year after I got the battery (Dec. 2004).

That "loose change" sound may be the steering column itself and cold weather will no doubt contract. I have the same issue right now, even after fixing my steering issues back when I was working on my transmission in December. Have tried spraying WD40 and few other lubricants on the rack and column (in the part of the engine bay) and that sometimes helps.

 

I have experienced the blanking of display [not total but some info is not displayed]. It has happened 2 times in the last 9yrs and it always comes back after I turn the ignition off ..[dont remember if the key had to be pulled out or not].

It seems the display computer gets reset when you turn the RX off. There is no need to disconnect the battery.

Salim

 

It happens to me at least once a year. Again, just turning the ignition off and then on again solves it. I think it happens when I use the starter for a longer duration than normal and the battery voltage drops too low.

 

Thanks.

On another topic: our regular mechanic (who we've taken all other cars too) says he can work on the RX...says is just like Camry engine, etc. Should I allow him to "check" the tranny fluid? He is close and if it does need another service (last one done at 60K - now have 75K) I could take to dealer. Would be so much simpler for him to do this, and I'd like to keep a close eye on the tranny, given all the probs I've read about. Would you go so far as to have a non-authorized (but trusted) mechanic do this work?

 

Tranny fluid and such is not hard work at all. There is a nice sticky thread at the top of the forum done by TunedRX300 on changing out the transmission fluid.

 

As long as you are talking routine check up (along with minor maintenance .. fluid replacements). A DIYer and any mechanic can do that.

Once you are talking about trouble shooting and complex repair (where training, equipment and experience matters) then you should give the dealership the first nod.

Any thing between the above two , is a toss up.

Use good judgment as you read posts on transmission issue(s). If changing the fluid makes you sleep easy then do it.

Salim

 

And,lucky for you,FWD trannies dont seem to be having too much trouble.Unfortunately,for me and others with AWD(but I do love the AWD)99 through early 2001 models,.seem to be the problem children,so to speak.Their is a trans shop over in Jersey,that can supposedly beef up these transmissions.Adding extra clutch discs,plates,modifyng the valve body(is where your sure shifts stem from)increasing line pressure,etc.I will find out the name,and get back to everyone.In your case,with FWD,just drop the pan,change fluid, and try to get the filter with the steel mesh,I noticed when you use the paper/fiber type filter,the shifts are sloppier than norm.Probably due to weak line pressure in the first place.Pumps are not a strong point in the AWD trannies.Anyway,do this,keep an eye on your fluid level/color,and use only toyota type iv fluid,or amsoil fluid(wich everyone here recomends)

 

here is the transmission shop I was refering to.Its called IPT performance transmissions. Login or Create New Account

1105 Route 23 South
Wayne, NJ 07470
1-866-82-TRANS
(1-866-828-7267)
Or 973 238 0079
(Outside Cont. US)
Email: Sales Department




- Home
- Catalog
- Apparel
- What's New
- Services
- Forums
- FAQs

- About IPT
- Downloads
- Partners
- Links
- Photos
- Applications
- Testimonials
- Employment


Email List Sign-Up & $25 Coupon
Email:



IPT is an ATRA certified facility



Toyota Front, Rear and 4 Wheel Drive
TOYOTA PERFORMANCE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS


TOYOTA / LEXUS PERFORMANCE AUTOMATICS
ES300, GS300, GS400, GS430, IS300, LS 400, LS430, LX450, LX470, RX300, RX330, SC300, SC400, SUPRA, CAMRY, 4 RUNNER, CELICA, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, T100, RAV 4, TUNDRA, JEEP AW4, ISUZU 30-40LE

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Valve body is custom calibrated to provide firm, positive shifts
High performance pressure regulator boost valve is installed to prevent sluggish line pressure rise
Extra clutches are installed (wherever possible)
Modified solenoid assemblies are installed (where applicable)
New one-way clutches/sprags are installed
Lube system is redesigned for increased flow and cooler operation
New flat bearings are installed in all locations
A140E/L: $2850
A240/A241E: $3075
A540H (89-93 V6): $2950
A541E (94-up V6): $3375 U140, U240, U245, etc : $3375
Please call or email us to order a complete transmission.

REAR WHEEL DRIVE / 4 WHEEL DRIVE Valve body is custom calibrated to provide the ultimate in clutch application power and clamping force (The modifications performed by us are a proprietary design and are unavailable elsewhere)
Virtually indestructible Raybestos Blue Plates are installed in all shifting clutches
*NEW FEATURE* We have now developed the industry's only 6 friction disk C-2 clutch pack for a 50% increase in third gear holding capacity.
New one way clutches (sprags) are installed in all locations
Planetary splines are heat treated to prevent stripping
Metalax treatment is applied to input shaft to eliminate stress related failure
Sun shell is heat treated to prevent spline stripping
New design high flow solenoid assemblies are installed
Lube system is redesigned to provide increased flow and cooler operation
Performance pressure regulator boost valve is installed to prevent sluggish line pressure rise and to increase clutch holding ability.
NOTE: This unit is the strongest configuration that can be achieved with this Toyota transmission. However, if you are running much faster than 9.99 we recommend the installation of a domestic three speed or Powerglide transmission. These units also enable you to enjoy the many benefits of a Trans Brake and 8", 9", or 10" torque converter. See our specialty RWD section or call us for details.
A340, 93-up 30-40LE, A340E, A340F, A340E, JEEP AW4: $3275
A341E and A340E, Lexus, Supra 2JZ-GTE: $3375
LEXUS A650E: $3675
TOYOTA A750E: $3775
A340H (Early 4Runner type with integral transfer case) - call for pricing
Please call or email us to order a complete transmission.





Overhaul Parts Qty Price ea.
IPT Performance Transmission Rebuild Kit A340 Series (Supra, 4Runner, etc.)
$499.00
IPT Performance Transmission Rebuild Kit A340 Series (Supra, 4Runner, etc.) with Raybestos Blue Plate Clutch Option
$589.00
IPT Performance Transmission Rebuild Kit A540 Series (V-6 Camry, etc)
$469.00
IPT Performance Transmission Rebuild Kit A540 Series (V-6 Camry, etc) with Raybestos Blue Plate Option
$549.00
IPT Performance Transmission Rebuild Kit A140
$449.00

Valve Bodies Qty Price ea.
IPT Modified Valve Body- Toyota 4 speed RWD and 4X4 *If you cannot find a shift kit for your a340 click here!*
$575.00
IPT Modified Valve Body- Toyota 5 speed RWD and 4X4 *If you cannot find a shift kit for your a650e or a750e click here!*
$649.00
IPT Modified Valve Body- Toyota FWD *If you cannot find a shift kit for your Toyota or Lexus A140-E, 540E, 541E, 241-E, etc. click here!*
$575.00

Torque Converters Qty Price ea.
IPT 9 1/2 Inch Billet Converter
$1050.00
IPT Custom High Stall Converter. All years and models.
$489.00

Electronics Qty Price ea.
*NEW SWITCHABLE VERSION* IPT Electro-Matic Manual Controller
$569.00
IPT Electro-Matic Manual Controller
$479.00

Miscellaneous Parts Qty Price ea.
Amsoil Universal Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid -Case (12 quarts)
$110.40
Amsoil Universal Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid -Large Container (2 1/2 Gallons)
$86.75
ATSG Repair Manual A140
$24.00
ATSG Repair Manual A43D (A40)
$24.00
ATSG Repair Manual A540
$24.00
ATSG Repair Manual AW4 (A340 Series)
$24.00
ATSG Repair Manual Isuzu / Toyota 4Runner 30/80LE (A340H)
$24.00
Auto Meter Transmission Temperature Gauge
$49.00
Auto Trans Temperature Gauge Sender Block
$19.00
Cooler Line Flush (Aerosol)
$18.00
Gift Certificate- $50
$50.00
Inline Oil Filter (3/8 inch)
$19.00
Inline Oil Filter (5/16 inch)
$19.00
LubeGard Additive (Black Bottle)
$12.00
Trans Assembly Lube (16 oz)
$14.00

Other Qty Price ea.
IPT T- Shirt (Golf Tee)
$24.00
IPT T-Shirt
$12.00
IPT Vinyl Decals- White
$2.00
Long Tru Cool LPD Transmission Cooler- 14,500 GVW. (4452)
$57.00
Long Tru- Cool LPD Transmission Cooler- 18,000 GVW (4454)
$63.00
Long Tru- Cool LPD Transmission Cooler- 19,000 GVW (4588)
$69.00
Long Tru- Cool LPD Transmission Cooler- 22,000 GVW (4490)
$79.00
Long Tru- Cool LPD Transmission Cooler- 24,500 GVW (4589)
$83.00
Long Tru- Cool LPD Transmission Cooler- 28,000 GVW (4590)
$94.00
Long Tru- Cool LPD Transmission Cooler- 40,000 GVW (4739)
$169.00




Prices subject to change without notice.
IPT Return Policy | IPT Parts Warranty | Shipping Policy






Site Map | Privacy Policy
Please send all product questions to our Sales Department
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners
All content Copyright © 2004, IPT Performance Transmissions, LLC

 

IPT is a group I will be working with in the future on further improving my transmission, above and beyond what I already have, and this is the direct link to the above, http://www.importperformancetrans.com/toyotaauto.shtml

 

My 2001 RX300 FWD display has had some on and off issues with the info panel display being too dark or missing some info. It may be on very cold Winter day, or it may just be tied to the lights (if i turn lights off sometimes it brings display back)? My mechanic said if the panel goes it is expensive to replace because it has so much info tied to it.?