RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Trans pan feels hot

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Old 06-10-08, 08:11 AM
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lexus114
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Default Trans pan feels hot

I would really like to know what temperature these trannies. operate at.in the summer.During the colder months here in the north east,I can place my hand on the transmission pan,(after driving)and hold it their because it`s not real hot.Now with temps in the 90`s it feels like its running at very high(almost inoperable temps)I have been in the automotive field a while,and I know its probably running at least 190-200 degrees.Is their a radiator cooler on this vehicle as well?Or just the external cooler?Any one have any input re;this?I can only see the ext.cooling lines.Maybe I should install another cooler in the front of the vehicle.I am concerned because heat is an automatic transmissions worst enemy.I may add a bottle of Lube Guard witch is supposed to lower the temperature of the fluid.

Last edited by lexus114; 06-10-08 at 08:32 AM. Reason: added
Old 06-11-08, 07:13 AM
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Lexmex
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Originally Posted by lexus114
I would really like to know what temperature these trannies. operate at.in the summer.During the colder months here in the north east,I can place my hand on the transmission pan,(after driving)and hold it their because it`s not real hot.Now with temps in the 90`s it feels like its running at very high(almost inoperable temps)I have been in the automotive field a while,and I know its probably running at least 190-200 degrees.Is their a radiator cooler on this vehicle as well?Or just the external cooler?Any one have any input re;this?I can only see the ext.cooling lines.Maybe I should install another cooler in the front of the vehicle.I am concerned because heat is an automatic transmissions worst enemy.I may add a bottle of Lube Guard witch is supposed to lower the temperature of the fluid.
I am not exactly sure on the internal temps of these trannies. The only cooler is the external one, there's nothing on the radiator. When I had the tranny out back in December I took a look to see if there was anything extra that was connected for cooling, but just saw the two cooling lines. Best thing I have found yet is the Amsoil ATF in terms of combatting the heat, which I need in Florida (and could have used in Mexico).

When I was in Mexico, I often poured (as a test) a bit of water on the top of the tranny and would see if it would bubble or not after running at the track. That was also an indication for me that the transmission fluid needed changing.
Old 06-11-08, 07:27 AM
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lexus114
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Lex,have you noticed any shift improvements using the Amsoil?My fist to second gear is my worst shift point(kinda slips @ times) my other gears are fine.But when I changed my filter,on the bottom of the pan was normal wear.I also cleaned my speed sensors over the weekend.The one facing the front was clean,the one on top had slight metal particles.I did not swap them @ this time.I will probably do that at a later date.I am also surprised that lexus did not run the trans colling through the radiator for added cooling,witch would ensure the fluid would not get hotter than the engine temp(along with the protection of the cooler already in place)That is the way American cars do it,and it works out very well.

Last edited by lexus114; 06-11-08 at 07:40 AM. Reason: added
Old 06-11-08, 07:37 AM
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bob2200
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My recollection is that a transmission cooler part of the towing-prep package (at least on the FWD models). It may have been standard on the 4WD models. Which model do you have?
Old 06-11-08, 07:37 AM
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Lexmex
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Originally Posted by lexus114
Lex,have you noticed any shift improvements using the Amsoil?My fist to second gear is my worst shift point(kinda slips @ times) my other gears are fine.But when I changed my filter,on the bottom of the pan was normal wear.I also cleaned my speed sensors over the weekend.The one facing the front was clean,the one on top had slight metal particles.I did not swap them @ this time.I will probably do that at a later date.
Yes, shifts are much smoother (even putting down more power than when I was at high altitude). You hear them, but the actual shift itself is barely felt. I had replaced my transfer case and rear differential oils a few months ago, so that also makes a difference, because if the they aren't changed after a while there is a noticeable difference in the feel of the 2nd to 3rd gear change.
Old 06-11-08, 07:41 AM
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lexus114
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Originally Posted by bob2200
My recollection is that a transmission cooler part of the towing-prep package (at least on the FWD models). It may have been standard on the 4WD models. Which model do you have?
AWD,and I think it is standard on AWD.Thank God or they wouldnt last 10,000 miles
Old 06-11-08, 07:47 AM
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lexus114
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I really cant afford to switch to Amsoil rite now,so I picked up a bottle of Lube Guard.My mercedes mechanic used it when he serviced my 300E.Supposed to reduce the fluid temp.And fortify the fluid.(yeah right)I`ll let you know my opinion on it.

Update re; Lube Guard,I put some in on tue.(i believe it was)and I like it so far.seems to have helped my 1st to 2nd shifts so far.

Last edited by lexus114; 06-13-08 at 07:37 AM.
Old 06-11-08, 10:04 AM
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thomas1
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I believe a good normal temp for the tranny would be around 160 to 180degrees. I wish I knew what ours are running at. Maybe I will add a tranny temp guage...
Old 06-13-08, 06:17 AM
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lexus114
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Originally Posted by thomas1
I believe a good normal temp for the tranny would be around 160 to 180degrees. I wish I knew what ours are running at. Maybe I will add a tranny temp guage...
They sell trans. temp. guages online.It threads into the transmission pan.
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