redlike

Hi All,

I recently purchased an RX300 with 143K miles as a light-use secondary car and noticed something with the transmission. For the first 10 minutes during each drive, it doesn't easily shift out of second gear. I'll notice rpm hovers around 3k and car slows dramatically if I take my foot off the gas; instead of coasting. After a while it will start to shift better. Any thoughts about what could be happening and any suggestions as to what I could do?

Thanks!

lexus114

This Unfortunate characteristic of our transmission,is quite normal/common. I always give mine a 5 minute warm up, so this annoying cold symptom is pretty much non-existent by the time I head off. Oh and ah, I wouldn`t be to hard on it like the 3,000 rpm thing you mentioned. Not good to do that.

salimshah

This is basically an emission issue. The engine is kept at higher rpm to heat things up. This is controlled by locking the higher gears out.

Just make sure you keep the rpm around 2.5k or lower till the machine warms up. Idling and warming is not a good plan. Just drive, slow. I hope you dont have to immediately get on a highway.

Salim

Lexmex

Welcome to the Club.

It's mostly emissions related and to gives the vehicle a chance to warm up its fluids and get them flowing to the entire system. Keep in mind that most of the wear and tear on an engine (or even a transmission) comes in the first few seconds when you initially shift and of course when you turn on the engine and most of the oil is down in the oil pan.

redlike

Well this sort of puts me at ease lol. At least it's a known issue. But the 3k rpm thing just happens. That's just to keep up with 35mph traffic. Go figure.

lexus114

Then basically give it around 3-4 minutes,and you will be fine.

Poppi

[QUOTE=redlike;4273172]Hi All,

I recently purchased an RX300 with 143K miles as a light-use secondary car and noticed something with the transmission.[QUOTE]


Totota products transmission's are THERMOSTAT controlled. They have used them I know for more than ten years.

Just watch the tachometer and not exceed 2500 RPM until the fluid heats up enough to allow the theromostat to open.

lexus114

[QUOTE=Poppi;4300573][QUOTE=redlike;4273172]Hi All,

I recently purchased an RX300 with 143K miles as a light-use secondary car and noticed something with the transmission.Unless you have to jump on a highway or busy traveled two lane.Thats when i suggest a few minute warm up.After i leave work i have two fairly steep hills to climb,so i give her around 3-4 minutes to warm things up.any more than that is a waste of gas.And extra crap building up in the motor.

salimshah

People forget that the transmission does not warm up, if you idle the vehicle.

Salim

lexus114

works for me.it doesnt have that 2nd to 3rd delay when i give it a few minutes.