Minifem

Hello everyone, I'm new to the LC but have driven a Lexus for the last 6 years. About 5 months ago I bought a 99 RX 300 with 127K on it. It drives great, no leaks, etc. Until today... driving home the a/t oil temp light came on for about 5 seconds & then went off. The temperature gauge did not change, no abnormal smells, smoking, etc. Other than the light flickering on, nothing was out of the ordinary. Since getting the car I have noticed that it's slow to shift from 3rd-4th gear when I first take off in the mornings, but does not occur the rest of the day & the gas mileage isn't the greatest either. I'm not sure if any of these things have anything to do with it, but just thought I would include it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

jbl-1985

When the engine is cold, it is perfectly normal for the 300 to hold in a lower gear before shifting...the thing you want to find out is when was the last time there was ever a pan drop or drain and fill of your transmission. Also check the level of the fluid as well. Ideally the fliud should look like cherry cough syrup. If not, I would look into doing a drain and fill immediately and better yet with the mileage you have drop the pan and check the filter and magnets that are attached to the bottom of the pan...clean the magnets and replace the filter if necessary and be sure to put the magnets back exactly where they were before. Of course I am assuming you can do this yourself and this board is a great resource to use for DIYs, if not get to a reputable shop and get these things done. The newer the fluid is the best chance of keeping things cool down there. Full blown flushes are generally discouraged with these cars.

JBL

Lexmex

Welcome to the Club.

I've had that happen with that light and a few other lights on the dash and it may have been an electrical glitch, but I too as jbl-1985 mentioned, I'd change out that tranny fluid especially if you don't know what the previous owner did.

Also, is your's an AWD or FWD?

Minifem

It's an AWD...noticed this morning some transmission fluid drops underneath...doesn't look good. It still shifts great though. I've grounded it until I change the fluid and filter.

Lexmex

Are you able to take a photo and show me the location where the leaking is in general?

hypervish

I agree with Lexmex a picture would be helpful. Be sure to use Toyota-Type IV fluid or something compatible with the transmission when you do the fluid change. What color is the ATF fluid currently?

Minifem

After close inspection it appears that the leakage is from somewhere on top of the tranny. Is it possible that due to heat some hose may have failed?

Lexmex

I've got a vague clue about this, but I'd look around and absolutely try to pinpoint it. Take a look (if you're facing the front of the vehicle) at the top rear left side of the tranny.

thomas1

Oh man it may not be tranny fluid, that is where my reddish fluid residue was, turned out being the intake manifold coolent leak with the Toyota Red fluid.....

thomas1

here is picture:The red dripped down tranny (on top) to the bottom of tranny between the engine and tranny

Lexmex

That's the best shot yet we've had of the thermostat.

thomas1

Like you Lexmex we get our pictures the hard way, through failure and replacement...Good evening

Minifem

It's definitely tranny fluid (same fill and smell as Type-TIV). I replaced the filter and fluid this past weekend. No runs...no drips...no errors. Checked on all the fluids and all are A-OK. Can't figure this one out. Anyhoot, drove it 40 miles to work and 40 miles back...ran like a charm. Still no leakage.

Minifem

A big thank you to you guys!! We are big DIY people, when & where we can. We found so much info on here that was a huge help. My honey did a drop & drain, replaced the filter (which was pretty nasty). We got her back on the road with no more drips & no lights. Thanks again everybody, we really appreciate the help.