I am new to this forum. I just purchased a 2002 RX 300 with 104K miles. I noticed on the drive home that it was not going into overdrive. I pulled over finally and shut the vehicle off. When I restarted and pulled out it went to working fine, going in and out of overdrive properly. That was only 6 days ago. Since then it has gone out of overdrive about three more times. Each time once I stop the vehicle (turn off the engine) and restart it seems to work fine for quite a while.

It does not have a check engine light, though I have not yet had it scanned for latent codes. Since it has been on a used lot for a while I assume the battery may have died killing any stored codes anyway.

I appreciate any advice.

 

Does the CEL light come on during self test ,,, first time you move the key form OFF to run position?

Salim

 

Welcome to Club Lexus!

 

No sir it does not come on.

 

That needs to be fixed .. could be a blown bulb ,,, keep in mind the CEL indicates that you have a problem. [see having problems start here sticky thread].

You need to have the error codes read. Visit one of the car parts store [call in advance to see if they do the check for free].

You can then do a search for the error codes and even post them here. Then we can suggest the next step.

Salim

[PS: not trying to be rude here, but please read the owner's manual. It covers what to expect from the instrument cluster]

 

That lamp if burned out might be hiding a tranny issues. Whatever you do do not have a transmission flush performed. Drain and fill only with replacing the transmission filter. But as said do a scan and fix the cel lamp.

 

You can tell if the CEL bulb is burned out by just putting the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position and when all the ligh t s on the dash come on just look for the little engine and if it's not there then it's burned out.

 

Will do. I hope this thing is not a lemon. Going to my mechanic today to read the codes. Is the bulb for the CEL hard to get to?

 

Please check your state laws about sale of vehicle with failing emissions and if there has been a deliberate attempt to hide that fact. All I am saying is that you may have a recourse and if you bought the vehicle from a dealership, they may be able to help you.

If you look through our DIY list, there is a post on changing the "D" light. You can decide if that is doable. Bulb being pooped is a possibility but there can be other reasons too ..like wire/trace cut or cracked etc.

Salim

 

P1155 is the only code that came up. It is evidently a O2 sensor on bank 2 but my mechanic said it should have nothing to do with overdrive issue.

I believe it is just the bulb and am working to fix that.

I am told a transmission guy can run a more complete diagnostic. The issue is so intermittent and easily fixed I am not sure I need to spend the money.

 

It absolutely can/will lock it out of overdrive. Pop in a new OE/Denso sensor and your tranny issue will go away.

 

Thanks, I am going to dealership today for the CEL light bulb and a full diagnostic. Is the bank 2 O2 sensor hard to replace yourself?

 

Bank 2 is pretty easy as long as the threads break loose. Use ONLY OE/Denso. Advance Auto will price match Amazon if you are in a hurry. Don't pay much $ for diagnostic work if you already have the code, you pretty much know it's the sensor.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...el-sensor.html

 

Thanks all for your help here. BLUF the vehicle had 2x miles as odometer read (210K verses the 104K on the odometer. I thought I had great deal but not so much. Returned vehicle to dealer for full refund. May yet buy another but will be much more careful. again thanks.

 

I think I read your thread on Reddit about this actually.

Glad to hear the dealer took the car back.