Post by Rinconrolla on Mar 10, 2011 12:57:39 GMT -5
In one week of March 2008 we replaced 3 transmissions in 1999-2000 year SUV’s. We had been seeing this early failure in RX 300 that have, what we consider, low mileage 80k to 130k . I started asking the “why” question.
It seems quite like the engine sludging or gelling issue that Toyota had with their 4 and 6 cylinder engines. ToyoTechs believes that with timely servicing of these transmissions, the life of this major component will be extended immensely. Just like our insisting you service motor oil service at least 1,000 miles before the 5,000 mile service recommended by the factory. Fred and the guys point out the service interval is printed right on the dip stick as 100K and is in the owners manual as such.
What We Are Finding
That the filter is getting clogged up with transmission fluid that is similar to sludge in consistency, along with normal wear debris that the fluid is made to suspend. This combination is clogging up the filter making the transmission starved for its cooling, lubricating oil.
The Solution
To flush the Transmission system out sooner than the manufactures recommendation we suggest doing the first service at 60,000 miles with a new filter then just flushes every 30k after that. As of this post, no TSB has been issued but we think they soon will
How this service gets done matters a whole lot. Our shop has two BG flush machines because this is such a time consuming process and we do so many 60k services. The advantages of using this machine: The BG system has the transmission pump in the correct pressure and in the same direction as in normal operation. The transmission flush process calls for first running a stocker/solvent through then followed by a Dextron 3 transmission fluid flush then a BG shift additive.
Depending on the circumstance we often pull the pan, stock it, and replace the screen filter at the pick up tube. If this step does not get done and the filter stays clogged your trainee is still starved and overheating causing an early death.
We have seen the RX 300 with 300k on them so we believe spending a little money now can save you big bucks. I’m talking about close to half the value of the car! Note: Toyota transmission failure uses this same transmission across their product line Camry Avalon ES300 models and have not have the same degree of problems.
In Closing
Minor transmission service, a drain and fill, is waste of time and money. Only complete fluid exchanges will help in early transmission failure. On highline vehicles such as the Lexus RX300, replacement of the filter screen is necessary as these vehicles are prone to premature failure problems. We strongly advise you that if you can keep this system stock and flowing it will prevent very costly repairs to this otherwise very good Toyota SUV.
Tags: 300, lexus, oil, rx, service, transmission
Source of story www.toyotechs.com/2009/04/15/lexus-rx-300-transmission-failure/
It seems quite like the engine sludging or gelling issue that Toyota had with their 4 and 6 cylinder engines. ToyoTechs believes that with timely servicing of these transmissions, the life of this major component will be extended immensely. Just like our insisting you service motor oil service at least 1,000 miles before the 5,000 mile service recommended by the factory. Fred and the guys point out the service interval is printed right on the dip stick as 100K and is in the owners manual as such.
What We Are Finding
That the filter is getting clogged up with transmission fluid that is similar to sludge in consistency, along with normal wear debris that the fluid is made to suspend. This combination is clogging up the filter making the transmission starved for its cooling, lubricating oil.
The Solution
To flush the Transmission system out sooner than the manufactures recommendation we suggest doing the first service at 60,000 miles with a new filter then just flushes every 30k after that. As of this post, no TSB has been issued but we think they soon will
How this service gets done matters a whole lot. Our shop has two BG flush machines because this is such a time consuming process and we do so many 60k services. The advantages of using this machine: The BG system has the transmission pump in the correct pressure and in the same direction as in normal operation. The transmission flush process calls for first running a stocker/solvent through then followed by a Dextron 3 transmission fluid flush then a BG shift additive.
Depending on the circumstance we often pull the pan, stock it, and replace the screen filter at the pick up tube. If this step does not get done and the filter stays clogged your trainee is still starved and overheating causing an early death.
We have seen the RX 300 with 300k on them so we believe spending a little money now can save you big bucks. I’m talking about close to half the value of the car! Note: Toyota transmission failure uses this same transmission across their product line Camry Avalon ES300 models and have not have the same degree of problems.
In Closing
Minor transmission service, a drain and fill, is waste of time and money. Only complete fluid exchanges will help in early transmission failure. On highline vehicles such as the Lexus RX300, replacement of the filter screen is necessary as these vehicles are prone to premature failure problems. We strongly advise you that if you can keep this system stock and flowing it will prevent very costly repairs to this otherwise very good Toyota SUV.
Tags: 300, lexus, oil, rx, service, transmission
Source of story www.toyotechs.com/2009/04/15/lexus-rx-300-transmission-failure/