Electrical Probs & Tranny No More O.d.

[Justin1999RX300]

My 1st post, so please go easy on me.

First of all, I'm glad to come aboard and hope to contribute to this forum in any way I can.

SHORT VERSION FIRST:

(apologies, didn't write the codes)

1999 RX300 FWD over 250k miles

Stopped shifting to OD in Nov 2011

Sam's Club replaced battery Feb 2012

but some electrical problems continue

Hash engage into gear

Rough idle

Dim headlights until RPM's above 1000

Test drive reading displayed "YES," so the CPU is still telling it to go into 4th gear

Transmission fluid smells awful but:

Don't want to flush and risk it never shifting again

Being in Limp Mode for 6 months sucks,

But after 6 months, worrying some day I'll need $3000 for a tranny?

I learn it might be something simple after all!!!

For much less than $3000:

some electrical fixes,

clear the error codes,

and it might shift?

Perfect!

Then, speak of the devil, more electrical struck this week:

April 2nd 2012 starter kept cranking nonstop after ignition...

Turned to OFF position, still cranking

Removed key, still cranking

Reinserted key, turned to ON, shifted into reverse, then drive, got over 15mph and it drove fine.

I KNOW IT NEEDS:

o2 sensors replaced

Other than R&R the tranny, any thoughts?

Thank you!

Any comments I do appreciate!

Possible fixes I've read & heard:

Clean the MAF sensor

Knock sensor wiring harness

Knock sensors

Shift Solenoid D

Input shaft sensor outside tranny case

Shuttle valve/valve body

Vacuum modulator/vacuum leakage

I also read somewhere:

If knock sensors have triggered check engine light, don't replace them

Figure out what's causing them to put it into LIMP MODE and not go to OD.

Mine was simply due to timing being off so:

1. New timing belt

2. New waterpump

I'll share possible (much cheaper) fixes for those who wish to read further.

Codes will be posted by tonight, any recommendations before I head to Autozone for CPU readout?