Here is my story:
I have a 2000 RX-300 with 110,000+ miles. It's been to 3 mechanics in the past month, including a Lexus and Toyota dealer.
- About 6 months ago, the check engine light came on. Had it checked out and it was saying one of the o2 sensors needed replacing. I continued to drive the car.
- About a month ago, I noticed the engine pinging so I decided to take it to a local mechanic I trust and who performed the 90k service. Among other things, had the timing belt replaced on 7/06.
- The mechanic kept the car 2 weeks and said he kept seeing multiple codes, including the o2 code (I thing B2 S2). He never could get the 'pinging' problem solved and basically gave up. He did replace an o2 (after cat) sensor and recommended I take it to Lexus because he was concerned I had the oil slick problem (I had him do a visual and he said he noticed 'gunk' on the inside of valve covers and oil cap). Cost $300.
-About 3-4 days later, the CEL came back on and pinging continued. Wife took it to Lexus.
-Lexus checked it for oil sludge and said it wasn't a problem (I have changed oil every 5-7.5k miles). They suggested I replace the MAF senor and that would stop the pinging. Had it replaced, cost $245. Wife drove it home and it drove fine.
- Couple 3 days later, CEL comes back on. Had it scanned at AutoZone. Don't remember the codes but it shows Knock Sensors problem and Timing off.
- Take it my local toyota dealer (lexus dealer is 50 miles away) and he says it has 'jumped' timing. recall, I replace the TB 11 months ago. Said it needed to be out back in time and he would put his master mechanic on it. Once that was done, the knock sensor code should go away. Make sense to me. Fixes the timing prob. Cost $250.
- Car runs great, like it was new. good power and acceleration and pinging gone.
- Few days later, I take a 100 mile trip in the car. About 5 miles from my destination, in rush hour traffic, I notice the car doesn't shift into overdrive! I say, oh sh!*, what now! CEL is on. Get to my destination and park the car for 2 hours. I take the car back home. CEL light is off and it is now shifting back into O/D.
- Drive the car over the W/E. CEL comes off and on and I notice it not shifting into O/D a couple times.
- Wife needs the car to go on a trip, long trip. I am very hesitant but agree due to the urgency of the trip.
- Call the wife. When she gets to the destination, CEL turns on and she says the car seems like it has 'lost power'.
- Wife continues to drive the car for the last 3 days on short trips in the local town. She says the car has been running fine. She is coming home today.
So, I have replace and o2, MAF, and had timing adjusted and spent about $800 and the care still has issues, at times, shifting into O/D.
I have read on this forum about changing (draining/flushin) the trans. fluid or not to change. The car has 110k on it and I don't know what to do now or if there is any mechanic locally or if Lexus can fix.
I need some advice, guys. What should I do? Does it sound like I am about to lose a transmission? Do I trade the car in? Do I change the fluid or get a transmission specialist to look at it?
I am at a loss and seeking advice, please.
