RXEemrald

Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt! We had the engine replaced in my 00 RX300 due to sludge in December of 06. Dealer paid all the costs for the engine, however we had to pay for some things as well (water pump is one I remember). This is right after we had the transmission replaced (Nov. 06). The transmission went out on me while driving. This 00 RX has turned into our own little money pit. Not sure how much longer we'll own it.

Boy, wish I could repair my car like you guys do! I'm a slave to the dealership. Just had my #3 replaced on Thursday, along with six spark plugs (which they said all had been damaged when the coil went out). Labor was over $200 for this! Today, the check engine light is on again (remaining solid - not blinking) and it's my 02 sensor (which was replaced 2 years ago). This 2000 RX is turning into our own little money pit - have a new engine and transmission (replaced in 07) and here 08 starts off with a bang!

And the saga continues. I picked up the car today - well I tried to anyway. The engine is new, the transmission is new - the check engine light is on and I have not even left the dealers lot! They hooked it up to the computer and according to the service manager "it's throwing a lot of codes". So, I'm back in a loaner car (which is not a bad deal a 2006 IS250 - Matador Red ;) ) and they are telling me Monday they'll have a diagnosis. He (the service manager) also set me up to not be surprised if it turns out to be something out of pocket for me! What?? If the oil sludge is traveling and clogging parts that were not replaced seems to me it should all be covered. We'll wait until Monday, get the diagnosis and go from there.

I haven't had a chance to check back regularly so I missed this post. They are still working on replacing the engine so I'll be sure and ask tomorrow. The rep is to call with our list of cost for the "incidentials". Suzan

I just posted in the sludge thread - yep Lexus came back and said I had oil sludge in the engine and they'll replace it at their cost if I can produce oil change receipts for the time I've had the car (2 years). We promptly did that and are now waiting for the new engine to be installed. WoW what a week, new transmission, new engine - Merry Christmas, huh?

Funny I should find this thread today. I posted yesterday about having my transmission replaced on Monday in my 2000 RX300 (87k), and the oil pressure light coming on while driving home from the dealer. It was towed to Lexus this morning and the diagnosis came back that the engine now needs to be replaced because of oil sludge. If I could provide oil change receipts for the last two years (which is how long we've owned it), Lexus would cover the cost of the new engine. So I produced the receipts. Finding this thread now makes everything they told us make sense. They never mentioned there were previous problems, just the part about receipts. We'll still be out $600-$1000 for other parts they will replace that would have been part of a 90k checkup. Things like the water pump, timing belt, some gaskets, fluids and a list that's about 20 items longer. What a whirlwind couple of days this has been for us. You guys have been very insightful. Thanks! Suzan

I recently had a friend tell me they were smelling gas and that the mechanics didn't notice it. Once it was finally diagnosed it was something to do with a seal at the gas tank that was allowing the fumes inside the car. Not sure if that helps at all.

I too have a RX300 (2000, w/87k) that just received it's new transmission this week. We are still communicating with Lexus National about whether or not they will pick up any of the charges ($4197). When asked the service rep did say she has seen them chip in for some but not all of the the 4-5 she's seen in the last several years on this model. I have a new question. I just received the car back this evening - drove home and about 3 miles from home the oil pressure light came on (the little oil can light). Since I did not know exactly what the light was for (I thought maybe low oil) and because it kept going on and off, I continued driving the remaing 3-4 miles home. After checking the owners manual it says that this light is not a low oil light, but a low oil pressure light and do not drive, even a block, once that light comes on (even if flickering as mine was doing). My question is this - when replacing the transmission is there something disconnected from the engine that would control the oil pressure? I guess what I'm trying to figure out is if having the transmission replaced has anything to do with my oil pressure problem? I have no clue what has to be moved, disconnected in order for them to put the new transmission into the vehicle. By time I got home - it was of course after hours for the service department. Any insight?

Thanks for the tip, I'll try searching with those words. Yep, it's outside the warranty and it is at an independent shop that's Lexus certified. We just don't have the bottom line yet. I mentioned to hubby what I read in the earlier post about changing the fluid often and his comment was "yea, I've had mine changed about 3 times now" (he has a 2000 ES300). I wonder why I'v not been told at my oil changes to have the fluid flushed. Thanks again. Suzan

I have a 2000, with 80k and my transmission went out today while sitting at a light on a very busy street. Symptoms, about 2 months ago - one time it acted strange after putting it into gear, nothing since then. This afternoon, as I left the office, it did it again at a light - didn't want to go when I accelerated. My auto repair was within 5 miles so I thought to head straight there. I did not make it past the next light and I was towed to the shop. We do not have a price estimate as of yet - that's coming tomorrow but the internet searchs have me very scared. I did a search here and did not find any other posts in this forum about the transmissions. How wide spread is the problem? With such low mileage I'm shocked. Suzan