Lexus es 350 2007 throttle lag

[lyric mantle]

When I floor it I notice occasionally the rpm’s go up but I go no where and sometimes it’s fine. It is 16degrees do I have a big issue or is this normal ? Car has 77k miles

[errant nebula]

How often are you flooring it? I think we discovered a contributing factor to your fuel consumption! But that’s not related to the question.

You’re in drive, you hit the gas pedal, rpms climb, car goes nowhere, correct? Do you then hit it again and the car starts moving?

[lyric mantle]

Yes I reset my tcm

I then discovers my car makes a whine when I gas hard is that normal

Also after reeetting the electronics my brake pedal is hard when my car is off it’s not soft anymore it’s soft after the engine starts it that normal ?

[unreal nymph]

I feel like there is always something new with this particular cars threads lol

[unreal nymph]

Thats normal. In short the brake system is off when the car turns off. When the car is turned on it will function as usual. It’s just the properties of an hydraulic break and the brake booster getting turned off

Regarding flooring it and going no where, maybe it’s just the characteristics of the ES since it’s a economy car it isn’t geared toward fast shifts like the F line Lexus has

[lyric mantle]

It drive good still I rested the car but sometimes at 40mp when I full throttle it doesn’t go anywhere and rpms go up people telling me my trans ficked but how can I tell for sure

[errant nebula]

That’s genuinely my concern as well - as described, this sounds like a slipping transmission. The thing to do next is have a conversation with 1-2 local independent transmission shops.

[lyric mantle]

I’m going to do my own trans flush

Smart or no ?

[lyric mantle]

Any other test I can do to make sure. I mean what if I’m in between gears at 40mph and that’s why it stutters for a few seconds when j gas it

Maybe it will fix the occasional slippage? If it’s it bad that is it’s at 77k so I think it needs changing ?

[errant nebula]

It’s worth a shot. I’d suggest doing a pan drop, replace the fluid and filter, but not a flush. Doing just a pan drop doesn’t replace all the fluid, but it is safer for something like this: by doing a flush, there’s a risk of dislodging built up gunk inside the trans that can find its way into more delicate parts of the trans and make matters worse.

[lyric mantle]

so i dont do flush? im confused

woujldnt it be a good thing to get tht gunk out

[errant nebula]

Don’t flush, just drain and refill

I forget if that transmission has a drain plug or if you drop the pan

[lyric mantle]

whts the dif from draining the old fluid vs flushing it out

[errant nebula]

If you flush it, gunk that gets dislodged may get stuck somewhere important where it can cause real issues.

[lyric mantle]

im puzzled now. my autos teacher at school told me we gonna flush it tmr unless he ment drain idk

[errant nebula]

So there are mixed opinions out there on flush vs drain. I’m partial to avoiding risk, maybe a little too cautious, but your auto teacher has likely had good success with doing flushes. There’s no right answer, I’m just risk averse.

[lyric mantle]

hes not a mechanic but hes been teaching automotive for 20+ i think more and has went to auto school. idk if i should trust his info

do i trust him. even tho hes not a mechanic

[errant nebula]

You’ll be good listening to him. 20 years is a long time. I’m not a mechanic either, just an enthusiast who enjoys working on cars.

[lyric mantle]

lol ok ty for ur help

also while im at it do i flush coolant? and how much coolant do i need i just padi 30 usd at toyota for a 50/50 coolant about a gallon

[errant nebula]

Yes, and your car probably takes 2 gallons or more…. Lemme see if I can find a capacity

Yep, 7.9 quarts, allegedly.

[lyric mantle]

Dude that’s expensive maybe I won’t do coolant but just trans

How about how many quarts of trans

[errant nebula]

https://us.haynes.com/blogs/tips-tutorials/2007-15-toyota-camry-avalon-and-lexus-es350-routine-maintenance-faq

Allegedly about 7 quarts

[lyric mantle]

What type of trans fluid ?

Toyota dealer wanted 18$ per quart lmao I said that’s too much

[errant nebula]

Great question. The spec you’re looking for is ATF-WS or sometimes just referred to as WS. Hit up your local parts store and they can help you find a fluid which meets that spec, it will say so on the bottle.

[lyric mantle]

Does it matter which brand or is that vaso brand good

This brand best to use ?

Also 18is too much per quart right

[errant nebula]

As long as it meets the WS spec, you’re good to go.

Yeah $18 is steep - I’ve encountered some super specific fluids on some cars, but that’s not required for this.

[lyric mantle]

Also I bought a gallon or Toyota coolant for 30$ did I get ripped

[errant nebula]

For the genuine Toyota stuff it’s about what I’d expect. I’ve paid about $25/gallon for coolant when getting from dealers.

[lyric mantle]

What fluids do I buy from Toyota

[errant nebula]

Really, there shouldn’t be any reason to go to the dealer for fluids, there’s aftermarket stuff that meets Toyota’s specs which will do just fine. That said, coolant is really easy to make a mistake with the wrong stuff and that can turn your coolant into jelly, so Toyota was a safe bet for that

If this was an LFA they probably have some super specific fluids haha

[lyric mantle]

I want an lfa lmao

[errant nebula]

Same haha

[lyric mantle]

Ok so do I change the trans filter or just flush and change fluid

[errant nebula]

See what your auto shop teacher thinks. I personally am a “change the filter” person but he or she has experience doing this and you’re best following their plan.

[lyric mantle]

Can I get filters from auto part store or is that Toyota dealership order

[errant nebula]

Parts store will be able to get them. They’ll have oil filters in stock on the shelf but they may take a day or so to get a trans filter out of the warehouse if they don’t keep one on the shelf

[lyric mantle]

So then maybe I won’t be able to change the filter tomorrow

Meaning if I do I should wait but do trans filters need to be changed anyways

[errant nebula]

Since this is a bit of a Hail Mary pass, I’d say skip it for now. We are hoping fresh fluid fixes the transmission but if it doesn’t, you may be looking at a more serious repair job.

[lyric mantle]

It’s not noticeable only sometimes when I hard acceleration at 40mph

It stutter for a bit or on come start reverse won’t work unless I go out of it and back in it

[errant nebula]

Yeah that’s why I’m hoping it works - usually most people don’t notice til it’s too far gone. You at least have good odds.

Yours is only just starting to show symptoms. Lot of folks wait way longer haha.

[lyric mantle]

So by changing it now while it’s slightly slipping is good because old fluid causes that? Keep in mind mines at 77kmilrs

[lyric mantle]

Can I fix them permanently by changing fluid or no because I’m worried I don’t want to repair transmission

[errant nebula]

If it works, then you’ll be good for a while. Change the fluid every 50k after that and you’ll be golden.

[lyric mantle]

So slippage and lag is normal with old Tran fluid ?

[errant nebula]

It can be, yes

[lyric mantle]

And that whine like a hell cat is normal when flooring it hard?

Sounds like the engine is supercharged in some times it’s pretty cool

[errant nebula]

That whine is probably not a normal sound. I’d suspect a pulley or belt may be starting to make some noise. Ask your auto teacher how to inspect the belt and pulleys to see if they’re in good condition.

But focus on the transmission at the moment, that’s you’re immediate concern since that might be a big repair

[lyric mantle]

The whine is only when I floor it from 0-80

And wait is my transmission going bad or no I’m lost so wait I had symptoms of bad trans but does it mean I need to flush fluid or does it mean damage is done

[errant nebula]

We don’t know if your trans is going bad. It might be fine or it might not, you won’t know until you get some fresh fluid in there and see if it’s still doing the same thing

[lyric mantle]

👍I’m scared but here we go I’ll fill you in tomorrow

[errant nebula]

Fingers crossed 🤞 good luck mate

[lyric mantle]

First flush in my life 👍😔

[lyric mantle]

@errant nebula this smoke a concern it’s 21 degrees

It was like a thicker smoke that went up pretty high that normal

@errant nebula it seems like for tmr im just going to do trans fluid empty not flush. i was reading and it said it can be harmfull so exactly wht u said. so im just draining old fluid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nK5j3SEylA

[lyric mantle]

@errant nebula My car at 77k miles hasnt had trans fluid draind or flushed. I was told not to flush so i wont but if iwant to drain the 40-50% oild trans fluid out. do i buy toyota/lexus trans fluid from the dealer themselfs wich is pricy or go to auto zone and buy the same type of trans fluid. Im more worried about mixing the wrong ones together. also is replacing the filter worth or no?

[lyric mantle]

Here’s what the dealer did to it at 76.4k miles

[waxen coyote]

GG @lyric mantle, you just advanced to level 12! Chat more to level up and earn top roles!

[lyric mantle]

Here’s some of the things the dealer did before selling at 76.4k miles

Oh ya and those records are from 7/20/23

so it seems like the car was barley driven for around 2 years putting only 400 miles in those 2 years. Idk if that’s bad or not

And should I still drain the trans fluid or. No

I’m getting the dealer records tomorrow on what they did to my car right before I bought it

When you come back please answer any of my questions

[errant nebula]

Oh that’s interesting - they replaced the transmission fluid already. Hmm.🤔

What I would do here is a drain and change the filter, then fill. As noted, it only gets about half the fluid, but less risky than a flush. I wouldn’t see a reason to get the Toyota fluid as long as the fluid you get days WS or ATF-WS or maybe Toyota WS on the bottle (maybe in small print on back they usually list a whole bunch of spec ratings)

At the moment, I don’t see an immediate cause for concern on the smoke, but let’s revisit that after dealing with trans

[maiden ruin]

Some cars produce way more vapor than others.

So I’m sure you are fine, for cannon cold start up my Toyota doesn’t really “smoke” up as much. But my Subaru, my brand new Subaru, is like a smoke bomb. Mind you, I see temps as similar or colder. Like right now it feels like it’s 11 degrees out.

On the topic of the trans, you bought this certified preowned right. I wouldn’t touch the trans, I would have a transmission shop look at it

If the information is bad, then take that to the dealer and have them repair it

[errant nebula]

Oh good call - I didn’t realize a warranty may be in play here. If there’s a warranty, don’t listen to me

[lyric mantle]

No warranty I’m cheap lol

[lyric mantle]

2 years ago only putting 400milrs in 2 years

[lyric mantle]

Aftermarket filter works right like from auto zone or do I neee exact filter

[errant nebula]

You can use whatever brand your local parts store has

[lyric mantle]

Mixing won’t ruin the Toyota trans fluid ?

[maiden ruin]

There should be a factory/drivetrain warranty

That’s what makes this a certified preowned.

[errant nebula]

For the fluid, make sure the bottle says Toyota WS or WS or ATF-WS. Brand won’t matter as long as the bottle says that. But you definitely want to double check if that car is CPO it may have a warranty with it.

[lyric mantle]

How do I check that I thought it was certified

[lyric mantle]

How do I check that can you tell me asap I’m probably just gonna check fluids today

But still where would I check

[maiden ruin]

You told me it was certified preowned lol

[errant nebula]

The dealer that sold it to you can tell you for sure. May be fastest just to call the salesperson

[lyric mantle]

What’s another way

Unless the cpo warinty was what they gave me when j bought the car. It was like 250miles or 5days after purchase until it’s voided

[errant nebula]

It will be in your paperwork from when you bought the car. https://www.lexus.com/lcertified/certification-warranty

Did they sell it as certified pre owned?

[lyric mantle]

My trans fluid is pretty low

[errant nebula]

Oh there’s a specific method to check it - usually with the car running, at operating temperature, and in park.

Double check the owners manual to be sure

[lyric mantle]

I am I’m letting the car warm up again before I check

[lyric mantle]

Bad sign I filled 2 qrtz of fluid while the car was warm and running it didn’t fill up all the way but I can visibly see more fluid pump

[lyric mantle]

So am I cooked @errant nebula

[errant nebula]

Ok - don’t add any more, but next: put the shifter into each gear for 3-5 seconds, then back into park. Shut it off for a few minutes. Start it up, take it for a test drive, see if it still slipping.

[lyric mantle]

So next step is drive it for a week and re test fluid and add more if needed ?

I’m worried I filled it up wrong

Like was I supposed to fill while car was hot and running

What I’m tryna say did I mess up by adding more fluid if I didn’t fill it right like does the car need to be on or off cause I did it while on

[errant nebula]

You didn’t hurt anything by adding fluid while it’s running, but now you are at a point where it’s a question of whether adding fluid fixed your issue. Let us know how it drives!

[lyric mantle]

Oh my I does pickup a lot quicker when I punch it now but yes I was worried I filled it incorrectly also I used vavoline atf Ws synthetic fluid vs Toyota because Toyota was charging 20/quart after tax while auto zone 10

[lyric mantle]

I should still top it to the right level in a week correct ?

[errant nebula]

Check the level in a few days, and add if needed. I’d be surprised if you were more than a quart or two low

I bet you’re probably spot on after today

[lyric mantle]

Well it wasn’t over filling but ya I could definitely be just at the right spot.

[errant nebula]

Dumb question, can you post a pic of the dipstick?

[lyric mantle]

There’s no trans dipstick lol

[errant nebula]

Ok I was worried for a minute. How were you checking the level?

[lyric mantle]

From the fill hole

[errant nebula]

Ok perfect. You did good.

[lyric mantle]

You turn car off while warm out my pinky in and dip it. It was bone dry on my pinky so I knew I had low trans

But when I filled it I had it warm and running

[errant nebula]

https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/46610-transmission-fluid/ has some specific instructions- sounds like you already did what was needed

[lyric mantle]

Yo Tysm didn’t they had these online

[errant nebula]

That’s cool, they even specify to add it while running, so you definitely did it right!

[lyric mantle]

Lol I was nervous at first b

Teachers thought I was crazy for asking so many questions like I’m just trying to learn I learn better double triple asking them lol

Things to note with the car

Trans fluid needs to be checked and possibly checked again. Power steering keep an eye out for leaks as they replaced it at the dealer with a junk yard or scrap power steering Collum(it had yellow marking kn it) then check coolant and possibly drain and replace. Most importantly the engine tick on acceleration

@errant nebula I’m just confused why the fluid was so low

[errant nebula]

If it wasn’t a dealer that changed the fluid, it’s a good chance whomever did it, did it incorrectly.

[lyric mantle]

2 years ago it said the dealer did a drin and fill

[lyric mantle]

@errant nebula is it normal for the cars trans to not be as smooth in the cold ? Like the first 10minutes

[errant nebula]

Yep. When you start getting into single digits, stuff takes a bit to get up to operating temp and aren’t always as smooth as normal.

[maiden ruin]

Yes and especially on higher mileage equipment as well.

Like my previous Altima hated when it wasn’t fully warmed up. Once it was at operating temp it was fine

[lyric mantle]

Temp gauge went to mid but car was running for 10 minutes

[maiden ruin]

From a cold start?