Transmission completely blinding out?

Tiny
DICKSONRED2
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 LEXUS ES 300
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 199,000 MILES
Okay. So, I bought this vehicle listed above probably about 4 months ago. It seemed like it was going to be a pretty good car, it seemed like I had a pretty strong engine, and it hadn't been doing any kind of warning signs or red flags. As far as the transmission goes, it wasn't slipping or shifting hard, it was driving perfectly fine and normal and didn't give me any problems. I got on the highway the day before less I get on the highway and it completely loses all acceleration all together, will not go in any gear at all whatsoever, won't accelerate at all whatsoever no matter how high rev it, and even after putting it in park it wanted to roll backwards, I had to put the e-brake on to keep it from rolling. I'm very disappointed I thought this car was going to be a decent little car and I've put all my money into it. It's just weird how it went from perfectly fine no warning signs not slipping or shifting hard to absolutely out completely. Is there anything else that I should check? I almost forgot to mention I have check the transmission fluid level. It's normal and the fluid looks like it's in good condition not burnt no debris in it or anything. It will not go into any gear or move at all and then there were a couple times when putting it revenant high or putting it back into Park after trying to get it to go into a gear I heard a grinding sound or crunching some.
Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 12:41 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,371 POSTS
Hi,

If it won't hold in park, it sounds like one of the CV joints is broken. That will prevent the transmission from moving the vehicle as well as park holding it.

There are two axles on the front of the vehicle. Each one has two CV joints. See pic below.

Have a inspect them to make sure they are connected and not damaged. Note that each joint has a rubber boot over it to keep the grease in it and dirt out. A broken boot is often an indication of failure.

Let me know what you find. Also, if I am correct, there is nothing wrong with the transmission, so hang in there.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
DICKSONRED2
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Thanks so much! You guys' rock, the CV axle had come out. I got it changed. One last question. Can you guys let me know If I have a CVT transmission in this car? I used some automatic transmission conditioner stuff because that was absolutely all I had and it said not for you to CVT transmission, so I'm not sure if that car has one or not. I'm just trying to verify so that if it does, I can do a transmission flush on it and get that stuff out or do you think it'll be fine? But I got the major issue fixed. Thanks
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Monday, May 1st, 2023 AT 5:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,371 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. The indicator was it wouldn't hold in park. LOL Regardless, I'm glad it's taken care of.

As far as the transmission is concerned, I looked it up in the manual and it is not a CVT.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Monday, May 1st, 2023 AT 8:37 PM

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