Hi Gary, I’m working on my girlfriend’s 2007 RAV4 190k miles. I’m not sure when the fluid was ever changed. She started having a firm shift around 40mph. I did a drain and fill. Got it filled to proper level using valvoline maxlife. Started slipping right away on test drive. I pulled the pan to change filter and more fluid again. Pan had a lot of copper looking flakes and silver flakes. I cleaned it all up. New filter, refilled. New symptom. No reverse. Drive, 2, L all hold idle down sitting in place with foot on the brake. Reverse give a slight whistle or whine for a sec and idles high like neutral or park. No reverse, doesn’t move. Sat over night and had reverse for a minute then back to nothing. Pulled valve body disassembled upper and lower and cleaned all valves, reassembled. Cleaned solenoids and verified function with power probe. DSL solenoid doesn’t move a lot but you can see it move. Reassembled. Same thing. Pulled back cover expecting sun gear broken from the hub but it’s not. A few chipped teeth in rear planet. Direct drum clutch seems ok so does the next clutch pack in. What would cause no reverse and a slight whine when shifting into reverse? Only whine in reverse. Maybe my dsl or another solenoid is not actuating enough? It has the short dsl solenoid. Long story, sorry.
sounds about right, my reverse went out about two years ago at 250k miles, lost d gear about a year ago and could only use 1st and second to get around, finaly getting it rebuilt 👍
We bought my Wife's 1999 RX 300 in 2008 at 120k and now have 380K. When my wifes 1999 RX300 AWD U140F went in 2016 at 280K it locked up all the wheels solid even in neutral and had to be dragged on the flatbed tires locked and screeching. I had a trans shop do a rebuild and so far it's been working perfect. He said it was the planetary that caused the wheels trans to lock solid and was updated during the rebuid. When I asked if filled it up with OE Toyota Type T-IV or Mobil JSW3309 mineral ATF he said they use Valvoline MultiVehicle synthetic that meets Toyota T-IV JSW 3309 fluid spec and has never had a issue. If you go on any Lexus\Toyota forums non OE Toyota fluid questions stir up tons of passionate debate. Even I had been doing drain and refills every 30k with Toyota T-IV prior to it going so that may have prolonged it. I've read many had failed as early as 40k on the RX300. The redesigned 2004 RX330 switched to a 5 speed transmission and didn't seem to suffer the same failures as the 4 speed U140 did.
I have never seen the U140 come in with a good planet set yet. The oil they used is fine in that trans. With 280K you certainly got your moneys worth out of that transmission, I see these go at 100K
Gary great info, you sound like the engineer who invented this car. I have an ES300 that takes at least 15 minutes to go in drive, reverse no problem. Even though I changed the trany fluid, and filter, checked the 5 solenoid it won't go in drive before 15 minutes. Any idea?
Hello Gary, thanks for the video on common problems with the U140 trans. I just purchased a 2000 RX300 FWD in 2024 w/ 65k miles. I understand the transmissions are a little different in FWD versus AWD. How I discovered you is I had an issue where the transmission was fine for a week of driving with the check engine light on and then one day it just would not shift into fourth gear (overdrive). Then I discovered your video. I fixed the CEL issue by replacing one of the Air/Fuel sensors and clearing the codes. Transmission and engine now run smooth. The check engine light was throwing it into limp mode I guess. My $5,000 question is, should I find a transmission shop and have them take out the front planetary gear and have the pens welded or exchange for a welded one? Regards, Lexboy65
Excellent information Thank you very much. I just have a question about my 02 Camry. I was wondering if it was only the Rav that had the computer problem as I have a 768d code as a result the transmission will not shift into 4. I wondering if it may just be solenoids that need cleaning.
Me and my rebuilder are trying to chase a problem with my U140E, it's been rebuilt, but it has a delay in reverse on cold start, and 2-3 flares up past 3k RPMs cold and around past 4K RPMs when hot, theres no check engine lights on
@@ricerintegra2660 was hoping for an answer to this question. I have the same issue in my 03 rav4, had the ecu soldered, n still have the 2-3 up sh8st issues. I did have the ecu redone brand new solenoids all of them. I'm lost on this one.
Great 📹 This is helping me a lot I am a sales man by profession but I've opened up the ATF chamber and took out the Valve body. Checked with OHM meter and 12V car battery, solenoids are working perfectly on my U151F Toyota Harrier Airs model year 2003 It is the 1Mz-FE 3000cc V6 AWD version My problem is that my mechanic pour some dirty oil while filling the ATF and my car doesn't drive in any gear. Let's see now how it goes after changing new filter, cleaning then valve body and putting new oil.😅
mine has a hard shift from 2 to 3rd. had the ecm redone and it still does it. however when my 2003 rav4 gets to operating temp it shifts great, til the next cold start..
Gary, do you recommend a new tc on every rebuild? If the old one was acting good can it be flushed? I'm guessing it would be really hard to flush if there is any amount of loose metal in it.
@@GaryFerraro any decent brands for American cars and trucks? Don't want to buy a remain at the local parts stores just to realize it's bad after install. Hard to find good parts.
@@GaryFerraro Not a whole lot anymore, every now and then. Did my share of them when I worked at the Post Office - Vehicle Maintenance Division. Tons of automatic, stick, and drivetrain work there! Retired after 38 years of service. Im 71 now.
How much do those computers go for? I've had my 2002 rx300 rebuilt and still getting harsh/hung shifts on 1st and 2nd gear. 3rd and overdrive are fine. Hard to believe I'm still having problems after a rebuild.
Be sure you have the transmisison ECU reset so that it will relearn shift points. (or do it yourself with Techstream or similar). If that doesn't work, ensure that whomever rebuilt it set the valve body pressure valve correctly.
Great information from your videos! I have a 2006 rav4 4cyl 2.4l. Only symptoms are delayed engagement into reverse and 2-3 shift flare or slip. I got codes p2714 (solenoid D performance or stuck off) and p0746 (solenoid A performance or stuck off). I’ve read how direct drum wear could cause both of these specific symptoms but was thinking of getting a valve body from World Wide Specialty Parts that uses the Sonnax upgrades and new/rebuilt solenoids just to rule out any pressure issues. 1) have you seen any TCM problems on these “newer” u140f’s? 2) would a fluid pressure test off the side cover port prove anything?
I'm curious since I rebuilt my U140E, and replaced the bad planet with the upgrade, all are running great except I have a delay shift up from 2nd to 3rd. I have no transmission codes except for a VVT that didn't go off after buying 2 new sensors. I wonder if timing, a tooth off, could be unnoticeable in idle and torque response. I doubt I have a timing issue so I wonder if my delayed upshift issue is connected to this 1346 code. I've heard adjusting 'shift points' should fix the one bad upshift, but I figured resetting the ECU would do the same.
@@GaryFerraro , I have none since I usually play with OBD 1. It seems the only one worthy of such a task is the Modulus SnapOn one cause Innova and others only see trans temp. I did see and Autell that may or may not do such a thing, and another I found will sell their Lexus/Toyota Scanner, like a 600 dollar one, that seems to be a full diagnostic system like the snap-on. I see a pay wall between these devices and it seems 600 plus to 3000 is the going ante-up for that poker game. You know of something better? Is the transmission shift memory stored on the TCM like a flash drive? Today I drove it harder than normal and the delay shift is smoother now but still with delay between 2nd and 3rd. I'm about to change the fluid out to Castrol Type 4, and another filter just so I can peek at the valve body again and try some new fluid.
Hello Gary, can you offer some help please...my 2002 RX300 (U140E) is having some transmission problems. It is shifting hard and jerks hard when at low speed at just about 2k rpm when it wants to shift into 2nd gear and also into 3rd gear at about 2k-2.5k rpm. 3rd to 4th is perfectly smooth and she runs perfectly at highway speeds. This is baffling because I can't pick up any codes with OBD2 reader. Any experience like this before?
Yes I had those same exact problems, fast forward one morning I started the car, put it in reverse and the car had no reverse. It was accelerating in reverse gear. I changed the transmission fluid right after and then my car went into limp mode. I asked around, most likely it's the direct clutch they said need replacing. I'm trying to learn how to replace the direct clutch for a u140f online.
2001 RX300 AWD with U140F, 352,000 km on trans. Did what I believe is it's first ever transmission fluid change, (came out blacker than my boot and smelt burnt to a crisp) used a fluid that matches Toyota Type IV. Car went 260km before losing all gears after first, will not upshift at all. Had to get towed home. Threw a P0770 which went away then never came back. Any suggestions? Edit: I got another U140F that's currently sitting in a 2003 Highlander 4WD. Worst comes to worst, I can swap 'em out if I really need to, but would the highlander U140F be compatible in mounting with the RX300 mounting points?
Hello, Can't believe you got that much mileage from that trans, at this point i would say your planetary gear set is no good as i have never seen a good one when breaking down these units. As far as mounting goes, not 100% sure it will fit,
I have a 2002 Toyota camry and when I shift it from park to drive, it shifts normally but gives a jolt. It only happens in the morning and after it been sitting for a while when it's cold. And plus it shifts rough from first to second and so forth. What could be the problem?
@@kevon241 What maybe you could do first if you have access to a scan tool is clear the code and reset shift adapts or do a memory reset. Fluid level is ok?
Hi Gary, I’m working on my girlfriend’s 2007 RAV4 190k miles. I’m not sure when the fluid was ever changed. She started having a firm shift around 40mph. I did a drain and fill. Got it filled to proper level using valvoline maxlife. Started slipping right away on test drive. I pulled the pan to change filter and more fluid again. Pan had a lot of copper looking flakes and silver flakes. I cleaned it all up. New filter, refilled. New symptom. No reverse. Drive, 2, L all hold idle down sitting in place with foot on the brake. Reverse give a slight whistle or whine for a sec and idles high like neutral or park. No reverse, doesn’t move. Sat over night and had reverse for a minute then back to nothing. Pulled valve body disassembled upper and lower and cleaned all valves, reassembled. Cleaned solenoids and verified function with power probe. DSL solenoid doesn’t move a lot but you can see it move. Reassembled. Same thing. Pulled back cover expecting sun gear broken from the hub but it’s not. A few chipped teeth in rear planet. Direct drum clutch seems ok so does the next clutch pack in. What would cause no reverse and a slight whine when shifting into reverse? Only whine in reverse. Maybe my dsl or another solenoid is not actuating enough? It has the short dsl solenoid. Long story, sorry.
these Rav4 transmissions are bad, you probably have a bad geartrain, i have never seen a good one yet. Not much you can do other than an overhaul
sounds about right, my reverse went out about two years ago at 250k miles, lost d gear about a year ago and could only use 1st and second to get around, finaly getting it rebuilt 👍
Thanks a lot, Gary.... Suggestion: Next time get a higher-resolution camera... There were excellent shots but very blurry.
We bought my Wife's 1999 RX 300 in 2008 at 120k and now have 380K. When my wifes 1999 RX300 AWD U140F went in 2016 at 280K it locked up all the wheels solid even in neutral and had to be dragged on the flatbed tires locked and screeching. I had a trans shop do a rebuild and so far it's been working perfect. He said it was the planetary that caused the wheels trans to lock solid and was updated during the rebuid. When I asked if filled it up with OE Toyota Type T-IV or Mobil JSW3309 mineral ATF he said they use Valvoline MultiVehicle synthetic that meets Toyota T-IV JSW 3309 fluid spec and has never had a issue. If you go on any Lexus\Toyota forums non OE Toyota fluid questions stir up tons of passionate debate. Even I had been doing drain and refills every 30k with Toyota T-IV prior to it going so that may have prolonged it. I've read many had failed as early as 40k on the RX300. The redesigned 2004 RX330 switched to a 5 speed transmission and didn't seem to suffer the same failures as the 4 speed U140 did.
I have never seen the U140 come in with a good planet set yet. The oil they used is fine in that trans. With 280K you certainly got your moneys worth out of that transmission, I see these go at 100K
Gary great info, you sound like the engineer who invented this car. I have an ES300 that takes at least 15 minutes to go in drive, reverse no problem. Even though I changed the trany fluid, and filter, checked the 5 solenoid it won't go in drive before 15 minutes. Any idea?
Thanks Gary I have learn so much
from your videos
Thank you, Thanks for watching
Hello Gary, thanks for the video on common problems with the U140 trans.
I just purchased a 2000 RX300 FWD in 2024 w/ 65k miles. I understand the transmissions are a little different in FWD versus AWD.
How I discovered you is I had an issue where the transmission was fine for a week of driving with the check engine light on and then one day it just would not shift into fourth gear (overdrive). Then I discovered your video. I fixed the CEL issue by replacing one of the Air/Fuel sensors and clearing the codes. Transmission and engine now run smooth. The check engine light was throwing it into limp mode I guess.
My $5,000 question is, should I find a transmission shop and have them take out the front planetary gear and have the pens welded or exchange for a welded one?
Regards,
Lexboy65
Good thinking, but no shop would probably do that, trans would have to come out and be taken apart
How much can you expect a rebuild to be for a 2002 rx300 with this transmission. Mine just let go.. 🙄
Excellent information Thank you very much. I just have a question about my 02 Camry. I was wondering if it was only the Rav that had the computer problem as I have a 768d code as a result the transmission will not shift into 4. I wondering if it may just be solenoids that need cleaning.
What is the definition of that code? 02 Camry does not have the computer problem
Me and my rebuilder are trying to chase a problem with my U140E, it's been rebuilt, but it has a delay in reverse on cold start, and 2-3 flares up past 3k RPMs cold and around past 4K RPMs when hot, theres no check engine lights on
what year is the car?
@@GaryFerraro 2001 Lexus ES300
@@ricerintegra2660 was hoping for an answer to this question. I have the same issue in my 03 rav4, had the ecu soldered, n still have the 2-3 up sh8st issues. I did have the ecu redone brand new solenoids all of them. I'm lost on this one.
Great 📹
This is helping me a lot
I am a sales man by profession but I've opened up the ATF chamber and took out the Valve body.
Checked with OHM meter and 12V car battery, solenoids are working perfectly on my U151F Toyota Harrier Airs model year 2003
It is the 1Mz-FE 3000cc V6 AWD version
My problem is that my mechanic pour some dirty oil while filling the ATF and my car doesn't drive in any gear.
Let's see now how it goes after changing new filter, cleaning then valve body and putting new oil.😅
mine has a hard shift from 2 to 3rd. had the ecm redone and it still does it. however when my 2003 rav4 gets to operating temp it shifts great, til the next cold start..
I was thinking about buying a Lexus RX 300, but after watching your video I think I better not.
Those transmission stink and are pricey to fix, i wouldn't buy it either
Gary, do you recommend a new tc on every rebuild? If the old one was acting good can it be flushed? I'm guessing it would be really hard to flush if there is any amount of loose metal in it.
I always install a rebuilt, can't really see the inside of it being it's a sealed unit.
@@GaryFerraro any decent brands for American cars and trucks? Don't want to buy a remain at the local parts stores just to realize it's bad after install. Hard to find good parts.
@@Ashroyer86 I deal with a company called Transtar. Where are you located?
@@GaryFerraro I'm located in Pa. Not far from the Burg.
@@Ashroyer86 If your looking for parts, i could probably hook you up with my rep. If you need a converter, do you have a core?
That’s what happened to my sister’s 2000 lexus es300. I had to replace those pieces. I much prefer the a541 and the a140...
Agree with that. Thanks for watching
Once the pins are welded on the front planetary, is it then pretty reliable? Could this be done as preventative maintenance?
Not Really, Trans would have to come out and come apart
I heard you say up to 2003 U140 has issues. What about a 2004 model Camry V6 with the U140E -- should that be OK? Thanks!
I may have been talking about the PCM, other years have issues too
@@GaryFerraro Thanks! Makes sense.
Thanks Gary!
Thanks for watching
@@GaryFerraro Thanks again! I enjoy automatic ( and straight ) transmissions.
@@billk5727 Do you work on them?
@@GaryFerraro Not a whole lot anymore, every now and then. Did my share of them when I worked at the Post Office - Vehicle Maintenance Division.
Tons of automatic, stick, and drivetrain work there! Retired after 38 years of service. Im 71 now.
Where is the U140F transmission computer located in a 2010 toyota matrix s awd 2.4L? I think that's my problem. Thanks.
How much do those computers go for? I've had my 2002 rx300 rebuilt and still getting harsh/hung shifts on 1st and 2nd gear. 3rd and overdrive are fine. Hard to believe I'm still having problems after a rebuild.
Did you find a repair for this? Having the exact same issue. Transmission was rebuilt with no change in performance.
Be sure you have the transmisison ECU reset so that it will relearn shift points. (or do it yourself with Techstream or similar). If that doesn't work, ensure that whomever rebuilt it set the valve body pressure valve correctly.
Great information from your videos! I have a 2006 rav4 4cyl 2.4l. Only symptoms are delayed engagement into reverse and 2-3 shift flare or slip. I got codes p2714 (solenoid D performance or stuck off) and p0746 (solenoid A performance or stuck off). I’ve read how direct drum wear could cause both of these specific symptoms but was thinking of getting a valve body from World Wide Specialty Parts that uses the Sonnax upgrades and new/rebuilt solenoids just to rule out any pressure issues.
1) have you seen any TCM problems on these “newer” u140f’s?
2) would a fluid pressure test off the side cover port prove anything?
I'm curious since I rebuilt my U140E, and replaced the bad planet with the upgrade, all are running great except I have a delay shift up from 2nd to 3rd. I have no transmission codes except for a VVT that didn't go off after buying 2 new sensors.
I wonder if timing, a tooth off, could be unnoticeable in idle and torque response. I doubt I have a timing issue so I wonder if my delayed upshift issue is connected to this 1346 code.
I've heard adjusting 'shift points' should fix the one bad upshift, but I figured resetting the ECU would do the same.
Try resetting the shift adapts, what scanner do you have?
@@GaryFerraro , I have none since I usually play with OBD 1.
It seems the only one worthy of such a task is the Modulus SnapOn one cause Innova and others only see trans temp. I did see and Autell that may or may not do such a thing, and another I found will sell their Lexus/Toyota Scanner, like a 600 dollar one, that seems to be a full diagnostic system like the snap-on. I see a pay wall between these devices and it seems 600 plus to 3000 is the going ante-up for that poker game. You know of something better?
Is the transmission shift memory stored on the TCM like a flash drive? Today I drove it harder than normal and the delay shift is smoother now but still with delay between 2nd and 3rd. I'm about to change the fluid out to Castrol Type 4, and another filter just so I can peek at the valve body again and try some new fluid.
Hello Gary, can you offer some help please...my 2002 RX300 (U140E) is having some transmission problems. It is shifting hard and jerks hard when at low speed at just about 2k rpm when it wants to shift into 2nd gear and also into 3rd gear at about 2k-2.5k rpm. 3rd to 4th is perfectly smooth and she runs perfectly at highway speeds. This is baffling because I can't pick up any codes with OBD2 reader. Any experience like this before?
Yes I had those same exact problems, fast forward one morning I started the car, put it in reverse and the car had no reverse. It was accelerating in reverse gear. I changed the transmission fluid right after and then my car went into limp mode. I asked around, most likely it's the direct clutch they said need replacing. I'm trying to learn how to replace the direct clutch for a u140f online.
My RAV4 has a u140f trans that has a howl most noticeable in 3 and 4.
What would this be?
May be the start of your geartrain going bad, on the U140, haven't seen a good one yet.
2001 RX300 AWD with U140F, 352,000 km on trans. Did what I believe is it's first ever transmission fluid change, (came out blacker than my boot and smelt burnt to a crisp) used a fluid that matches Toyota Type IV. Car went 260km before losing all gears after first, will not upshift at all. Had to get towed home. Threw a P0770 which went away then never came back. Any suggestions?
Edit: I got another U140F that's currently sitting in a 2003 Highlander 4WD. Worst comes to worst, I can swap 'em out if I really need to, but would the highlander U140F be compatible in mounting with the RX300 mounting points?
Hello, Can't believe you got that much mileage from that trans, at this point i would say your planetary gear set is no good as i have never seen a good one when breaking down these units. As far as mounting goes, not 100% sure it will fit,
@@GaryFerraro 9
I have a 2002 Toyota camry and when I shift it from park to drive, it shifts normally but gives a jolt. It only happens in the morning and after it been sitting for a while when it's cold. And plus it shifts rough from first to second and so forth. What could be the problem?
Do you have any codes or is the check engine light on?
@@GaryFerraro the check engine light is on but it for an emission code. It's a p0442 code.
@@kevon241 What maybe you could do first if you have access to a scan tool is clear the code and reset shift adapts or do a memory reset. Fluid level is ok?
@@GaryFerraro ok I'll do that but the fluid level is ok
Kevin Lucas get motor mounts inspected. My 03 had the same problem but was because the torque strut mount was shredded
I have one of these automatic transmissions no drive forward or reverse and no codes. Any ideas?
I would say planetary set is bad, i have never seen a good one yet when i tear these down
@@GaryFerraro When it is cold it okay. Then when it warms up the problem occurs and there is a noise.
Is the u140 the same trans as the rx300?
Yes, U140E for FWD and U140F for AWD
how we can contact you for a repair
Your in the New York area?
@@GaryFerraro where can I get a upgrade planet to buy?
I have issue with RX300 code P2716
That may be a bad computer, have you tried clearing the code?
Greg Steez, I cannot find your post, you can e-mail me at gsferraro@yahoo.com