Transmission moving only in reverse

2007 LEXUS RX 350
235,343 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Good evening, the vehicle was functioning before now but not to fine because sometimes the engine had to rev very high before it shifts in gear. Currently it is only reverse that is functioning. The forward gears not responding, no codes but I am suspecting the valve body. Is it advisable to remove it while the transmission is hot?
Dec 10, 2021 at 2:39 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I don't suggest removing it when hot. What is the condition of the transmission fluid? Is it clean and full? Also, when you checked for codes, did you use a scanner that can read transmission codes?

Let me know. Also, when the engine was revving high before shifting, was the vehicle still accelerating, or did it seem the transmission was slipping?

Let me know.

Joe
Dec 10, 2021 at 9:06 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Good afternoon, sir,
The fluid is full sir, and it is clean.
No codes.
Yes the vehicle is still accelerating as the engine rev high, it can even rev to 4,500 RPMs.
Dec 19, 2021 at 5:48 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

This could be multiple things. Since there are no codes, I would likely start with confirming if line pressure is where it needs to be. The interesting thing is drive (low) and reverse work off the same clutch. If you place it in low gear (1), does it move?

Take a look at the pics below. They provide directions for performing the line pressure testing. Try this and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Dec 19, 2021 at 7:10 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Thank you, sir,
Sir, you said that drive (low) and the reverse works on the same clutch. How would someone know that sir, is there any note or book for that?
Sorry that I disturb a lot.
Dec 20, 2021 at 12:07 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That is a standard on automatic transmissions, at least any that I've ever taken apart. Take a look below at a pic for the friction plates on this vehicle.

Joe
Dec 20, 2021 at 6:18 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Okay sir.
Dec 20, 2021 at 6:47 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Good morning, sir,
It does not move on low gear (1).
Dec 21, 2021 at 10:49 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

At this point, since it works in reverse and not in drive or low gear, I feel we need to check the line pressure to see if there is an issue.

I attached the directions above. Let's see if the pressure is low.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe
Dec 22, 2021 at 4:53 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Okay, sir.
Good evening, sir.
Dec 23, 2021 at 6:22 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Let me know what you find. Also, if I don't hear from you for a few days, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Take good care of yourself.

Joe
Dec 23, 2021 at 9:50 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Thank you, sir,
Wishing you the same.
Dec 24, 2021 at 1:28 AM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Sir,
Without carrying out the hydraulic test nothing else can be done.
I am yet to get the gauge. I was given a site before now but it does not respond.
Dec 24, 2021 at 11:21 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Since there are no codes, this is where I would start. You could take things apart and confirm that shift solenoids, valves, are working, there are no obvious wiring issues, and the valve body is clean and nothing is sticking. However, that is a lot of work and very time-consuming, and may not indicate the issues.

Tell me, does it have an external tranny cooler? If you lift the drive wheels off the ground and place it in drive, does it do anything?

This is an electronically controlled transmission that electrically controls the line pressure, throttle pressure, lock-up pressure, and accumulator pressure, etc., through the solenoid valve. If I had to guess, that is what I feel has failed. However, it requires removal of the valve body to access and I'm not sure that is the cause. That's why I wanted to check the pressure.

I attached two pics below showing the location of the solenoid valve (SLT) location. I didn't highlight the DSL solenoid because it is responsible for reverse (working). However, that is why I asked about placing it in low gear. IT controls that as well. But, since we have reverse, that is why I feel it is a line pressure issue.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Dec 24, 2021 at 4:59 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Thank you very sir,
Thank you for concern. The pressure gauge is important and I can't find it on aliexpress neither on jumia.
Dec 24, 2021 at 9:20 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Sir, all these solenoids can someone know what exactly they are for?
Like as you said that DSL is for reverse, it seems that SLT regulate the line pressure.
Sorry that I disturb you a lot sir.
Merry Christmas
Dec 24, 2021 at 9:24 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You are never a disturbance. And I hope you had a great Christmas. I listed what the solenoids are for below. I also attached a pic identifying all of them.

SLT - The linear solenoid valve (SLT) controls the transmission line pressure for smooth transmission operation based on signals from the throttle position sensor and the vehicle speed sensor. The ECM adjusts the duty ratio (*) of the SLT solenoid valve to control hydraulic line pressure coming from the primary regulator valve. Appropriate line pressure assures smooth shifting with varying engine outputs.

SL1 to SL4, SL, SR - Shifting from 1st to 5th is performed in combination with "on" and "off" operation of the shift solenoid valves SL1, SL2, SL3, S4, and SR which are controlled by the ECM.

DSL - The shift solenoid valve DSL is turned "ON" and "OFF" by signals from the ECM in order to control the hydraulic pressure operation, the lock-up relay valve, which then controls the operation of the lock-up clutch.

I attached a pic below identifying all of them. By accident, I cut a few off on the pic I sent yesterday.

I hope this helps.

Take care,

Joe

Dec 25, 2021 at 7:47 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Thank you sir.
Dec 26, 2021 at 6:09 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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No problem. Let me know what is found or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
Dec 26, 2021 at 8:13 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Thank you, sir,
Sir, the transmission is of which type like U660E?
Sir, from the first diagrams that you sent, the four image is blur I don't know if you could help me resend it.
Dec 27, 2021 at 9:24 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If you look below, I reattached the fourth pic from the original ones I sent. Let me know if that is the one you are referring to and if it is readable. When it is being sent, it is clear, so let me know if it is on your end.

As far as the transmission type, if you open the driver's door, there will be a label. If you look at the bottom left of the label you will see A / TM. That is the axle and transmission types. The first number is the axle and the second is the transmission model. See pic below.

Toyota / Lexus is one of the few companies that provide that info in an easy to find location.

See pic below for example.

I hope this helps.

Take care,

Joe
Dec 27, 2021 at 3:04 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Thank you, sir,
Sir, can't one carry out the hydraulic test without using an intelligent tester and holding the third gear?
Sir, considering the evaluation of the results on the hydraulic test sent. That pressure is low in reverse only, how can someone distinguished between the circuit leak in the valve body and reverse clutch (mechanical).
Dec 27, 2021 at 10:28 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

In most cases when pressure is low, the valve body is removed, and the clutch is checked using compressed air.

How dirty was the fluid? Could there be a blockage in the valve body? Also, I didn't receive your test results. Did you send them?

Joe
Dec 28, 2021 at 3:56 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Thank you, sir.
The fluid was not too dirty.
Sir, for the test results, is it for the hydraulic test?
Dec 29, 2021 at 1:10 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I'm not sure I understand your question. The hydraulic tests were in an earlier posting. Is that what you are referring to?

Joe
Dec 29, 2021 at 4:49 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Good morning sir,
Sir, I seems that I don't understand the question you asked.
Dec 29, 2021 at 7:44 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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You asked, "Sir, for the test results, is it for the hydraulic test?" I'm not sure I understand what you are asking. LOL
Dec 29, 2021 at 10:10 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Lol.
Good morning sir.
Could this be used?
Dec 30, 2021 at 7:33 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That looks correct. Just make sure there is a connector for the vehicle being tested. If you need to purchase it, you will have other uses for it in the future. It's not a bad investment. Just make sure it can read high enough for the line pressure it will test.

Take care and I hope you have a Happy New Year,

Joe
Dec 30, 2021 at 9:14 PM
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BLESSING EWOBOR
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Okay sir.
Good morning, sir,
Happy celebration.
Dec 31, 2021 at 5:17 PM