It does sound like your tranny is gonna go, but it could 'possibly' be a couple of things you could check before you bite the bullet.
First, check on the various Lexus forums to see what others have done with similar problems. Next, check your tranny fluid, it may be low. If so, you will have intermittent problems, but being low could also cause result in damage, meaning you have to get a new tranny.
If the tranny fluid is full, but not the recommended type (Dextron #), drain, and fill with the proper transmission fluid. You can get a 5 gallon jug of tranny fluid at autozone for like $5.99. Remember, you are trying a couple of things so you don't have to get a new tranny, but because of the way it is running (ie, maybe with wrong fluid), it could have caused irreversible damage to the tranny.
If all else fails, you should be able to get a junkyard tranny for about $675, and about $400 to install. Still don't konw if it is worth it as your car is very high miles.
Good luck and God Bless!
Mike/Gameday
First, check on the various Lexus forums to see what others have done with similar problems. Next, check your tranny fluid, it may be low. If so, you will have intermittent problems, but being low could also cause result in damage, meaning you have to get a new tranny.
If the tranny fluid is full, but not the recommended type (Dextron #), drain, and fill with the proper transmission fluid. You can get a 5 gallon jug of tranny fluid at autozone for like $5.99. Remember, you are trying a couple of things so you don't have to get a new tranny, but because of the way it is running (ie, maybe with wrong fluid), it could have caused irreversible damage to the tranny.
If all else fails, you should be able to get a junkyard tranny for about $675, and about $400 to install. Still don't konw if it is worth it as your car is very high miles.
Good luck and God Bless!
Mike/Gameday
