I have a 2007 Lexus ES350 with 190K miles, the transmission has been “flaring” on the first up shift and second up shift for a while but was otherwise OK, I was planning a long trip so I flushed the fluid and replaced the filter myself, the transmission seemed to shift better but still flares, I traveled 2500 miles and and it has begun to slip badly and sometimes not go above say third gear 4000 rpm on highway, this seems to be reset if I restart the car. The car threw codes P2714, P0776, P0746 should I replace the transmission or is it just the solenoids?
If it's slipping then the clutches are toast.
I should clarify, not a mechanic, but I guess I mean it seams to be not in gear at all ie: it begins to upshift from 1st to second and just seems to be in neutral unless I rev very high say 3-4k and then it jumps in to 2cd I guess I call that slipping, but maybe some call it “flare” sorry I’m not an expert
what did the old fluid look like?
I'm not a mechanic either so ... blind leading the blind.
I would have my tranny expert look at it.
That is a symptom of worn out friction surfaces though depending on the specific transmission there may be other causes. A transmission expert would be needed to properly diagnose it.
The fluid was very dark, I filled and drained it three times, while also replaced the filter. The magnets had some sludge but it was very fine, I used valvoline synthetic, that claimed to be WS compatible. Seemed much clearer after that. I tried to make sure it was level and in the proper temp range, ran through the gears between draining etc.
these are signs of a tortured transmission that could cease to shift altogether very soon. Attempting a repair like changing solenoids may end up being a waste of money. You can try some transmission "fix" additive to squeeze out a few more months, but plan for complete failure.
Thanks to all, here is the follow up, went to a local AAMCO transmission shop and had a rebuilt U660 put in the Lexus, was not a cheap job, but I am leaving my daughter this car to use and just want it fixed. They charged me about $3,500 for the job. Works fine now, and I will let you know if we have any trouble in the future.