I drive a 2011 RX350 with 180k miles. Had a transmission flush and fluid exchange, had to drive 8 hours afterward for business. 20 miles down the highway I got a message on my dash that the trans fluid temp was too high, pulled off on the side of the road and let it cool. I figured the trans just made a new friend for the first time and had to work it in so I cruise controlled at 65 for the 4 hours up. Halfway through my way back after spending the night (6hours in) acceleration got very sluggish, took forever to get up past 55, and I’m not sure the car will let me past third gear but I don’t know much about cars so I’m not sure. Made it home. Advice?
You probably made it worse by flushing it especially on higher mileage gearboxes. Best to just drain and refill than flush it out. Check the level.
Level is good
Is this your first flush at 180K miles? If so, you might of done more harm than good cause the metal shavings actually kept it running properly. Your car’s symptoms tells me that you should expect to replace that trans soon.
So I bought it at 150k, maintenance record said it hadn’t had a flush since Dec. 2021. Valvoline offered it to me for free with the fluid exchange. I figured I’d do the flush for the one time then never touch it again but to my understanding now I fucked up.
So I’m also fairly certain the ECU threw it into limp mode. I started the car up about an hour or two after getting home to drive to work third shift, and it ran just fine. Gonna take it to the shop and see what’s up.
They may have used a generic ATF for the servicing. You’d need the specific fluid for your vehicle.
It was the valvoline multi vehicle max life ATF
“Multi vehicle” screams generic. Your trans may need additives not present in MV.
Car is driving fine now, should I just say fuck it go to the dealership and pay out the ass to make things tight
I think a phone call to the dealer enquiring about the recommended fluid would be helpful. Ask what they think about MV. It may be fine.