# 1998 Lexus ES 300 - Transmission

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-lexus-es-300-transmission/135986>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [March 7, 2019, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-lexus-es-300-transmission/135986 "2019-03-07T16:02:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![DemetriaFickett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8e7dd6/32.png) [@DemetriaFickett](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DemetriaFickett)\
**Post date:** [March 7, 2019, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-lexus-es-300-transmission/135986/1 "2019-03-07T16:02:08Z")

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I have a 98 Lexus es300 that I purchased last June. recently it has started slipping out of 1st into neutral when i step on the gas from a full stop. If i let off the gas, the care re-engages to first gear again. It’s only been happening for a very short time, that I’m aware of, but a few months ago while doing 70-75 on the highway, I thought I felt it slip out of gear then, too, but when it re-engaged there was no sound or jarring motion… it almost felt like the engine was ‘free-floating’ for a second. What is happening? Is my transmission failing??

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**Author:** ![pyrolord314](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/6a8cbe/32.png) [@pyrolord314](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pyrolord314)\
**Post date:** [March 7, 2019, 4:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-lexus-es-300-transmission/135986/2 "2019-03-07T16:05:25Z")

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> [@DemetriaFickett](#):
>
> What is happening? Is my transmission failing??

It does sound like your transmission is starting to slip. When did you change your fluid last? Is the level ok? What color/smell is it? Keep in mind, too, your car is 21 years old and things wear out and break over time

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**Author:** ![researcher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/edb3f5/32.png) [@researcher](https://community.cartalk.com/u/researcher)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2019, 10:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-lexus-es-300-transmission/135986/3 "2019-03-08T22:57:15Z")

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Check your fluid level. The fluid level is critical on some of these transmission. If this transmission does not have a dip stick, you will have to take it to the dealers service department to get the level checked and brought up to the required level.

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [March 9, 2019, 12:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-lexus-es-300-transmission/135986/4 "2019-03-09T00:59:36Z")

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This automatic transmission does have a dipstick . . . so op will be able to check the fluid level and condition

here’s a thought . . . drive the car for several miles, then drain the fluid into a clean tub

Now you can inspect the fluid. Lots of metal and clutch material? Does it smell burnt?

I’m assuming this car has at least 150K miles, if not more . . . if the automatic transmission fluid and filter was infrequently service, an overhaul might be in your future.

Is the car otherwise in good shape?

Good enough to pass a safety and smog inspection

If the answer is no . . .