# Car not shifting **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** lexus, 300\ **Created:** [April 28, 2010, 8:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-not-shifting/48097 "2010-04-28T20:36:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mrsd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mrsd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrsd)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 8:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-not-shifting/48097/1 "2010-04-28T20:36:30Z")
I have a 2000 Lexus RX300 (automatic) and over the last few months have noticed that it sometimes fails to shift gears (gets stuck in fourth gear & mostly on the highway). Sometimes if I stop and turn the car off and then back on, it fixes the problem (but of course I can’t do this on the highway). I took it to my mechanic but it didn’t do it when he test-drove it. Any suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 9:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-not-shifting/48097/2 "2010-04-28T21:03:47Z")
Have you followed the recommended service intervals for your transmission? Have you checked the transmission fluid level regularly? I would take the vehicle to a transmission mechanic and explain exactly what’s going on with the tranny. They may be able to give you a little more insight once they check it out. ---
**Author:** ![mrsd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mrsd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrsd)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 9:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-not-shifting/48097/3 "2010-04-28T21:08:51Z")
Well I thought I’ve kept it pretty well maintained as far as oil changes, and tune ups and what not. I am assuming the check the transmission when they do that. What about checking/adding fluid and testing it out before I take it in? Or is it best to take it in? I just had it checked out not that long ago and they told me everything else that needed fixed but nothing about the transmission. ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-not-shifting/48097/4 "2010-04-28T21:15:37Z")
I would check the transmission fluid before taking it in. Make sure you follow the correct procedures in your owners manual for checking transmission fluid. Checking tranny fluid is a little more involved than say checking the oil in the engine. If the fluid level is really low then you may have found part of your problem. ---
**Author:** ![mrsd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mrsd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrsd)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-not-shifting/48097/5 "2010-04-28T21:20:30Z")
I will do that. Thanks for your help! ---
**Author:** ![geeaea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@geeaea](https://community.cartalk.com/u/geeaea)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-not-shifting/48097/6 "2010-04-28T21:30:56Z")
Something occasionally hangs up …some valve doesn’t move. Changing the fluid may remove the burr or whatever is fouling the proper operation. Consider Auto-Rx ([www.auto-rx.com](http://www.auto-rx.com)) about 1000 miles before a full fluid exchange. My trans would get stuck in WOT mode. No shifting until the maximum shift speed. Auto-Rx eliminated it rather quickly.