Expert: CHARLES HALSTEAD - 1/18/2009

Question
My 93 Lexus ES300 suddenly will not go in reverse.  It still drives fine in drive but not in reverse.  Not sure why it won't engage and the transmission fluids were changed a month ago.  Is it time to look for a newer used car?

Answer
IT MAY BE TIME. HOW MANY MILES ARE ON THE VEHICLE? WHAT CONDITION IS IT IN? HAVE YOU GOTTEN A ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRING THIS CONDITION? ALL THESE THING COME INTO PLAY WHEN DECIDING ON PURCHASING ANOTHER VEHICLE. ESPECIALLY IN THESE ECONOMIC TIMES. IF YOU LIKE THE CAR, ITS IN GOOD SHAPE, IT MAY BE WORTH REPAIRING IT.WITHOUT NOWING IF THERE ARE ANYMORE SYMPTOMS INVOLVED. THE PROBLEM TO ME SEEMS TO BE THE B3 BRAKE INSIDE THE TRANS,THIS IS A FRICTIONAL COMPONENT.IT WOULD REQUIRE A COMPLETE OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT WITH A NEW/USED TRANSAXLE