Patsum

Hey all

I have an 02 es300 and f course it has the nice jolt when I am going between 10-25 and let off the gas and then re apply gas the rpms jerk and so does the whole car. No other time. I have read every post on this issue. Obviously there is no fix from lexus. even 10 years later.

Say I wanted a custom solution for this. What would I have to do to get this fixed?

Custom tranny mounts?
aftermarket ECU?

what do I have to do. I don't care if it's factory or lexus or toyota endorsed. I should be able to pay someone to make a solution for this. What exactly do I need to do or needs to be fabricated or built or bought or welded?

03 ES

common issue, very annoying.
working on a solution.

first of all, verify theres clean oem toyota T-IV fluid in the trans and that it is the correct level. this reduces shift shudder but obviously doesn't make it much better.

Patsum

trust me. its new and still does it. as long as I never take my foot of the gas in stop and go traffic... I can hide the problem...

there has to be a technical answer to getting it fixed. I don't mind a couple hundred being spent on making the tranny not suck.

Patsum

thanks for the response just the same. I see we have the same car. yours is one year newer.

Timothyj

I was told its a software issue. Lexus dealer can "reflash" the trans ECU , but then I was told sometimes it made it worse. My 04 ES isn't bad. after I had the fuel system cleaned using the BG system its been much better. If I rune 87 octane it gets jerky, I run 89, BP or Mobil. Been running fine, hope this helps.

Tim

Patsum

I was under the impression they tried to software flash a few times but ultimately it was found that it was a hardware and not software issue.

hypervish

The reason it's jerky at low speeds, is because the transmission is programmed to drop into neutral. So, when re-applying the gas, the car shifts back into 1st, which is the reason for the jolt. The RX has the same design, the jolt is much less noticeable in the RX, probably because it doesn't have electronic throttle control like the ES. The main reason that I found they do this, is to improve fuel economy and efficiency.

I'll try and find the source of this information. I remember reading it somewhere.

EDIT: Sorry for the bump, didn't realize how old the thread was. But, figured the info is still useful.

umbro7267

best thing i have found keep the maf sensor clean every oil change spray it down and for the most part it helps, you could try some kind of performance chip that you plug into the car, or if you know how to make then set up shift points and make it a traditional 5 speed auto (or 4 i didnt look)

CaddyMatt

I'm glad I found this thread and realize I'm not alone in this issue. I hate that "clunk" feeling when the tranny kicks into first gear. It can't be good for the car.

Oh well, at least I know it's "normal" now. I figured something was wrong with my transmission.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

It is normal. Even happens a bit in my 06.

serex711

Have an '02 that does the same thing...Lexus says that clearing the memory helps it, that and the electrical issues on these cars makes we wonder how they have so many problems and we pay so much for them. Best buying used.

hypervish

I'm not aware of any electrical issues...

The drivetrain in the ES is solid! It will last for 300k miles easily with regular maintenance.

ericsvb

Does anyone know- will this 'jolt' harm the trans? I experience it frequently in my '02 es300. 186,000mi.