Farazmad

Hi guys, i just bought a 2010 Lexus ES 350 with 34,500 miles on it
$25K (with TTL) navi and everything (not ML or shade)

the car has a clean carfax and everything, but im experiencing a small problem.
When the engine is cold and im driving
The car jerks at 2000 RPM or a little above
After driving for 15 minutes, you can't really tell

It also jerks at 3000 RPM even after its warned up though
Now i get that it could be gear change, but i test drove my friends 2007 ES350 and he did not have this issue. His engine was cold and at 2000 RPM you could feel no jerks, even though the RPM dropped down

What could be the issue?

garsarno

It could be the transmission giving you a warning about failure. I had a 2007 Ultra that needed a transmission replacement within 1,000 miles of new service an I had a 2007 Impala SS that did exactly what yours is doing. I replaced the pugs and plug wires. It did not go away. About a month later, the transmission gave up under warranty. I would take your car to the Lexus dealership and have them do a scan.

Farazmad

Will this all be covered under the warranty?

MDames2

iTrader: (1)

If you still have the original warranty or a CPO warranty, this will be covered. It may also be covered under the longer warranty for the drive train. First thing you need to do if take it back to the dealer and get it assessed.

Farazmad

I dont think i have 48 months/50,000 on this anymore
This car was bought in '09

Farazmad

Will the power train warranty cover it?

MikePA

Ask your dealer.

Farazmad

Actually
Regardless if its warm or cold
The problem happens when i'm slowly accelerating
Makes 1 jerk between 1500-2500 RPM

Doesnt happen when i speed up quickly

Anyone have an idea?

MikePA

For the second time, this is a known problem, called shift flair, there's a service bulletin about it. No one on this board can help you fix it.

LexBob2

MikePA is correct. If you do a search here on the subject you'll find a ton of reading and information.

Farazmad

I did my research before joining the forum

I would appreciate an explanation please like what the shift flare is
I read the whole post and i'm still confused if the flare problem is the same as mine

It just makes a hesitation at 2000 RPM when slowly accelerating
Always

LexBob2

Here is a post from another thread. Maybe you saw it, but maybe not:


If you're talking about the slight flare betwen 2nd/3rd or 3rd/4th, when it's cold, then pretty much goes away a couple minutes after warming up; I'm sort of in the crowd who doesn't think it's a problem. Design flaw? Possibly. Problem? No, not at all. I've been working on cars for too long. One of my favorite cars I've own; for 25 years and recently sold, was my 1966 mustang. For the first 5 minutes of warming up in the morning, you had to baby it on takeoff or the transmission would slip. My lexus ES350 has that so called "Flare". When the engine is cold, (First thing in the morning), if I drive it easy for the first few minutes; no problem. If I'm in a hurry and take off quickly, I'll notice the RPM surge as it's shifting into 3rd/4th. But again, I don't see it as a problem. Once my car has warmed up any; (If the temp gauge moves even the slightest), the issue isn't there any more.

Again; I don't think it's an issue. Definitely no a "Problem". Maybe an expectation issue because it's a "Lexus" and customers expect perfection. But personally, knowing my car and what to expect; I'd rather deal with the once in a while flare, than to have my transmission replaced. Then again; if it happened on a "BRAND NEW" 2013-2014 within the first week or two, I'd probably take it back to the dealer. But on a used car; I don't even worry about it. I drive a mix of interstate averaing 80-85 MPH, (Yes, we drive that fast in Wyoming); and I also do a lot of in town driving to work, shopping, etc.... at normal 30-35 mph. I think I've noticed the "Flare" about 4-5 times in the last 6 months. Always when it was real cold in the morning and I was impatient. When I let it warm up or I don't try and race it 2 minutes after starting the car; I never see the problem. Design flaw? Possibly. Problem? No.

Farazmad

Even after its warmed up
On slow acceleration
It jerks at 2000 rpm


And this car is 2010 with 35K on it only

MikePA

I give up.

RickC5

Farazmad: It appears that you are not happy with the responses you have so far gotten from FOUR (4) different forum members, which is that you should take your car to the dealer and have them answer your questions.

Let me be the fifth poster to state the obvious:

Take your car to your favorite Lexus dealer, as none of us can answer your questions.