IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Jerky tranny on 350?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-30-14, 04:05 PM
  #1  
kinglexus99
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
kinglexus99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: IL
Posts: 551
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default Jerky tranny on 350?

Anyone else notice the tranny is a bit jerky/rough when the engine is cold? I understand cars run differently when they are cold (I'm not disputing that) but my prev 2IS' tranny use to be much smoother when running cold. I took my car to a dealer, made them keep it over night and test when cold. They said the car is operating normal and the master tech didn't notice anything out of the norm. The car is jerky on the daily so it's not an isolated incident. I'm trying to find out if it is actually the norm so any input from fellow 350 owners is appreciated.
Old 12-30-14, 04:30 PM
  #2  
salvadorik
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
 
salvadorik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: California
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yes, it is jerky when the engine is cold. I think it is for the first five minutes or so it happens to be jerky when shifting. You feel it every time the tranny shifts. When it gets to the operating temperature though it smooths out. I think this transmission is inherited directly from ISF, a performance version of IS. So this tranny is a performance oriented tranny so the shifts may not be same smooth that you normally find in luxury cars. I maybe wrong though.
Old 12-30-14, 04:32 PM
  #3  
kinglexus99
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
kinglexus99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: IL
Posts: 551
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by salvadorik
Yes, it is jerky when the engine is cold. I think it is for the first five minutes or so it happens to be jerky when shifting. You feel it every time the tranny shifts. When it gets to the operating temperature though it smooths out. I think this transmission is inherited directly from ISF, a performance version of IS. So this tranny is a performance oriented tranny so the shifts may not be same smooth that you normally find in luxury cars. I maybe wrong though.
So you feel it too then? Hmm. That almost seems like two steps forward and one step back. If its common then I guess I'm over it. Just seems very non-Lexus of Lexus to develop a tranny like that.
Old 12-30-14, 05:11 PM
  #4  
PAPI007
Intermediate
 
PAPI007's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: FLORIDA
Posts: 341
Received 26 Likes on 12 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by nixx621
So you feel it too then? Hmm. That almost seems like two steps forward and one step back. If its common then I guess I'm over it. Just seems very non-Lexus of Lexus to develop a tranny like that.
I feel this every morning at 6am on my way to work. After about 5 minutes or so it smooths out. I think this is pretty normal and it is not a tranny issue.
Old 12-30-14, 05:59 PM
  #5  
dizlex
Intermediate
 
dizlex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: MN
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by PAPI007
I feel this every morning at 6am on my way to work. After about 5 minutes or so it smooths out. I think this is pretty normal and it is not a tranny issue.
I have NOT noticed any jerkiness with my 8-speed. But then I'm pretty easy on the gas until it warms up a bit.

Last edited by dizlex; 12-31-14 at 02:28 PM.
Old 12-30-14, 09:04 PM
  #6  
IS3F
Driver
 
IS3F's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I've noticed this too every morning. I take it easy while the engine is cold most of the time anyway
Old 12-31-14, 04:29 AM
  #7  
Swacer
Lexus Test Driver
 
Swacer's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: PA
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

I wouldn't exactly go and say that the IS-F transmission being "performance" is why this happens. Its well known that the IS-F transmission is not a great tranny. Its really...a rev hanging...too many changes for its own good...jerky transmission.

However, as with any transmission, and the same with my TR6060, a fluid change can do wonders. Depending on the climate you live in, and when you drive your car, you can find a fluid weight that will work slightly better for you.
Old 12-31-14, 10:27 AM
  #8  
kinglexus99
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
kinglexus99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: IL
Posts: 551
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Ok, so the consensus is that this is normal. I'm relieved. Unfortunately I have to feel it pretty harshly every am because I have to speed up to get on a freeway right out of my apartment complex. Blah! Thanks everyone.
Old 12-31-14, 11:38 AM
  #9  
dagobert
Driver School Candidate
 
dagobert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Alberta
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Do y'all let it warm up s bit before driving?
Old 12-31-14, 01:16 PM
  #10  
jbkhat303
Rookie
 
jbkhat303's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: colorado
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I let it idle for atleast a few minutes. I wait for the rpm's to drop under 1000. I might just be paranoid, but i feel like when that drop in rpm happens, it means the oil has circulated through the engine and warmed up enough to reach an allowable operating temp. But this is complete speculation on my part. I have no idea if that's actually what is happening.
Old 12-31-14, 03:44 PM
  #11  
kinglexus99
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
kinglexus99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: IL
Posts: 551
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

I usually let it warm up for at least 20-30 seconds. I wait for the revs to decrease from 2k to around 1300. One would have to sit in the car for 4-5 mins to get the engine to warm completely...i'm not about to do that in a car from 2015.

A few times I have activated the remote start 3-5 mins before I get to the car and the engine is about half way warmed. This definitely decreases the jerky tranny issue but is still kinda of ridiculous in my opinion. My 2008 IS350 did not have this problem so that makes it even more irritating.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sxs191
GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009)
0
02-11-17 09:54 AM
SamEdani
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
3
12-16-13 07:50 AM
TORTOISE
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
3
04-07-08 08:01 AM
unit74
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
16
04-19-06 05:42 PM
mrshabo
Performance & Maintenance
1
07-09-03 07:10 PM



Quick Reply: Jerky tranny on 350?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:35 PM.