CaptainN

before I start with the story, let me inform you that the car has stored in the garage for 2 years. never started it until last month and done a major service which cost me $2000 to fix stuff!

the main problem here is the transmission, it was fine for a while after it was serviced, but now when I shift it to "D" it moves like the clutch was done for, but later I discovered that it doesn't shift to the 1st gear for some reason until I shift to "L"! checked the tranny fluid and it was okay "darkish pink" dunno of that makes difference

I personally suspect the critical point lies within the electricity, because when driving for like 30 mins the ECT PWR start flashing even though when it's not in use. not to mention the shift lock clicks a lot when shifting to "R".

hopefully I can get answers.

LScowboyLS

when my transmission had these exact symptoms, after much tearing out of my hair, the culprit turned out to be failing ECU capacitors

makes sense though, as the ECU is responsible for shifting and transmission control

steve2006

Firstly have the transmission codes retrieved and post them up

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

what year is it....

sounds like it's slipping, could be anything from dead solenoids or wiring, to the wrong fluid, to a clogged filter, to a dead trans...


you need to do more diagnosis.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Welcome to Club Lexus.

So that we have a bit of background, what items were part of the major service?

LScowboyLS

I am predicting: no codes

CaptainN

I know someone who have a junk yard tried to cell me the ECU of the Japanese model of the car "Toyota celsior UCF21"

I mean, will this work?

CaptainN

will post them up later today, the OBD port is defective and does not deliver power for some reason. will keep you posted right after it's fixed.

CaptainN

it's 1996.

front shock absorbers, tie rods, upper arms, new break pads, timing belts, etc. but nothing electrical.

CaptainN

the mechanic told me that if the ECTPWR flashing then there's an error code stored in the ECU and it should be electrical rather than mechanical.

the thing now is the OBD port is dead, but will see what I can do about it today.

LScowboyLS

OBD ports do not "go dead" on an LS400, if you are not getting any response from the OBD port, this is a classic symptom of failing ECU capacitors

please read my thread linked to, to see how to fix the capacitors

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if the OBD port is dead then likely so is the ECU or associated wiring to the plug. You would need one from a '95-96 LS400 only, or attempt the ecu re-cap.

does the CEL come on with the ignition on then go away after starting the car?

CaptainN

I thought so, 6 years ago, an expert at lexus dealer told me that ECU is faulty. but ignored it since the car ran fine and smooth, I thought they were trying to rip me off.

I'll try the re-cap option, I'm sure the new one cost an arm and leg (1998 Mercedes E300 cost around $2000)

CaptainN

yes! CEL go off when starting, but it appears randomly at times.

there's one at the junkyard nearby that sells the Japanese model "Toyota Celsior" ECU. excat same year model, you think that'll work?

LScowboyLS

Celsior ECU is different than LS400 ECU, even different years of LS400 ECU are typically not interchangeable, besides, a junkyard ECU would also need its capacitors replaced, so that doesn't really help you!

be sure to use the exact capacitors I have linked to, they are a special and rare type.

any other brands or series of of capacitors, and I cannot promise that your ECU issues will be solved!