LexusFL

Got news from my Lexus dealer yesterday that my transmission on my 1994 LS 400 need to be replaced. Their cost was $6400 plus. Anyone had their transmission successfully replaced recently. I am located in Miramar/Pembroke Pines/Hollywood Florida area.

aomdedude1

Hey, I have not had to replace my transmission just yet but my transmission does seem to be acting up lately. What symptoms are you having with the transmission?

Why did they tell you that it needed to be replaced?

Maybe we can give you some advice.

usoff89

iTrader: (2)

That price is crazy! Are they replacing the motor too? The car is not even worth that, no offense.

Whats wrong with it? These transmissions hardly ever go out. Usaully its a simple fix that the average guy can do.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I would like to know what are the exact symptoms that lead them to believe it needs to be replaced. I personally would not spend that much to replace it, you could upgrade to a newer 400 for that kind of money.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

How many miles on car and when was the last tranny fluid service? WHat symptoms is it showing?

Check the fluid and verify condition, If black then do the incremental drain service and see how this goes. You'll also probably need to drop the pan and replace the shift solenoids and filter. Then see. These trannys are very robust and manage to come back with this simple service performed.

LScowboyLS

yes, how many miles on the car?

start with just changing the fluid and filter, make sure to use the real Toyota filter and genuine Toyota T-IV fluid - you might be amazed that the transmission magically starts working like new!

xaper

Could you tell what is happening with your transmission ? Maybe you do not necessarily need a brand new transmission and a rebuild would be fine.

LexusFL

First thing I noticed. When placing the car in reverse often the vehicle would shift hard into gear. I usually keep my foot on the brakes when shifting into reverse.

Second thing notices. When driving the car first time for the day, it would go 100 yards then act like it slipped out of gear, the engine would rev and the car would not move until I turn it off and restart; everything is fine after that.

Most recently after driving for 10 minutes the the vehicle would not shift properly.

I know i can purchase another vehicle but I love this one.

The vehicle is service only by JM Lexus. I did notice the transmission fluid was overfilled for some time after the last service.

Any help is appreciated.

xaper

I had exact same problems with mine and recently got it working hopefully. For the time the car was in the garage I was all the time thinking about buying a new one, as I was fed up with it, but anyway kept on repairing. Now I am happy I didn't give up, as I would probably have to drive something else.

Coming back to your problem, from what I understand, in your case I would first of all check the fluid level. If it is too low then you would experience what you describe. I would however not recommend driving the car, never, nowhere until you check the fluid. Otherwise you burn the clutch which means transmission rebuild (that's what I had).

LScowboyLS

transmission fluid should not be under or over filled - make sure to check the fluid level while car is running, in Park, after some extended driving (at least 20 minutes) and make sure you are on very level ground, fluid should be right on the hot mark!

also, keep in mind that failing ECU capacitors can cause these kind of problems, and your model year is one of the most common to have the ECU capacitors problem!

LexusFL

Thanks for all the input. Brought the car home. I will replace quite a few parts since it will down for a while.

My ride is a sprinter van for now.

Bill Dowd

Check around your neighbor hood transmission shops and price them, the cost will be a lot lower than the Lexus quote. I would do like the guy above said above drain your trans you can drain it thru the drain plug on the transmission. I would drain it which I think is 3.5 quarts then drive it for about 5 miles then do it again till you have drained 12 quarts be sure to use the Toyota type IV trans fluid. If the trains comes back to life make sure to change at least 6 quarts a year if you drive at least 25k per year. my 1991 LS now has over 300,000 miles and no tranny problems I do use mobil 1 synthetic trans fluid one but you can still get just as many miles using Toyota type IV. I got 529,000 miles on a Cressida trans just by changing the fluid every 30,000 miles I also change the power steering fluid at the same time every 30,000 never had to change any power steering components.

LScowboyLS

DISAGREE!

shops that actually rebuild automatic transmissions have a horrific reputation, no way any "transmission specialist" is touching my beloved Aisin!

I want a Toyota specialist that doesn't even work on transmissions to change my fluid (if I were the type to have someone else do it) because they have no motivation for my transmission to fail, whereas as Aamco or similar transmission place does!

And avoid the chain shops such as Sears, Firestone, Goodyear, Jiffy Lube, Midas, Meineke, Pep Boys, etc. (they are always caught scamming customers!)

ask around and find the independent Toyota expert that everyone raves about - look for those first hand accounts of how "he got me straightened out for $75" etc.

python

iTrader: (4)

I was a service writer for pep boys..we never scammed anyone and always made sure we stood behind our work..a simple drain and flush or a fluid exchange isn't something a "expert"..again with that word...needs to do.ridiculous!
always use toyota type 4 though...even if u need to supply ur own fluid

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Bill Dowd makes an excellent point about about a maintenance schedule with fluids. I do much the same with a partial tranny drain each 30K and sucking out the PS reservoir fluid at the same time. The fluid additive package is maintained and this keeps parts happy. 60K is the recommended full interval though. The partial drain compensates by gradually draining it out and is an easy DIY task.

The relevance to find a competent knowledgeable mechanic to diagnose cars issues is key. Many shops are well intentioned and some do have the experience to perform such work. Often that is not a high ratio and a boat load of $ can be spent without results. I've been through that as well. One local shop had received constant good scores from AAA, and the techs had many certifications on the wall indicating their specialty area. The tech at Toyota fixed my issue in one visit.

In this instance, I agree with LScowboy. Find a competent Toyota Master tech. Get the fluid levels right and if this condition has not persisted for to long should be easily correctable. Check the regional section for repair shops or make a request for one for your area:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/flo...exus-club-177/