jpv7774

I have finally convinced myself that I really need the tranny TSB. Its just like everybody else says......at low speeds especially slow coasting into a corner...the ole gal basically feels like it slips into neutral so when u push the pedal the car revs up then re engages into gear. I have tried sport mode and changing my driving style......but this issue makes me frown......and driving my car always makes me happy.......so its time to rid myself of the frown issue and pay the man. I wonder if Toyota dealer can do this TSB .....Im not a fan of my local lexus dealer. And I guess I should expect to pay up to $200 for the TSB.

Will schedule for next week...and report back

Arcturus

What years does the tranny TSB cover? Is 2003 included?

Thanks

AJT123

I'm with ya, bud. I moved to Los Angeles about a year ago, and with the constant stop and go traffic this issue has really gotten on my nerves. Luckily I hardly drive the car and just walk everywhere, but still, I need to address this. It drives me crazy in traffic here. I hate having to baby the gas and constantly watch the speedometer to make sure I don't go below a certain speed which triggers the harsh and unnecessary downshift. Before I lived here, I lived in a much smaller city, and this problem would hardly ever present itself.

Like I said, I hardly drive my car, (2k/year) so this isn't something urgent that I need to do. However, the next time I take the car to the shop I'm having this done. I need a tranny drain and refill anyway.

I also use a Toyota dealer for all of my service needs. They are literally half of the cost of the Lexus dealership out here and it's all the same work and parts. Let me know how your experience turns out. I'm sure Toyota can do this TSB no problem.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I would get that TSB done. It's only going to make it shift better. I can't help but laugh at the word tranny. It's used most often to mean something else. Like if Bruce Jenner has a transmission problem the it would get really confusing.

jpv7774

I copied this from one of the many tsb posts about this.......here it is if u havent seen it before....

Here's the TSB

ECM CALIBRATION: SHIFTING ENHANCEMENT
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): TC006-04, Date of Issue: December 6, 2004
LEXUS: 2004 - 2005 LS 430
SECTION: TRANSMISSION & CLUTCH
INTRODUCTION
To enhance low speed ATM shifting, the Engine Control Module or ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) calibration has been updated.
APPLICABLE VEHICLES
• 2004 model year LS 430 vehicles.
• 2005 model year LS 430 vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VIN shown below.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION
Model Production Change Effective VIN
2005 LS 430 JTHBN36F*5005700
CALIBRATION IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
CALIBRATION IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
Model Year Main/Sub ECM (PCM) Previous Calibration ID New Calibration ID
2004 Main 35013000 35013300
2004 Main 35013100 35013300
2004 Main 35013200 35013300
2004 Sub 55013000 55021100
2004 Sub 55013100 55021100
2005 Sub 55021000 55021100
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
OP Code Description Time OFP T1 T2
TC4006 Recalibrate ECM Engine 1.3 89661-50690 87 99
TC4006 Recalibrate ECM Engine 1.3 89661-50691 87 99
TC4006 Recalibrate ECM Engine 1.3 89661-50692 87 99
TC4006 Recalibrate ECM Engine 1.3 89661-50780 87 99
NOTE: Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Lexus Emissions Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
* Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.
PARTS INFORMATION
PARTS INFORMATION
Model Year Previous Part Number Current Part Number Part Name Qty
2004 89661-50690 N/A Computer, Engine Control 1
2004 89661-50691 N/A Computer, Engine Control 1
2004 89661-50692 N/A Computer, Engine Control 1
2005 89661-50780 89661-50781 Computer, Engine Control 1
PARTS INFORMATION
Previous Part Number Current Part Number Part Name Qty
N/A 00451-00001-LBL Authorized Modification Labels 1
NOTE: Authorized Modification Labels may be ordered in packages of 25 from the Materials Distribution Center (MDC) through Dealer Daily or by calling the MDC.
REQUIRED SSTS


Fig. 1: Required Special Service Tools
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
NOTE: Additional Diagnostic Tester Kits, CAN Interface Modules, Program Cards or other SSTs may be ordered by calling SPX/OTC.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Check for the Authorized Modification Label affixed to the vehicle in the location shown in Fig. 2 . Confirm that the ECM (PCM) calibration has been updated. If not the latest ECM (PCM) calibration - go to step 2.


Fig. 2: Authorized Modifications Label
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
2. Connect the Diagnostic Tester to the vehicle and select "CURRENT ECU CAL" from the "ECU REPROGRAM MAIN MENU." Determine the vehicle's current ECU calibration (see Fig. 3 ).
• The sample screen prints seen below are the 12.01a software version, and may differ from subsequent software versions.


Fig. 3: Determining Current ECU Calibration
Courtesy of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
NOTE: • If Calibration ID matches "Previous Calibration ID" as shown in "Calibration Identification Chart" above, proceed with flash reprogramming.
• If Calibration ID matches "New Calibration ID" as shown in "Calibration Identification Chart", this vehicle has already been reprogrammed.
3. If ECU calibration ID is not the same as the "New Calibration ID" listed previously, proceed to Flash Reprogram ECM (PCM).
FLASH REPROGRAM ECM
CAUTION: When reprogramming the LS 430, 12.01a production version or later MUST be used. Using any previous versions of software for reprogramming may result in IRREPARABLE DAMAGE to the ECU!
NOTE: • If the "Check Engine" light is ON when ignition is turned back on to begin the reprogramming process, a scan tool cable problem exists. Refer to TSIB No. SS003-01 , "ECU Flash Reprogramming Error Message ."
• When reprogramming the LS 430 for this issue, calibration files for 2004 and 2005 model year cannot exist on the same Diagnostic Tester Program Card.
If necessary, delete previous calibrations from the Diagnostic Tester Program Card before downloading the new calibration file.
• With this calibration update, 2004 model year vehicles are updated to 2005 model year logic. When diagnosing powertrain-related M.I.L. "ON" or performance issues, refer to the 2005 LS 430 Repair Manual for both 2004 and 2005 model year vehicles.
• 2004 model year vehicles require VIN registration following reprogramming to prevent M.I.L. "ON" (P0630).
1. Disconnect the radiator fan connectors, and connect a battery charger to the vehicle's battery. This will avoid voltage variations that can permanently damage the ECM (PCM) during the reprogramming process.
2. Follow the procedures outlined in TSIB No. SS001-01 , "ECU Flash Reprogramming Process ," and flash the ECM (PCM) with new calibration file update.
3. Reconnect the radiator fan connectors, and disconnect the battery charger.
4. Enter the required information on the Authorized Modifications label and affix it to the vehicle at the location shown in Fig. 2 . The Authorized Modifications label is available through the MDC, P/N 00451-00001-LBL.
5. Enter VIN of vehicle in ECM memory. Refer to procedures outlined in TSIB No. EG012-04 , "Entering VIN During ECM (PCM) Replacement and/or DTC P0630 ."
6. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperatures before test-driving.
7. Perform a thorough test drive with several accelerations from a stop with "light throttle" application until propertransmission shifting is verified.
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deagle

I had the TSB done shortly after I bought my 04. Purchased it used from Lexus dealer and convinced corporate it should have been done before the sale. The erratic shifting was my biggest beef with this car and after the upgrade it has been very smooth, I can even use PWR mode off the highway if I want to.

jpv7774

well I said I was gunna do it...and I did it!!! Just took her up to the dealer today.....for anyone else going in to do this. Keep in mind our cars are 11yrs old.....and old news at the dealer. On this forum the shift issue is current and talked about by most of us....and we all know what the shifting issue is.....At my dealer I spoke with 3 service advisers and none of them had heard of a TSB for the 430 regarding said shifting issue. The TSB that I copied in this thread is not a TSB that Lexus understands....nor one of their TSB numbers. The service adviser had a veteran tech come out and talk to me and he said there were shift issues with the ES models....but not many issues at all with the 430....but he knew the issue I was speaking of.....we went for a test ride and my car didnt act up while he was driving because he wasnt doing a slow coasting turn.....it tacked up a couple of times and we both agreed he would check the software...... after checking the software he said I needed an update..........now this confused me a little...because if there is a software update available then why not state that in the first place......anyway...I gave the go ahead to the tune of $223.00 for the upgrade......
Bottom line....I drove the car for about 20 miles.....it appears to have muted the issue about 85%....it is much better. It appears to me that the car is now set to power mode.......and when I hit the power mode switch there is very little change..........either way, if this gets the car to stop tacking up on slow turns and then gear dropping......it will be worth the $223.00 to me.......

Hope this helps the next in line......

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Nice. Glad to hear your work is done. How about mileage after your tune up work? Any improvement?

jpv7774

Nope.....after plugs....air filter.....Coolant temp sensor......oil....and software upgrade.....She pretty much runs like she always has....which is great! Note the software upgrade really did solve the low speed lurch...I drove the ole gal for 140 miles today and although she was dying to glide and lurch the computer really muted that issue pretty well....not 100% but like 85% muted for sure. Mixed driving I was only able to get 19.6 MPG

also note.......for the TSB info

my old software was 55013000 and 35013000

new software is 55021100 and 35013300

Now I have no idea what those numbers mean......but for those who do I thought I would post them.

JffGRY706

on my vacation last week I experienced big city, rush hour, bumper to bumper traffic for about 30 minutes. This is the only time that I do not like my LS430. although mine is an '05.....it was made in august of '04 and the vin# is in the range to benefit by this TSB......however I spent my money on 2 drain and fills and am not going to even try to get this done......will just try to avoid big city traffic......I cannot imagine why the original owner would not have done it as it was in Dallas at the time and the 2nd owner (Clovis, N.M.)was small town like me. 1200 miles in 4 days......23.7 mpg and never left the state......never will, again

deadguy

I had this done on my 04 last year. The Lexus dealer actually billed it as a Transmission Shift Enhancement. Total was around $190 I believe. It did improve the low speed shifting for a while. Not long after having it done, I changed my plugs. In doing so, I had to remove the battery to get to the back plug on the passenger side. I am not sure if having the battery disconnected for a long period caused it, but the shifting went back to the way it was before the enhancement.

jpv7774

$190 sounds right for a normal market....everything cost more in Northern Va..........JFRY you are in TSB denial.....get it done.....I love my car but hated going around slow turns and having my rpms jump and the car surge......after the tsb the problem is solved.

Deadguy......please tell me how u came up with the screen name deadguy.....anyway...thanks for the heads up regarding battery disconnect. I know a batt disconnect is a soft reset but I didnt think it would take the car back to factory settings...

deadguy

job related...I see dead people.

I hope that isn't the case, but it's strange to me that it happened after having it completely disconnected for so long.

JffGRY706

...........okay...........next time I take my car in I will ask for software updates for both the ecu and especially the transmission.................then open my wallet and watch all my money disappear......people with good independent mechanics really make me angry. they act like they are on every corner........in my small town there aren't any............and in the big city (LUBBOCK.....stop laughing) they are no secret......very busy