Will not shift past 3rd gear
#1
Pit Crew
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Will not shift past 3rd gear
Took my 04 LS into shop for 120k service a month ago. Did not seem right when I got it back: when stopping in a parking lot and then rolling forward it lurched forward a few times. Driving today and noticed it would not go past 3rd gear. Moved the shifter over to the left for manual and would not shift past third despite the instrument cluster displaying 4th, 5th and 6th as I tried to upshift.
It is back in the shop overnight. They called and said it had to be totally cold in the morning to correctly refill the transmission fluid.
Any ideas on what might be wrong? Never had an issue before the 120,000 service was performed. Oh well...at least it is not a transmission issue on an out of warranty Lexus the week of Christmas...oh wait...
It is back in the shop overnight. They called and said it had to be totally cold in the morning to correctly refill the transmission fluid.
Any ideas on what might be wrong? Never had an issue before the 120,000 service was performed. Oh well...at least it is not a transmission issue on an out of warranty Lexus the week of Christmas...oh wait...
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jwillis123 (12-19-16)
#4
This was done by a Lex dealer? On a "sealed" 04-06 transmission, it's harder to change fluid. A Lex dealer uses a temperature gauge to measure the amount of ATF. This seems to be the best way to do it. More expensive of course.
There's also the drain and replace w/ an equal amount of new ATF. I know people in here DIY w/ no problem. The Indy I used got it wrong by more than 1/2 quart.
There's also the drain and replace w/ an equal amount of new ATF. I know people in here DIY w/ no problem. The Indy I used got it wrong by more than 1/2 quart.
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jwillis123 (12-19-16)
#5
It's like clockwork, whenever someone messes with the transmission fluid, it starts to have major problems a short time afterwards.
I understand the impulse to have fresh fluid and not trusting "lifetime", but clearly Lexus messed up with how they are telling their techs to service these because it seems like the only time anyone ever has a transmission problem starts with "I had the shop change the fluid...."
I understand the impulse to have fresh fluid and not trusting "lifetime", but clearly Lexus messed up with how they are telling their techs to service these because it seems like the only time anyone ever has a transmission problem starts with "I had the shop change the fluid...."
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jwillis123 (12-19-16)
#6
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Thread Starter
This was done by a Lex dealer? On a "sealed" 04-06 transmission, it's harder to change fluid. A Lex dealer uses a temperature gauge to measure the amount of ATF. This seems to be the best way to do it. More expensive of course.
There's also the drain and replace w/ an equal amount of new ATF. I know people in here DIY w/ no problem. The Indy I used got it wrong by more than 1/2 quart.
There's also the drain and replace w/ an equal amount of new ATF. I know people in here DIY w/ no problem. The Indy I used got it wrong by more than 1/2 quart.
#7
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
It's like clockwork, whenever someone messes with the transmission fluid, it starts to have major problems a short time afterwards.
I understand the impulse to have fresh fluid and not trusting "lifetime", but clearly Lexus messed up with how they are telling their techs to service these because it seems like the only time anyone ever has a transmission problem starts with "I had the shop change the fluid...."
I understand the impulse to have fresh fluid and not trusting "lifetime", but clearly Lexus messed up with how they are telling their techs to service these because it seems like the only time anyone ever has a transmission problem starts with "I had the shop change the fluid...."
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jwillis123 (12-19-16)
#9
It's like clockwork, whenever someone messes with the transmission fluid, it starts to have major problems a short time afterwards.
I understand the impulse to have fresh fluid and not trusting "lifetime", but clearly Lexus messed up with how they are telling their techs to service these because it seems like the only time anyone ever has a transmission problem starts with "I had the shop change the fluid...."
I understand the impulse to have fresh fluid and not trusting "lifetime", but clearly Lexus messed up with how they are telling their techs to service these because it seems like the only time anyone ever has a transmission problem starts with "I had the shop change the fluid...."
So far, I haven't heard complaints when a Lex dealer does it. Also the DIY'ers seem to have it dialed in. The dealer here did a great job. I'll trust my indy w/ many things but he screwed up on the drain/refill.
#10
One legendary Lex durability story is about the 430 owner that never changed the engine oil. It did finally seize up at something like 80k. Hopefully your transmission is equally durable. Anyone know how underfilled a trans must be to make it not shift past 3rd?
#11
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Dang it's not often an LS430 throws an unexpected maintenance issue. Independent shop doesn't offer loaners so I am driving a delivery van home from work. I feel like I'm back in kindergarten when I lost my blankey. I hope they get it right tomorrow. Now off to drive the humble express.
#12
Dang it's not often an LS430 throws an unexpected maintenance issue. Independent shop doesn't offer loaners so I am driving a delivery van home from work. I feel like I'm back in kindergarten when I lost my blankey. I hope they get it right tomorrow. Now off to drive the humble express.
#13
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Thread Starter
Got my car back today: they did some research and performed the flush early this morning when the car was cold. I believe they used a "scanner" to monitor temperature as well. My LS is back to unnoticeable seamless shifting. It is possible the transmission was as much as a quart low from the service performed when the car was still warm. Hopefully no long term damage has been done. The refusal to shift beyond 3rd gear was a fail safe mechanism. I should have gone to the dealer on this one but this independent shop has always treated me well over many years. Looks like everything will be ok for now! Thanks again for the replies.
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LS430 2005 model - Not shifting after 3rd Gear
Hello, My LS once i put the gear on to "D" Drive it gives a jerk and then after 3rd gear its not shifting at all. I tried to drive on "S" on display it shows gear 4 or 5 or 6 but physically after 3rd gear its not shifting. I went to my regular local mechanic he checked the gear oil level which is ok and colour of the oil is RED which is a good sign. Then i went to a computer technician who diagnose the car and clear all the faults but still the problem is there.
What should i do? Any Suggestions? Do i have to change the complete gear box ?
What should i do? Any Suggestions? Do i have to change the complete gear box ?
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lserlohn
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06-06-16 05:45 PM