Transmission leak.. '95 LS400.
02-11-13, 04:19 PM
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Transmission leak.. '95 LS400.
Any advice GREATLY appreciated. Last summer I purchased a used 1995 LS 400 with LOTS of miles on it. 360k. However it drives beautifully and I love it. It has been well taken care of. About one month after purchasing my LS, the engine light came on but the car was still performing without a hitch. Two months or so ago, I've been noticing some funny malfunctions in what I believe is the transmission. It certainly doesn't happen all of the time but sometimes there is a small sticking sensation when shifting from first to second. More often than this, though, there is a weird hesitation feeling when downshifting; when the car is coming to a stop. 
The engine will make two soft jerks back to back before coming to a complete stop.
It is also important to note that transmission fluid has a slight persistent leak which has been present since purchasing the vehicle. My boyfriend has been keeping an eye on the transmission fluid level and from time to time will add lucas transmission treatment. He is a successful avionics technician and knows how to fix any automotive problem I've thrown at him (I previously owned a 99 Blazer). He has mentioned that there is a possible ECU malfunction and we might try a replacement unit. He has always owned Toyotas and we are not afraid to fix problems that arise with our LS. We expected to have less than smooth sailing with a 360k used vehicle. He is ready for a project... what should be our first step?
Thank you so much for your time and your comments/suggestions!!!
The engine will make two soft jerks back to back before coming to a complete stop. It is also important to note that transmission fluid has a slight persistent leak which has been present since purchasing the vehicle. My boyfriend has been keeping an eye on the transmission fluid level and from time to time will add lucas transmission treatment. He is a successful avionics technician and knows how to fix any automotive problem I've thrown at him (I previously owned a 99 Blazer). He has mentioned that there is a possible ECU malfunction and we might try a replacement unit. He has always owned Toyotas and we are not afraid to fix problems that arise with our LS. We expected to have less than smooth sailing with a 360k used vehicle. He is ready for a project... what should be our first step?
Thank you so much for your time and your comments/suggestions!!!
02-11-13, 04:29 PM
#2
fix the leak and have him clean the trans filter screen (there's a tutorial in the stickies, and at lexls.com). Then have him replace ALL the fliud with fresh Toyota T-IV, the trans in these cars are very sensitive to fluid type and only the original toyota (or mobil 3309 equivalent) should be used.
Cleaning the throttle body and making sure there aren't any vacuum leaks are also good ideas.
Lastly, there was an ECU recall for '95s, but most had the recall completed. The recall addressed a tendency for vehicles to sputter/stall after a period of prolonged freeway driving, so it doesn't really apply to the situation you're describing. Regardless, if you search there are a few threads detailing part numbers for the original and replacement ECUs.
Cleaning the throttle body and making sure there aren't any vacuum leaks are also good ideas.
Lastly, there was an ECU recall for '95s, but most had the recall completed. The recall addressed a tendency for vehicles to sputter/stall after a period of prolonged freeway driving, so it doesn't really apply to the situation you're describing. Regardless, if you search there are a few threads detailing part numbers for the original and replacement ECUs.
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