Lexus813

Hey guys I have a 1995 ls400 and my transmission seems to be slipping. When I turn it on and put it on drive it will move for 5 seconds then it will become as if it was on neutral, I then have to turn off and one again for it to grab for another 5 seconds. any idea what this can be?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

How many miles on car? The first place to begin is by checking the condition of the transmission fluid? Red is good, burgundy is ok but in need of change. Any shade after that is definite for the partial drain routine. If the tranny continues to slip after a few drains then you'll have to check the shift solenoids and dropping the pan. Plenty of discussions on the partial drain method and shift solenoids.

Lexus813

it has 120,000 miles, I am going to drop the pan tomorrow, what is all the components that i have to replace ? The pan has never been droped.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Before dropping the pan, determine the condition of the fluid. Most often a few drains will get the tranny to shift correctly again. After that if it fails to shift properly, then drop the pan for the shift solenoids.

Lexus813

isnt there a strainer in the transmission , and a filter that must be changed?

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

there is a filter but do the simple stuff first. you may not have enough fluid in the first place. the trans dip stick is in the engine bay near the brake booster. make sure you note the "cold" level vs the "hot" level.

Lexus813

I checked all ready and it was fine,

LScowboyLS

generally one of four things:

● fluid level low due to incorrect checking procedure/temperature (make sure transmission is hot from a 20 minute+ drive, car parked on very level surface, shift through all gears ending in PARK, leave engine running and fluid should be up to hot mark on dipstick - slightly overfilled is better than slightly underfilled, but add fluid slowly and try to hit your marks!)

● incorrect fluid type - should be Toyota T-IV only

● someone has used an aftermaket transmission filter and they can fall into the pan, solution: use genuine Toyota filter

● failing ECU capacitors (CL member silos5 in Estonia is the latest one here to fix his transmission in his '98 with no visible capacitor leakage using this solution )


I recommend a FelPro gasket when doing the filter change, the factory FIPG can get into the transmission when applied by humans - at the factory in Tahara, a robot had this job, for a reason! - also, make sure to use a torque wrench when reinstalling the pan bolts and filter bolts

Torque Specification:

the 3 filter bolts - 7 foot/lbs.
the 19 pan bolts - 5.5 foot/lbs.

usoff89

iTrader: (2)

Cowboy - I'm a bit confused as to how the filter could fall into the pan when it has three bolts holding it to the valve body? Are the aftermarket filters not bolted on?

LScowboyLS

that's right, many are "friction fit" which is a really bad plan

usoff89

iTrader: (2)

Oh ok, I didn't know that. That seems kinda crappy. I would have thought they all would bolt on.

Lexus813

Okay thanks a lot, Whats the price on a OEM filter

LScowboyLS

p/n 35330-50010


about $40 is as cheap as I can find it anywhere

Lexus813

Changed the filter today, and i couldnt be happier. Seems like a new car, Gears go in smooth.
Filter was super dirty

LScowboyLS

what was the mileage on the car, and what filter did you end up using, and did it use 3 screws and what fluid did you use?