When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey everyone, I've been a Lexus owner for a little over a year now and I absolutely adore the LS400 model. Everything about it is smooth, its a big body sedan with a good amount of power under the hood. Now I wrecked my '95 pretty bad earlier this year and the cost to fix it would run me a pretty penny, so I got it drive-able and its still my daily. But since then I've been looking for a parts car or one that I could fix up and make all my own and I think I found it.
BUT shes got some issues.
Just hit 200k and drives great and all, but doesnt go in reverse and when in neutral it drives, the hell is with that?
The antenna is busted, theres a tape stuck in tape deck and cd reader doesnt appear to be functioning.
Other than that it seems pretty nice, windows just got tinted, AC blows nice and cold. And it only cost me $1000. I understand how much tranny work is, but could it just be something simpler than that? Im willing to invest a good amount into this car so any help is appreciated.
and yes, since it doesnt go in reverse I had to push it out of this parking lot.
Im used to be able to drive backwards okay
What is the condition of the tranny fluid? Maintaining the tranny fluid goes a long way in preventing shifting issues in most instances. Then there are the shift solenoids. Any error codes? The A/C may be working but that still doesn't leave out the possibility of the ECU capacitors.
^^^ I agree with RA40. Start with a partial drain and replace the filter (strainer). Use only t4 fluid. You can do that yourself, very easy. If that doesn't work, you're gonna have to look into solenoids.
It looks really nice. Like has been said already I would drop the pan and have a look inside and change the filter. Plus a couple of drain and refills as well. If that does not work you MIGHT be in for tranny rebuild. Are there any codes being thrown?
worst case scenario you can get a used tranny for like 300$ from a scrap yard and 200$ for an install, easier since its a rwd, you would also have a good chance of getting a good used tranny as these cars rarely have tranny issues.
I picked up a used trans for 300 and put it in myself with a friend. Runs great. It's a somewhat easy install if the right tools are available. The biggest pain was breaking old exhaust bolts. Also, you can replace the rear main seal and exhaust gaskets while everthing is out.
i would lean toward the ECU capacitors as it's a common and known issue. also check your trans fluid for proper level. only refill using OEM toyota type-IV ATF.
07-28-14, 10:18 AM
1996 LS400 tranny issue? Hope not
I understand how much tranny work is, but could it just be something simpler than that? Im willing to invest a good amount into this car so any help is appreciated.
