jwTR6

Okay folks, I have read everything on here by all subjects i could find that had anything to do with my problem. I know everyone must have experienced this.

94 SC400, 135K runs fine EXCEPT @ 40mph. when hitting 40, i get a hesitation/miss. I have read it might be the EGR....i have removed the egr valve, cleaned it, replaced the gasket with stock gasket...no change. I have replaced the plugs and wires stock, no change in problem....i have drained (1.9L) and filled the trany, no change...

can anyone lend some assistance in this matter? Where to go from here?? What can a shade~tree mechanic (me) check next?? I have no earthly idea whats next?

Thanks in advance,
JW

awj

I take it 1.9l is the max amount of tranny fluid in there? That you changed it all? I assume so. Not so familiar with the 400 but approaching 40mph sounds like it is around a shift point? Does the hesitation seem to occur during tranny shifting? If so, I would go to a transmission doctor as I am not so familiar with transmissions. You can try the fuel filter or the ecu for the fuel pump and make sure all is well there.

Lex Luthor

Could be the torque converter, that's around the speed at which it locks up, do a search, I posted plenty of info on this.
- Jon

jwTR6

Okay Lex, i did the search and reviewed the 53 (ya thats right) pages of posts you responded to but, did not find the info that really addressed my issue. If you wouldnt mind directing me to that "info" i would appreciate it.

As I said, i did the drain/refill of the tranny approx 2 liters...this did remove the downshift rumble that was mentioned in several of those posts..my concern now is i feel as though i have lost some power and that i still have the miss/hesitation at 40 mph. Is there some way to verify torq. conv. issues?? What is the fix for the "lock up" point you metion?? Any info on some diagnostics i could conduct to isolate the problem?? Is the only solution to replace the torque convertor??

Thanks,
JW

Hermosa

The total ATF in the tranny is 8.2 liters. Take it to a shop and have them flush it with a special machine. If they don't carry Toyota Type IV tranny fluid then bring your own. If they don't want to flush the system with the Type IV then go to another shop. Your tranny will not work correctly without the Toyota Type IV fluid. You will experience a lot of shifting problems.

Lex Luthor

I agree with Hermosa, and as far as the lockup goes, that occurs between 40 and 50 mph on these cars, if you get a shudder or hesitation when applying a bit of throttle at that speed, it could be the converter, and if it is, you'll have to replace it at some point, there's no easy fix. Definitely flush and fill the fluid with T-IV first if you suspect the the fluid was not changed at regular intervals or could be burnt at all (you'll know it when you smell it).
- Jon

jwTR6

thanks for the additional info.

Called (2) Lexus dealers here about Flusing the tranny. The first shop said they are to receive a flush machine shortly and be up an running in a month or so..kewl...the second shop said we dont do flushes anymore only drain and refills..hmm i say...he says if its a high mileage car (im at 135K) and it hasnt been changed regularly that they dont recommend it as is will cause things to start leaking. Wow i said, i have heard that before about american cars but not euro's and least of all NOT A LEXUS...he says i wouldnt do it, it'll cause you problems for sure...
Is this a fact?? If its my torque convertor, the tranny will certainly have to be fully drained..am i screwed either way??

Okay, im at 135k, i have put 100k on the car and havent changed the tranny fluid till now. Has anyone done the flush & fill with a high mileage sc?? What were the results (assuming yours wasnt changed regularly either)?? Is this bs about causing leaks??

pcmw

jwTR6,

Do you really think that the car is gonna get BETTER by leaving the tranny fluid in there? Self-healing? Come on and get real. You need to change the fluid, filter and maybe gaskets if it leaks. Do it now or buy a new tranny later. Finally, if you are getting that kind of info from shops...take it to your closest dealer and sleep at night.

MW

Hermosa

Hey Matt,

I was waiting for you to jump on this thread

I know you just had your tranny flushed.

- Mike

pcmw

Yeah Hermosa,

It shifts SMOOOOOTH now. Never a problem before, but ever so perfect now.

Paid $85 for the whole service with Toyota fluid and Lexus tranny service kit.

Overclocker

When I was shopping around for the 30,000 mi maintenance last year, here in MI I couldn't find a Lexus service center that recommended a "pressure" flush.

I can’t remember exactly if any of them even had the machine to do it. Needless to say I didn’t get it done when I had it worked on and I’ve always wondered what the bottom line is on this subject.

I’ve got 45k on the car now and have always noticed a slight vibration on the shifter stalk if I hold it while driving. *shrugs sholders*

Overclocker

jwTR6

to think all i asked for was a little help and info...by the way the (2) shops i spoke of ARE the local LEXUS DEALERS!!!!

ChrisK

iTrader: (1)

jwTR6,

Also check with your local Toyota dealers. It worked for me.

pcmw

Bummer,

Give me the number of the shop you took it to. I would like to call them and ask if they get paid a bunch when people have to replace their trannys.

Do you have an AAMCO? Maybe a tranny specialist will do better.

MW