I just watched the tranny flare video for the first time, and although mine normally flares about 500 rpm's (like the video), I have seen extereme cases where it has fared 2000+ rpms (almost to red line) and a loss of power for about 2 seconds. I also occasionally see a 500 rpm flare between 1st and 2nd although this has only happend a few times. Although I used to think this was just an annoyance, I am beginning to fear that its going to shorten the life of the transmission and it's a safety issue (especially when I lost power for 2 seconds while accelerating onto a freeway!).

I have had the TSIB done, and my car is in the shop as we speak to get a serious metal on metal scrapping sound from the back wheel and the transmission both looked at.

I love the car but for a first time Lexus buyer, this is not good. Our Lexus dealer is a mega dealership and you do feel like a number. They have yet to answer their service line / call goes into voice mail 100% of the time. Versus my local Lincoln dealer, same number of service reps, never goes into voice mail. Had a problem with my Lincoln LS this past Monday at 1PM - limp in with the car, no appointment - diagnosed by 4PM for a new throttle body - part ordered. Called me on Tueday at 2PM - car is done. And they were busy...

gars...you might also consider putting your update on the transmission TSIB thread if you get a chance so hopefully soon people won't accept the TSIB when they see updates like your's and others.

As to engine noise, I doubt they will ever do anything about it at all.

If you're so inclined, go to the following website and download the U660E Automatic Transaxle file... On page 85 aka DTC-P0746 locate it and have a read for a couple of pages.

Get the U660E Automatic Transaxle Manual Here

A lot of acronyms and whatall, but just go through the DTC and look at what is involved... It's no wonder this issue isn't getting resolved.

I'm not so sure, I'd even want a car that may have problems as indicated, they tend to have a snowball effect on related components. Almost to the point where I'm beginning to think this whole issue is REALLY being caused by poor assembly and foriegn matter in EVERYONE's transmission ---> Up to a certain point, that where they fired Big Al the "bolt tightener dude" who inadvertantly dropped whatever in the trans cases.

Think about it... The valve body is a pretty major component and they're basically replacing them like they're going out of style. From what I can tell, it's the most sensitive instrument in the transmission that would react to foriegn matter (metal, plastic, chewing gum, etc.). I think corporate has HOPES that they replace the valve body thinking it CAUGHT all the crap... But guess what? Board experience FWIW seems to negate that everything is all right when the valve body is replaced. In some respects, I think some failures after valve body replacement are the result of the "cheapest guy on the line" doing warranty work... Others are the result of there being bigger chunks of crap in your transmission eating it apart or re-entering the new valve body.

I'm starting to think, no-go on the valve body and instead buying a new car.