Transmission Flaring (slipping)
 

Greetings to the community!



On February, I bought a 2007 Lexus ES350 base with 95k miles that had been sitting for a year or more. I changed all fluids and some suspension parts and it has been driving amazingly. When it had 104k miles I flushed the transmission (cooling line method with Aisin WS fluid) and changed the filter. I leveled the car to almost perfection using a torpedo level under it and warmed the transmission fluid to 110°F, then drain the fluid until small drip. (Like manual says)

The problem is that (only when cold started) it flares when shifting from 2-3 and 3-4 for a while until fluid warms up past 170°F. Then it shifts amazingly smooth again. So the problem is only when transmission is cold. (The car is in Miami btw so not really cold temps)

I have read on the Internet that this transmission (U660e) had problems at the begining (lucky me) but Lexus eventually fixed them. So I went to the "Stealership" but they told me my VIN was not included in the service bulletin; that they could do an update and reset of the TCM (for $300) but it would probably fix anything.

So now I wanted to ask about your thoughts, recommendations, and maybe experience about this issue.



Btw, I was thinking about two options:

1. Getting one of those Techstream devices and trying to update and reset the TCM myself.

2. Since the problem is only when fluid is cold, my logic says that there might not be enough fluid so I was thinking about adding 100ml everyday too see if it gets better (stopping at 300ml or 400ml to avoid overfilling too much).
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Any input will be greatly appreciated and welcome!
Clip of the issue

I did the software update and it fixed the flaring issue on my 2007 ES. I think there are threads about this issue....

remember to have a battery charger hooked up when doing the software update because a power interuption will toast your TCM

Toyota transmissions are notorious for slipping when it's cold, I've had the exact same on numerous Toyota cars I've owned in the past. I've just marked it down as one of those Toyota things that's somewhat offputting but doesn't do any damage in the long run.

Definitely get the TCM update flashed though, it might make your flaring issue better.

Thank you guys, I am going to try to find the information about how to update the TCM!

I wrote about this many times. I think the reset may help and may not. Maybe it is a good idea for you to purchase the Techtream and reset the tranny adaptations by yourself.
What kind of filter you used? OEM? It looks like you did not use OEM.

There are many versions and sellers of techstream, would you recommend one? Can I also update the transmission myself with it?

I used Beck and Arnley I think.

Btw, I spend a big part of last night trying to look for a guide about updating and resetting the tranny with no success. Would anyone be able to point me to the right direction?

Check MHH forums. You get the software from there and the Mongoose from Ebay/Amazon/Ali.

On the same forum you may get the cuw file to reflash the tranny.

I would add 200 ml ( about 7 us ounces) of ATF first and see what happens. I bet it shifts better afterward.

I had mine reflashed not long after purchase in 2006. No issues since. Now have 133k miles and still enjoy driving it.

Thanks for all your replies guys. All of them have been taken into account. The car still drives buttery smooth when warm and I'm babying it when cold so the flares are barely noticeable. I'm still debating going to the dealer to update and reset TCM vs buying Mongoose ($550 Amazon) and get the Techstream and update files. I'll also check the fluid level again before doing the update

I'll let you guys know the outcome, I have been working a lot lately so I haven't had the time.

Again, comments and suggestions are welcome.

You can get the Mongoose for 20 bucks from Ali.

Transmission 3-4 Flare issue solved
 

Hey Dave, i’ve been having the same slipping issue and it has been driving me crazy for months, I finally found a solution for me earlier today. I think it would be worth a shot for you to try as it is very simple. In this forum the commenter LieksesES says to disconnect 4 of the ECU fuses basically so it can relearn everything. I tried this today and it’s been shifting extremely smooth where I expect the flare to be, I will update again with how it shifts on my way to work in the morning. I will attach pictures incase the link doesn’t work. Best wishes to you my man please let me know if you try this & if it works!


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...7f3aa45a46.png​​​​​​​
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...e083309429.png

THank you! Do you mean a Chinese cable or an actual Mongoose? Thanks again!

​​​​​​​Sounds fantastic! I will try it too later today and update here to let everyone know!