Hazimwood

(2004 GS300 172k)

For many months now I've had to rev the engine quite a bit to get get the Drive gear to engage. Then the Reverse gear selection started doing the same and right now the reverse is taking sooooooo long that I make it a point to back into parking spots to avoid the awkward amount of revving time it takes to get the car moving. Once into gear though, the car seems to drive and shift fine. After a healthy drive, the reverse works fine and I back into the parking spots as stated before. From what I've gathered here online, I'm guessing it is one of my transmission solenoids. I can go down there and start testing for resistance, but where is there any guidance on this? Let me know if you are having a similar issue. I did replace my alternator a few months ago, but I don't see how that would affect the tranny, but if someone has some insight on it, I'm willing to listen; my alternator is under warranty at least.

this sounds suspiciously like what I may need:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Lexus-3-Way-Transmission-Solenoid-Assembly-Genuine-OEM-35230-30010-/252923641541?fits=Year%3A2004%7CMake%3ALexus%7CModel%3AGS300%7CSubmodel%3ABase%7CEngine+-+Liter_Display%3A3.0L&epid=0&hash=item3ae36c7ec5:g:J44AAOSwnONZDjC-&vxp=mtr

eicca

First make sure your electrical flow is healthy. The transmission computer really hates low voltage. My negative cable was loose once, and it caused the transmission to slip noticeably off the line and when shifting under load. Thankfully was an easy fix and has been fine ever since.

Did it have that issue before the alternator change?

lyonkster

Good answer, and precisely what I told the OP on his other thread. That's the first place to look.

GS400V8

iTrader: (4)

I had this same problem when I put in my new torque converter.

Fluid level looked okay but I said what the hell, I'll put in another quart. Completely fixed the issue and think it even took 1.5 quarts.

eicca

Mmm yes. I'd say, with the trans hot and engine running, the fluid should measure as close to the top of the "hot" line on the dipstick as possible. Mine drove fine with the level in the middle of the range, but seems to shift even better with the level closer to the top.

GS400V8

iTrader: (4)

Exactly. If there isn't enough fluid to circulate through the trans, some fluid could be in a different accumulator or passage way when it should be in another. Air can get into transmissions as well.
I'm willing to bet someone before the OP messed with changing/flushing the trans fluid one way or another unless it hasn't been touched in 172K miles.

My symptoms: Putting in reverse was wierd. I looked down at "R" but it felt like it was in "P" or "N" still depending on the incline. Then revving it to about 3k-4k would spin the torque converter enough to fling fluid and get things circulating, like the trans pump, and then the whole car would jerk backward finally.

I had other problems too but all went away when I added fluid. Just my experience though, it could be something else

Hazimwood

GS400V8, what you are describing is the closest I've heard to the problem I'm having. I've changed the fluid twice in the last 6 months, according to specs...I'll try adding more just to test. Otherwise, there is a newly started thread that describes similar situation but the answer there seems to be a throttle issue....I mean, mine revs perfectly fine, just hard to catch D and R. I'll try what I can this weekend and post results. About my alternator, yes it was close to the same time, but I will try these other things first. Stay 'tuned'

Hazimwood

I tried adding a bit more oil. That didn't do anything. Not sure when I can get to it but I'll try checking the volts.

*update* adding more fluid still did not work. Also, all this hard shifting can't be good for that rubber rag-joint on the driveshaft.