I have a 98 lexus gs400 and i am having problems with the transmission downshift (or “kick-down”) hesitation for some time. Not only does it hesitate to downshift into a lower passing gear, after the downshift and acceleration does occur, when I lift my foot to stop the acceleration after I pass, the transmission remains in the passing gear and hesitates to upshift (leaving the engine revving in the lower gear) for an unacceptable time. It does eventually downshift to a passing gear and upshift out of the passing gear. For example, I start crossing into the passing lane in expectation of rapid acceleration, but the car is hesitant to accelerate.

 

 

Does it do it when you trans is in 5th and trying to downshift?

Mine does this at any speed that is has hit 5th in when you lightly touch the pedal enough to trigure a downshift, mainly when its warm though. Have been trying to figure out what might be causing it, have had no error codes logged and no CEL indication etc. Transmission has been flushed and MAF cleaned, and its only from 5th, any other gear is fine/if i manually shift into 4th it is fine

 

Mainly it doesnt catch the first gear and the engine will rev up really high almost to the red.and when it finally does grab the first gear the car gives a really hard kick .

 

 

I have done a transmission fluid flush, cleaned the MAF, changed the soleniods. I dont know what else can be causing the engine to rev up so high like it does and not grab the first gear..