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I bought an 06 GS300 RWD back in Feb '12 with 60k miles. Car has so much comfort and features and with all black interior, it can't go wrong. Not until couple weeks ago when it started to throw Engine Light and Check VSC notification on the display. Reset the battery twice in the last 2 months, and yesterday it threw the same symptom but this time transmission also acting up. It won't shift beyond 4th or 5th gear, rpm stays at 4500 rpm even when I go 60 mph. Engine is whining like it won't go to the next gear.
I decided to bring it in to Tustin Lexus to have it diagnosed ($146) and couple hours later according to the service manager, transmission will need to be replaced, WHAT??? It is only 66k miles and it is an 06 and I would need to replace the transmission already? This is worse than my beat up 00 Mitsu Galant that I had for couple years, never had any problem with that car whatsoever. The worst thing is the drivetrain warranty expired in Jan '12. even it is less thatn 70k miles, doesn't really matter to them.
So I called couple places including Corner 3 Garage in Lake Forest (SoCal peeps should know this place) and they recommended me to call Lexus Corporate (in Torrance, CA) and fight for the warranty since it is pretty low on miles and the warranty was only couple months passed. I did that soon as I hung up with Corner 3, it's a very good advice btw. Talked to Customer Satisfaction personnel at the Corporate and explained everything. The person I talked to has passed all my info to their Dept Specialist, he said they will review and make a decision whether they will give me some sort of assistance.
I should hear something back in these 1-2 days, meanwhile, the Service Manager at Tustin Lexus is kind enough to let me keep the loaner (CT200H) until we hear something back from their Corporate.
My question is:
Anyone else had experience the same thing? I did my research and there is not too many out there regarding transmission on the 06 GS300 RWD. Try to see if there is any other alternatives other than replacing the transmission. I called around and price to have the transmission REBUILT is around $4k with 3-4 days turn around, outrageous. I would just park my car in the garage if I ever need to go that route, maybe build a manual trans in the future when I have enough fund.
Please advice!!
welcome! There are a lot of owners that have 2006 Lexus gs 300 including myself that has/is experiencing the same issue you describe. Unfortunately Lexus is not responding and we are left to fix their mess up. I'm looking for a trusted mechanic that can replace my c&d solenoid because they are stuck. I don't believe I need a new transmission.
welcome! There are a lot of owners that have 2006 Lexus gs 300 including myself that has/is experiencing the same issue you describe. Unfortunately Lexus is not responding and we are left to fix their mess up. I'm looking for a trusted mechanic that can replace my c&d solenoid because they are stuck. I don't believe I need a new transmission.
Whats a C&D Solenoid and what part number do you think it is?
I had this problem for a while now. tried a transmission flush, replaced the ECU but nothing worked. then I decided to replace all my solenoids even though the mechanic tested all of them and they seem to be working. I bought solenoids set from Ebay and I had them replaced. it costs around 220 for the set ( 9 solenoids). the car worked like a charm since then. I'm attaching the picture of the solenoids and a link that I to the part. it is possible to do it yourself if you know what you doing.
I did the same thing with the solenoids from eBay but it works sometime then goes back to not shifting in 3-4
Did you send out your ECU to get the transmission module checked out and repaired? If not send it out to SIA electronics on ebay $112 many have had good results.
You know what weird Lexus did a service bulletin to address this situation and I have not seen one comment on it ( L-SB-0126-12). The bulletin was posted December 4, 2012. They address the problem with the ecm and it was changed at Lexus corporation expense. The reason why some people are getting jerk by these ecu repair places is because they have read the bulletin and know what ecm part numbers that are effected. This same transmission is in the FRS/BRZ. There guys making 500-600 horsepower with a valve body upgrade in this same transmission. If you took your car into lexus and you were not experiencing the problem then they did not replace the ecm. The bulletin gives you a specific amount of years and mileage. The biggest problem with these transmission is bad servicing and bad advice on the internet. If you have the ecm that is not effected and your transmission shifts fine and there is a code first service the transmission but if that doesn't help, I would change all the solenoids on the valve body with refurbish ones or the specific one that is giving the engine light. Another thing cam position sensor (Check Your wiring harness for all connectors.) Cam sensor will cause erratic shifting. The major problem with the wiring harness is Lexus for some reason made both intake cam sensor connectors tight with no loose wire to spear and the wire rip out of the plug very easy when you are doing maintenance. For everyone who have these bad ecm part number they have to be change.......
There is only one ecm in 2006 for the gs300 that is good 89666-30352 (this is only one that does not appear on the list to R & R)
- I would start with bulletin to see if I have the bad ecm.
- Then I would drop the pan change the solenoid that has the error and inspect the fluid.
If the fluid is bad then replace the defective solenoid clean/replace the pan, fill what you drain, clear the code and go for a tested drive.
If the code does not come back, immediately have the transmission serviced. This may cure most of our shifting problems
I hope this help some one on the network
Last edited by jaymil31; Dec 11, 2020 at 12:35 PM.
Reason: change wording
2006 GS300 Rear wheel drive - ECU Part number 89661-30E60
Hi Guys
So yes, my vehicle has the same issue referenced in this thread. Im not even going to mess about. I know that I need to change the ECU.
Im based in South Africa. There are not many used ECU's available here locally.
My ECU Part number is 89661-30E60. I have been looking around and I have noticed that there are many different part numbers being sold online for the 2006 GS300.
Do the part numbers have to match 100% or is there multiple part numbers that is compatible with this vehicle?
even it is less thatn 70k miles, doesn't really matter to them.
