ddh1313

I just bought a 2010 GS 350 RWD with 95k miles over the weekend and had a few questions for some fellow owners regarding the 6 speed auto.
This admittedly will be pretty subjective but I will do my best to frame something resembling a question. One of the first things I noticed was that the gear changes seem very aggressive for any Toyota or Lexus product (bordering on hard) but still feel refined and purposeful. I don't get the sense that it's slipping/jolting into gear.
Is this typical for the GS tuning? Do other people's GS350's shift noticeably more firm than a ES/RX... V6 Camry.. __fill in the Toyota product here__ ??

The 2nd thing I noticed was that the downshift from 3rd->2nd and 2nd->1st produces a moderate jolt when braking hard that you can see on the tach as well.
Do others get this?

Here's what I have read so far:
1) It's the intelligent controls having to "learn" your driving style that cause both and it will all go away in time. -- seems implausible to me.
2) Needs a transmission flush or drain and fill (sorry to start that topic) . -- more plausible and I will get the flush from Lexus service and follow up
3) Running the 2GR-FSE on regular 87 octane will cause all of this and more and running 3 tanks of 93 will fix it. -- put in first tank of 93 today and will follow up

93SCMax

I think you will be good with 2) and 3). I went the "dealer flush" route, rather than with the multiple "drain and fill" approach. Shifting was never bad, but after 10 years and 100k, I knew that new transmission oil would lubricate and clean (solenoids). I think your bigger improvement will be due to running high test gas. These cars aren't like an ES...you need the extra octane for them to perform as designed.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

ddh1313

I called the dealer last night to schedule a flush and of course they pretty much refused to allow me to pay for the service because it's sealed and uses WS (world standard).
It has only had a 1/2 tank of 93 so far so I want to wait a few weeks to completely vet out the fuel theory.

93SCMax

Find another dealer or even ask your local Toyota dealer to do it. My local dealer (Hendricks Lexus in Charleston) has the flush machine. They will perform the service if you ask. I asked for it as "preventative maintenance". I've read other dealers refuse to do it also...they claim liability if flushed crude gunks up passages or solenoids. They send the signal that they might be more interested in a transmission rebuild at a later date.

Ask the Service manager or your advisor why they recommend a 60k flush for vehicles sold in Canada, but it's a sealed WS system in the US. It was all about "cost of ownership" in the US. Using the WS reduced that cost. Throw that back at BMW and Mercedes when you are looking to buy that new car! It was a US strategy. Unfortunately, no transmission oil lasts forever. My definition of transmission lifetime is clearly greater than that of Lexus.

Continue searching the forum on this topic. Lots of opinions, but get the oil replaced. I think the flush is the most efficient way to go.

tayslexus

I used to have an ES before. The GS definitely shifts more aggressively and quicker than the ES due to it's sporty design. But to me the ES shifts better in the 1st and 2nd gears at low speed.

ddh1313

Update:

I had a Lexus dealer do a full transmission flush and also drain and fill on the rear diff.
Total out the door for both was $460 but the results are really a night an day improvement. It still shifts firm and is more aggressive than an ES as others have mentioned but all of the occasional "confusion" is gone now. Before if I lifted off the accelerator too quick, it would abruptly bang through 3 or 4 gears trying to get into 6th and lockup. Now it will casually bring the RPM's down and lockup without any drama. Also, what was a not so great feeling jolt into 1st or 2nd when braking hard is now a little throttle blip and feels like it was actually planned for by the computer and executed well.

*** The shift confusion returned, final fix is listed below with pictures and did involve some hands on work but is pretty simple and inexpensive.

93SCMax

Glad it worked out for ya! I firmly believe the most efficient way to go is the flush. It's more expensive than multiple "drain and fills", but you felt the positive results immediately. Enjoy your GS!

speedkar9

My GS350 does have bad quality shifts compared to my old ES330 and my current Camry V6.
I occasionally get it confused, and it thumps into gear. It also jerks alot in stop and go traffic, though not as laggy as the ES330.

OP I say wait until the vehicle learns your drive style for a week or two then report back.

RTGS350

I've autocrossed my GS 350 AWD and it seemed to shift OK. Of course it never really needed to get out of second but the shifts were smooth and quick. Firm shifts aren't really a bad thing.