Hi,

I’m curious about the cost of a potential eCVT replacement if they can’t be easily fixed?

I’ve got some vibration issue on my car that can be felt on throttle/floor and gear stick. That only happens when the engine kicks in and no shaking in EV mode at all.

One of my local mechanics suspects that the issue is in transmission which is a eCVT. But he doesn’t have expertise to help out as it’s a hybrid system.

So I was wondering is eCVT hard to fix and if it is, is it worth replacing it as a whole?

I really love my car and there is no way to get a new one anymore for obvious reasons. So I’m trying my best to take care of it.

Thanks for any comments here in advance.

 

The Hybrid eCVT transmission is indestructible lasting easily 400k miles. The market of used eCVTs is flooded with supply and no demand and that is why junk yards are selling them for less than $800.

I strongly suggest to investigate every other reason but the eCVT transmission for the issue you have.

 

There will be more eCVT transmissions available from wrecked cars than is needed for replacing purposes due to issues with existing eCVT transmissions.

The eCVT transmission is a well-designed beast (as if NASA designed and built it) and will likely last as long as the case that surrounds it!

What year GS 450h is it and what is the mileage? Is the car within the hybrid-related 8 Year/100k mileage warranty coverage period?

 

Thanks for the info. They are really helpful. It sounds that eCVT would be the last running component in the car which is great. I was a bit worried that it’s a transmission issue and the cost could be excessive. But I’ll get it check out with a local expert first. Thanks!

 

Unfortunately the warranty period has expired. It’s a 2012 model and has done 62k miles which is not a lot considering its age and Lexus reliability I guess.

 

@Jxzx - Toyota/Lexus is obviously very confident in the reliability of all their hybrid-related components.

► Starting with the 2020 model year every Toyota hybrid battery warranty increased from 8 years or 100,000 miles to 10 years from date of first use, or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

"This enhancement serves as an indication of our confidence in the quality, dependability, and reliability of our products."


This change in Toyota's hybrid battery warranty starting with the 2020 model year vehicles signifies strong confidence. While it doesn't pertain to pre-2020 model year hybrid batteries it certainly provides an added degree of assurance that Toyota's hybrid batteries are long-lasting and very reliable.

I find this also very interesting: The hybrid battery may be eligible for warranty replacement if it is found to have less than 70 percent of its original charge capacity within the warranty period.


This hybrid battery replacement eligibility proclamation brings about the question of - under what conditions a customer's hybrid battery is or can be tested to determine if it has 'less than 70 percent of its original charge capacity within the warranty period', and what exactly this diagnosis/testing and replacement process actually entails. I trust this replacement obligation applies to all Toyota hybrid batteries that are still within its warranty period.

 

Depends where you are in NSW, I have a trusted mechanic in Botany who is the go to for JDM Toyota and Lexus. I can give you the persons details if required.

If you are not in Sydney, I would look at putting the car on a hoist and inspecting the engine and transmission mounts, diff and rubber coupling on the drive shaft.
If you think it is the transmission I would get a service as well as the diff. Pull the negative terminal off the battery to reset any long term adaption before looking at replacement tranny.

If you do need a replacement transmission, you can get the eCVT from the previous generation JDM Toyota Crown which had the option of the 3.5litre hybrid and 4.3litre V8 and 4.6litre V8 from both the LS430 and LS460. Lots of Toyota Crown 1/2 cuts can be found at the wreakers.

 

I live in Sydney. It’d be greatly appreciated if you could share the contact details of your go to mechanic. I’ve had really bad experiences with my local dealership and been looking for a reliable mechanic for a long time!

 

Hi mate,
Try contacting Bond Tech Auto
Niall Bond
113 Stephen Rd Botany
0415 866 014
Tell him Johnny with the Infiniti Q50 hybrid gave you the contact details. He doesn't know I have the GS450h yet. I've know Niall for over 25 years when he worked on Soarers and LS400 etc.
Let me know how you go.

 

Thank you legend!