So the temperature in Chicago just dropped to 0-10 F (-17-12 C). My shift selector has extra resistance to it. Shifting into and out of drive can be done just feel some extra resistance, Any idea what is the source of this and if you think it will equate to something serious.

Note the car is at 135k. Trans fluid was done last year at 119k.

 

You are not really shifting anything. You are simply telling ECM what mode of operation you chose for any given shifter position. There are no gears to shift through in a hybrid.
Is it parked outside? I'd guess, it's cold and lubricant thickened some. That geat shifter is basically a joystick.

 

I am looking at diagrams and pictures and can't figure out If you are right or not. whether it is connected by wire only or a mechanically. https://www.parts.com/index.cfm?fuse...tle%3D-SHIFTER

I know the 400h has a ECVT and actually have planetary gears but simulates a CVT.

http://blog.lexus.co.uk/lexus-gearbox-transmissions/

400H was parked both inside and outside. Also driven for over an hour with a warm cabin. Still had the hard shifting problem.

 

Just found this.. not sure how legit it is.

 

2:30
You have no gears to shift through.

It only ACTS as ECVT because it is electronically controlled. It was named CVT to somehow fit into federal regulations requirements for the US market. Electronically means - your gear shifter is not shifting gears. It only tells electronic device what mode of operation to chose for driving. Your cable is connected to shift lever position sensor and that's where mechanical shifting stops. Pic attached is for 2012, yours is similar. It's same in principle PSD across Toyota hybrids.

 

Thanks for the info. Seem like this is the part your are talking this about. Part 89451-48010.


I noticed that it was mention on this thread as well.

It sounds like my problem is narrowed down to the shifter level assembly (33560) , shift control cable ( 3382048200), or the Shift position sensor (89451-48010).

Funny thing is that I took my vehicle to a car wash last night (they use warm water) and I washed off 20 lbs of snow and Ice stuck to the bottom of the vehicle. Now the the shifting has dramatically improved. I wonder if snow and ice can get kicked up into the shift sensor/cable that cause the difficulty shifting.

 

Since we are on the transmission topic, here is a really cool video of the P310 in the 400h

 

You’re mechanically shifting the park pawl - which keeps the car from moving when in “park”. That mechanism was likely frozen (water) or very cold lubricant.

 

The shifting was hard between drive and neutral and between all "gears". But that's what I suspect. But
That's what I think, that the mechanic (cable or physical part had some icing on it. It has Ben shifting fine now since the warm carwash so I am holding off on buying replacement parts.

 

With the temperatures that you’ve been experiencing there lately, it’s just shy a miracle that you can get the doors open - and that the wheels turn. Good luck!

 

just a reminder that this common problem has a very easy fix.

make sure the shift linkage under the vehicle is sprayed via wd-40 (something similar) every time the car is up on the hoist for an oil change. this is a common issue for rx400h + highlander hybrid

@ around 200,000km / 120k miles and in very cold temps this issue has crept up on multiple rx400h's that I've owned.