I have a 1999 LS400. When the car sits for any period of time and I place it in drive, it doesn’t shift into first gear until the engine warms up. Has anyone had any similar problems?

 

i moved this from the build sub-forum to the main forum for better traction!

to your question, i would check the transmission fluid level! low level will cause the issues you are describing. when it gets hot the fluid expands and thus rises then engages the gears. i recommend using toyota type-IV ATF only!

note: on the transmission dipstick, there is a COLD side and HOT side. it's better to use the HOT side - and check the level while the engine is running on a level surface (when the car is warm obviously ).

 

+1 for the low ATF level. Sometimes the low oil pressure causes the problem especially when the strainer is clogged.

 

Doesn’t shift into first until it’s warmed up? My 99 GS400 never shifts into first unless I pull the shoft lever down into first gear. Does you car not move until it’s warmed up? Or it just feels extra sluggish when it’s cold? And maybe it’s always starting in 2nd gear?