I've got a problem with my '90 LS that a transmission shop calls "morning sickness". In cooler weather, after the car has been sitting over-night, it takes several seconds (10+) to shift into drive. Reverse works fine. The shop says it's a problem with lip seals and possibly clutches, and they want $2500-3000 to rebuild it. Which isn't entirely un-reasonable, considering it has 231K miles of stop-n-go Houston miles on it.

However, before I do a rebuild, I was wondering if there is any possibility that a transmission fluid additive might help (repeated fluid changes and a power-flush have so-far NOT corrected the problem)... Any first-hand experience out there with additives? And what specific brand of additive is right for the LS400 trans?

Thanks!

 

This stuff has stopped numerous oil leks in engines, and it stopped the smoke upon startup for my LS....I put it in the tranny before a full flush, and I am guessing it worked, but with this treatment and fresh Toyota Type IV fluid my tranny was very smooth.....guess you could give it a try.
AutoRX
www.auto-rx.com Scroll down to the bottom of page for Transmission Application
Paul

 

that is just dumb. My tranny has 240k miles on it. All origrinal miles. Just make sure you use Toyota T-4 fluid along with a flush from a toyota dealer or whatever. But why rebuild the tranny? I have never heard of a Lexus tranny failing on any first gen LS unless it was ridiculously neglected.

i think the shop wants to make a sell.

 

any updates on this thread? i am actually having the exact same symptoms as stated and was wondering if there is any actual way around a complete tranny rebuild? FYI 1991 Lexus Ls400... thanks posters!

 

http://www.auto-rx.com/auto-rxnet/index.html
http://auto-rx.activeboard.com/

I highly recommend the above. It is also highly recommended at www.bobistheoilguy.com forums.

Please note that the above is NOT an additive. It is a gentle cleaner that is also used in $3million printing press transmissions. After 1000 miles, it is to be flushed out with fresh ATF.

 

Sent you a PM bro - Can't imagine an additive that would do any good. Best alternative is clean Toyota Type IV IMO.

 

2 1/2 year old thread Steve lol.

 

OMG you are right - dude I didn't even look I guess if he gets my PM he will think WTF Maybe he will reply with a photos of his new 460

 

I know the thread is old, but I just popped in a half bottle of Lucus tranny conditioner and it made a marked difference in engagement via conditioning the bands. Put the other half in a '97 ES 300 for same noticeable effect. Just $ .02.