Helmar

I currently own a 1999 LS400.

I've heard that Lexus is working on a solution to the downshift hesitation problem.

My dealer's service manager said that they've been testing a solution in California, but haven't yet resolved it.

Has anyone any additional information about this problem?

I just ordered a '03 LS430, in spite of this problem, because everything else on the car is exceptional.

Horta

I just bought a 98 LS400. Does this problem appy to it also? If it does would you mind giving me more details on it? I have not notice a problem but I have only had my car for about 4 weeks.

Thanks
Jerry

Leeladisky

Folks,

Does this apply to the '01 LS430??? I have been complaining about a downshift problem since day 1 on the car. Additionally and related, the car is supposed to have a feature that prevents the car from both accelerating when going DOWN a grade and/or when you remove your foot from the accelerator - my vehicle doesn't seem to work correctly in that fashion...

Any thoughts???

I keep resetting the ECU to factory defaults to get better performance from the tranny...

L

Helmar

I suspect that this issue exists on the '98 LS400's as well as my '99.

When you're going about 20-40 MPH, and need sudden acceleration to, for example, merge onto a highway, often the you get no acceleration in response to pressing the accelerator almost to the floor.

Instead, the car seems to hesitate for 1/2 to 1 second, as though it's trying to decide what to do.

Then, either you get a sudden downshift of 2-3 gears, or, sometimes, if you don't press quite hard enough on the accelerator, it stays in the current gear (5th) and starts accelerating.

In any case, I often have to cancel my merge attempt because of the hesitation.

Unfortunately, the fix Lexus is purportedly working on isn't for the LS400, but for recent (2002 an on) LS430's.

wwest

I suspect is the result of the need to quickly "retune" the engine for max performance rather than best MPG. "Reset" the variable valve train, VVT-i, and the intake plenum "resonance", and maybe even an engine ignition "break" to let the torque converter unlock.

kreativ

This issue doesn't only affect the LS. It also affects the '02 ES, and from what I hear, the GS.

What wwest said sounds sorta like what a Lexus mechanic told me.