Jerky Transmission while in Reverse
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
Jerky Transmission while in Reverse
Has anybody ever experienced this issue? The transmission seems to shift/operate flawlessly, except when in reverse. Once I start backing up, instead of doing so in a smooth fashion, it moves back in a continuous progression of small jerking motions. It's bad enough that my girlfriend who knows nothing about cars and could care less commented on it... not good when she notices something like that!! 
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
What the?
Has anybody ever experienced this issue? The transmission seems to shift/operate flawlessly, except when in reverse. Once I start backing up, instead of doing so in a smooth fashion, it moves back in a continuous progression of small jerking motions. It's bad enough that my girlfriend who knows nothing about cars and could care less commented on it... not good when she notices something like that!!
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
UGH... how many miles on it? Looks like time for "double A, <honk> <honk> M, C, O" Reverse gear shot I would imagine.If it's driving forward fine, then just don't back the car up.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
Call Lexus
Call Lexus corporate, or go into the "owner" page on the Lexus.com web page. You have register, put in your VIN and it pulls up the complete service history (if it was done at Lexus).
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Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Ca
I've noticed the tranny on my LS to be rather jerky as well.
Most specifically when I shift from drive to reverse, or reverse to drive. In my experience, it just feels like it's slipping a little in the begining. Then after it grabs it's good to go. Almost like it was taking a little to long to shift.
When I shift from reversing into drive(with out applying pressure to the accelorator), the car has forward power but then it seems to get a kick in the rear after a half second and really lurches forward. Same thing after driving foward and then shifting to reverse. The tranny seems to take it's time shifting.
I was worried about this after purchasing the car used with 47k on it. I took it to a lexus dealer and the tech said it was normal.
I then went and tested out how it felt on another LS at the dealership I bought it from, and the car I tested felt the same way. So I guess what I'm experiencing is normal. I'm at 67k though so I think I might just drop by the dealer in the next month to have them make note of it again. That way if something does happen, it's on record that I had a concern about it while it was still under warranty.
Most specifically when I shift from drive to reverse, or reverse to drive. In my experience, it just feels like it's slipping a little in the begining. Then after it grabs it's good to go. Almost like it was taking a little to long to shift.
When I shift from reversing into drive(with out applying pressure to the accelorator), the car has forward power but then it seems to get a kick in the rear after a half second and really lurches forward. Same thing after driving foward and then shifting to reverse. The tranny seems to take it's time shifting.
I was worried about this after purchasing the car used with 47k on it. I took it to a lexus dealer and the tech said it was normal.
I then went and tested out how it felt on another LS at the dealership I bought it from, and the car I tested felt the same way. So I guess what I'm experiencing is normal. I'm at 67k though so I think I might just drop by the dealer in the next month to have them make note of it again. That way if something does happen, it's on record that I had a concern about it while it was still under warranty.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
Revisiting this post/blast from what... 7 yrs ago? Amazed that my LS430 just clicked over 183k miles. While I still have the same jerky motion in reverse, everything else is rolling smooth. I've not change the Trans fluid or filters either. A buddy who is a Lex mechanic told me to never crack it open if you don't have to. So far, he's right.
Either way, gotta love Lexus quality.
Either way, gotta love Lexus quality.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 55
From: CA
Didn't know H-J was a problem w/ an LS. Have 102k on my 01. Have 101 on the 04. I've done one drain & flush on each. For both, reverse is silky. Same with all the forward gears. Any other shifting problems besides H-J in reverse?
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