Sometimes my transmission shifts very rough but only from 1st to 2nd gears. The problem varies in intensity depending on how hard I am pressing on the accelerator. Has anyone out there had this problem. It's starting to really annoy me. 2003 LS430. Approx 130,000 KM.

 

Its hard to diagnos your issue without hearing and seeing it but, it may be normal wear and tear. From my experience, cars don't perform the same as they did when younger. This goes for the engine and the transmission. Now if its extreme on the rough side and struggling to go from gear to gear, maybe theres an issue but, it may just be normal wear and tear and not an issue. You may notice it because I see the difference when I get a Lexus loaner and go back to my older car. My car has more cabin noise and engine noise and the gears arent as smooth as the newer loaners I drive during service.

Maybe you should have the transmission looked at by an experienced tech at Lexus or Toyota or a mechanic you know who has knowledge about Lexus'! May not be a big deal at all and the fix may be simple but, just in case its serious, get it looked at before you find out if its bad and it worsens to the point of costly repairs. That said, I think its just normal wear and tear as I notice my gears dont shift as smooth as they did on my 2001 LS430 with 125,500 on my car. Im not concerned at all but, again, I cant tell if you have a serious shifting gears issue or just normal aging of the car like I do! Get it looked at by a qualified tech fellow member!!! L.G.N.M

 

Thanks usermel. Maybe I will have to bite the bullet and take it to the dealer.

 

I know how you feel, paying to see "IF" or "WHAT" the problem is can be a real pain, I been there before. If you can find someone nice enough that works on Lexus' to check it out for maybe $10 or free maybe that will ease the bite. I always do all my services at Lexus and its "COSTLY" and I really don't know if its worth it, hearing so many stories who can tell but, as for your LS with only 5,000 more miles than I, sounds like its simply a matter of our cars aging. I just had my 120,000 done and when I got a loaner, WOW! I could tell how my older transmission wasn't as butter smooth but, heck drive a lesser car than our Lexus' and you will see how at our cars age, were ahead of the game,hahahaha!

I think your witnessing aging and I noticed mines at around 110,000 myself and realize shes not a baby anymore but, whats good about our rides is this. How many real problems do we have with our cars? The service is pricey but, the reward is reliable cars. If you take it to the dealer and let them ride with you, they may not charge you. Maybe ask if someone can take a ride with you to see if the transmission is having issues. You may get what I get here and there a good person willing to help you and not charge for such a pointless reason especially if they know its normal. May be a simple fix like flushing the transmission or changing the fluid. I just had a major service at 120,000 done and if you havent done yours yet, maybe that will clear up the things you notice in the 1st two gears bud! Have a great week and IM SURE ITS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR LEXUS as long as the oils changed and fluids changed, you'll be fine and normal wear and tear is an issue with a well taken care of car of any kind, cheap,exotic or luxury!!! LGNM

 

I am just now experiencing the same thing. What did the dealer say?

 

Is this the first shift of the day when the engine and tranny is cold?

Other areas the 1-2LS owners experience with shifting and vibrations are engine and tranny mounts. The '04 has a different tranny service interval but for yours the tranny fluid is an optional service interval at 60K miles under special service. I'd check to verify the fluid is in good condition.

Has the rear differential been serviced at the suggested intervals?

 

mine has just started to occasionally shift rough. only sometimes while getting onto the freeway...maybe like 4th to 5th gear. I don't know if I should be worried. I always get service at the dealer and my car is 04 UL with 109k miles.

 

Check motor mounts and transmission mount. At 109k they're worn and if not completely shot they're certainly close to it.

 

My '01 sometimes up shifts abruptly when its not up to full operating temperature. I had a complete fluid replacement and it didn't change a thing for me. So far it hasn't grown worse in intensity or frequency. I have about 92K miles.