Transmission problem....
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16
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From: hawaii
Transmission problem....
I recently picked up an 2004 Lexus LS430 at 66k miles and i've put about 1,700 miles now and my transmission started to act a little out of the ordinary. At low speeds my car isn't shifting as smoothly as how it used to be into 1st gear and also down shifting when im going into turns at low speeds. Anyone have had a problem like this ? if so, what's the solution
There is a software update to improve low speed shifting and it would not hurt to service the transmission. I would have a dealer verify you have it. Drain and refill done at the Lexus or Toyota dealer is the best way.
If they give you a line about it's a lifetime fluid it's a bunch of BS. Talk to the service manager. This is something Lexus in the U.S. came up with and is not the case anywhere else in the world. Ask them to follow the technical service manual to properly drain and refill the fluid. You should service it every 30k miles to keep it in tip top shape. The fluid breaks down and metal content accumulates. There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,188
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From: Texas
Attached is the Service Bulletin about the software upgrade Lavrishevo mentioned in Post #2. If the procedure was performed for your car already, you will find a sticker under you hood (on the left side) indicating such.
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Pit Crew
Joined: May 2014
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From: Hawaii
As stated before, the fluid breaks down and metal content accumulates. My LS had content blocking the transmission filter, in turn blocking the flow of the transmission fluid. I didn't go to my local Lexus dealership because I knew it would be VERY expensive for them to change out the transmission fluid and replace the filter. I would HIGHLY recommend LXS Hawaii, Chad did a great job and charged me way below dealership prices. If you are located on Oahu like me, that is the place to go. I think he is one of the only, if not the only Lexus specialist with 25+ years as a Lexus mechanic under his belt.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: hawaii
As stated before, the fluid breaks down and metal content accumulates. My LS had content blocking the transmission filter, in turn blocking the flow of the transmission fluid. I didn't go to my local Lexus dealership because I knew it would be VERY expensive for them to change out the transmission fluid and replace the filter. I would HIGHLY recommend LXS Hawaii, Chad did a great job and charged me way below dealership prices. If you are located on Oahu like me, that is the place to go. I think he is one of the only, if not the only Lexus specialist with 25+ years as a Lexus mechanic under his belt.
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