04 LS430 won’t shift past 3rd gear. Anyone else?
04 LS430 won’t shift past 3rd gear. Anyone else?
I recently purchased an 04 LS430 and I’ve had this happen to me on two occasions. When I start the car up in the morning in warm climate and drive it, it will go into some sort of safe mode and will not shift past third gear. I have tried to shift it manually through the gate but it still will not shift. If I come to a stoplight and shut it off and turn it back on it is perfectly fine.
To me this seems like something electronically because it will go a few hundred miles before the problem reoccurs. Not something that would be low fluid in my opinion. Anyone else have this issue? I searched but didn't find very much. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
To me this seems like something electronically because it will go a few hundred miles before the problem reoccurs. Not something that would be low fluid in my opinion. Anyone else have this issue? I searched but didn't find very much. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 13
From: CA
Same happened to my wife's 2004, wouldn't go beyond 3rh gear. Fail safe mode. After a great deal of searching didn't find much at all because these cars rarely have tyranny issues.
Solution was a transmission rebuild at local tranny shop. 3 years later running well. However as others suggested get a full diagnosis before committing to a bit pricey rebuild.
please keep us posted.
Solution was a transmission rebuild at local tranny shop. 3 years later running well. However as others suggested get a full diagnosis before committing to a bit pricey rebuild.
please keep us posted.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 728
From: Texas
I recently purchased an 04 LS430 and I’ve had this happen to me on two occasions. When I start the car up in the morning in warm climate and drive it, it will go into some sort of safe mode and will not shift past third gear. I have tried to shift it manually through the gate but it still will not shift. If I come to a stoplight and shut it off and turn it back on it is perfectly fine.
To me this seems like something electronically because it will go a few hundred miles before the problem reoccurs. Not something that would be low fluid in my opinion. Anyone else have this issue? I searched but didn't find very much. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
To me this seems like something electronically because it will go a few hundred miles before the problem reoccurs. Not something that would be low fluid in my opinion. Anyone else have this issue? I searched but didn't find very much. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 728
From: Texas
Replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor maybe your first step to try to resolve this issue. Please take a look at the link below...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...re-sensor.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...re-sensor.html
Replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor maybe your first step to try to resolve this issue. Please take a look at the link below...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...re-sensor.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...re-sensor.html
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 418
From: CALIFORNIA
I recently purchased an 04 LS430 and I’ve had this happen to me on two occasions. When I start the car up in the morning in warm climate and drive it, it will go into some sort of safe mode and will not shift past third gear. I have tried to shift it manually through the gate but it still will not shift. If I come to a stoplight and shut it off and turn it back on it is perfectly fine.
To me this seems like something electronically because it will go a few hundred miles before the problem reoccurs. Not something that would be low fluid in my opinion. Anyone else have this issue? I searched but didn't find very much. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
To me this seems like something electronically because it will go a few hundred miles before the problem reoccurs. Not something that would be low fluid in my opinion. Anyone else have this issue? I searched but didn't find very much. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
2004-2006 LS430's use A761-E six speed.
If a fluid temperature sensor in A761-E, then perhaps a contributing factor.
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My vehicle is actually not shifting past 3rd gear which is a fail safe mode. You can see if turning the car on and off makes it go back to normal. Will it shift through all the gears manually through the gate?
That is a good point, I will look into that. I changed the coolant temp sensor yesterday evening, so I will see if the problem persists. From my research these coolant sensors start to go bad and send incorrect temperature readings to the ECU. Which in turn can cause a failsafe mode for the transmission.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 728
From: Texas
That is a good point, I will look into that. I changed the coolant temp sensor yesterday evening, so I will see if the problem persists. From my research these coolant sensors start to go bad and send incorrect temperature readings to the ECU. Which in turn can cause a failsafe mode for the transmission.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 878
Likes: 232
From: Arizona
Before you waste more money throwing parts at the problem go have the codes read. Transmission codes are stored and don't illuminate the check engine light. I think most AAMCO locations will scan for free and have the ability to read the transmission codes.
Just an update for future reference, my car still has the issue where it’s going into fail safe mode after replacing the coolant temp sensor. It did it this morning.
It looks like the ATF temp sensor would be an issue if you had an issue with 5th and 6th gear.
I'm going to have my codes read soon and will report back.
It looks like the ATF temp sensor would be an issue if you had an issue with 5th and 6th gear.
I'm going to have my codes read soon and will report back.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 716
Likes: 168
From: FL
I ll highly suggest at this point to do a full health check with Techstream. It could be anything : VVTi solenoids, MAF, Line control solenoid, shift solenoid, low atf level, bad filters, issue in the throttle body area, low fuel pressure, issue with Evap or Fuel dampers... the worst case scenario - it could be ECM as well - not so uncommon in our cars.
You don’t want to replace each item obviously, but looking at Techstream data is a good first step to fix the problem.
You don’t want to replace each item obviously, but looking at Techstream data is a good first step to fix the problem.
I ll highly suggest at this point to do a full health check with Techstream. It could be anything : VVTi solenoids, MAF, Line control solenoid, shift solenoid, low atf level, bad filters, issue in the throttle body area, low fuel pressure, issue with Evap or Fuel dampers... the worst case scenario - it could be ECM as well - not so uncommon in our cars.
You don’t want to replace each item obviously, but looking at Techstream data is a good first step to fix the problem.
You don’t want to replace each item obviously, but looking at Techstream data is a good first step to fix the problem.