Ls460 Transmission problem
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Ls460 Transmission problem
Hello guys, I recently purchased a 2008 LS460. I got it from Manhiem As is. I didn’t see it in person it was in another state.
it has 203k miles, the pictures at the auction showed nothing was wrong, except some cosmetic damage.
when I got and cranked it, the first thing I heard was a woozing sound, I think from the transmission. And I put it in reverse and no movement. In drive it works but doesn’t shift into high gears. Its a RWD so the transmission is significantly more expensive than the AWD trans.
i added some oil to the transmission but it didn’t help, also heavy white smoke started going out of the tailpipes.
I love the car, but im debating just selling it or get a donor car and replace what’s damaged.
if I go with a donor car, do I need to program the transmission or something like that? Also what years should I look for for the donor car?
all the help is appreciated
it has 203k miles, the pictures at the auction showed nothing was wrong, except some cosmetic damage.
when I got and cranked it, the first thing I heard was a woozing sound, I think from the transmission. And I put it in reverse and no movement. In drive it works but doesn’t shift into high gears. Its a RWD so the transmission is significantly more expensive than the AWD trans.
i added some oil to the transmission but it didn’t help, also heavy white smoke started going out of the tailpipes.
I love the car, but im debating just selling it or get a donor car and replace what’s damaged.
if I go with a donor car, do I need to program the transmission or something like that? Also what years should I look for for the donor car?
all the help is appreciated
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 450
Likes: 194
From: VA
Where exactly did you add oil to the transmission? The trans fill plug is on the driver side of the transmission housing under the car... there's no access from the engine bay. Lexus got rid of transmission dipsticks with the refreshed LS430 (2004) all for the LS460's are "sealed" units and the fluid is supposed to be lifetime.
Yes you have to do an trans ECU reset with Techstream. You have to reset the computer and then drive in a specific way for 10-15 min.
If you have a 2nd car, and your set on keeping this one, I'd tow it to a trans shop, have them rebuild the trans for $4000-ish. Then you know you've got a good transmission. If you're going to have to pay someone else to fix this for you this is going to be expensive... if you're a experienced toyota/lexus garage mechanic then looks like you've got a new project vehicle. Sorry that your new-to-you car has problems.
Yes you have to do an trans ECU reset with Techstream. You have to reset the computer and then drive in a specific way for 10-15 min.
If you have a 2nd car, and your set on keeping this one, I'd tow it to a trans shop, have them rebuild the trans for $4000-ish. Then you know you've got a good transmission. If you're going to have to pay someone else to fix this for you this is going to be expensive... if you're a experienced toyota/lexus garage mechanic then looks like you've got a new project vehicle. Sorry that your new-to-you car has problems.
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Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Where exactly did you add oil to the transmission? The trans fill plug is on the driver side of the transmission housing under the car... there's no access from the engine bay. Lexus got rid of transmission dipsticks with the refreshed LS430 (2004) all for the LS460's are "sealed" units and the fluid is supposed to be lifetime.
Yes you have to do an trans ECU reset with Techstream. You have to reset the computer and then drive in a specific way for 10-15 min.
If you have a 2nd car, and your set on keeping this one, I'd tow it to a trans shop, have them rebuild the trans for $4000-ish. Then you know you've got a good transmission. If you're going to have to pay someone else to fix this for you this is going to be expensive... if you're a experienced toyota/lexus garage mechanic then looks like you've got a new project vehicle. Sorry that your new-to-you car has problems.
Yes you have to do an trans ECU reset with Techstream. You have to reset the computer and then drive in a specific way for 10-15 min.
If you have a 2nd car, and your set on keeping this one, I'd tow it to a trans shop, have them rebuild the trans for $4000-ish. Then you know you've got a good transmission. If you're going to have to pay someone else to fix this for you this is going to be expensive... if you're a experienced toyota/lexus garage mechanic then looks like you've got a new project vehicle. Sorry that your new-to-you car has problems.
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Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2022
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Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I’m thinking of getting a salvaged one for around 1k and get the powertrain from it. I have access to a lift and a friend mechanic.
