Gear Selector / Shifter Problem - New LS500
 

Hi All! We recently purchased a new 2023 Lexus LS500 and have been enjoying it a lot. There is one standout "issue" we have had. Sometimes when we shift the gear selector from Park to Reverse or Drive it doesn't complete the shift and makes a beep sound. This can be annoying when trying to Reverse and then shift quickly into Drive or vice versa.

Has anyone else had issues with the gear selector? We are trying to remember that you have to go far to the LEFT first and then ship UP or DOWN. We are wondering if something is wrong with the gear selector OR if it is just finicky / particular and we need to get more used to it.

I appreciate any thoughts or tricks on how to avoid issues with changing gears. We have 3 separate drivers who have driven the car and all 3 have experienced this. Thank you!

Yes I experienced this during the first 100-150 miles on my 2023 LS500. Doesn't seem to happen anymore and not sure if it just learned on its own or maybe my improved hand skills. The car has 500 miles on it now.

I have found that you need to apply a good amount of pressure on the brake pedal to prevent this. Just touching it does not work. Just an FYI, when going from neutral to drive as you would at the end of a car wash, you must apply the brakes to stop the vehicle before it will shift into drive. Good luck with your new LS.

My LS 500h does the same, low force on the brakes, the brakelights are on but the car only beeps, a little more force and the car goes into drive or reverse.

Thanks! Will try applying more brake pressure.

Safety First
 

IMHO this is a good safety feature. The LS is so smooth and quiet, it could be very easy to inadvertently get out of the car with the engine running and the car still in drive. I’m sure Lexus designers required a definite, positive movement of the shifter including a beep for safety’s sake.
I had a Toyota T100 for many years. It was so smooth and quiet that there were a couple of occasions that I inadvertently got out of the truck with it in drive and actually had to chase it down. Sounds stupid, but it was easy to do.
That said, I wish car mfrs. would quit screwing around with automatic shifters. I also own an ‘02 LS430. It has the old fashioned notched shifter which is much more user friendly. Any nut can get in and use it without confusion.

It's an annoying feature I still experience after 20k miles.

Are you fully depressing the brake pedal before shifting?