Hello....

I recently just purchased a 2011 Lexus RX350 AWD... I would like to ask you guys opinions on the downshift while slowdown the car.... Every once in a while I feel the tranny down shift while shlowing down... It's not harsh or anything, but just enough to have a slight feel. like a backlash???.. Is this normal??

I also have 09 GS350 AWD.. It's so smooth that I can't feel the downshift at all...


Any opinions are appreciated.

 

A few others have had the same or similar issue. Mine has been fine so far.
I did, however, post on another thread that my '10 F150 had the same issue & was addressed by the Ford dealer.
Yours may/may not be the same.
The F150 was serviced under a TSB entitled " late down-shift ".
The electronics in the transmission were off a bit in the down-shift mode. Could have been a vacuum issue or a sensor issue, I cannot say for sure.
They played with the programming & downloaded an update. It was fine after that.

Worth a phone call to Lexus dealer about it.

 

Post # 2 is good advice! It could be the TPS (throttle position sensor) or some other sensor. Dealer should be able to sort it out!

novaman

 

How many miles are on your vehicle?

 

novaman,
What year ? I had a '72 & then a '75. Both were I-6.

 

It has 84K miles on it... all services are up to date and always service at Lexus dealer.....

It doesn't jerk or anything... just once in a while I feel the downshift slightly while slowing down.....

 

I would have the dealer flush the automatic transmission with that many miles. Cost is about $300. It will greatly improve shift quality. Also it could be the drive shaft with that many miles. Have them check the joints and torque the bolts. I would also change the fluids in the differential and transfer case. You can change those yourself if familiar with working on cars as they are easy to access and simple to drain and fill. The cost for someone else to change them is not that much.

 

This could be normal if you are going downhill and braking. Some Toyota transmissions are setup to employ more aggressive downshifting to aid in slowing when descending a hill. Although my RX is hybrid and therefore doesn't downshift, I've noticed this before on my Sienna on this one particular hill I travel on often.

 

I have this on my 2013 especially when the weather is colder. I think the main culprit are the solenoids in the transmission. I also had it on a previous car without issue.

 

All service are up to date, including tranny flush at 83K miles, transfer case and differential fluid replaced at 55K miles.

I went on a test drive with diagnostic specialist yesterday and he said that the car run as it should... He also said that Lexus transmission is really sensitive. If there is something wrong, it will throw a code.

At this point, I will keep an eye on it....... fingers crossed

 

Then you just need to get used to the new to you behaviors and noises from this vehicle. I think it is normal with a new vehicle, especially after driving another for a long time, to be hyper aware of all the different noises each makes. Although they are normal and in a few months you may not notice them, right now they are highly annoying. It is normal. It was wise to have the dealer confirm all is normal. Drive safe and enjoy your new vehicle.

 

Thanks all for the replies... Since the car is performing as it should, I will have to get used to it... might take some time since it's my wife's car. and I only drive it every once in a while or when it needs service...