Transmission Hesitation?

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Apr 5, 2011 | 01:01 PM

76210Guy

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Transmission Hesitation?

Lest I get called a n00b and chastised for not searching, this is my disclaimer:

I searched "transmission hesitation" and found a couple of things, one from one of the IS guys experiencing exactly what I am experiencing and Azkaty who had something different when the car was new and in the break in period.

My thing is I experience a delay when shifting from Reverse to Drive. Seconds? Probably one or two. Seems like forever, but I am sure it's not. There is just some delay and then it kicks in. No other hesitation to speak of outside the normal "step on it hard and let it take its time to GO" sort of thing.

I'm warrantied so I don't have a hesitation about taking it in for a look see. Because of my travel schedule for work it's really a scheduling issue.

Thoughts?

Apr 5, 2011 | 01:57 PM

cyberlexus

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This is not a solution, but I drove an SC with the same hesitation before. Does it only happen when the engine is cold?

Apr 5, 2011 | 02:27 PM

76210Guy

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Not really. Same thing when I run errands... back up, drop it in Drive and.. same thing.

Apr 5, 2011 | 02:31 PM

VIPNiSS

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I have a 2006 GS430 and my tranny does the same thing. Seems to be a delay when switching gears.

Apr 6, 2011 | 05:54 AM

PLAYTYM

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I'm hoping VVTiBob will give his two cents, but my bet would be a safety feature to allow time for the car to be at a full stop before engaging drive as that can be harsh on trannies and lots of us do it...

we back up, not fully stopped and drop it in drive and hit the gas...OUCH!

Apr 6, 2011 | 10:16 AM

VVTiBob

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Okay, here's my two cents worth.....I'd see if car is registering any trouble codes and then go from there. Transmission fault codes are P0700 to P0999. Could be all sorts of things from dirty/low transmission fluid, to solenoid issues, to hyper critical concerns (no offense intended).

Apr 6, 2011 | 01:39 PM

mandyfig

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The RX330 was well known for this hesitation. There was a TSB that involved re-flashing both the ECU and tranny. Had the TSB done before the warranty ended and I must say it has been better. Hesitation not totally gone but better. I also heard it takes 4 hours to do the re-programming.

I have not felt this hesitation on my SC though.

Apr 7, 2011 | 05:47 AM

PLAYTYM

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One thing I don't understand about a TSB is that it "should" be treated as a recall. My car is well out of warranty and something like this would be a concern for me and I'm sure a VERY expensive fix. Any other thoughts? Am I too late to get a warranty on my '02?

Apr 7, 2011 | 06:53 AM

#10

mandyfig

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Recalls are safety related, defined by the Government arm in agreement with the car makers.

TSB's however are published and are applicable when the owners complain about it (means repaired at no cost).

Key words: "If customer complains" as indicated in TSB's. The complaints are verified by the techs, whether applicable or not. Some dealers can be difficult (incompetent techs), hence sometimes you have to take it to another dealer.

Sorry for those who have Lexus dealers a few hundred miles from them. No choice.

Apr 7, 2011 | 07:07 AM

#11

PLAYTYM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mandyfig

Just so I understand this process completely. What you're saying is if I have any problems with my SC430 that has an accompanied TSB, if I bring it to a Lexus dealer and complain about the issue...it should be fixed for "FREE"?

Apr 7, 2011 | 07:57 AM

#12

VVTiBob

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IF they can replicate the problem or the manufacturer has been made aware of a non-safety or emission issue. Here a more thorough explanation: http://www.50stateslemonlaw.com/tsb.htm

Apr 7, 2011 | 08:23 AM

#13

PLAYTYM

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Thanks VVTiBob, but since my vehicle is out of warranty...it would appear I'm SOL!!!!

Apr 7, 2011 | 11:00 AM

#14

VVTiBob

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Maybe. The famous Lexus' "pursuit of perfection" concept sometimes flows to service too. Good will can go a long ways IF you have good relationship with a dealer.