Scraape

Hello, I recently bought a 01 gs430 with 220k on it. Drove it 1500+ miles and on my way back home the transmission really started giving me issues (getting it towed).

The transmission slips when starting from a stop and it gets progressively worse and worse to where it does not engage at all and the engine just revs with no response.

At one point I got a speed sensor code as well as a shift solenoid e code (I think it was) . I cleared these codes and they have not come back, but my problem still persists.

***if I unplug the battery and plug it back in my car will start to move again and shift normally for a short time before going back to slipping all over again.

Cruise control still works and speedo & tach working fine too ***

Scraape

i'll also add that the previous owner added "import" atf from oreilys when the transmission was replaced , would this be my problem?

i just ordered 12 quarts of toyota type iv atf

Jewcano

iTrader: (4)

Pics of said car? I'm curious if its my old car. I used to have a GS430, and at times I felt it would also not engage 'right away'. Never had the issue that bad as you point out though. Hope you get it worked out.

Scraape

i guess it's possible, since there are clublexus stickers on the rear side windows, former New York vehicle, bought it from a guy in Port Saint Lucie (possibly your friend?).

He claims he already replaced the transmission with a low mileage unit. I believe him and want to believe him, but the transmission only lasted 1500 miles of driving before it started slipping badly. I guess a solenoid or sensor would make the most sense here. Reason he replaced the transmission was because of a bad solenoid (seems excessive but oh well).

Pic below:

Jewcano

iTrader: (4)

Nah not the same ride.....I did have CL stickers on the rear C pillar windows, but mine also had a spoiler and different rims, and didn't have those window things.
GL on getting that repaired though. I kinda miss mine

BiGEZ

iTrader: (24)

I got a deal on my 01GS430 because the trans had an issue with it not going into gear from a cold start, however, once warmed up the car ran great. I got no CEL codes whatsoever. Changed out the solenoids, replaced fluids and filter with no improvements. Got tired of it and replaced the trans with a low mileage unit. Car runs great now. Turned out my issue was a bad torque converter.
There is a thread on here where the trans issue was related to a bad battery/charging system.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...n-problem.html

Sound like your issue is a bad trans, change the fluids and see if there is any improvements.

eicca

Try swapping in a good battery first. For reasons nobody can explain, a bad battery can really mess up these transmissions even if the rest of the charging system is totally fine.

Its easy and a lot cheaper than a transmission so start there.

Scraape

that's actually the first thing i did, purchased a new battery. I also have heard of the MAF sensor giving people issues so i am thinking of cleaning it. I just have a gut feeling my transmission isn't actually bad but who knows.

eicca

Two transmissions having identical issues is a bit of a stretch. The fact that it works properly for a short time after resetting the computer also suggests the internals are fine.

A replacement MAF on eBay can be found for $25. I’d try that instead of cleaning. The transmission does use MAF data to calculate shifts, so it’s possibly a culprit.

Also check for bad grounds or bad connections at the transmission or ECU.

Scraape

will do, thanks for the advice. I am hoping the internals are fine as well.

Get this:
the independent lexus specialist (Eric's Wrench) i have my car at won't install the solenoids I have purchased directly from the lexus dealer (Lexus of Kendall) .
I paid $237.51 for 35280-30040, and they're trying to charge me $409.71 for the same part.

Needless to say, this is how you lose a loyal customer. They have to stick with their company policy I understand, but the least they could do is try to match the price I got from the dealer.

I will either drop the pan myself or bring it to another mechanic that will install it no questions asked

kevin3344

Were you on the freeway when you started having problems? It may be related to your fuel pump. This happened to me a couple years ago. I thought for sure it was my transmission but it turned out to be low fuel pressure. Just a thought.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...0715-code.html

Scraape

Yes I was on the freeway when this happened, but the car never stalled out, the transmission just stopped engaging and was slipping. Car was running just fine

kevin3344

Oh ok, it's an odd problem. These transmissions are usually pretty bullet proof so it could be a ground somewhere. As previously mentioned it's highly unlikely you'd have the same problem twice.

My issue felt transmission related (and even threw a transmission code) so thought I would mention it. That and I was right at 218,000 miles when it happened...which is about your mileage. If you can ask the previous owner see if they've ever had the fuel pump replaced. Can't hurt to rule it out.

Scraape

getting my car back tomorrow hopefully. Might have to drop the pan myself and do the solenoids and reseal the pan. Luckily i have a backup transmission just in case.

The lexus specialist i have my car at won't install the new OEM solenoids i've purchased and are trying to charge me double the price for the same exact part. Not gonna happen.

I will say they found my transmission cooler lines were messed up. Not leaking but they were ghetto rigged (maybe due to a previous unreported accident) and running very close to the exhaust, which would do the opposite of cooling.

I'm now thinking maybe my transmission was overheating and went into limp mode when it was giving me issues.

Hopefully i will get all this sorted. Still not convinced my transmission is bad. Not a fan of the dealer mentality of replacing before repairing

Scraape

Well, stranded again on the highway! I made it 600 miles and then transmission started slipping and revving too high so I pulled to the side of the road and got a tow.

Looks like ill be dropping the pan to see how the strainer is looking.

The symptoms make me suspect fluid starvation.

I have a new MAF on the way.

Any other ideas ? These transmissions are pretty strong so I'm always skeptical about the trans actually being bad. I could agree with it being a worn torque converter though