Do I have a Transmission problem????

[OutlawTitan]

I recently purchased a 1999 GS400 with 62K miles. I don't know anything about the maintenance history (except what the Lexus dealer can pull on their computer) so I decided to drain and fill (2 quarts each time and I did it 3 times) the transmission fluid. I used the recommended Lexus transmission fluid.

Before the transmission warms up it seems to hesitate before engaging from the stop position. After it warms up it is not a problem. Shifting between gears is buttery smooth even when the transmission is still cold.

Is this a problem? What do you recommend?

 

[bfg9k]

Bring it to a reputable transmission shop and have them check it out. It'll run you $75 or so.

 

[unDummy]

I recommend electronic solenoid replacement, VB cleaning, and the filter. Temp and speed sensors for the entire drivetrain need to be tested.

What is the fluid requirement? Which fluid did you use?

 

[Tones]

This may be a dumb question, but 2 quarts seems low for a drain and fill. Have you checked the level to ensure that there is enough in there? My Toyota manual says something like 2 quarts, but it is actually 4 quarts.

 

[OutlawTitan]

When you drain the tranny it only drains 2 qts at a time.....that is why I did it 3 times. I believe it holds 6+ qts so I have only effectively changed around 1/2 of the old fluid. I used the recommended fluid from the owner's manual but I don't know the "Toytota name" offhand.

 

[unDummy]

You did drive 20 minutes or so between those drain/refills, right?

Clean/check the grounds and electrical connections.

And, is the problem at every 'stop' or only when shifting into D or R from P?

 

[OutlawTitan]

I drove at least 50 miles between each drain and refill. The problem only occurs after the car has been sitting for a few hours and the transmission is not at operating temperature. Then it is only from a stop position into drive. All other shifts are smooth even when transmission is not warmed up to operating temperature. Once the transmission is warmed up there is no hesitation even from a stopped position.

I feel like I am repeating myself in each post. I am only having a problem from the stop position when the transmission is not warmed up. All other shifts (hot or cold) are smooth. My gut tells me that if this is not corrected it will get worse.

 

[unDummy]

Repeat yourself again, since you're confusing.
The 1st post mentions "engaging from the stop position".
The other post mention "stop position into drive"?
What does that mean?

I tried to clarify it for you so I'll repeat myself in a different way:

1. Is it problem only occuring at "stop signs & redlights" when cold while already IN drive?
or
2. Is it a problem when shifting INTO drive(from Park or Reverse) while in the driveway during the 1st start of the day or parking lot at work after sitting 8 hours?

 

[widman]

I would use a good transmission conditioner for at least 500 miles before going to a shop. There could be a sensor or solenoid that will clean up with the conditioner.

 

[OutlawTitan]

unDummy .... sorry about the confusion. The "hesitation" occurs when the transmission is still cold, the car is sitting still, and I then accelerate. If I am going 0 MPH and then conservatively accelerate - it hestitates briefly before engaging. The transmission engages when I shift into drive from a parked position but hesitates when I accelerate. After the transmission gets to operating temperature it is not a problem.

 

[doitmyself]

Outlaw,

do you have an Autozone or other place in town that will do a free electronic diagnostic check for you? My son's escort showed a bad tranny speed sensor with this test.

 

[OutlawTitan]

Just to follow up on this I checked a Lexus website and many GS400 owners assured me (as did the local dealership) that the GS400 transmission was made to not shift out of the lower gears until the transmission gets near operating temperature. It sure made me feel better getting some confirmation on what I suspected all along. By the way ...... this is one fine automotive machine - a real beast.

 

[dkcase]

quote:

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Originally posted by OutlawTitan:
... many GS400 owners assured me (as did the local dealership) that the GS400 transmission was made to not shift out of the lower gears until the transmission gets near operating temperature. ....

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? ? Now I am confused. That sure doesn't sound right.
I didn't notice where you are. What do these owners experience in Montana, the Dakotas, cold regions ?

 

[Ray H]

quote:

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Originally posted by OutlawTitan:
...I checked a Lexus website and many GS400 owners assured me (as did the local dealership) that the GS400 transmission was made to not shift out of the lower gears until the transmission gets near operating temperature...

---

That information refers to the first few 2-3 and 3-4 upshifts. Most automatics these days are programmed to delay going into direct and overdrive until the catalytic converter(s) have had a chance to come up to operating temperature as a means to minimize cold operating temperature rich fuel-mixture exhaust pollution. If you're having a delay engaging "Drive" from "Park" or "Neutral", or hesitation moving off from a dead stop in "Drive" when cold, you may have some internal pressure anomalies or problems with the valve body.

 

[Gary Allan]

I don't hear a trans problem in your description. When in Drive ..standing ..you give it gas ..you move ..or you do not .. and the engine races ..and it's called a "flare" or runaway. If this does not occur ..then you do not have a pressure problem. If it shifts fromn 1-2 and 2-3 and so on ..then you don't have a trans problem.

You probably have a design feature that you're not aware of. A kid bought a Lexus (I dunno what year) and he complained that he couldn't beat it. No matter how hard he stomped the pedal ..it was in economy mode. He then figured out the couple of buttons that he had to push to get the thing to scream.


In short, you do not describe any "disconnection" between the engine and the trans. If this is the case ..then there is no way to differentiate an engine hestiation/delay/symptom/feature from what you interpret as a trans ailment.