ms1

has anyone had to replace the torque converter

garsarno

Deal with the Lexus dealer. The independent transmission places might be able to repair it but with no warranty.

Elex

If you are talking about the shudder around 35-40 mph I have the same thing. It happens frequently (but somewhat intermittently) when driving around that speed (like following in traffic that is sort of coasting along).

I've found a TSB that says this is a torque converter problem and has something to do with the "flex lock up" component. I have been unsuccessful in getting either of 2 dealers to do anything about this. They both say it is normal and that every electronically controlled transmission does this.

To me it feels like a transmission about to fail....

garsarno

'99 Town Car - less than 1,000 miles when new - same characteristics - new torque converter under warranty.
'07 Impala SS - 32,000 miles - same characteristics - new transmission (actually GM rebuilt) under warranty. Transmission gave up within 100 miles of when the shutter started up.
'07 ES350 - about 1000 miles into new - transmission replaced under warranty because of shifting problems. Took delivery 10/06 - new transmission end of 12/06.
'98 Lumina LTZ - sold to friend with 120,000 miles in 2003 - still going in 2010 with 160,000 miles - just fluid / filter changes.