Amisdia

Test drove a 2014 GS with 93k miles, talked down to $17k before dealer fees (not gonna buy it just yet though until I get it checked out, so the deal isn't final and I can back out whenever I want to). When I floored the car, it felt like there were 2 stops to the gas pedal, like there was a button underneath that got pressed when the pedal was 3/4 the way down. None of the other Gs's I drove had this feeling. Is this something to be worried about? I feel like I got a pretty good deal, and I might be able to talk the dealer down a little bit more as well, but I'm concerned about this gas pedal issue. Everything else on the car works flawlessly.

Longevite1

Is it happen only for the first time you floor it?

Amisdia

no, every time. Maybe the floor mat is stuck under the pedal or something?

Longevite1

Then something wrong with it, ask them to fix it first.

GSJ350

Totally normal as my 2015 has this same detent switch under the pedal. From what i understand, along with my own experience, is that when you floor it and fully depress the switch it really awakens the beast within. Depending at what RPM and MPH you're at, it will accelerate to its full capacity by downshifting to the lowest gear it can along with using all 12 injectors 100% (Port Injection and Direct injection). I very rarely ever go full throttle, but when i do she really shows the power of the toyota 3.5L engine. Its also a good practice every now and then to give your car the "Italian Tune-up" treatment. This means full throttle your car for 3-5 seconds to blow out any carbon buildup that might be accumulating on the inner runners of the intake manifold and on top of the intake valves... More of a problem in engines that dont have direct injection. Watch your rear view mirror and you will see black smoke (carbon buildup) bellowing out the exhaust, to which you will notice a smoother idle when at a stop as well. Sorry for the long post on such a short answer... But i feel like its something people should know and try if your noticing any kind of ruff idle or sluggish acceleration 👍🏻. Always run the highest octane you can if in a hotter climate, as in the winter time you can get away with lower octane fuel.

Amisdia

So does it feel like there's a "button" when you floor it? I didn't feel it on any other other 5-6 cars I tested, only this one.

bclexus

@Amisdia - Lexus GS 350 with 6-speed transmissions do not have the detent (kickdown) under the gas pedal. The GS 350 with 8-speed transmissions do have it.

There's nothing wrong with a GS 350 with 8-speed transmission that has a detent...

The detent has no direct control of the engine's fuel injectors, as that is controlled by the ECU.

Hope that helps explain it..

Amisdia

I see. I drove a 2015 right after and I didn't feel like it had it, but maybe I didn't press the pedal all the way down.

bclexus

Yeah, maybe you didn't press the pedal all the way down. Or, if the 2015 GS 350 was an AWD model it won't have it because all AWDs have 6-speed transmissions.

Amisdia

Nah they were all RWD's. I could have sworn I floored it in the 2015. Maybe it needed to go down even more lol

bclexus

A cold transmission not up to typical operating temperature will not shift like it will after reaching typical operating temperature. It will hold gears longer and may tend to hunt more often too, and might negate or disallow the kickdown switch operation.