Lexus 2000 LS400- Slow shifting Transmission when cold
#1
8th Gear
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Slow shifting Transmission when cold. Transmission has new fluid and filter. Could this be the Selonoid pack?
#2
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New fluid is somewhat meaningless if you didn't use T-IV or if the level is not correct.
If the issue only presents when cold the fluid level may be low.
#3
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Or are you trying to describe slow/delayed engagement when shifting from P to R or D?
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BNastee (01-10-24)
#4
8th Gear
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I used Toyota Transmission oil , I believe that the shifting maybe quite normal as it shifts from I st to second when cold but once warmed uo shifts easy to second . More of a delay than a problem than a major issue .
Thanks
Thanks
#5
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Generally, PCMs are programmed to hold lower gears a bit longer after a cold soak to get the engine revs high for a bit. This helps the engine get to operating temps quicker, meaning better emissions quicker. My 2nd gen Avalon does the same thing with it's 4 speed.
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BNastee (01-10-24)
#6
Lexus Test Driver
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did it always behave like this or is it suddenly different after the fluid change? it's totally normal to shift slow when cold, and it'll hold 2nd gear until about 2500 rpm when the coolant is still below 100°F but only on the first run through the gears
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BNastee (01-10-24)
#9
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'99, same ****. Annoys the heck out of me.
What also annoys the crap out of me is the stupid quick shifting. Not a big deal, until you're in traffic. And when you slow down to a 2nd / 3rd gear speed, it decides to trow it back to first to begin with and then go back to 3rd while you haven't even increased speed from that point.
Lately I shift manually when I'm in a traffic jam![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
What also annoys the crap out of me is the stupid quick shifting. Not a big deal, until you're in traffic. And when you slow down to a 2nd / 3rd gear speed, it decides to trow it back to first to begin with and then go back to 3rd while you haven't even increased speed from that point.
Lately I shift manually when I'm in a traffic jam
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
#10
Lexus Test Driver
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'99, same ****. Annoys the heck out of me.
What also annoys the crap out of me is the stupid quick shifting. Not a big deal, until you're in traffic. And when you slow down to a 2nd / 3rd gear speed, it decides to trow it back to first to begin with and then go back to 3rd while you haven't even increased speed from that point.
Lately I shift manually when I'm in a traffic jam![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
What also annoys the crap out of me is the stupid quick shifting. Not a big deal, until you're in traffic. And when you slow down to a 2nd / 3rd gear speed, it decides to trow it back to first to begin with and then go back to 3rd while you haven't even increased speed from that point.
Lately I shift manually when I'm in a traffic jam
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
the key to minimizing that traffic jerkiness it to be veryyyyyy gentle on the gas until you can feel the "slack" taken out of the drivetrain and you've got some momentum going
#11
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'99, same ****. Annoys the heck out of me.
What also annoys the crap out of me is the stupid quick shifting. Not a big deal, until you're in traffic. And when you slow down to a 2nd / 3rd gear speed, it decides to trow it back to first to begin with and then go back to 3rd while you haven't even increased speed from that point.
Lately I shift manually when I'm in a traffic jam![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
What also annoys the crap out of me is the stupid quick shifting. Not a big deal, until you're in traffic. And when you slow down to a 2nd / 3rd gear speed, it decides to trow it back to first to begin with and then go back to 3rd while you haven't even increased speed from that point.
Lately I shift manually when I'm in a traffic jam
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
The symptoms:
In situations where the car downshifts into first gear as you're decelerating (generally to 5mph or so), the moment you get back onto the throttle the engine surges and the car will jerk forward unless you are extremely careful on the throttle. I've always told friends "you have to get used to it" as anyone who drove my car would always make the car do this.
In situations where the car downshifts into first gear as you're decelerating (generally to 5mph or so), the moment you get back onto the throttle the engine surges and the car will jerk forward unless you are extremely careful on the throttle. I've always told friends "you have to get used to it" as anyone who drove my car would always make the car do this.
#12
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The smoothness of the shifts is improved, but it doesn't stop the car from the car shifting into 1st gear unnecessarily. In my opinion, the car should stay in second instead of downshifting to first under these very light throttle applications where you don't come to a complete stop.
I actually find myself engaging the SNOW traction control setting during these low-speed situations. The shift logic programming in this mode is much more adept for the 0-15mph stop & go traffic, as the transmission will not shift into first unnecessarily.
I actually find myself engaging the SNOW traction control setting during these low-speed situations. The shift logic programming in this mode is much more adept for the 0-15mph stop & go traffic, as the transmission will not shift into first unnecessarily.
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BNastee (01-10-24)
#13
Racer
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The very first 2-3 shift of the day mine also shifts around 2700RPM and then its fine. I think its a quirk that these A650E transmissions exhibit in the 98-00s. Maybe something programmed into the shift logic to get the fluid flowing from a cold start, idk. But it will seemingly hold at 2500rpm until you reach that 2700RPM threshold then it'll shift fine. I played around with it for a block one time by not going over that engine speed and sure enough it didn't shift until I crossed that point.
But if you have jerkiness, clean the airmix paths in the throttle body, that helps with part throttle air flow and smooths out the low speed, in-traffic shifting. That or your mounts are worn out and causing excess slop in the driveline. Replace with OEM they're under $300 for all three (2 hydraulic engine mounts, and 1 transmission mount) Your car's NVH and smoothness will be restored like brand new again.
But if you have jerkiness, clean the airmix paths in the throttle body, that helps with part throttle air flow and smooths out the low speed, in-traffic shifting. That or your mounts are worn out and causing excess slop in the driveline. Replace with OEM they're under $300 for all three (2 hydraulic engine mounts, and 1 transmission mount) Your car's NVH and smoothness will be restored like brand new again.
#14
Lexus Test Driver
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The very first 2-3 shift of the day mine also shifts around 2700RPM and then its fine. I think its a quirk that these A650E transmissions exhibit in the 98-00s. Maybe something programmed into the shift logic to get the fluid flowing from a cold start, idk. But it will seemingly hold at 2500rpm until you reach that 2700RPM threshold then it'll shift fine. I played around with it for a block one time by not going over that engine speed and sure enough it didn't shift until I crossed that point.
also even if the coolant is still below the minimum temperature it won't hold 2nd in the same way if it's already done a 2nd to 3rd shift, and it won't again until the next cold start... it's only the first 2nd to 3rd shift of any given drive that it does this
#15
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Ye to me it also feels like it's programmed in. The same as that it holds gear above +/- 60 (100kph), but it releases the clutches below 60 so the engine goes to neutral.
Can't say its jerky, perhaps when cold but that's not weird tbh.
I wonder if anyone ever reprogrammed the TCU
Can't say its jerky, perhaps when cold but that's not weird tbh.
I wonder if anyone ever reprogrammed the TCU