gebo

OK, I've had my '98 since '01. Best Car I have ever had! One issue I have always dealt with is this. When I start out from a complete stop, I mash the accelerator and not matter how I try, it will jerk the car. It seem I can't depress the pedal gently enough to get a smooth takeoff. My Daughter's IS300-no problem. My Wife's GS300-no problem. My LX470-no problem. My LS400 will jerk your neck it's is so bad. Any ideas?

curepunx

iTrader: (3)

Two things come to mind.

-Check/replace the Transmission Mount (DIY available - fairly easy)
-Do a transmission fluid flush (DIY available also - easy too)

Cheers

gebo

Have done both your suggestions . IT's something in the linkage from the accelerator to the throttle body.

curepunx

iTrader: (3)

May not be 100% relevant but...check the engine mounts?

If anything, I'd get a diagnostic done by a qualified indie shop...

gebo

I can feel my accelerator jump as I mash it.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

its common a bit on some cars as the 98-00 had drive-by-wire, it just takes a good bit of adjustment in your driving style.

might have been a TSB/ECU reflash for it but i cant recall.

what does your car idle at?

Lanson

Drive-by-wire vehicles are also EXTREMELY sensitive to throttle body dirt buildup. This isn't a Lexus-specific solution. Almost every vehicle I've ever studied and assisted repair in that has an electronic throttle body has been solved due to a dirty throttle body, cleaned with a mild cleaner and some rag work.

Toshima

My 98 is the same way. Barely push it down and it jumps. I just though it was because of all the raw hp it put down

gebo

That's exactly it!!! Doesn't anyone say anything to you about it?

haulin79

As an experiment, put the transmission in SNOW mode. Does it still jerk?

My 99 take off is ultra smooth if I put it in SNOW mode. Otherwise, the take off is normal.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

might be because the throttle is opening less per a corresponding amount of pedal movement, plus iirc you start off in 2nd instead of 1st.

TMaxxTim

My 99 does it too. I just attributed it to the fact that these were the first cars, first model year sets introduced with the drive-by-wire system.

Its almost more of a delay it seems to me than strictly a jerking motion, so you instinctively hit the gas a little more when you don't feel something at first, and off it jumps!

gebo

So you have just lived with it as well? I only get embarrassed when I go out with another couple and have to stop and start...I have found if I run late, I can put it off on me being in a hurry..

tromly

+1 haulin, great advice, most owners will never use the snow mode