I'm new to the LS400 forum from the SC forum. I'm looking at buying a 95 LS400, very good condition, all around, 160k on it, reverse does not work according to the owner. It's at $1800 but I negotiate him down.

These transmission are bulletproof internally and wouldn't fail at 160k unless highly abused, so my question is, could this be the trunk wiring "frayed wire" issue? I dont know the exact details since the car is a state away.

I do not think the bulletproof LS tranny would fail that soon, (reverse sungear, reverse band ect)

Input is appreciated!

 

I would budget for up to a trans swap, the trunk hinge issue was more of an issue in '89-94 first gen cars.

 

Even with 160k? I find that hard to believe on a lexus with 160k, but I guess it's possible...

 

if the tranny was never serviced its possible

 

If it hasn't been maintained you know the drill: drain fluid, change solenoids and clean screen. Have they relayed how it shifts in the forward gears? May get lucky but with the car a state away, that's a gamble so make wallet allowances. This probably isn't the only issue that awaits you.

 

I think you need a practical idea to judge. I would check the voltage of the pin14, connector B of the ECU indicated by a red circle at below. If it's high (around 12V) when you shift to R and low (less than 1.5V) when shifted to P, N or Ds, you can judge that the ECU drives the AT properly. This simply means that the AT has a problem. If the voltage is not properly obtained, it means that ECU or the upper stream has a problem.

 

Thanks for the input. I guess expect the worse with these kind of things. Could need an entire tranny overhaul, or an ECU rebuild. (never heard of an ECU taking out reverse...?)

here are some pics of the LS.





So I guess I keep looking...? Last vehicle with tranny issues that I got ended up being over a year struggle.

 

I don't know if it's just the angle of the pics, but the panels (doors vs rear quarter and front fender) don't seem to color match too well. This car seems accidented based on the pics. Have you done a carfax?

Renato.

 

Yeah I saw that as well. I passed on that vehicle. Too much money for too little car. Or rather too busted up car.

Thanks guys!