2001 Lexus LS430 Transmission Slipping
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: texas
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 Lexus LS430 Transmission Slipping
twice in the last few weeks, i have backed the car out of the garage in reverse, then put in drive. the car would not move, but the engine revved up like the car was in neutural. after waiting several minutes the first time it took off ok. the second time the car started to move but at a much higher rpm than normal. reverse worked just fine. i tried maually shifting to 1,2,3,4 d, it made no difference.
has this happened to anyone else? if so any suggestions. the car has 54000 miles and the transmission has never been serviced, but the maintenance schedule doesn't call for changing transmission fluid. thank you.
has this happened to anyone else? if so any suggestions. the car has 54000 miles and the transmission has never been serviced, but the maintenance schedule doesn't call for changing transmission fluid. thank you.
#2
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I know there's a slight hesitation between the main gears P, R, Drive. Usually it goes into somewhat of a neutral state (rpms rise like 100rpms) then shifts into the new gear. However, I have an 04 with a 6speed transmission. Have you checked your transmission fluid level just for the heck of it?
#3
The manual may not call for "maintenance" on the transmission, but the 2001 does not have the sealed 'world standard' lifetime fluid, so you will have to change the fluid at some point. Given the low miles, but high years (eight) I would say a drain and fill (or flush and fill) might help out.
There should not be a "slipping" or lenghty hesitation to any transmission...
There should not be a "slipping" or lenghty hesitation to any transmission...
#5
Sealed...
Then it would not be called "sealed"...
But I understand what you're saying. Even sealed, how would we know if it's low, or actually has fluid in there? I believe there is a warning message for transmission fluid on the display, so no worries there. Just gotta trust the sensor is not bad.
#6
I also have an 01 but with around 124,000 miles and have never had any sort of slipping problem. To my knowledge, the transmission fluid had never been changed until this past weekend when I drained and filled it up. IMO, it is much safer to drain and fill a few times instead of flushing.
Trending Topics
#9
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NV
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have had a 90/94/98 LS400 99 SC400 and 2001 LS430. I have always done a fluid exchanges every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. 54,000 miles and 8 years on Transmission Fluid? I am amazed you even got out of your driveway!
GRAND LS4: I WANT TO BUY YOUR GS OK!?!?!?!
I am not a transmission specialist but I am a service freak on my cars because I have a few friends who are mechanics. Whatever you do... do NOT do a flush. I know if the system is old and dirty (like 8 years and 54K) they can make things worse.
I would contact the dealer as well as contact several knowledgeable transmissions shops for their opinion.
I also do NOT agree with the whole lifetime fluid thing which is total BS but I won't take time here to explain (ie I have a Honda Ridgeline Truck and they say "Oh, you don't need to change your coolant until 50,000 miles".... yeah, I DON"T Think so. My buddy pulls these engines apart and shows me what's going on... Go ahead and change it... I know it's only got 1 year and 15,000 miles... I'll pay the $69.
GRAND LS4: I WANT TO BUY YOUR GS OK!?!?!?!
I am not a transmission specialist but I am a service freak on my cars because I have a few friends who are mechanics. Whatever you do... do NOT do a flush. I know if the system is old and dirty (like 8 years and 54K) they can make things worse.
I would contact the dealer as well as contact several knowledgeable transmissions shops for their opinion.
I also do NOT agree with the whole lifetime fluid thing which is total BS but I won't take time here to explain (ie I have a Honda Ridgeline Truck and they say "Oh, you don't need to change your coolant until 50,000 miles".... yeah, I DON"T Think so. My buddy pulls these engines apart and shows me what's going on... Go ahead and change it... I know it's only got 1 year and 15,000 miles... I'll pay the $69.
#10
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: texas
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LS 430 transmission slipping
thanks everyone. the trans fluid level was full and the fluid looked very clean. upon recommendation of the dealer, i had transmission flush $250. they also found the battery not passing full load test (no signs of this), and replaced it for a prorated amount. don't know if the 2 problems could somehow be related (transmission electronic controls??). have not had problem again yet, but it was intermitent. thanks for all the great advice.
#11
My 05' has a noticable lag between shifting from Reverse/backing up/then into drive. A good full second and a half. Considerably longer than anything i've ever driven before. Made me worried so I asked a tech to drive it. He said it was normal.
I am curious to drive another LS and see how it feels when shifting.
I am curious to drive another LS and see how it feels when shifting.
#12
Lexus Champion
I have seen other cars have shifting problems when the shift linkage (cable and or links) is out of alignment, bent, corroded, ect. Additionally a sensor such as the neutral switch is hanging it could delay engagement.
A sharp technician should be able to confirm and or rule out this sort of problem.
A sharp technician should be able to confirm and or rule out this sort of problem.
#13
LS430 Transmission slipping when put in drive
twice in the last few weeks, i have backed the car out of the garage in reverse, then put in drive. the car would not move, but the engine revved up like the car was in neutural. after waiting several minutes the first time it took off ok. the second time the car started to move but at a much higher rpm than normal. reverse worked just fine. i tried maually shifting to 1,2,3,4 d, it made no difference.
has this happened to anyone else? if so any suggestions. the car has 54000 miles and the transmission has never been serviced, but the maintenance schedule doesn't call for changing transmission fluid. thank you.
has this happened to anyone else? if so any suggestions. the car has 54000 miles and the transmission has never been serviced, but the maintenance schedule doesn't call for changing transmission fluid. thank you.
What was the resolution for you? Thanks!
#14
I also have an 01 but with around 124,000 miles and have never had any sort of slipping problem. To my knowledge, the transmission fluid had never been changed until this past weekend when I drained and filled it up. IMO, it is much safer to drain and fill a few times instead of flushing.
#15
Pole Position
The prefacelift transmission (the A650E) is a robust piece of kit. Usually you'll get some slippage and shift flaring if its gotten too hot, and it'll let you know when it does. Old or worn fluid will do expected and also bizarre things to a transmission, much like the slipping issues you have been having. Also agree with the power flushing, if there's any crusty schmoo in the transmission valve body and torque converter, flushing it will knock it loose and can cause it to get stuck in the valves, clutches and converter vanes, basically anywhere with clearances that'll stop something from moving or sealing.