The 2 things that I've recently done to my '04 LS430 made such a huge difference in the car's drivability. I can't remark enough as to how much difference it made.

I was almost thinking about dumping the LS due to how clunky the trans was shifting.


1. Had the dealer do the transmission service. $170 for the fluid change.
2. I Conditioned all rubber seals/weather stripping with Honda's Shin Etsu grease.

When I got the car from my sister recently, the trans was a little rough on transition from Reverse to Drive and at low speed during turns. I had the dealer perform the TSB update. It helped a little.
Having the fluid changed made all the difference though.

The door seals were squeaking (rubber on metal) when I would go over rough road, etc. The Shin Etsu grease has this thing as quiet as a coffin now.

Just my opinion...

 

Is this the power trans flush? My tranny shifts hard sometimes too. I had a drain and fill done on my 06 but it didn't help.

 

I'm not sure if it was the power flush or drain and fill. Lexus dealer just called it Transmission service.

 

How may miles on the car? This helps provide supplemental info on the tranny fluid additive package longevity. I hope you'll chime in with this in the WS tranny thread.

 

I got this car from my sister with 143,000 miles. I know she never had the trans service performed.

I had the service done at 150,000 miles. The first service advisor at Lexus didn't recommend getting it done. WTF?

The service advisor that I now use made no mention of "not doing it on a car w/ that kind of miles/age".

 

Thanks for the post. This is a good tip. I didn't notice the squeaks until I after I read this and it's bugging me. The honda etsu grease is $20 on amazon but I found a cheaper alternative for $9 online.

 

I did try the Gummi Pfledge liquid. It didn't work nearly as well as Shin Etsu grease.

I did find a good use for Gummi around the windows when you roll the glass down. It won't leave a greasy residue if you let it dry.

 

What TSB Update are you referring to?

 

Just make sure you have the latest software update.

 

I think the dealer called it :

TC006-04 / shift pattern update

 

I have a new tube of shin etsu grease for 15 shipped in the general classifieds. I ordered two thinking I would run out but A little goes a long way. A tube can do 2-3 cars

 

I'd like to buy it from you for $15. Let me know how you want to proceed.

 

Best place I have found to buy Shin Etzu is your local Honda dealer. I think it is about 12 to 13 dollars. They may have to order it, it only takes a few days. I usually call first, they order it and I pick it up a few days later. Same tube at BMW dealer is $45 (according to my friend).

 

tried shin etzu and it made no difference.

 

You only need to apply it to the outer seal on the doors and only on the top edge where it connects wit the top of the door frame... this is where the sqeeking eminates from.. try it again!