2Lexus430s

Does anyone esle have problems with downshifting in the Auto tranny of these cars? I don't think its a problem because my 96' SC400 and my 99' SC300 do the same thing. They both shift very hard from 2nd to 1st gear upon decel. It doesn't do it all the time but enough to prompt the qeustion.

Also, I have read the T/C issue that some people are having where the car shutters or hesitates around 40-50mph.

My 96' SC400 did it quite bad, I replaced everything to do with the drive system and it never went away. (T/C, Tranny, Driveshaft and C/Bearing)

My 99' SC300 with only 32,000 miles and every service done (Tranny fluild service logged at 10,000 and 25,000 miles by Hendrick Lexus). and it does the same thing, just not as bad, and not all the time. I really doubt that the T/C is going out.

I'm starting to think that this might be normal, just most people don't complain about it.

Phoenix88

I had some trouble with my car, it sort of having a ... maybe misfiring at 1200rpm, also I didn't tell my service advisor, but when you slow from 30-10 and accelerate it jerks a bit, I don't know if this is the same problem you are having. But anyways the fixer upper person that does my car took it for a test drive... maybe he might have some insite. Let me know if this is a simular problem. I don't quite understand what you are saying. I will post what the Service Advisor tells me tomorrow.

LEXO-400

the downshifting problem i dont have, however the little shudder is your trac kicking in its completely normal. Did you try turning it off?

undefeatedsc3

Can't say that I've ever had either problem...
I take it youve asked the dealer about it by now?? What did they tell you?

jimmit

Does this only happen with the AC on or all the time. When I have the AC on in my car and I'm coming to a stop from like 30 to 40MPH and I notice I have to press the brakes much harder than without the AC. It feels like the car isnt downshifting early enough. By the time I get to like 10 or 15MPH the car finally downshifts and you can feel it jerk a bit. Is this the kind of problem you are talking about?

rushgator

I've read on here before that the shudder that occurs around 40 mph is the torque converter. It is normal and nothing to worry about. A fluid change may help, although I don't know this first hand, since I have not yet done it. Thats is still on my "Lexus to do" list.

Fred Smith

I have heard Toyota auto trannies are renowned for only liking genuine Toyota fluid... and a lot of places, even dealers, use other stuff. The main complaint is "it shudders or clunks". If you suspect something else has been used, I would get it flushed with genuine fluid, before you go replacing anything. Oh, and shouldn't this be in the Engine/Transmission section? Perhaps pcmw can oblige us with a move.