90 Ls 400 Transmission Problems

bmhealy · December 15, 2004

Im new to this forum but have found it very helpful. To the point: 90 Lexus LS 400 148,000 miles. Having problem with the transmission (im assuming). Anytime I touch the brake it feels like im getting rear ended. Also sometimes when Im driving - the car will be stuck in a certain gear. I have to exit the freeway several times because of this. Most of the time it gets stuck in 1st or 2nd gear. Would appreciate any help - I have dropped a lot of money into this ride already and Im real frustrated. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

messerchmidt · December 21, 2004

Get the fluid and filter changed by someone who knows what they are doing.

Use the toyota ATF.

I don't know if Lucas products (www.lucasoil.com) are available in the UK, but thier Automatic transmission fix may resolve your problem. (what I use on old cars on this side of the pond)

3-4 days after getting the fluid changed follow the instructions and put in the Lucas. It should fix the problem.

check what the germans call the "u-joint" as well. ask your mechanic, he will explain better then I can, its part of the drive shaft. If those pads are worn, it can cause your problem.

Alain · January 3, 2005

Im new to this forum but have found it very helpful. To the point: 90 Lexus LS 400 148,000 miles. Having problem with the transmission (im assuming). Anytime I touch the brake it feels like im getting rear ended. Also sometimes when Im driving - the car will be stuck in a certain gear. I have to exit the freeway several times because of this. Most of the time it gets stuck in 1st or 2nd gear. Would appreciate any help - I have dropped a lot of money into this ride already and Im real frustrated. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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I would first have the trans serviced. This means filter changed and complete fluid flush not just a pure change. Someone may have put in the wrong fluid. In that case a sort of sludge builds up and blocks the tiny passageways in the box. And the auto box solely relies on adequate oil pressure everywhere. So if you are lucky this flush will remedy the problem. I must also advise NOT to use any additive. The Lexus box is very elaborated and doesn't like this. You can't compare it with Ford or Chevy boxes on which this stuff works wonders.

Just use the genuine fluid and see if it works. This is the cheapest REAL solution.

Hope this helps.

bmhealy · January 11, 2005

Took it to a mechanic and he checked out the transmission and said it is fine. He feels as if it might be an electrical problem and advised to take it to a specialist. Says its an easy job but labor sensitive for it might take a long time to find the wire.

Im new to this forum but have found it very helpful. To the point: 90 Lexus LS 400 148,000 miles. Having problem with the transmission (im assuming). Anytime I touch the brake it feels like im getting rear ended. Also sometimes when Im driving - the car will be stuck in a certain gear. I have to exit the freeway several times because of this. Most of the time it gets stuck in 1st or 2nd gear. Would appreciate any help - I have dropped a lot of money into this ride already and Im real frustrated. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

←

I would first have the trans serviced. This means filter changed and complete fluid flush not just a pure change. Someone may have put in the wrong fluid. In that case a sort of sludge builds up and blocks the tiny passageways in the box. And the auto box solely relies on adequate oil pressure everywhere. So if you are lucky this flush will remedy the problem. I must also advise NOT to use any additive. The Lexus box is very elaborated and doesn't like this. You can't compare it with Ford or Chevy boxes on which this stuff works wonders.

Just use the genuine fluid and see if it works. This is the cheapest REAL solution.

Hope this helps.

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