Flashing O/d Warning Light- Transmission - Timing Belt.

[Harold]

I have found that after using the over drive function OFF that I was getting the O/D off warning light flashing. When switching the O/D back on the car would not change up to 4th gear nor was I able to use the manual select to try and override this. "M" light would also flash.

I was therefore left with only 3 gears. If I left the vehicle for a while it appeared to return back to normal and I did not "touch" the O/D switch.The ATF fluid looked clean so have taken it to Lexus, unfortunately as I had disconnected the Battery over the weekend no fault codes could be downloaded. The explanation they gave is that the transmission oil was possibly getting overheated and although the ATF was relative clean and at the right level possibly when it was changed in the past nothing was flushed and there is build up of swarf etc. in the system etc causing this. I have extensively read both the UK and US forums on transmission problems so have opted to go for them to replace the ATF as well as dropping the pan and cleaning out the sieve/mesh etc.Think this will be a wise premptive move and will have the timing belt changed at the same time although the car has only done 56k miles.Have also noticed the luching & hestitation problems on the auto which will have to learn to live with.

I had my last 4x4 a Mercedes G 280 LWB 88 reg for the last 15 years with no problems as regards auto box etc. it only needed regular servicing with new exhausts and brake discs and the odd coil spring but drove like a truck but was totally reliable.

The M class was not in the same league and owning a GS300 I thought I would stay Japanese.

All in the work is scheduled to cost between £650& 700 at Lexus but it will give peace of mind but I suppose at a price.

[chips229]

Hi Harold,

Sorry to hear of the gearbox problems.

I was going to say to take the Battery lead off so to reset everything,if the gearbox fault was not there before you switched the OD button off then it might be worth check for a faulty OD switch first before stripping the gearbox down what with the dealers labour costs.

Good Luck with fixing it.

Chips.

[Harold]

Hi Harold,

Sorry to hear of the gearbox problems.

I was going to say to take the battery lead off so to reset everything,if the gearbox fault was not there before you switched the OD button off then it might be worth check for a faulty OD switch first before stripping the gearbox down what with the dealers labour costs.

Good Luck with fixing it.

Chips.

[Harold]

Hi Harold,

Sorry to hear of the gearbox problems.

I was going to say to take the battery lead off so to reset everything,if the gearbox fault was not there before you switched the OD button off then it might be worth check for a faulty OD switch first before stripping the gearbox down what with the dealers labour costs.

Good Luck with fixing it.

Chips.

Chips: Thanks for the comments.

The dealer has to order the timing belt and will take 2 -3 days.So will use the time to check out the OD switch.(The fault was there before removing Battery.)

Harold

[Harold]

:tsktsk: Lexus Hull have replaced the timing belt and changed the transmission oil but not much change from £680 !!!! :tsktsk: .

Fingers crossed that problem now solved.Had gs450H as loan car but frankly prefer mine as more fun.

Harold