Automatic Transmission Problems

Taftik · October 20, 2007

Hi everybody!

Im having some problems with my automatic transmission in my IS. It is a 2003 with about 50 000 miles on the clock. The thing is the gear changes have gotten a bit jerkyer and I was wondering if the clutch was going. Another thing that could affect it is that winter is coming and it's quite cold now, so could that be the case.

The car has been looked after and not raced and so on.. any Ideas?

Noel · October 20, 2007

Have you checked the transmission fluid level and what colour is it? should be a pinkish colour if it's been changed recently...

eXOBeX · October 20, 2007

My GS used to do this between 2nd and 3rd (I think) from time to time, the car wouldn't ease off the throttle before engaging gear. Resetting the ECU cleared it.

If I remember correctly it's the EFI and ECTS fuses which are in the engine bay fusebox. Pull them both for 30 seconds, then put them back. If the car then won't start, leave the key in the "Run" (i.e. the normal driving position) for 6 minutes, then try again.

Taftik · October 20, 2007

My GS used to do this between 2nd and 3rd (I think) from time to time, the car wouldn't ease off the throttle before engaging gear. Resetting the ECU cleared it.
If I remember correctly it's the EFI and ECTS fuses which are in the engine bay fusebox. Pull them both for 30 seconds, then put them back. If the car then won't start, leave the key in the "Run" (i.e. the normal driving position) for 6 minutes, then try again.

Thanks for the reply. I'll give it a shot but does the car radio need a code after you reset the ECU? I have all the original documents but can't seem to find it? Also the car has had it's regular services at the lexus dealer so the transmission fluid should'nt be a a problem

Rsarin · October 20, 2007

i certainly wouldnt rely on any Lexus service dept to make sure your transmission fluid has been done,if you havent specified it then its possibly not been done unless your service dept are spot on,and very few are.Id get it checked by looking through old receipts perhaps,or simply check it,as mentioned above it should be a pinkish colour if its ok,or if its been changed recently.Clutch on a 50k car that you say hasnt been abused/raced etc seems a little low.We have two auto IS200s and both are on original clutch from new and both have 80k+ on the clock,both are well looked after,im not saying they arent showing signs of wear in comparison to when they were at 40k,but steve at charlesworth motors doesnt seem to think there is anything wrong the clutches,so i cant see how a non abused 50k car can show any signs of imminent clutch failure.Id still get the trans fluid checked.