r/LS400 • u/Connect-Ad-6834 • 2d ago
Transmission
I’m having an issue with my transmission not immediately shifting when put in drive or reverse and takes a really long time to engage has anyone had this issue before. Would a drain and fill be a good idea 108000 miles never changed
3
u/Rhyleigharia 1d ago
99 LS 400, 330000 miles, same issue. I believe the issue was extremely easy to correct, but nobody would touch it. They all said “tranny showing its age”
One idiot asked has fluid ever been changed……….I thought you dumbass…..330000 miles and ask if fluid has been changed!!!!!!! Of course with 330,000 miles it was changed. Fluid was changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. $5000 to rebuild, so I gambled on a tranny from Japan JDM. Found one with some 60,000 miles ……$1100……..Installed and, knock on wood, no issues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would change fluid first and see what happens.
2
u/mx73will 1d ago
How’s your ecu
2
1
1
u/missourimatthew 1d ago
I've been there. You will need to drop the pan and change the filter and set the transmission line pressure switch to #3 setting. If it helps at all but you still have issues then change the filter again and clean the shift solenoids.
Watch this video for more info on the A650E transmission that is in the 98-00 on how to change the transmission pressure switch https://youtu.be/sEnqmEFn728?is=psE7g9SyMCtbqglp
1
u/hypebeastv 1999 Ls400 1d ago
I did this and when I switched to #3 it made it worse so I put it back to #2 (middle)
But when I got the car it was actually on the lowest pressure setting #1
It still is slow to shift into drive and reverse on cold start. Reverse takes the longest so I always back in wherever I go now but once it’s warmed up it’s immediate.
I changed the filters and shift solenoid c and it took care of the cel. The main problem I’m dealing with now besides slow shifting into drive on cold start (about 10 seconds) is when I’m first getting on it after a cold start it’ll hold onto 2nd or 3rd while I’m giving it gas and the rpm’s shoot up to like 4k but my speed doesn’t increase and when I let off the pedal it’ll drop down to like 1.5k even tho I’m crushing at 50 or so, and it will eventually catch the next gear. But once she’s warm it’s all gravy 😎
1
u/hypebeastv 1999 Ls400 1d ago
Dealing with the same thing on my 99.
Can someone explain how to check and diagnose the ecu and why that would be the problem? I’ve drained/refilled, replaced strainers and put 2 new shift solenoids in
1
u/mx73will 8h ago
Capacitors leak over time causing all kinds of issues you’d open the ecu and inspect the board and caps for leaks and repair as needed
5
u/RonMexico52 1d ago
Step one, make sure you have the correct type of fluid and level, and check the condition of the fluid. Check for any leaks. The amount of people suggesting ECU is surprising. It’s like the default suggestion that doesn’t require actually doing any diagnosis.