2004 Lexus ES330; 150,000 miles
I have taken my Lexus to several mechanics to determine why, at times (about 15-20% of the time), the car has an odd shift usually around 25 MPH. It jerks or hesitates, but only for a half second - just a short jerk when shifting - before proceeding. I've had engine mounts and the mass air flow sensor replaced, as well as the shift solenoids about 5 years ago. I keep spending money while the mechanics "guess" at what is wrong. I've also had a transmission shop tell me there is nothing wrong with the transmission. I've read online that this is not too uncommon, but no one can pinpoint the problem. I would greatly appreciate if anyone can help! Thank you.
Has the transmission been serviced regularly over the last 20 years and 150,000 miles?
You need a shop that will do an in-depth diagnosis using a professional-grade scan tool to view and analyze transmission data.
Thanks. I'm thinking of bringing it into a Lexus service department to do that. No codes pop up on my Blue Driver scanner, but it doesn't look at transmission data.
The dealer is the last place you want to go, especially with a 20-year-old vehicle. They don't want to deal with anything that old and most of the technicians there would have been in diapers when that thing was built.
Thanks, Chuck. I've brought it to non-dealer mechanics but they have been unable to diagnose this. They guess what the problem is (engine mounts, mass air flow sensor, etc.) and then charge me hundreds and even thousands of dollars with no fix. I don't know of a good technician near me.
Another problem with dealers is they tend to be notorious for ripping people off and have no scruples about handing someone with a 20-year-old car an estimate for $10,000 or more that may not even fix the problem.
If you've watched Scotty's videos and some of the other good mechanics online you can see what it takes to do a proper diagnosis. You may need to widen your search for a good shop.
Yes, I agree. And I've seen some of those videos - excellent mechanics as opposed to run of the mill oil changers. But the good ones are not easy to find near me. Thanks again.