Electrical issue?

[diedroopy]

I have a 1996 lexus ls400 and yesterday i changed my drive shaft couplers. after finishing i realized the car didn’t want to go into park, in the process of trying to figure it out my cousin broke my shifter lever, the plastic on the inside. i’m in the process of finding a new but i turned on my car this morning and it was having really weird issues, the rpm dropped the speedometer was moving in park and it would eventually shut off. i turn the car off and it won’t let me take the key out. i currently have most of the center console disassembled so i could see the piece that was broken. could this be the cause of my issues? is there anything i should look into?

[RX400h]

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I’m sorry to hear about the issues you’re experiencing with your 1996 Lexus LS400. Let’s break down the situation and explore some possible causes:

1. Shifter Lever and Plastic Breakage:

   • The broken shifter lever could indeed be related to the problems you’re encountering. If the plastic inside the shifter assembly is damaged, it may affect the proper engagement of gears, including the “Park” position.
   • Inspect the shifter mechanism carefully. If the plastic components are broken or misaligned, it could cause issues with gear selection and park lock.

2. Speedometer and RPM Issues:

   • The speedometer not working properly could be due to various factors:
     • Speed Sensor: The speed sensor on the transmission or at the wheels might be faulty. These sensors provide input to the speedometer.
     • Wiring: Check for damaged or loose wiring related to the speedometer.
     • Instrument Cluster: There could be issues with the instrument cluster itself (e.g., faulty stepper motor, circuit board connections).
   • The RPM drop could be related to the same issues affecting the speedometer. Additionally, consider checking the throttle body, spark plugs, and air filter as they can impact engine performance.

3. Key Stuck and Engine Shutdown:

   • The key not coming out could be related to the shifter not being in the correct position (e.g., not fully in “Park”).
   • The engine shutting off unexpectedly might be due to electrical issues caused by the broken shifter lever or other related components.

4. Next Steps:

   • Inspect the Shifter: Reassemble the center console and ensure the shifter lever is functioning correctly. Make sure it engages properly in each gear, especially “Park.”
   • Check Speed Sensor: Test the speed sensor on the transmission (as you mentioned) and verify its output.
   • Inspect Wiring: Look for damaged wires or loose connections related to the speedometer and RPM.
   • Consider Professional Help: If the issues persist, consult a mechanic or a Lexus specialist to diagnose and address the specific problems.

 

[diedroopy]

On 3/17/2024 at 5:00 PM, RX400h said:

 

i switched out the shifter piece, the car runs great, but i’m still having these issues where the car shuts off and the speedometer moves up and down in park before shutting off! any idea on what this could be? additionally the trac off light turns on and off 

[RX400h]

17 hours ago, diedroopy said:

i switched out the shifter piece, the car runs great, but i’m still having these issues where the car shuts off and the speedometer moves up and down in park before shutting off! any idea on what this could be? additionally the trac off light turns on and off 

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The issues you’re experiencing with your 1996 Lexus LS400 could be due to a variety of factors. Here are some possibilities:

1. Speedometer moving up and down: This could be due to a faulty shift solenoid, transmission speed sensors, or issues with the power supply boards on the back of the dash console. It’s also possible that the speedometer cable is broken².

2. Car shutting off: This could be due to a problem with the idle speed control valve or issues with the ground contacts from the battery post to the frame.

3. Trac off light turning on and off: This could be due to a malfunctioning traction control system. Common causes for this issue include broken MAF sensors, loose gas caps, bad oxygen sensors, spark plugs, and catalytic converters. It could also be due to low brake fluid levels or worn-out brake pads.