Having Problem With New Transmission

[BMAN1113]

Recently, my transmission started slipping so bad and became undriveable. I had an independant Lexus shop replace the transmission with a factory rebuild ($3800). They stated that it would be coming from the same rebuilder that supplies the dealerships, Awtec (couldn't find them on Google). Anyway, the very first night that I had the car back, I started experiencing intermittent problems when taking-off from a stop. I would hit the gas and it would slowly take-off in what felt like second gear. After a few seconds it would catch and launch forward. This would happen about six or so times a day. Then, on the second day, I noticed my yellow O/D light flashing a bunch of times when the problem appeared. I took it back to the shop and they reported that the computer was throwing a "shift solenoid" code. They stated that they were going to order a new transmission and in a few days I brought it back to have them install it. They installed the new one and said all was running fine. I picked-up the car and, initially, all did seem fine. On the second day the problem was back, but less frequent. I couldn't believe it! I was sick. The O/D light began flashing again, just as before, and, again, the shop stated that it was "shift solenoid". Instead of replacing the transmission the mechanic was convinced that it was something else. The shop gave me a rental car for two weeks while they attempted to find out what was going on. They checked all related wiring and were convinced that it was the computer ($1000) causing problems. They bought and installed the new computer, but the problem persisted. They had to eat that computer because the dealer refused to take it back. After playing with some more of the electronics he called me stating that he believed the problem had mysteriously vanished. After two days of driving, he had experienced no problems. I picked-up the car and, for the first day, all was great. On the second day, again, the problem was back!!! This time, even less frequent. I, again, returned the car and they put me in another rental. After two days he calls me stating that he cant get the car to mess-up. I picked the car up today and about 20 minutes later... you guessed it. I called and let him know and he stated that he is at a loss but is convinced that the problem is not within the transmission. This whole incident has turned into a nightmare for both of us. The free rental cars and labor replacing the first and second tranny have put them in the hole, as well. Can anyone help?. Please!!! Maybe someone has had something like this happen before. Thx

[92Lex]

Check the torque converter and find a new shop to take your car to.

[SuperCoupe400]

...I had an independant Lexus shop replace the transmission with a factory rebuild ($3800)...

I didn't even know there was such a beast as an "independent" Lexus shop. Hmph.

[BMAN1113]

Well, I took my car to an auto electrical specialist who was successful in fixing the problem. Althought the previous mechanic stated that he had checked the solenoids and they were fine, after running a full electrical diagnostic, this guy believe they were bad. I really even doubted they were bad because we had put two, seperate, rebuilt transmissions in the car. What are the odds that two, back-to-back, rebuilds would have the same defective solenoid problem (code 62). He said it wouldn't be the first time he had seen it happen. I would only experience the problem after the car had run for a while, especially at highway speed. He explained that alot of solenoids will start to have resistance problems when they get hot, but test fine when cool. That's why the first mechanics testing of the solenoids really meant nothing to the new mechanic. I was still doubtful. I thought, I'll just let him replace the solenoids so that he would be satisfied and we could move on. Well.. that was it!! I couldn't believe it. Two back-to-back dealer (Awtec) transmissions with defective no.1 & no.2 shift soleniods. In-f'ing-credible. The previous mechanic was about to tear into my factory harness and run jumper wires of sorts. Thank God we didn't go there. The car rides incredible now. Smooth, powerful pick-up. Feels new. Happy camper!!!!!

[Jevon]

Well, I took my car to an auto electrical specialist who was successful in fixing the problem. Althought the previous mechanic stated that he had checked the solenoids and they were fine, after running a full electrical diagnostic, this guy believe they were bad. I really even doubted they were bad because we had put two, seperate, rebuilt transmissions in the car. What are the odds that two, back-to-back, rebuilds would have the same defective solenoid problem (code 62). He said it wouldn't be the first time he had seen it happen. I would only experience the problem after the car had run for a while, especially at highway speed. He explained that alot of solenoids will start to have resistance problems when they get hot, but test fine when cool. That's why the first mechanics testing of the solenoids really meant nothing to the new mechanic. I was still doubtful. I thought, I'll just let him replace the solenoids so that he would be satisfied and we could move on. Well.. that was it!! I couldn't believe it. Two back-to-back dealer (Awtec) transmissions with defective no.1 & no.2 shift soleniods. In-f'ing-credible. The previous mechanic was about to tear into my factory harness and run jumper wires of sorts. Thank God we didn't go there. The car rides incredible now. Smooth, powerful pick-up. Feels new. Happy camper!!!!!

Hey does this sound similar to what you were experiencing b/c I am experiencing something that I think is similar:

get on the freeway, which is everyday to go to work, and I get up around 50-60 mph the transmission shifts as if I just pressed the overdrive switch and the RPM will go from about 2500 up to 4000 and the transmission will stay in that the condition untile the car is turned off. I have no problem accelerating however when I do the RPM goes into the 5000-6000 range.

I took it to get a transmission filter change and flush, and the tech said that the transmission was good. Next step was I had the Throttle Position Sensor changed and the cable from the transmission to the sensor adjusted that didnt help either. It just seems like when the transmission changes like that it will not go back to normal( meaning when the overdrive is on) unless I turn the car off and let it sit for a while. Also when it switches like that, I tried pressing the overdrive switch on and off and it is like the button does nothing at all to return the car back to the normal state( over drive on).