danxnguyen

Here is a link to an article about Lexus/Toyota and other cars having hesitation problem. I found this at another autopia.org website

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05036/453222.stm

I agree that the software fix transformed my whole experience (for the better). I feel that there is more responsiveness when I step on the accelerator. It feels like there is more power.

I just got mine done 2 days ago while having my 15K service and DVD nav update. I mentioned that my ls430 hesitate some time in response to the acceleration. My service consultant looked up the computer and said that there is a software update to the shift pattern and perhaps that may fix the problem. I have it for 2 days now and very happy. NO MORE HESSITATION.

Now I know more on how this forum works. Thanks.

My email is danxnguyendds1-1@yahoo.com

99lsguy,

Thank You....that would be nice to be able to see a picture. 20 posts? PM? I'm not sure I understand the 20 posts and PM? What is "PM"?

Dan

99lsguy,

Thanks for the info. I will look for it again. They were going to charge me $60 for the drain and refill.

I called 2 wks ago and made an appt. to have my 15K miles service and they said that I need a transmission fluid change along with my oil change, tire rotation, inspection... Well I made the appointment. 2 wks later (which is yesterday) I took my car in for the 15K mile service. I sat down with my service consultant to go over the service. I asked him what transmission oil do they use (wanted to make sure it is the ATF WS per owner manual). He didn't know so he called the tech people and they said that it is ATF WS but don't need it till 1000K miles. He was surprised and looked it up and it said only need to change it at 100K. I guess that is new to the 2004 LS.

On the way home I was thinking that perhaps I can do the drain and refill myself after having read the excellent how to's from you guys.

I got home and open up my hood and could not find a dip stick for the transmission!!! Could I missed it?? I'm not a car expert but have done oil/transmission (drain and refill) changes for my ES330 and Camry in the past so I do know what the transmission dip stick looks like. There is an engine cover but I didn't take it out. Are we on to something with the new 2004 LS??? Are the new transmission now only required to be change at 100K??

I believe the Jagua was 2003

I have 2004 LS430 and my lexus dealer wants to have the transmission oil change at 15,000 mile.  Is this too soon?  My manual said to change at 60,000 .  

How often do you change your transmission oil?

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I think 15,000 miles is much too soon personally. What are the reasons why your dealer wants you to change it so soon? I assume your LS uses the Toyota type IV fluid? B) I'd consider using the Amsoil synthetic ATF when it does come time to change it......no worries as it is compatable with Toyota type IV fluid & will last much longer! B) Here is a link:

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

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I didn't ask them why. I assume that it is for preventative. That is why I check around the forum to see what all the owners are doing. I checked the manual and it uses ATF WS oil (world standard). My cousin has a jaguar and he said that the transmission is sealed so it doesn't need to be changed. But I the LS is not sealed but how often is the question. I want to be safe than sorry so 15,000 is reasonable.

9000 lb that is pretty safe. Sounds like the hardest part is getting up the ramp without overshooting it. Thanks for the great info

I drain the pan with every 5k mile oil change as per the Agent's recommendation. ;)  It takes less than 10 minutes to do, and I think it's a worth while task since my car has 250k miles. Every little bit helps when they get this old! B)

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Do you have to jack up the car to do this?

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No, with a little bit of stretching..........you can do it - I have :D

I use the ratchet to increase the reach of my arm; put a 6" extension on (I believe its a 12 MM) and you can "feel" the bolt and loosen.......just dig under the drivers door and squeeze under there a little. I cut thru the middle of a 5 gallon bucket for my drain pan. I did this several times when I first got the car - about every 500 miles or so....... then it's easy maintenance during an oil change because it is up on ramps then....

Be careful on tightening the drain bolt - its only 15 ft lbs ------that's not very much!!

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Thank you for the great info. Looks like I can do this myself. Looks like I don't

even have to worry about the cover underneath.

For oil change you drive your car up the ramp?

sounds dangerous...you prefer it over using the jack?

I wanted to do the oil change myself but not too comfortable driving

the car up the ramp.

Thank you for the great info. Looks like I can do this myself. Looks like I don't

even have to worry about the cover underneath.

For oil change you drive your car up the ramp?

sounds dangerous...you prefer it over using the jack?

I wanted to do the oil change myself but not too comfortable driving

the car up the ramp.

I drain the pan with every 5k mile oil change as per the Agent's recommendation. ;)  It takes less than 10 minutes to do, and I think it's a worth while task since my car has 250k miles. Every little bit helps when they get this old! B)

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Do you have to jack up the car to do this?

I do plan to keep it for 200,000 miles. I don't mind paying an extra $60 for the transmission oil change if it prevent harm to the transmission. Just wanted to make sure there is basis for the 15K interval.

Thank you for the heads up on the World Standard Fluid. I will definitely request that they use this fluid.

30K sounds reasonable. 60K seems too long. 15K seems like overkill.

I'm skeptical that the manual said 60K. It however mentioned to inspect

differential fluid (this is transmission fluid right??).

I have 2004 LS430 and my lexus dealer wants to have the transmission oil change at 15,000 mile. Is this too soon? My manual said to change at 60,000 .

How often do you change your transmission oil?

mine says that I have til Dec 2005 and not 2004. This makes sense since they should give us enough time to take our car in.

I bought a 2004 LS430 6 months ago and have been loading my "burned CDs" and so far have no problem ejecting them from the players.