The common problem

[KUYTD]

I've had my 2005 GS300 for about three years now, last two I've been treating wit kid gloves as I'm pretty sure the box is on its way out, my quandary has been just what I do about it. It's a lovely old best, deep green, SE spec with IS250 staggered 18's and OEM spoiler added, front end respray and is as close to mint as you'll get for 176k, I really would love o keep her for several more years.

As far as I can see from the history, there has been no fluid change on the box, I got my friendly garage to do a sump off drain, new filter and gasket that I provided and I bought about 6 liters of WS as well to top it up and for another drain at some point. I think that did improved it slightly, slipped initially but once I had cleared the ECU it did feel just a little better. Now it's not like it slips badly of misses gears now anyway, but it's obvious to me that it doesn't change as smoothly as it did, sometimes really lumping in, sometimes pics a really high gear at low speed and labors so I have to use manual for a bit. Another thing is a couple of times in reverse i has vibrated, but literally only been three times that I remember.  Lastly, and I don't know if this is even an issue, but there is a lot of heat from the car, they may just be like this but never had that from any other car.

Whenever I've looked on eBay or the like and seen cheap GS's, the only issues other than damage or poor condition have been gearbox related, so It's probably the only common issue with these. As far as I can see I have four choices.

1. Find a garage to try a fluid flush - my friendly garage here in Norwich I've used for years and trust 100% may not be able to do this, I think they need a particular machine to flush, so where would I go to do it?

2. Gearbox recon, but I'm looking at around 2.5k for that and not many places seem to do these.

3. Replacement box from a lover mileage GS or IS, get my garage to just swap them

4. The long shot! Get an AA80 from a crashed LS460, 8 speed and stronger than the A960e from what I've read, should fit in as the GS460 has it in. Would this fit up to the 3.0? Would it b as simple as fitting and swapping the trans ECU or will there be other issues.

I'm happy spannering the basics on my own car, servicing, brakes and other bits no worries, get a tech stream laptop so I can do TPMS etc, but anything to do with the trans is well out of my technical capability and would never be possible on axle stands in my drive. I'm really at a loose end here, I love my car, do very few miles but it's essential that it works reliably and I don't know anyone who knows these cars well enough for things like this in Norwich. Also I have no budget for this, anything I end up spending will have to be borrowed, so I'm keen to find a quality solution that doesn't flex my wallet. 

I know, I know, why have a car like this if you can't afford to maintain it, why spend money on something that isn't worth that much, but I love it. Suggestions, ideas, maybe a genie to grant me some wishes, what do you think?

[johnatg]

Sadly there comes a time when you have to decide to cut your losses. It might be worth a flush and refill but anything more is going to cost serious money. Maybe just live with it until it fails completely - that might be many miles away.. Try and find a specialist Lexus independent and get an opinion when he has seen and tested the car.

[KUYTD]

Appreciate the honest reply John, I can't find anywhere near me I'd class as a Lexus specialist, Roys Motor Co kind of advertises itself as such, but I've been there and I don't believe they would touch the box any more than a drain and fill.Anyone know a please near Norwich?

I'm wondering as I've seen a few cheap low mileage damaged IS250's around, I think the auto is the same box, the code is 35010 53150, does this translate to A960e?

[Werewolf1976]

5 hours ago, KUYTD said:

I've had my 2005 GS300 for about three years now, last two I've been treating wit kid gloves as I'm pretty sure the box is on its way out, my quandary has been just what I do about it. It's a lovely old best, deep green, SE spec with IS250 staggered 18's and OEM spoiler added, front end respray and is as close to mint as you'll get for 176k, I really would love o keep her for several more years.

As far as I can see from the history, there has been no fluid change on the box, I got my friendly garage to do a sump off drain, new filter and gasket that I provided and I bought about 6 liters of WS as well to top it up and for another drain at some point. I think that did improved it slightly, slipped initially but once I had cleared the ECU it did feel just a little better. Now it's not like it slips badly of misses gears now anyway, but it's obvious to me that it doesn't change as smoothly as it did, sometimes really lumping in, sometimes pics a really high gear at low speed and labors so I have to use manual for a bit. Another thing is a couple of times in reverse i has vibrated, but literally only been three times that I remember.  Lastly, and I don't know if this is even an issue, but there is a lot of heat from the car, they may just be like this but never had that from any other car.

Whenever I've looked on ebay or the like and seen cheap GS's, the only issues other than damage or poor condition have been gearbox related, so It's probably the only common issue with these. As far as I can see I have four choices.

1. Find a garage to try a fluid flush - my friendly garage here in Norwich I've used for years and trust 100% may not be able to do this, I think they need a particular machine to flush, so where would I go to do it?

2. Gearbox recon, but I'm looking at around 2.5k for that and not many places seem to do these.

3. Replacement box from a lover mileage GS or IS, get my garage to just swap them

4. The long shot! Get an AA80 from a crashed LS460, 8 speed and stronger than the A960e from what I've read, should fit in as the GS460 has it in. Would this fit up to the 3.0? Would it b as simple as fitting and swapping the trans ECU or will there be other issues.

I'm happy spannering the basics on my own car, servicing, brakes and other bits no worries, get a tech stream laptop so I can do TPMS etc, but anything to do with the trans is well out of my technical capability and would never be possible on axle stands in my drive. I'm really at a loose end here, I love my car, do very few miles but it's essential that it works reliably and I don't know anyone who knows these cars well enough for things like this in Norwich. Also I have no budget for this, anything I end up spending will have to be borrowed, so I'm keen to find a quality solution that doesn't flex my wallet. 

I know, I know, why have a car like this if you can't afford to maintain it, why spend money on something that isn't worth that much, but I love it. Suggestions, ideas, maybe a genie to grant me some wishes, what do you think?

With transmission, it can make sense to buy used and replace rather than recondition

If you love the car, you might be able to get a used tranny imported from Japan (Lexus GS = Toyota Crown / Aristo) but with import duties, installation, brain damage -- this may not be an economic choice

Have you checked the UK wreckers for a GS transmission?