2014 LX570 Transmission sudden issue after zero problems/symptoms; deal technician says whole new transmission needed

[Theoak]

Hello all - posting this here b/c I couldn't find answers in any other threads. Only where a similar issue might've been encountered but no resolution post for completion.
My LX sat for 2 weeks in the driveway during a recent vacation and upon returning, the shifter was quite stiff and hard to move on first start. I let it run a little bit and it moved with a little extra effort from P to R to D. This has happened before after having sat for a few days, but this was more stubborn than usual. But didn't think anything was seriously wrong as the vehicle ran perfectly before the trip. 2014 LX570 with ~130k miles.

Upon first drive, I parked it and then tried to reverse out of spot and the while the shifter showed “R” the transmission never engaged Reverse. I turned it off and on several times, only same result - car would not move in reverse, and D and N seemed slightly off positioning. I finally had it towed to a local Lexus Dealer.

Lexus Dealer inspection:

• Fluid levels are correct
• No error codes showing in diagnostics
• No pressure leakages in line when shifting to Reverse
• Technician diagnosis: needs a full transmission replacement and early estimate is ~$9000. My jaw fell out of my head.

In talking with technician, he said sometimes there is an issue with the Neutral Safety Switch but doesn’t see it as the issue here because the shifter is working and can see it physically moving when underneath the vehicle.

Has anyone dealt with something similar and found a fix that wasn't an entire new transmission? And this price seems entirely way too high - am I crazy? I live in the Chicagoland area so assume I pay a bit higher than others, but in looking at online OEM parts the cost of the parts is around $3k.

Appreciate any perspective y'all can provide.

 

[gasman4u]

Hello all - posting this here b/c I couldn't find answers in any other threads. Only where a similar issue might've been encountered but no resolution post for completion.
My LX sat for 2 weeks in the driveway during a recent vacation and upon returning, the shifter was quite stiff and hard to move on first start. I let it run a little bit and it moved with a little extra effort from P to R to D. This has happened before after having sat for a few days, but this was more stubborn than usual. But didn't think anything was seriously wrong as the vehicle ran perfectly before the trip. 2014 LX570 with ~130k miles.

Upon first drive, I parked it and then tried to reverse out of spot and the while the shifter showed “R” the transmission never engaged Reverse. I turned it off and on several times, only same result - car would not move in reverse, and D and N seemed slightly off positioning. I finally had it towed to a local Lexus Dealer.

Lexus Dealer inspection:

• Fluid levels are correct
• No error codes showing in diagnostics
• No pressure leakages in line when shifting to Reverse
• Technician diagnosis: needs a full transmission replacement and early estimate is ~$9000. My jaw fell out of my head.

In talking with technician, he said sometimes there is an issue with the Neutral Safety Switch but doesn’t see it as the issue here because the shifter is working and can see it physically moving when underneath the vehicle.

Has anyone dealt with something similar and found a fix that wasn't an entire new transmission? And this price seems entirely way too high - am I crazy? I live in the Chicagoland area so assume I pay a bit higher than others, but in looking at online OEM parts the cost of the parts is around $3k.

Appreciate any perspective y'all can provide.

If you’re not handy, give CCN a shot. He’s in your neck of the woods. I don’t agree with all that the guy says, but he’s an excellent master tech and wouldn’t steer you wrong imo. 130k is early to need a new transmission. What’s the service/use history like?

Also - all hail his name!

 

[Theoak]

If you’re not handy, give CCN a shot. He’s in your neck of the woods. I don’t agree with all that the guy says, but he’s an excellent master tech and wouldn’t steer you wrong imo. 130k is early to need a new transmission. What’s the service/use history like?

Also - all hail his name!

Thanks for the quick reply. I’m not handy so am at the mercy of the dealer right now. I already called CCN left a message; hope to hear back soon.

This vehicle is a daily driver, mostly short commutes and hauling kids to their activities. It’s been on schedule for all recommended services for its lifespan.

Any other thoughts?

 

[terdrocket]

Our 2015 200 has a stiff shifter when it sits for a while, especially after rain. Once you row through the gears and drive it, it will loosen back up.
I wonder if you get it back and try spraying some Kroil will it free back up..

 

[bloc]

How much corrosion on the vehicle?

I seem to remember reading that the stiff shifter can be associated with the shift select rod binding inside the transmission due to corrosion. This could align with your experience that the longer it sits, the more likely it is to stick.

If the shifter were very difficult to move I wonder whether you could have bent or otherwise changed the indexing between the shifter and the selector rod in the transmission. You mentioning D and N being slightly off probably isn’t a coincidence.

I agree on seeking good outside experience. Many dealers suck at actual diagnostics and just throw parts at the problem.. if it’s not CCN there must be other decent mechanics in a metro area as large as yours.

 

[bjowett]

This does sound like a bad neutral safety switch. The stiff movement and showing of gear position on the dash, but not engaging, are classic symptoms. As mentioned above, the indexing is messed up. The tech’s explanation is strange, the lever on the transmission will still move, even with a bad switch… the corroded switch is what makes the movement stiff. Unless there is more to this that the tech can see, and has poorly communicated, a new neutral safety switch should be the solution.

 

[bjowett]

Rereading your first post, perhaps he’s basing the diagnosis on having line pressure in reverse, but no engagement? Strange.

 

[linuxgod]

A new (well manufactured) transmission is about $6500 installed and out the door including torque converter. I seriously doubt you need a full transmission, but if you do $9000 is outrageous.

 

[gasman4u]

A new (well manufactured) transmission is about $6500 installed and out the door including torque converter. I seriously doubt you need a full transmission, but if you do $9000 is outrageous.

Lexus tax inclusive?

 

[Theoak]

Our 2015 200 has a stiff shifter when it sits for a while, especially after rain. Once you row through the gears and drive it, it will loosen back up.
I wonder if you get it back and try spraying some Kroil will it free back up..

Thanks - I did spray it and it was moving more smoothly, but wasn't engaging the gears. Would skip right over Reverse which is why I had to have it towed.

 

[Theoak]

Rereading your first post, perhaps he’s basing the diagnosis on having line pressure in reverse, but no engagement? Strange.

Thank you for both replies. Yes, I think the technician is basing his diagnosis for a new transmission on this - that there are good fluid levels and pressure, but won't shift into reverse. You think this could still be a bad neutral safety switch?

 

[bjowett]

Do the other gears engage and operate? It’s a little difficult to tell someone to throw parts at a vehicle w/o being there to examine things. With that said, the switch and swap time are relatively inexpensive.

 

[linuxgod]

The FSM only has a few suggestions and none of them require full AT replacement

 

[Theoak]

Do the other gears engage and operate? It’s a little difficult to tell someone to throw parts at a vehicle w/o being there to examine things. With that said, the switch and swap time are relatively inexpensive.

No, the other gears didn't seem to engage properly but I honestly couldn't tell b/c I was unable to drive. I was parked head into a curb, couldn't use reverse or neutral to push out. I asked for an estimate on just replacing the switch and that's about $1300 ($300 for switch, $1k in labor). Definitely going to get a separate opinion. No luck CCN yet.

 

[K9LTW]

No, the other gears didn't seem to engage properly but I honestly couldn't tell b/c I was unable to drive. I was parked head into a curb, couldn't use reverse or neutral to push out. I asked for an estimate on just replacing the switch and that's about $1300 ($300 for switch, $1k in labor). Definitely going to get a separate opinion. No luck CCN yet.

WHAT!?

A quick "how to" search on the Googlez and part search shows that switch is $65 and install doesn't look difficult...at all. $1k!!!!????

Absolute insanity.

 

[bjowett]

Switch is part # 84540-60050 and retails for $190 through Toyota. I can’t see more than 1 hour to swap that.

 

[bloc]

Absolute insanity.

Well said.

 

[linuxgod]

not going into any gear, especially neutral, just reinforces to me it’s not a mechanical issue

 

[K9LTW]

Well said.

I can't help but think the dealership is either relying on the old trope of a demographic that leans towards luxury brands either just a) not being savvy, b) having money to burn, or c) are purposely pushing ridiculous quotes because they don't want to actually do that job, but will for that kind of price.

 

[Theoak]

The FSM only has a few suggestions and none of them require full AT replacement

View attachment 4197220

Thanks for this. Been trying to find a way to get my hands on the FSM (I know it's buried somewhere in the Mud forums but haven't had time to find it but if you have a link to the post I'd appreciate it). Do you know if replacing the Safety Neutral Switch would address these 3 items?