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

[gasman4u]

People much smarter than I have chimed in, but with the current 25% off sale, it looks like that part could be had for even less right now. Post what you end up doing as it can further the mud hive mind.

 

[bjowett]

Toyota manuals here, the equivalent year should get you close enough. Unsure if you need a TIS (like VW ETKA) computer hooked in to adjust position easily.

https://toyotamanuals.gitlab.io/toyotamanuals/

 

[Theoak]

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.

Thanks, Bloc. If I indeed bend or otherwise changed the indexing between shifter and selector, would swapping the Neutral Safety Switch help with that? The dealer has given me two options: 1) replace the whole transmission; or 2) replace the neutral safety switch. They said they (this particular dealership, I guess) don't open up the transmissions so doesn't leave a lot of room for options in between.

 

[Theoak]

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

This is what I've seen on various parts ($170-190). I'm not in a position to challenge their labor estimate but appreciate the one estimation. Time to have a conversation with the dealer rep. And without a doubt they are assuming brand ownership equals the demographic-based assumptions & treatment others have point out. Really appreciate all of your help!

 

[Theoak]

Toyota manuals here, the equivalent year should get you close enough. Unsure if you need a TIS (like VW ETKA) computer hooked in to adjust position easily.

https://toyotamanuals.gitlab.io/toyotamanuals/

Thank you!

 

[Theoak]

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.

100% this is the case. Will update this thread as I make progress here.

 

[bloc]

Thanks, Bloc. If I indeed bend or otherwise changed the indexing between shifter and selector, would swapping the Neutral Safety Switch help with that?

Not directly, but installing the NSS requires disconnecting the linkages and such so when they reassemble they'd end up adjusting it to correct any misalignment anyway. The linkage between the shifter and transmission is adjustable to account for manufacturing tolerances.. if my original theory holds, someone could get under there and adjust the linkage to be sure the shifter is actually representing the gear the transmission is in, quite easily.. but I also think other people's suggesting that the NSS is the root cause is plausible.

I'd just echo what others have said.. $1000 is totally absurd for that job. My rig is rust free but as bjowett said, well under an hour to swap the part on mine. And I don't have a lift.

So.. do you have a lot of corrosion? That could be playing in to the dealer's quotes on this stuff.

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.

Some combination of all three.

I'm reminded of when Eric Sarjeant spoke to the fact that these days dealers lose money on new car sales.. it's the service departments and used sales that keep them open for business. It's tough not to be pissed about things like the quote for this job though.. and even then, it's a crap shoot as to whether you're going to get good work done.

@Theoak, if you aren't already, any time you go to the dealer, lock your glove box and keep the key blade with you. This is the only sure-fire way to avoid having the recirculate door of your AC system broken by techs when they check the condition of your cabin filter.

 

[Theoak]

Not directly, but installing the NSS requires disconnecting the linkages and such so when they reassemble they'd end up adjusting it to correct any misalignment anyway. The linkage between the shifter and transmission is adjustable to account for manufacturing tolerances.. if my original theory holds, someone could get under there and adjust the linkage to be sure the shifter is actually representing the gear the transmission is in, quite easily.. but I also think other people's suggesting that the NSS is the root cause is plausible.

I'd just echo what others have said.. $1000 is totally absurd for that job. My rig is rust free but as bjowett said, well under an hour to swap the part on mine. And I don't have a lift.

So.. do you have a lot of corrosion? That could be playing in to the dealer's quotes on this stuff.



Some combination of all three.

I'm reminded of when Eric Sarjeant spoke to the fact that these days dealers lose money on new car sales.. it's the service departments and used sales that keep them open for business. It's tough not to be pissed about things like the quote for this job though.. and even then, it's a crap shoot as to whether you're going to get good work done.

@Theoak, if you aren't already, any time you go to the dealer, lock your glove box and keep the key blade with you. This is the only sure-fire way to avoid having the recirculate door of your AC system broken by techs when they check the condition of your cabin filter.

This makes a lot of sense, and will start with the NSS replacement first to work through this and see if it addresses. Based on all of the things here it seems to be a likely culprit, but as mentioned I'm still not highly confident in getting quality work done here. First, will need to negotiate these crazy prices or find an alternative.

Thanks for the tip, Bloc - admittedly, I didn't do this in this case but I've done it before. Good practice to be consistent about.

 

[Bunga]

That list is basically in order of efficient diagnosis (cost/difficulty). Just follow it linearly. Keep in mind that corrosion and intermittent wire contact in rust states can lead to these same challenges without a module being bad. I personally would start with the shifter mechanism first and see what is going on there.

 

[linuxgod]

Not sure where in Illinois you are but I highly recommend Chi-Town 4x4 in Naperville/Aurora. They’re Toyota experts and I’d trust them to correctly evaluate and repair