2016 GX 460 - Transmission Replacement, reco needed (1 Viewer)

[mattlyb]

My 2016 GX is fairly new to me, with just under 80k miles.

Recently had an issue (wife was driving) where the car won't go into gear. Had it checked by an Indy shop, then got second opinion at the dealer. Here's what the dealer said:

"The main failed component is the neutral switch in the transmission, it got stuck and burnt up all the gears/fluid/etc .. to replace the transmission parts and labor would be $9700 plus tax. That would account for everything fluid wise, parts, all new hardware and gaskets for the exhaust as well since we have to drop it all down to remove the transmission. Parts I wouldn’t have an exact eta (but there is a back order) until the order is placed"

They provided additional detail that the parts are $6,135 and labor is $3,565 (15.5 hrs @ $230/hr). Now, I know I'm getting the real stealership treatment, because in addition to that they recommended new brake calipers and a new water pump, to the tune of ~$3300 in total.

So, all sorts of questions:
- Is a full transmission replacement really called for in this situation?
- What's my best bet for finding the assembly, given there's a national backorder?
- Is there a reputable indy shop for toyota/lexus in central Westchester County, NY that you all can recommend? (Yes, I've search, not much nearby)
- Any other recommendations on lower cost steps to take here?

Thanks

 

[r2m]

Really sorry to hear that.
What did the independent shop say? Or did they concur with the dealership?
Have you looked into a rebuilt trans with core exchange?
A quick look online will cost about $4500.00 for just the trans.

 

[Acrad]

$3375 if you can get one in stock

Automatic Transmission for 2016 Lexus GX460 | OEM Vehicle Parts

www.oemvehicleparts.com

 

[ericm979]

Neutral switch "got stuck and burnt up all the gears/fluid/etc" lacks sufficient detail to spend that much money.

What did the other shop say? Did anyone drop the pan and look in there for debris? Did anyone run a diagnostic scan? What were the codes? Can you report any more detail of the behaviour beyond won't go into gear? Any funny noises?

 

[mattlyb]

I pressed the dealership for more details and they said the following:

"The gears and fluid are all burnt up which is why it is locked up and not moving. The switch is what tells the transmission what gear it is in and when it failed it caused the transmission to lock up and burnt it out entirely. We had codes in your computer that were for a failed switch which is why we recommend replacing that with the assembly. The only way fluid gets as dark and burnt as yours is when there is complete internal failure of the system. We took a sample of your fluid which is supposed to be a bright red color and yours was entirely black and had metal shavings present in it as well. The physical gears we don't see unless we the transmission is out and stripped apart, but with all the evidence we have it is enough to prove it is not going to be able to be fixed and would need the entire assembly replaced."

 

[ericm979]

Black fluid and metal isn't a good sign. I don't know how they can say the gears are "burned up" when they can't see them. Gears don't burn though they could turn color if they were really badly overheated. But you'd need to be able to see them to determine that.

Did the independent shop look at it? What did they say?

I assume you got it hauled on a flatbed to the dealer and the shop?

What were the symptoms that you noticed?

If you have to replace it I suggest going with a quality independent shop unless there's no other option. The dealer's shop rate is high. I'd prefer a rebuild from a reputable company unless a factory replacement isn't much more expensive.

 

[mattlyb]

The Indy shop also suspected a new transmission was needed. My wife was driving when it happened, once I got to it, it basically wouldn't go into gear. I think it might crawl a little bit in drive / 1st, but only barely.

Yes, it was hauled to the indy shop and then the dealer for the deeper diagnostic.

I think signs are pointing to replacement or rebuild.

 

[Rednexus]

You can always go take a sample of the fluid yourself or ask to have the shop drain some out while you watch. If it is indeed black and full of metal, then yes you need a new transmission. I've never personally heard of that failure mode before so it seems strange - but if the fluid is black and shiny, then it is what is is.

If this were my personal rig I would order the trans from Toyota and pay and indy shop to R&R it, plus install an aux cooler (as many on this forum have done). Some shops won't let you bring in your own parts, so that might be a no-go, but it's worth asking around. Or find a shop willing to order the OEM trans for you at a reasonable markup. I know you're in the NYC area but $230/hour seems just bonkers to me for labor costs....that's more than many lawyers charge here in the Midwest.

 

[ericm979]

I just realized that they probably meant the clutches burned up. And by burned up they don't mean actually on fire, but overheated, badly worn and/or glazed over. If the clutches don't work there's no drive. It's just sloppy to use the wrong words to describe these things. But I guess that it doesn't matter for most people because they don't know anything about how a transmission operates. Maybe the tech doesn't either.

I'm still stumped how a failed neutral switch could cause this. Usually it happens because the fluid is thin and dirty because it wasn't changed. Being really low on fluid might do it too. And usually people notice shifting problems long before the trans fails completely. Neutral switches aren't immune to failure and if the trans eats itself when it does fail that's really awful.

BTW parts.lexus.com (i.e. any dealer) has factory reman trans for $4600-something. The next price I found was a used trans with 115k miles for $3800. The factory reman isn't a terrible price and I'd totally get that over a used one.

 

[Acrad]

It can be found cheaper when in stock… $1k core charge

2010-2023 Lexus GX460 Transmission 35010-35B70-84 | OEM Vehicle Parts

Transmission - 3501035b7084. Genuine Lexus® Parts & Accessories. Manufacturer Warranty. From the Dealership to your Door.

www.oemvehicleparts.com

 

[ericm979]

I'm guessing "Remanufactured Atm" is aftermarket? I think if the prices were close I'd prefer a factory reman vs one from an unknown company but these are far enough apart to make me consider it. The cost for the removal and replacement might be a factor.

 

[Acrad]

No.. they are not aftermarket.. OEM rebuilds for Lexus....there is a claim through the grapevine they only re-use of the transmission case with all new internals.