Lexus GX460 Transmission Replacement advice?

[RoseyGX]

I have a 2016 Lexus GX460 (In Canada) 117,000 KM's and the Transmission appears to be genuinely cooked. #1 Transmission will not go into reverse, drives in 1st gear in Neutral & 4WD LO & crawling feature etc. are all disabled. #2 Conclusion of Transmission Chain - Tranny fluid is Black / Burnt - and the Reverse gear likely broken $5400 (CDN) to rebuild #3 Brought is to Lexus --to my Relief the stated the Transmission control cable was seized causing the issue. I replaced $1600 CDN & the Transmission issue was still present (so they checked the fluid on the Tranny) and stated Black with Metal shavings. New Tranny replacement at Lexus $9500 CDN. -- Also it appears the A760F Remanufactured Transmission is not in stock at Toyota Canada. What are my best options here?: Option A) Re-manufactured Lexus Transmission from Lexus $6450 CDN (I will need to wait) Option B) Remanufactured Transmission from another Company (I will need to find) Option C) Have a local Transmission shop Rebuild the existing Transmission $4500-$6000. --- I would likely have an non-Lexus reputable transmission shop do an install / Lexus doesn't do rebuilds / I also suspect they might send the GX off to a 3rd party Tranny shop anyway ---- I'm not even sure if the Lexus Reman is done by Lexus/Toyota. Because the GX is a reliable, low volume vehicle with few transmission issues they have me over a barrel as the tranny seems to be harder to find. --- Appreciate any advice.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

I know it's a longshot but how about finding a wrecked 460 and grabbing a used trans?

 

[Hehena]

Rebuild it is.

Google shows a few high rated transmission shops near Burlington.

 

[r2m]

For how close you are to the U.S., and we may have a larger market, have you looked in the lower 48 for a rebuilt tranny?
Bell Lexus down in Arizona has transmissions for $3440.25 USD. Lexus GX 460 Automatic Transmission. Driveline - 3501035B7084 | Bell Lexus North Scottsdale, Scottsdale AZ - https://parts.belllexusnorthscottsdale.com/p/Lexus__GX-460/Automatic-Transmission/69296851/3501035B7084.html

Current exchange rate is $1.36 C = $1.00 USD
This calculates out to : $4671.69 Canadian for what looks like a new transmission. It doesn't say anything about used or rebuilt, so probably new.
I'm sure there's a certified transmission shop around Scottsdale, so if you could ship your GX there you may come out cheaper than doing it up north. Just some thoughts.
This was just a quick Google search. You may find better.

 

[RoseyGX]

For how close you are to the U.S., and we may have a larger market, have you looked in the lower 48 for a rebuilt tranny?
Bell Lexus down in Arizona has transmissions for $3440.25 USD. Lexus GX 460 Automatic Transmission. Driveline - 3501035B7084 | Bell Lexus North Scottsdale, Scottsdale AZ - https://parts.belllexusnorthscottsdale.com/p/Lexus__GX-460/Automatic-Transmission/69296851/3501035B7084.html

Current exchange rate is $1.36 C = $1.00 USD
This calculates out to : $4671.69 Canadian for what looks like a new transmission. It doesn't say anything about used or rebuilt, so probably new.
I'm sure there's a certified transmission shop around Scottsdale, so if you could ship your GX there you may come out cheaper than doing it up north. Just some thoughts.
This was just a quick Google search. You may find better.

I’m 45 minutes from the border. The GX does drive forward so it’s feasible I can get it over to Buffalo or Niagara Falls. I’ve been looking online there seems to be about 5 big companies in North America that remanufacture Transmission for the GX -Even Lexus doesn’t sell new ones. You are correct even though I’m in the biggest Metro area in Canada but the US seems to have a lot more units available and they don’t like shipping through Canada, Hawaii or Alaska. Also, I’m also noticing a lot of places in the US are offering 3/4 year warranty on the install. The Lexus dealer told me that they were going to have a hard time getting one here so like your idea. I wanna start looking at places in Buffalo and upstate New York.

 

[RoseyGX]

I may have found the same Transmission at the Canadian Lexus Parts # Lexus GX460 Automatic Transmission Assembly - 3501035B7084 | Lexus Parts Direct, London ON - https://www.lexuspartsdirect.ca/p/Lexus__GX460/Automatic-Transmission-Assembly-REMANUFACTURED-ATM-TRANSAXLE-Automatic-Transmission-Assembly/51714394/3501035B7084.html

 

[RoseyGX]

Update- Transmission was rebuilt $5700 Canadian + 400 of car rentals. 1000km so far so good. Unexpected on a Lexus GX - my Buffalo Bills Ticket Budget has taken a hit but life goes on. 1 year warranty on the Tranny. FYI Lexus total for a Reman would have been $12K CDN all in (2 year warranty) other shops closer to $8200 CDN for a reman. Problem is the transmissions are usually so dependable that there’s hardly any market for remans and hardly the inventory. - thanks to all for your help

 

[r2m]

That's great news! With proper care, unlike the previous owner, that should be the last transmission you'll ever need!

 

[Cold Iron]

Update- Transmission was rebuilt $5700 Canadian + 400 of car rentals. 1000km so far so good. Unexpected on a Lexus GX - my Buffalo Bills Ticket Budget has taken a hit but life goes on. 1 year warranty on the Tranny. FYI Lexus total for a Reman would have been $12K CDN all in (2 year warranty) other shops closer to $8200 CDN for a reman. Problem is the transmissions are usually so dependable that there’s hardly any market for remans and hardly the inventory. - thanks to all for your help

Unexpected yes but considering everything I think you did well, then again I am not the one that paid the bill. And REALLY sorry to hear that your Bills ticket budget has taken a hit. At least it is cheaper than a PSL at the new stadium being built.

Speaking of Bills, this is the year!

Wait I've been saying that since they played in the Rockpile Maybe, just maybe.

Last time I got to see them play in person was ~20 years ago against the Vikings in Mn. They won in overtime with a field goal and it wasn't wide right. Although I was in the Gulf War for that Super bowl so didn't get to see it. One of these days the Vikes and Bills will play each other in the Super bowl and one of them will finally win. And it damn well better be the Bills!

 

[FloydtheQPilot]

We have a 2012 GX460 and had the following problems: P0761 Shift Solenoid C performance. And P2714 Pressure Control Solenoid D performance. It wouldn’t shift into 4th gear when driving. So we were comfortably limited to about 50-60mph. Also it wouldn’t shift into reverse. Last year, we had taken it to a couple transmission shops and they told us the same thing (replace the tranny for $6-8k)….

Yesterday, we drained the fluid (the “overflow” plug was first opened (about 1.5 qts came out <— big red flag). Then the main drain (about 3 qts <— expected).

When I removed the pan, tons of AT fluid on the wires and solenoids (indicating they were swimming/drowning in AT fluid). Very little metal on the magnets (about a dab of metal fines collectively a paste about the size of a grain of rice).

I cleaned all the solenoid terminals with carb/choke cleaner (best I could find easily, but I’m sure some sort of electrical terminal cleaner would be ideal). Then tested all the solenoids for continuity (13.5 -14.5 ohm) and actuation using 9v battery: S1, S2, S3, S4 would make a distinct click, while SR did not make the click. So after a little thinking I contemplated if SR needs Hydraulic Pressure to actuate against.

Next step (properly fill with the “overflow” plug open). We filled with cold fluid until overflow; then plugged the overflow, then warmed up the transmission fluid, then opened the overflow plug to confirm proper fill.
Test drive confirmed shifting on all gears; including reverse works. We will continue to test, but some simple (low-cost steps):

1) check your transmission fluid level is proper. Solenoids and terminal connections don’t seem to perform well in AT fluid.
2) if you drain and remove the pan, check for metal on the magnets. Then clean solenoid terminals with some spray that is safe for cleaning electrical terminals and evaporates fairly quickly.
3) test solenoid terminal continuity using a multi-meter (check your spec’s for proper resistance).
4) Test solenoids for proper actuation.
5) replace pan and fluid; be sure to fill to proper level and check when warm.

Hope this long summary helps encourage someone out there who is struggling with the same problems.

And by the way, removing the SR solenoid is very easy: Simple electrical connector button and one 10mm bolt. Tons of videos on youtube to remove them.

Thank you for having this forum. It’s been very helpful for me over the years.

 

[FloydtheQPilot]

We have a 2012 GX460 and had the following problems: P0761 Shift Solenoid C performance. And P2714 Pressure Control Solenoid D performance. It wouldn’t shift into 4th gear when driving. So we were comfortably limited to about 50-60mph. Also it wouldn’t shift into reverse. Last year, we had taken it to a couple transmission shops and they told us the same thing (replace the tranny for $6-8k)….

Yesterday, we drained the fluid (the “overflow” plug was first opened (about 1.5 qts came out <— big red flag). Then the main drain (about 3 qts <— expected).

When I removed the pan, tons of AT fluid on the wires and solenoids (indicating they were swimming/drowning in AT fluid). Very little metal on the magnets (about a dab of metal fines collectively a paste about the size of a grain of rice).

I cleaned all the solenoid terminals with carb/choke cleaner (best I could find easily, but I’m sure some sort of electrical terminal cleaner would be ideal). Then tested all the solenoids for continuity (13.5 -14.5 ohm) and actuation using 9v battery: S1, S2, S3, S4 would make a distinct click, while SR did not make the click. So after a little thinking I contemplated if SR needs Hydraulic Pressure to actuate against.

Next step (properly fill with the “overflow” plug open). We filled with cold fluid until overflow; then plugged the overflow, then warmed up the transmission fluid, then opened the overflow plug to confirm proper fill.
Test drive confirmed shifting on all gears; including reverse works. We will continue to test, but some simple (low-cost steps):

1) check your transmission fluid level is proper. Solenoids and terminal connections don’t seem to perform well in AT fluid.
2) if you drain and remove the pan, check for metal on the magnets. Then clean solenoid terminals with some spray that is safe for cleaning electrical terminals and evaporates fairly quickly.
3) test solenoid terminal continuity using a multi-meter (check your spec’s for proper resistance).
4) Test solenoids for proper actuation.
5) replace pan and fluid; be sure to fill to proper level and check when warm.

Hope this long summary helps encourage someone out there who is struggling with the same problems.

And by the way, removing the SR solenoid is very easy: Simple electrical connector button and one 10mm bolt. Tons of videos on youtube to remove them.

Thank you for having this forum. It’s been very helpful for me over the years.

update… we kept having problems. So today, I replaced all the 9 solenoids with an after-market kit (from Amazon $186). On the test drive, the gears slipped a little at first, but improved within the first 5 miles (like there was some air bubbles in the system that needed to work out).

crossing fingers that this solves the problem…

 

[r2m]

update… we kept having problems. So today, I replaced all the 9 solenoids with an after-market kit (from Amazon $186). On the test drive, the gears slipped a little at first, but improved within the first 5 miles (like there was some air bubbles in the system that needed to work out).

crossing fingers that this solves the problem…

Hope this works out for you! I hate when something is not quite right on my rig.
I'm dealing right now with an alert on my dash (exclamation point in a yellow triangle) and my OBDII Link on my phone can't fine it. It sees the codes for AFS issue and the rear suspension issue, but those those aren't an issue. Nothing seems to be wrong with the drive train. It runs perfect. I need to go to my mechanic and have him take a look.

 

[FloydtheQPilot]

I have a 2016 Lexus GX460 (In Canada) 117,000 KM's and the Transmission appears to be genuinely cooked. #1 Transmission will not go into reverse, drives in 1st gear in Neutral & 4WD LO & crawling feature etc. are all disabled. #2 Conclusion of Transmission Chain - Tranny fluid is Black / Burnt - and the Reverse gear likely broken $5400 (CDN) to rebuild #3 Brought is to Lexus --to my Relief the stated the Transmission control cable was seized causing the issue. I replaced $1600 CDN & the Transmission issue was still present (so they checked the fluid on the Tranny) and stated Black with Metal shavings. New Tranny replacement at Lexus $9500 CDN. -- Also it appears the A760F Remanufactured Transmission is not in stock at Toyota Canada. What are my best options here?: Option A) Re-manufactured Lexus Transmission from Lexus $6450 CDN (I will need to wait) Option B) Remanufactured Transmission from another Company (I will need to find) Option C) Have a local Transmission shop Rebuild the existing Transmission $4500-$6000. --- I would likely have an non-Lexus reputable transmission shop do an install / Lexus doesn't do rebuilds / I also suspect they might send the GX off to a 3rd party Tranny shop anyway ---- I'm not even sure if the Lexus Reman is done by Lexus/Toyota. Because the GX is a reliable, low volume vehicle with few transmission issues they have me over a barrel as the tranny seems to be harder to find. --- Appreciate any advice.

could be as simple as the solenoids. A lot of folks are going through this. There are solenoid kits online. I found a 9-solenoid kit on amazon for $186; changed solenoids and seems to be shifting 1-6 better. When cold, won’t reverse. After it’s warm, it shifts to reverse just fine…. ?? I’m baffled, but happier that it shifts.