Lexus LS 460 Transmission Problems and Some Ways to Make It Go Longer

Transmission problems in the LS 460 are often caused by poor maintenance and bad driving habits. This article will explain the most common transmission problems you will likely encounter and handy maintenance tips to ensure your transmission performs optimally for as long as possible. 

Lexus LS460 automatic transmissions highlights

• Average lifespan:190,000-210,000 miles
• Reliability Score:High
• Prone to minor issues:Partially
• Price for repair after failure:$1,500-$2,200
• Price for replacement:$5,000-$6,500
• Availability of parts:Average
• Common problems:electronic glitches, limp mode, sudden fatal failures, overheating.

When your car faces transmission problems, it is challenging to spot them early on. As for the Lexus LS 460, transmission problems can be spotted as a result of various signs, including:

• Grinding during acceleration.
• A burning smell under the hood of your car.
• Shifting delays.
• Feeling shaky while accelerating.
• Whistling sounds from your car.

These signs are a clear indication for you to go and visit your local mechanic to check out the transmission problems. When you ignore them, you will later realize your fuel economy diminishes, and you may even maybe drive your car at all. Read on to spot, resolve and prevent transmission problems to your Lexus LS 460.

Is Your LS 460 Lacking Power or Hesitating During Acceleration?

It is easy to note when your car is experiencing low power while driving. The lack of power is often due to an issue with the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor that may be clogged. Failing oxygen sensors may also be behind your sudden loss of power. When either of the two parts is not working as it should, you will notice that your LS 460 has considerably less energy and hesitates when accelerating. 

When it comes to the fourth generation of Lexus LS, there is a known issue with transmission software failure. If you are a victim of deficient transmission software, its failure can cause your car to hesitate and lack power when accelerating.

Solution

Whenever you experience a loss of power and hesitancy accelerating, consider running a diagnostic check to determine which of the three possible culprits is to blame. Drivers are advised to consult professional auto repair experts for accurate diagnosis and repairs. 

If the MAF sensor is the cause of this problem, you can fix the issue by replacing the damaged MAF sensor. Where your MAF sensor is not entirely damaged, consider cleaning it with an available MAF cleaner.

Drivers suffering from a faulty oxygen sensor have no choice but to purchase a replacement.

You can quickly fix LS 460 models with faulty transmission software by updating them to the latest software compatible with the model. 

Is Your LS 460 Having Shifting Delays, Or Gear Slippage When Accelerating? 

Every driver expects their car to accelerate smoothly after putting their gas pedal to the metal when their transmission is in drive. A healthy transmission should not experience shifting delays or gear slippage when accelerating.

Your LS 460 has an automatic transmission system that contains a wide range of complex components. The automatic transmission components must work in harmony for your vehicle to be able to shift gears and provide the desired amount of power. Here are the most common reasons why your gears are slipping while accelerating:

• Your transmission fluid is burned out.
• Your gears are worn out.
• Your transmission fluid is low.
• Your transmission bands are worn out or damaged
• A faulty torque converter.
• Your transmission fluid is leaking.

Solutions

If you notice these issues in your LS 460, you should visit an experienced auto repair expert for proper diagnosis and recommendations. This inspection will cost you an average of $100 for labor. The diagnosis and labor costs vary depending on your location and the expertise level of your repair technician.

Ensure your transmission is always clean because of the numerous clutch packs scattered in there. These packs must engage at the right time for proper functioning. You should also consider inspecting the transmission bands that connect the gears for signs of damage or wear and tear. Contaminants and debris that may block the filter should be cleaned out regularly to prevent transmission malfunction in your LS 460. 

Drivers are advised to adhere to their servicing schedules to avoid challenges with their transmission. No matter the cause of your gear slippage or shifting delays, the issue will escalate and damage other components if not repaired immediately. 

Is Your LS 460 Experiencing Low or Leaking Fluid?

Your LS 460 depends on automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for lubrication and cleaning the transmission. ATF also functions as a hydraulic fluid. The leakage of transmission fluid is an easily recognizable symptom. If you find a wet patch under your car, it is essential to fix the leak before the damage extends to other components of your transmission.

The leak will expose your LS 460 to increased friction and dirt that will affect the performance of your engine.  

Solution

It is imperative to note that the ATF is usually transparent, bright red, and smells sweet when in the best working conditions. When you inspect it and find that the fluid is dark and has a burnt smell, you will need to replace it. The dark burnt ATF must be flushed out and replaced with new fluid to help your transmission achieve its mission to perfection.

Where your fluid is leaking, you will have to keep topping it up (to prevent it from being too low) before you fix the leak. You will have to refill your ATF frequently and do this until you get it fixed.

Is Your LS 460 Experiencing Rattling Noise?

This is not always about the transmission. Before taking this expensive unit apart to find the reason of the grinding sound, make sure the problem doesn't come from the steering rack.

Are you experiencing a loose steering wheel while driving? The open steering wheel is often accompanied by a telltale rattling noise from the floor of your car. Your LS 460 may be suffering from the leading cause of this problem - a malfunction of a part known as the 'worm gear.' DIYers can locate the worm gear behind the steering wheel, a position that causes the symptoms described above whenever a fault occurs. 

Solution

The appropriate action to take after determining the issue is to replace the worn-out 'worm gear'. The loose steering wheel and rattling noise will be history when you replace the faulty worm gear. Taking your car for professional diagnosis and repair may be the only good decision to avoid tampering with components that run perfectly. 

How to Lengthen Transmission Lifespan in LS 460

Even though your car's transmission is bound to wear out eventually, with the proper care, it will serve you for years before needing the replacement of some components. Here are top tips to ensure your LS 460 does not live in the repair shop:

• Regular servicing. Keeping up with your schedule is the best way to ensure you notice any transmission problems and nip them in the bud.
• Drive in the proper gear. If you are the kind of driver that would rather shift gears manually, ensure you change at the correct RPM.
• Use the transmission fluid recommended in your LS 460's user manual to ensure optimal performance.
• Warm up your car before driving. Cold weather tends to thicken your oils and ATF, affecting its journey to your transmission and engine.
• Don't rest your foot on the brake pedal while on Drive for a long time because it puts pressure and stress on your transmission, thus wearing it out faster.
• Use your parking brake on steep slopes to prevent additional stress on your parking linkage.