Transmission down shift clunk, FIXED

[Bluegill]

Mine hasn't clunked since they reset the transmission on December 28th.

 

[Gx550moto]

In a previous post, I described a harsh downshift clunk when slowly coming to a stop. Most noticeable in stop and go traffic. Sometimes felt like two bumps, one around 3-5 mph, and the second just when I come to a full stop. I was not sure if this normal for that type of transmission or if something else was wrong.

I was at the dealership for 10k service, and went for test drive with tech to demonstrate the issue. The tech said no mechanical issue, no problem codes, and no software update (yet) but cleared the transmission memory.

Now the shifting is absolutely smooth, no harsh downshift at all.

While I was there I also had the break squeal repair (known issue).

Mine does the same thing. I hope clearing the transmission memory fixes it! Squeaky brakes when backing too..... irritating.

 

[GX550_OT]

Hi @FJMainiac and @Bluegill I was hoping to get some help or guidance. I’m having the same issue with my transmission and I ran across you post. I asked my dealership about my issue and I let them know that I had heard that resetting the transmission could fix the issue. However, they said they are not able to and that Lexus does not have a fix for the problem. Do you have any details on what they did or can you tell me which dealership? Perhaps I can ask and get some help for my dealership. I don’t want my transmission potentially getting worse as time goes on.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bluegill]

Here is the write-up on my service receipt from Bell Lexus in Scottsdale, Arizona.

"Reset TCM Memory"

You can also see where they ordered the brake components to cure the squeal in reverse. I just took it in this morning and they are doing the brakes now.

 

[GX550_OT]

Here is the write-up on my service receipt from Bell Lexus in Scottsdale, Arizona.

"Reset TCM Memory"

You can also see where they ordered the brake components to cure the squeal in reverse. I just took it in this morning and they are doing the brakes now.

View attachment 7522

 

[GX550_OT]

Thank you! I have brakes on order as well. Much appreciated!

 

[FJMainiac]

Thank you! I have brakes on order as well. Much appreciated!

 

[Zaki6]

Here is the write-up on my service receipt from Bell Lexus in Scottsdale, Arizona.

"Reset TCM Memory"

You can also see where they ordered the brake components to cure the squeal in reverse. I just took it in this morning and they are doing the brakes now.

View attachment 7522

Extremely useful info and something affected forum members can take to their dealers and get going with the resolution of the issues!

 

[Bluegill]

The dealer just called. They are sending my GX to their preferred body shop to fix the hood flutter. I just ran over there to get my tools out of the back of my truck because they may have it for a couple days. My RX loaner will be my work truck in the meantime. The brakes are all finished. They washed it and Armor-All'd the tires which looks ridiculous with the 35-inch tires!

 

[Zaki6]

The dealer just called. They are sending my GX to their preferred body shop to fix the hood flutter. I just ran over there to get my tools out of the back of my truck because they may have it for a couple days. My RX loaner will be my work truck in the meantime. The brakes are all finished. They washed it and Armor-All'd the tires which looks ridiculous with the 35-inch tires!

Let us know what they did to fix the hood flutter when you know.

I wonder if this is part of the Lexus resolution of the issue or something your dealer is doing on their own.

 

[Bluegill]

Let us know what they did to fix the hood flutter when you know.

I wonder if this is part of the Lexus resolution of the issue or something your dealer is doing on their own.

This morning I had a new service advisor because the regular guy called in sick. While I was sitting with this new service advisor and he was typing out the next great American novel (aka checking me into the system), I asked if they have a solution for the hood flutter yet. He said they do not but he would add it to the write-up. I mentioned that I had not heard of anything akin to a technical service bulletin but I had heard that some dealers were sending the trucks to a body shop to have the additional globs of the expensive panel sealer installed between the inner structural frame and outer hood skin.

He called me this afternoon to tell me that the solution was indeed to send the truck to their preferred body shop to have additional adhesive or sealer installed and he could make it happen now, but they may need the truck for a couple days. So we will see how it turns out. It would be great if the flutter is corrected, or at least greatly reduced.

 

[GX550_OT]

@Bluegill just wanted to thank you for sharing. I got in today and they reset the TCM Memory and it’s fixed now. I feel like it would have been a big issue down the road with the transmission had it not had been reset.

I don’t believe Lexus would have done this reset on their own unless I had asked for it specifically. They are aware of the issue but have not issued a formal response to fix. Thanks again! This forum and information was invaluable! Thank you!!!

 

[Bluegill]

No problem!

 

[Snooperstyle]

Welp...mine has just began doing the downshift clunk. I thought it was due to my recent my diff drop being installed, because I was experiencing a popping noise after an alignment was done, when you turn the wheels whilst moving very slowly. The alignment tech noticed that the driveshaft was literally ungreased. He greased that and the popping issue I had seems to have gone away, but the clunk is now more noticeable. Can't freaking win! Next trip to dealer I will add the clunk to the list and hope they don't tell me it's the lift/diffdrop. Sigh.