The Lexus LS400 was equipped with the A650E transmission in most models. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Lexus LS400 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Lexus LS400 Transmission Models
Lexus LS400: A650E Transmission
Lexus LS400 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Lexus LS400 transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0763 | Shift Solenoid 'C' Electrical |
| P0768 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Electrical |
| P0770 | Shift Solenoid 'E' |
Lexus LS400 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Lexus LS400 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Lexus LS400 Transmission Problems
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Lexus LS400 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Lexus LS400 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Lexus LS400 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Lexus LS400 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Lexus LS400 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Lexus LS400 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Lexus LS400 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Lexus LS400 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Lexus LS400 transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Lexus LS400 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Lexus LS400 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Lexus LS400 Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Lexus LS400 Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Lexus LS400 Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Lexus LS400 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
If my 1999 LS400 has been sitting for 5 hours or more, it will no go forward until I idle for a 1/4 mile. Once it finally engages the transmission works flawlessly.
206,000 miles and the fluid is proper level and color.
I have a 1993 lexus ls400. It tries to move forward in all gear ranges. Even in park if i put it in drive it drives and shifts nomal. And idea
Transmission will only go in reverse and Not in any forward gears once it warms up ,,,it has 360,000 miles on my transmission
My 250,000 plus mileage 94 lexus LS400 suddenly ceased providing propulsion going down highway, dumping massive fluid. Shop performed a removal, dismantle, and inspection and reported that my pump bushing backed itself out of the housing, damaging the convertor hub and pump housing, bursting bottom transmission seal.
refuse ti shift gear.from park to drive, it does not go to first gear.
It won’t shift up when I get to 55mph and shut down what can this be?
1993 ls400 it just a couple of days ago the overdrive off light came on and ever since it hasn’t shifted into overdrive first to second fine second to third fine but no third to overdrive, anybody got any good ideas?
My lexus will start but will not go forward or backwards and for that matter it doesn’t move at all
No obd codes vehicle will not engage in any gear except park. I press the has and no acceleration just rpms revs up
My 91lexus ls400 will not go into drive it will go in reverse but not drive.it has 307757 miles on it.
My 1998 Lexus LS400 after having my timing belt change a week later my check engine light came on and code is PO763. I drive the only to the car wash..when driving everything was find…just a slow changing speed to 40 miles per hour. Then after adding gas/to a full tank…2-3 days as I was starting the Lexus the check engine light was changing to a blinking light blue than went off…. it has been off for s month now…has not came back on and drives great…?????
Thanks,
John
My lexus ls 400 drives but after riding up hills it just stop accelerating cut it off for a min the crank it back up it goes I dont know the problem can u help me
Transmission going out