The Lexus LS430 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 LS430 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Lexus LS430 Transmission Models
Lexus LS430: A650E Transmission
Lexus LS430 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 LS430 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 LS430 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Lexus LS430 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB EL011-02 – Shift lock assembly – A650 transmission
2001 – 2002 Lexus LS430 – 2002 Lexus SC430
Problem – Drivers may experience an intermittent problem where the transmission will not shift out of Park after they depress the brake pedal.
Solution – An updated version of the shift lever anti-rattle cushion will need to be installed.
Common Lexus LS430 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 LS430 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 LS430 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Lexus LS430 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 LS430 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 LS430 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Lexus LS430 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 LS430 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Lexus LS430 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 LS430 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 LS430 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Lexus LS430 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Lexus LS430 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 LS430 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 LS430 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 LS430 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!
Car won’t go into reverse and is jerking so I’m thinking it is slipping
Car jerks when coming to a stop from 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st really bad any ideas?
I have a p2757 DTC Sayin Generic
Pendina
Torque Converter Clutch Pressure
Control Solenoid Control Circuit
Performance/stuck Off I need help figuring out which solenoid I can replace or fix or some possible fixes
Transmission jerks when downshifting 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st. small jolt 3rd to 2nd,,more severe jolt 2nd to 1st.
Did you ever figure out what this was?
2006 LS430 automatic transmission down shifts hard from 3-2-1st gear
Did you ever figure out what this was? Please get back at me! da9er91@gmail.com
2004 Lexus Ls430, 180,000 miles Well Maintained. My car buckles when I am breaking, Usually 2 jolts. I took it to a regular station that changes my oil and tops off fluids. They said it was the transmission. I had just purchased a oil change and a new battery. When I left the station this is when the problem started happening.
Hard down shift to first gear while coming to stop
My 01 ls430 128k miles on it randomly leaked a lot of transmission fluid almost all of it I think when I started the car the other day and drove it didnt feel no problems ever before that I parked and noticed a whole puddle of fluid and so jacked the car up looked where it came from I looked to be from bellhousiing or torque converter area or rear main seal idk what happend
Andre I just had this issue happen today, same thing mate. How’d you fix it?
Leaking fluid in between engine and trans I’m almost 90% sure it’s a front main seal
I have a 2005 LS430 with only 59,000 miles on it. About 6 months ago, suddenly, I’d be driving and it wouldn’t go into highest (6th) or next highest (5th) gear. I can tell by the RPM’s if it hasn’t hit 5th or 6th. The Lexus dealership says they can’t find out what’s wrong unless it happens when THEY DRIVE it. BS!! They are just too lazy to find out. AND, they should call LEXUS HQ Mechanic (or engineer). It only happens rarely. Maybe once a month.
Weirdly enough, though: when this happens, if I pull over, stop and turn off the car and restart it, it fixes problem! Transmissions don’t get fixed by doing that. Is this a computer issue?
2 weeks ago, I was driving back home from Chicago on tollway and had 2 hours to go. Was running at 2400 RPM’S when it normally runs at about 1300 RPM’s in 6th. So, I drove slow to keep RPM’s at about 2,000 RPM’s. I HAD to get home. I won’t leave my small town anymore with it.
Slow shift into 2nd gear for the first 1/4 mile then normal
want go in drive when cold
Transmission shift down real hard on coming down to stop
Me too! Just started out of the blue at 179,000 miles. Any ideas??
I have the same downshift problem you mentioned. When coming to a stop the car jerks during the last two gears, violently on last downshift. Have you solved your problem?
Not yet, they all say needs a new trans. estimates from 3-6k with warranty. Anyone else find a solution?
mine does the same thing on a lexus ls430 2005 code P0756 shift solenoid B performance/stuck off
Jerks when downshifting 3rd to 2nd and second to 1st
Did you find out what this was?
RPM is high when car reaches 65-70mph, no noisy, nothing sound, only RPM is 4000 to 5000.
VSC sign on board
I do not know this is transmission problems or not
if you have a time, Please give answer for me
My name is bong park who is car owner’s wife
when car reaches 60mph gets noisy, humming sound
Cost to repair power steering hose leak