Lexus: ES330 transmission lag problem

I'd be surprised if running premium gas made any difference, but it's worth
a try, right? Or, have others been running premium and still have the
problem? It sounds like the kind of BS one often gets from dealer
salespeople.


"Dan J.S." <com> wrote in message
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I've been running with premium fuel since I bought my 2002 ES, it has made
no difference. The characterization of the 2 second lag during a left turn
exactly matches the behavior I have experienced. I had the new ECU software
installed in September 2003, and it should be the same that is in the
current ES models. The new software fixed the highway-speed lag, but
introduced a much more dangerous slow speed lag.


"L Cramer" <com> wrote in message
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Steve Larson wrote: 

I guess it will take someone to get killed to get this noticed by NHTSA...
unbelievable!! What ever happened to Lexus quality.... I guess for now I
will use my ES330 for short grocery runs... gonna use the 4 Runner as the
daily driver... I am hoping this gets resolved...

Ah yes ... the ol "squeezing the balloon" trick. Squeeze it more
here ... it pops out more over there! LOL

"The Cable is Mightier than the Servo"

--

- Philip @ Maximum Torque RPM


Steve Larson wrote: 

I wonder if what everyone is referring to as transmission lag is actually
not a problem with the transmission but rather a problem with the electronic
throttle control or maybe the ECM computer ?

I have an 03 GS 300 which has a "flat spot" or hesitation when gently
accelerating from a stop. The flat spot occurs before the car shifts out of
first gear. For those old enough to remember, it feels like what you used
to get if the accelerator pump on a carbureted car was bad. Funny thing is
it does not happen when the car is cold, which makes me think it has
something to do with the ECM computer leaning out the mixture as the car
warms up.

Anyone have any thoughts on this or fixes for the GS 300? Do you think I am
having the same problem that the owners of ES 330's are having, or is this
something different?

Steve




"Philip®" <net.invalid> wrote in message
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I can repeat the problem 100% of the time when I do a "rolling stop". That
is, if I slow to under 10mph then give it gas, it will idle for a couple of
seconds, then gas will kick in hard. Some have characterized it that the
computer is confused about what to do, and I think that's pretty accurate.
I think they tried so hard to squeeze fuel economy and provide a smooth ride
that they created a gap in functionality for the computer in that driving
pattern.


"sf/gf" <com> wrote in message
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On Wed, 28 Jul 2004 19:48:47 -0400, "Steve Larson" <com> wrote:

Lately, I've taken to shifting down as I come to a stop, when
the speed or road condition warrants it, or anytime I want a
little extra control, at least when I think of it. Kind of
defeats the purpose of an auto, but at least I don't get the
lag if I need to get on the gas in a hurry. I find I have
better control over the car.

First I click the O/D button on the gearshift lever to go into
solid third, then I pull back and downshift into second. I
usually don't go all the way to first, though in stop and go
traffic I might. I don't shift down so early that my tires
take a beating, but I probably do save my brakes, a little.

I usually drive around town with overdrive off anyway.
 

I've been doing a bit of that myself, and you're right, it defeats the
purpose of an automatic. My downshift results have been mixed though.


"RR" <net> wrote in message
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