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florian_raven1

Lexus LS Transmission Limp Mode

Alright Lexus gurus, I'm pulling my hair out here. My 2009 Lexus LS hybrid is throwing me for a loop. Got 102833 km on the clock. The transmission indicator light and check engine light are both on, and it's stuck in emergency mode! It's shifting rough, feels like it's slipping, and making these awful grinding noises when it finally does shift. I pulled the codes and it's pointing towards a radiator oil pressure issue. Could a bad connection really cause all this mayhem? I'm thinking it's the cable or plug. Anyone seen anything like this?

4 comment(s)

vincentmeyer1

Sounds rough. Radiator oil pressure causing transmission issues? Seems odd. Are you sure you're not losing coolant somewhere? Have you checked for any leaks around the radiator or the hoses? Low coolant can definitely mess with things.

florian_raven1 (Author)

Hmm, coolant levels seem fine, and I haven't spotted any obvious leaks. I was focusing on the electrical side since the error code mentioned pressure. But if low coolant is the culprit, wouldn't the engine overheat first? Or is the hybrid system more sensitive to that?

vincentmeyer1

Overheating is one possibility, but these systems are complex. A faulty pressure reading due to a bad connection or a failing sensor can definitely trigger limp mode. Though I think that checking the error codes on your own is great, I'd suggest that you let a professional workshop do the work. These systems can be very sensitive.

florian_raven1 (Author)

Thanks. I appreciate the input. I took it to a shop, and you were spot on about the connection. Turns out it was a corroded plug on the radiator pressure sensor, like I suspected. They cleaned it up and replaced the connector for 95€. Runs like a dream now!

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