Lexus SC Torque Converter Issue

I'm having trouble with my 2000 Lexus SC with a gasoline engine. The automatic transmission torque converter lock-up clutch seems defective. The check engine and transmission lights come on sometimes, the shifts are rough, there's a grinding noise when shifting, and I'm getting a torque converter error code. The car has 199376 km on it. Has anyone else had this issue?

4 comment(s)

I had a similar issue with my SC. Was the error code specifically for the converter, or was it more of a general solenoid code? Sometimes the codes are misleading. Also, what's the transmission fluid level and condition?

The error code is definitely for the torque converter clutch. Fluid levels are fine, and the fluid looks okay, maybe a little darker than it should be. Did you also have the grinding noise when shifting?

Yeah, there was definitely a grinding noise, especially when accelerating. With that code and those symptoms, it sounds like the converter. I'm not a mechanic, and there are some basic things you can check, but a transmission specialist should probably take a look.

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll have to take it to a shop. They quoted me 2120€ for the repair, including a new converter. Thanks again!

Join the discussion now: