A/T - Torque Converter Shudder on Light Acceleration
L-SB-0027-08May 13, 2008
Torque Converter Shudder
Service Category
Drivetrain
Section
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Market
USA
Applicability
Introduction
Some customers may be concerned about an intermittent shudder when lightly accelerating after an upshift around the following speeds: 26 mph (42 km/h) (4th) 36 mph (58 km/h) (5th) and/or 44 mph (71 km/h) (6th). Production changes to the torque converter assembly have been implemented to improve this condition. Refer to the repair procedure below for the diagnostic instructions to confirm if the torque converter needs to be replaced to address customer concerns.
Production Change Information
This TSIB applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VIN shown.
Warranty Information
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
^ This repair is covered under the Lexus Powertrain Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
^ Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.
Parts Information
Required Tools & Equipment
Repair Procedure
1. Connect TIS techstream to the vehicle and perform Health Check. Confirm NO DTC(s) are stored in the ECT or ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM).
Are there any DTC(s) present in the ECT or ECM (PCM)?
^ YES - This TSIB does NOT apply. Refer to the Technical Information System (TIS) and diagnose DTC(s).
^ NO - Go to Step 2.
2. Test drive the vehicle and confirm customer complaint of shudder.
3. Use Techstream to take a snapshot when shudder is occurring to determine if it's occurring during flex lockup.
Configure snapshot as follows:
All Data
30 Second Duration
Trigger Point at Midpoint (50%)
Refer to the University of Toyota online training class P901C "Techstream InDepth" for information about taking snapshots and graphing snapshots on Techstream.
4. Use Data List and the graphing functions of the Snapshot feature to confirm the following data parameters when the shudder condition occurs:
^ Vehicle Speed
^ Shift Status
^ Lock Up
^ Lock Up Solenoid Status SLU Solenoid Status
^ If the shudder occurs with the following parameters:
^ Lock Up "OFF"
^ Lock Up Solenoid Status "ON"
^ SLU Solenoid Status "ON"
Then the shudder is related to torque converter flex lockup. Go to step 5.
^ If the shudder occurs with the following parameters:
^ Lock Up "OFF"
^ Lock Up Solenoid Status "OFF"
^ SLU Solenoid Status "OFF"
Then the condition is NOT related to torque converter flex lockup and this TSIB DOES NOT APPLY.
Continue diagnosis to identify the root cause for this shudder.
5. Replace the torque converter.
Refer to TIS applicable model year ES 350 Repair Manual:
NOTE
Refer to TSIB No. TC003-06, "U660E 6-Speed Torque converter"; to ensure proper installation of the torque converter assembly.
^ 2007 ES 350:
Drivetrain - Automatic Transmission/Transaxle - "U660E Automatic Transaxle: Torque Converter Clutch and Drive Plate: Removal and Installation
^ 2008 ES 350:
Drivetrain - Automatic Transmission/Transaxle - "U660E Automatic Transaxle: Torque Converter Clutch and Drive Plate: Removal and Installation
6. Adjust the transmission fluid level in the transmission.
Refer to TSIB No. TC011-07, "Transaxle Fluid Level, to properly adjust the transaxle fluid level.
NOTE
Failure to use WS transmission fluid and to properly adjust transmission fluid level can cause transmission shifting issues, M.I.L. "ON", and/or transmission damage.
7. Test drive the vehicle and confirm the shudder condition is eliminated.