Transmission will not shift into overdrive

Tiny
YELLOWS2003
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 LEXUS SC 430
  • 48,000 MILES
I have a 2002 Lexus SC430 with 48,000 original miles and the transmission will not shift into overdrive while driving. I checked transmission fluid---it is full and a red color No warning lights on dash I had the computer ran and no codes came up It has been doing this for about 2 weeks Any suggestions?

Thank You for any help!
Friday, January 13th, 2012 AT 6:19 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the kickdown cable adjustment from the valve body to the throttle body-
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Friday, January 13th, 2012 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
YELLOWS2003
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Does the 2002 Lexus SC430 have it? I know some about cars but mostly on the older model cars---the new ones have so much electronics and I have not kept up with it? I have also been told it could be the knock sensor or a solenoid? I am trying to get as much info as I can as to what could cause this since I have a friend here that can check whatever things you recommend? Thanks again for any help with this! Mike
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 2:30 AM
Tiny
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Let's test the coolant temperature sensor-Lexus and Toyota uses the CTS to control the overdrive operation during a certain temperature
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 2:46 AM
Tiny
YELLOWS2003
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Checked the temperature sensor---no problem there. Any other suggestions?

Also shouldn't some warning light come on since it is not shifting into overdrive at all?

Again thanks for your help!
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Thursday, January 19th, 2012 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Check and test the throttle position and vehicle speed sensors if it checked out-bring it in and have it diagnosed
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Thursday, January 19th, 2012 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
YELLOWS2003
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Thanks--will check
where are you located if I need to bring it in?
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Friday, January 20th, 2012 AT 2:13 AM
Tiny
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I'm in the middle of the Pacific Ocean not on the Mothership
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Friday, January 20th, 2012 AT 2:47 AM
Tiny
YELLOWS2003
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Checked all you mentioned and no problems? And still no warning lights on the dash---any other things I should check?

Thanks again!
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Saturday, January 21st, 2012 AT 5:55 PM
Tiny
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I've given you all I got I'm sorry-
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Saturday, January 21st, 2012 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
YELLOWS2003
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  • 8 POSTS
I took the car to a shop and they ran an extensive diagnostic on the car---they said the transmission valve body needs to be replaced and would run $1500-$2000 installed---he said the part alone was $900?
Does this sound correct?
He showed me on the screen while running the diagnostic the the 5th gear was out---there were no codes found though
Is this very hard to replace
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
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Also does the transmission have to be dropped to replace the valve body or can it be done by removing the transmission pan and filter and installed that way?
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Saturday, February 4th, 2012 AT 2:00 AM
Tiny
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It can be done underneath, $1500-$2000 for a valve body don't sound right-too high
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Saturday, February 4th, 2012 AT 4:24 AM
Tiny
YELLOWS2003
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By underneath---you mean by removing the transmission pan and filter?
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Saturday, February 4th, 2012 AT 4:57 PM
Tiny
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Yes sir-that's the only way to get to it-
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Saturday, February 4th, 2012 AT 5:07 PM

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