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100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470: Harsh, flaring or shuddering shifts, or a clunk shifting from Reverse

Checks, in order

  1. Fluid level and condition
    Check the fluid level hot and on level ground per the manual. Dark, burnt-smelling or varnished fluid is the first thing to correct.
    easy $ · under about $50
  2. Scan for codes
    A scan tool will show solenoid, speed sensor or lockup codes. Stored codes narrow the cause quickly.
    easy $ · under about $50
  3. Drain and fill
    Replace the fluid with the type specified for your transmission. A single drain-and-fill replaces only part of the fluid, so some owners repeat it.
    medium $$ · about $50 to $500
  4. Rule out engine and tire issues
    A misfire or tire imbalance can feel like a shudder. Check for misfire codes and balance before blaming the transmission.
    easy $ · under about $50
  5. Shop diagnosis
    If problems remain after fresh fluid, solenoids and the converter need testing. Use a shop that works on Toyota automatics.
    hard $$$ · shop-level job, $500+

Applies to: US-market UZJ100 Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470, 1998 to 2007, with the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 (timing belt). AHC items apply to the LX 470 only; most US Land Cruisers have conventional shocks. Transmission is the A343F or A750F depending on year, so check the fluid spec for your truck.

Tools and parts for these checks

Links below are affiliate links: toyotadata earns a commission from VEVOR and, as an Amazon Associate, from qualifying Amazon purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.

ITEMUSED FORBUY
Automatic transmission fluid for your truckTopping off or changing to the factory fluid typeShop on Amazon
ATF fill pump with transmission adapters, 8 LFilling fill-and-check transmissions through the fill plugShop on VEVOR
Bluetooth OBD2 scanner with live dataReading and clearing codes and watching live sensor dataShop on Amazon

More 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 problems

All 15 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.