The Wisdom of an "Intelligent" Transmission?

I not only question the wisdom of an "intelligent" transmission, I completely reject it as an abuse of technology just for the sake of applying technology in a place it doesn't belong. I think Lexus/Toyota has made a terrible miscalculation by unleashing this technology on a well-established population of trusting customers. I, for one, have no plans to purchase another Lexus after my disastrous experience with the 2002 ES300's buggy computer-controlled transmission. Fool me once, shame on Lexus, fool me twice, shame on me...

The *idea* is good, I believe. But let me tell you that my currect car is a 2003 Corolla that has an ECU that learns changing driving conditions.

There are objectives such as optimal MPG balanced against throttle position, engine load, RPM, altitude, gear position, part throttle downshift frequency, vehicle speed, air temperature, ATF fluid temperature, A/C operation, etc. I've found that when I start up from San Bernardino (800' altitude) that by the time I've climbed to

3,500 feet, the transmission is shifting later, downshifting and staying in the lower gear in spite of brief throttle releases, and locking the torque converter in 3rd ... not just in OD.

Yes.

The concept is a good one ... one that is compromised by MPG and miniscule exhaust emission gains. PERSONALLY, it think a 5 speed automatic is just less costly than a CVT for the same application.

Everything "out there" has an ECU governed automatic since the early

90's. The complications in programming for additional peripherals (more complex shift logics, fly-by-wire throttle, more gear ratios) takes time to iron out and ... just may not be ... really satisfactory, EVER!

Learn a LOT more about your chosen subject. If faced with an all-or-nothing choice, you have to consider the particular car. The proven and less sophisticated 4 autos with "intelligence" do work more satisfactorily than 5 and 6 speed autos. One can over do electronic interference.

Some of the questions that you pose are the exact reasons why so many car enthusiasts still prefer a manual transmission over a slushbox. As big of a pain in the butt as a manual can be in slow-n-go traffic, at stop lights on hills, etc., they do offer some advantages in other areas. Going from an automatic tranny to a manual or vice versa is like trading a headache for an upset stomach to a large degree. I have yet to decide whether or not I think CVT technology is the best concept for a vehicle's transmission functionality. Such as the one Nissan uses in their Murano SUV. Jury's still out on this one.

V.H.

I don't think the concept is wrong just how Lexus implemented it in my wife's ES330. On the highway its a fine car. For local driving I use my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both the Jeep and our predecessor to the ES, a 1994 Eagle Vision Tsi, had electronically controlled transmissions. They seem to take a few weeks to optimize the performance of the transmission and then as it wears continue the optimization program. Chrysler had to replace the Eagle's transmission at 65K under warranty and they put the new box into a fast learn mode and it worked well . A similar situation exists with the ECU in the Jeep. After a tune-up it takes about 100 miles for the ECU to reset. My mechanic just writes a note on the repair receipt for cars with ECU.

Its not the concept that is bad, its Lexus(Toyota)'s application of it. When we bought the ES the salesperson was enamoured by all the electronics available. Finally I pointed out that with the exception of rain activated wipers my 1997 Jeep Orvis had every option. Actually the Jeep implemented them far better. It doesn't take 10-20 seconds of holding the trunk open button down. There is no shift or throttle delay. My auto headliamps work immediately. Could it be that Lexus uses a cheaper and slower network and computers and gets poorer results.

What I do know is that all I get as a response from Lexus and the dealer is that they are all like that, its how they were designed.

Howard

I'm hoping there will be a backlash in reduced sales, which will force their hand to make a positive change. I can't believe there are that many STUPID Lexus owners who don't recognize a problem with the Lexus 5-speed automatic throttle-by-wire ECU. But then again, having money isn't related to intelligence, so perhaps...

transmission.

You're right Steve--but only to a degree. People can be very smart about many aspects of life, but maybe automobiles just aren't their thing. Maybe they don't even care enough about cars to learn very much about them. But they should. Owning a Lexus, Benz or other luxury brand nameplate vehicle doesn't always equate to having money either. Some of the most financially screwed up people that I have known throughout the years have somehow managed to drive a really, really nice ride. Maybe they were just 'car broke'. Along the same lines as your "having money isn't related to intelligence" remark, being educated doesn't always mean that someone is intelligent.

V.H.

transmission?

Points well taken. Can you sense my frustration with Lexus? I likely will end up taking my money somewhere else for my next car purchase. I just can't see buying into another frustrating driving experience...

Definitely. I've been there with GM, Ford and other automobile manufacturers Steve--and it's certainly not a good feeling. The good thing about today's automobile market is that we as owner-drivers have so many more choices than we used to have. The market's certainly not like it was when our parents and grandparents were car shopping. I don't know about you, but I am truly grateful for the wide variety of automobiles that we have to choose from nowadays. If we get hacked off at one manufacturer, we can go through several others and never even think about going back to the one that alienated themselves from us! ;-)

Take care, and good luck with your next purchase. I hope you find a nice ride that does you right.

Regards,

V.H.

Agreed, lots of choices out there. I just wish more fuel-efficient choices were currently available. Rumors are circulating of a hybrid Camry in 2006 to go with the hybrid Highlander. Sure would like to boost my MPG...

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