Audacity

Thanks Lexmex. I don't think my filter's ever been changed. I bought the car with 95,000 miles and I'm about to hit 100,000 so I'll go ahead and change the filter now.Are there individual magnets in the pan or is the drain plug the (only) magnet? I'd like to know if there's anything other than a filter and gasket I need to buy before doing the job....Do I need to buy the filter and gasket from Lexus? Do you use Permatex on the gasket?
Thanks,
Martin

Trexus

This thread has been very helpfull. I changed my transmission fluid yesterday but my check engine light is still on and I checked the code and states that I have a transmission shift solenoid malfunction. Is this an easy fix and how much will parts cost me?

I wasn't able to drain the fluid from the differential because where the bolt is located it is very tight and my 10mm hex socket can't fit in that tight space because of the subframe. I'm thinking I need to get a breaker bar to fit in that tight space.

Lexmex

Sorry I wrote back so late, I don't frequent this forum as often as the one I regularly patrol, the RX forums. Yes, there are magnets in the pan, and there is of course a magnet on the end of the front differential drain plug. I don't use Permatex or any other sealant/adhesive on the gasket. I had issues once when I did this (I had higher heat issues in Mexico) and had the gasket separate when I tried this once, but fortunately, was able to turn around and get back to my Uncle's shop and reuse the old gasket (and we always keep extra fluid on hand).

Lexmex

Yes, you can. You'll have to remove the pan and valve body to get to the solenoids. I think most solenoids run $100 max. Sometimes what I do on your latter issue is use a 10mm or 3/8ths bit and then a long socket wrench to provide fulcrum, sometimes even using my foot, to get such bolts off.

schmoozer

Was your CEL on before you changed your fluid or did it happen afterwords?

Trexus

The CEL was on before I changed my transmission fluid. So it's not too bad of a job to change the transmission solenoid? Thanks for your input and advice.

trk1

so i'm supposed to use ATF for the power steering fluid? is it OK if i just put in regular power steering fluid?

schmoozer

I have been using Mobil 1 ATF for my power steering. I believe others have used Amsoil Synthetic ATF as well.

I'm pretty sure you should NOT use power steering fluid. If you look on the cap of the resivoir it should state what exactly you need. (Most likely Dex III)

trk1

yeah i went to autozone, and i couldn't find it. they had ATF+4 and ATF type F, i looked in the owner manual and it said to use Dexron 2 or 3.

just curious, what would happen if i put regular PS fluid?

trk1

i found it on on the website

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...Name=Valvoline

is this what i should be looking for and putting into the PS system?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Yeah, that should do the trick.

I found out the same when it came time to top it up!

Went to the store and they do not carry dexron 2/3 since it was discontinued but they make the equivalent. I bought the Penzoil one that was made for 'dexron 2/3 & Mercon'

trk1

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...ndName=Coastal

guys i went with this stuff, it was red colored and it seems like it mixing in well with the previous fluid.

llcoolpass

that will work fine as long as it has the certification symbol and writing on the back label somewhere. coastal is usually reputable enough fluid. I used their gear oil [synblend 75w90] in my mazda before, no problems.
III downwards compat to II as far as trans and power steering , in lexus