adreano17

This is really pissing me off with all the different types of answers im getting - there is not one definite answer so please clarify.

I am going to drain and fill my transmission with DEXRON III, that is somewhat the easy part. I heard to do the same with the differential oil too. Where do you put each!? Some say it goes in the same dipstick tube, others say it doesn't mix. I am at a standstill right now . And how do I know which drain bolt is which (ATF or differential)?

If there is a thread in relation to this, please forgive me and redirect me to it, as for I couldn't find it.

tomf

I'm pretty sure you have a separate differential. According to my Haynes manual "1999 and later Lexus ES 300 transaxles ... don't have a separate differential housing." It takes about .89 quarts of Dexron III. I believe the differential is located to the rear of the transaxle pan.

Tip. FYI. Make sure you can get the filler bolt off before you drain the differential because it is above the drain plug and you won't be able to fill the differential case.

LeX2K

It's easy to get confused on this issue. Your car has an A540E transaxle, which has a separate drain and fill for the differential. Starting in 1994, the ES300's had the A541E, which have a differential drain, but NO fill plug. All of these units do share fluid, so if you only filled using the dipstick filler, ATF would find it's way into the differential.

The technically correct way to do this is:

1. Remove the transmission drain plug
2. Remove the differential fill plug
3. Remove the differential drain plug
4. Put the plugs back in, torque to spec
5. Fill differential with ~1 liter of fluid
6. Fill transmission with specified amount

If you have an A541E, you'd skip steps 2 and 5.

adreano17

So I have a 96, therefore, to fill both fluids, I would do it by filling through the lipstick tube? This is confusing because wouldn't different fluid get to where it needs to, or would they mix, and it be ok?

If I do have to fill through separate tubes, where is the diff fill located?
Thanks so far.

adreano17

oor are you saying I don't need diff fluid because the atf acts as it?

LeX2K

The transmission and differential share fluid, meaning when you fill through the dipstick, the ATF will also go into the differential. The fill/drain plugs are a hex bolt 10mm, and 17 or 19mm. Farther back of the transmission drain, you'll see them.

adreano17

GOTCHA Lexus2000. So measure how much came out of both chambers, add that up, and that is how much DEXRON3 i should put in right? Many thanks again.

LeX2K

Correct.

But don't rely on that only, make sure you check the fluid several times, engine running, always after you've been driving at sustained speed for at least 15 minutes. After you initially do the fill, checking the fluid level will be impossible because there will be ATF all over the dipstick, wait several hours or check the next day.

BTW, these transmissions are VERY picky about fluid level, get it exactly between the HOT lines. A tranny is considered hot after you've been freeway driving for at least 15 minutes, more is better.

adreano17

OK very well. Thanks man. Much appreciation.

adreano17

I have not changed my ATF yet, going to today, but my problem is i check the levels when the engine is off and cold, and it is above the HOT mark. I don't have any problems with the tranny, and mechanics have said nothing about my levels when checked. Should I keep the levels the same, or should I make the levels according to the dipstick?

I dont know the history of the car before me, maybe its higher for a reason, i dont know.

The dipstick reads about the differential fluid being filled somewhere else, but i know you fill both from the same tube. maybe the dipstick was replaced with a previous generation one? Thoughts?

adreano17

my fluid levels are past hot when the car has not been running (cold). Also, the dipstick reads about filling differential fluid elsewhere. This makes me wonder if the levels are correct, and the dipstick was exchanged with one from before a 94. Keep in mind, many mechanics have checked my fluid, and said nothing wrong with it, and my tranny runs fine as well too.

LeX2K

Please read what I have written more carefully.

adreano17

yes, i know, but when the engine is cold, i dont think the levels should be past the hot mark am i right? and when i drove, it look like it moved past the HOT mark even more, that is what is throwing me off. if the engine is cold, i thought it would be in the cool mark...

adreano17

also, i only see one drain plug. the ATF, i dont see differential drain plug