98lexusboy

I had my ES300 checked last Saturday and the tech suggested a transmission service since the trans fluid sort of burnt. Anybody has such experience, and any good suggestions? My car is 1998, with 58,000 miles on it.

Thanks in advance!

steviej

iTrader: (1)

If you have never had a flush done, or you don't have the records if the car was preowned, then
go for the flush. The fluid should be a cherry red color not brownish.

I like to flush every 30k, so if yours hasn't been done, pay the money and have it done.
Word of note, a Toyota dealership can do the same flush and it most likely will be for less money than the Lexus shop.

steviej

98lexusboy

Thanks very much for your info, steviej.

Yes, this is a preowned and I probably need a flush. By the way, the Lexus dealer will charge $190 for such a service. Do you think Toyota dealer can do the same with less money? I mean for parts and ATF stuff, could Toyata's meet Lexus' criteria?

By the way, do you think my warranty will cover such service? I bought a warranty when I bought this used car. Sorry for too many questions, I am a newbie here, please bear me.

Bluesman

If I remember correctly, I was quoted about $170 for a flush from a Toyota dealer.

steviej

iTrader: (1)

yes Toyota will do it most likely cheaper. It is the hourly rate that is less at Toyota (about $20/hr). The tranny fluid is the same for Toyota and Lexus. Toyota Type IV or whatever is printed on your dipstick.

Warranty will probably not cover this because it is a regular maintanence item and not a break down.
But it never hurts to ask. They might meet you half way on the price. Again, you won't know until you ask.
Call a couple of Toyota dealers and see what they say for prices, too.

don't ever worry about too many questions. That is what this forum is for. Better ask and find out then to not ask and be sorry.

steviej

lexusk8

From my '01 ES, I plan to get my tranny fluid flushed/changed tomorrow at a Lexus dealership (quote $110). The service advisor I talked to told me that 1/2 of the fluid resides in the tranmissions system, while the other 1/2 stays in the torque converter, thereby the difficulty in completely removing the old fluid. I've never heard of this story before. Can anyone explain?

Daerus

Hey, on a side note....althrough semi-related, what kind of coolant do you guys use? I live in Alaska and we have pretty dramatic temperature differences durning the winter and summer. Is there a TOP choice or one that you've had better experiences with?

amf1932

I've used Heavy Duty Prestone in the past. Read more about it here> http://www.prestone.com/framer.cgi?p...roducts/14.htm

steviej

iTrader: (1)

Doug, i think your service advisor is mixing up his "tranny drain and fill" with his "tranny flush".
The drain and fill is just that, drain from bottom plug and refill. This doesn't get out the dirty fluid caught in the TC. The tranny flush is supposed to circulate fluid through both tranny and TC until all old fluid is out and only new fluid is filled throughout the powertrain.

steviej.

mmarshall

Be careful when and if you guys have your transmissions flushed. First, if you just change the fluid in general at reasonable intervals, (15-30K), then the transmission is not likely to get dirty enough to really need flusjing in the first place. Second, if you DO get it flushed, keep in mind that too litlfe flush pressure won't get all the dirt out, and too much, obviously, will blow the seals and possibly do other damage.
So, in other words, before you fix it, make sure it's broke....or it may BE broke.