ArthurFW

Thanks for adding great value with the marvelous explanation, mak. What you say makes perfect sense. I'm 98% resolved to drain and fill the gearbox on my exactly 10-year old ES350 with 103K miles and no previous ATF change (bought her a month ago). Will also change the coolant and brake fluid, which don't seem to have ever been changed.

The box currently changes smoothly without the slightest issue, but the nightmare thought of those gears and bearings being abraded to death in black treacly 10-year-old fluid keeps me awake at night.

​​​​​​For reasons articulated by Ahmed the Car Care Nut, I'm very nervous about being too aggressive and not leaving enough material in the fluid to help the now well-worn clutches bind. So my aim is to avoid an overly-thorough drain. Definitely no flush.

​​​​I'm really struggling to find a mechanic or shop that can be trusted to properly refill to the right level (using the temperature method, for example) and would ideally like to be there when it's done. Regrettably I don't have tools or access to tools and a lift/hoist -- I'm a visitor to this marvelous country -- so will continue to scout about for a mechanic who gives me the sense that he'll do a decent job.
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matelot

I stopped by a Toyota dealer to ask about a part. On my way out passing thru Service I asked an advisor that I want ATF change - he didn't ask anything about the car - year, model, mileage etc - just straight out saying the template response "we don't recommend it.....life-time blah blah".

Basically just don't want the job.

(I asked this place few months ago already, same response)

tolian21

why even bother asking them? Their advice is useless. He is just repeating their shop policy made by an idiot.

many toyota and lexus dealers will change your fluid.

Tootsall

Something to be aware of; sometimes the owner of a Toyota dealership also owns a Lexus dealership and has issued instructions to both not to service the other ‘brand’ or at least to follow the same manuals. Try a different Toyota dealer…I had no problems getting this done at the local Toyota dealer (it probably helps that the nearest Lexus dealer is 2 hours away…the Toyota dealer 10 minutes… and that the service advisor drives an older Avalon). I know a couple of other guys in our community band who drive Lexus and we all use this Toyota shop for regular maintenance.

tolian21

Some dealers just dont want to be involved in servicing transmission, they dont want to deal with it, so they point to an excuse that is in your manual “its a lifetime fluid”

When your transmission dies, they will be happy to swap it for $8-10k. they dont care, so their advice is worthless

matelot

Yes I confirmed another dealer few exits down the highway will do it ("standard" charge: $265)
I guess it's probably down the the frigging individual advisor, i doubt it's a template policy.