Transmission Fluid - Change or Not? (Merged threads)
#361
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Lexus may say the ATF is a "lifetime fluid." If you cannot define lifetime, this is a meaningless statement. By the way, Toyota WS is not even a synthetic; I like the Idemitsu WS equivalent.
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claarn (08-11-22)
#362
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I absolutely agree with not going against manufacturer recommendations BUT when the recommendation is lacking some basic logic (IMO a 10k+ mile oil change), I tend to sway against it. Again, I'm to the belief of 'fluid is cheap, engines, transmissions diffs etc are not'.
So to stir the pot a little on this topic as I'm curious others' thoughts about the below points...
I'm 'pro-ATF change' and I believe this because :
1) all other fluids on a vehicle have 'service intervals', why not the transmission fluid ? why is it so special ?
2) why does aisin (and possibly other trans manuf's) have a fluid interval change posted for their transmissions but the completed good manufacturer goes against that ?
3) we've all seen what broken down / dark oil looks like , therefore when trans fluid is well, we'll say, aged or used, it turns black why?
4) I'm quite positive I've read in the past that in other countries / regions , people have service intervals for the trans why?
Finally, my true belief as to why vehicle manufacturers put a 'lifetime' claim on the trans fluid is because of money and / or gov't regulation. There has to be a link to EPA regulations and the PCB classification of trans fluid and what savings either monetarily or time to create procedural / disposal requirements for yet another fluid. Especially since the average transmission holds at least 10qts...
Might sound crazy but there's my .02
So to stir the pot a little on this topic as I'm curious others' thoughts about the below points...
I'm 'pro-ATF change' and I believe this because :
1) all other fluids on a vehicle have 'service intervals', why not the transmission fluid ? why is it so special ?
2) why does aisin (and possibly other trans manuf's) have a fluid interval change posted for their transmissions but the completed good manufacturer goes against that ?
3) we've all seen what broken down / dark oil looks like , therefore when trans fluid is well, we'll say, aged or used, it turns black why?
4) I'm quite positive I've read in the past that in other countries / regions , people have service intervals for the trans why?
Finally, my true belief as to why vehicle manufacturers put a 'lifetime' claim on the trans fluid is because of money and / or gov't regulation. There has to be a link to EPA regulations and the PCB classification of trans fluid and what savings either monetarily or time to create procedural / disposal requirements for yet another fluid. Especially since the average transmission holds at least 10qts...
Might sound crazy but there's my .02
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#363
Lexus Test Driver
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@erickmel ► HERE ◄ This Lexus dealership's service center really, really, really (I mean REALLY) wants to service your transmission!
I can't believe what this Lexus dealership has to say about the transmission. I would never darken the door at this flagrant Atlanta, Georgia Lexus dealership's service center after reading their shameless transmission service recommendation.
I can't believe what this Lexus dealership has to say about the transmission. I would never darken the door at this flagrant Atlanta, Georgia Lexus dealership's service center after reading their shameless transmission service recommendation.
Last edited by DaveGS4; 08-13-22 at 05:28 PM. Reason: Bad info
#364
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Not changing the fluid makes transmission shops very happy.
#365
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Guys let’s get back on the thread topic please. Cleaned up all the OT sidebar
Last edited by DaveGS4; 08-13-22 at 05:29 PM.
#366
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@erickmel ► HERE ◄ This Lexus dealership's service center really, really, really (I mean REALLY) wants to service your transmission!
I can't believe what this Lexus dealership has to say about the transmission. I would never darken the door at this flagrant Atlanta, Georgia Lexus dealership's service center after reading their shameless transmission service recommendation.
I can't believe what this Lexus dealership has to say about the transmission. I would never darken the door at this flagrant Atlanta, Georgia Lexus dealership's service center after reading their shameless transmission service recommendation.
It goes right along with what the Maker of the Lexus Transmission says to do also also.
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#368
Lexus Test Driver
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I totally disagree with the two statements below in boldened red. I consider those to be purposefully stated to scare customers, and those statements DO NOT agree with Lexus' recommended service schedule.
The Lexus dealership Nalley Lexus Roswell states:
- If you don't routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Lexus transmission will slip.
- Your Lexus transmission filter will need to be replaced every 30,000 or 50,000 miles.
#369
Lexus Test Driver
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It should be a lot of fun! Bring lots of beer if you're gonna watch! I do my best work when I'm smashed!
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The test drive after I'm done will be truly unforgettable!
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#370
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I don't have a problem with the services they provide, except I absolutely do not believe it is wise to flush an automatic transmission because it unnecessarily sturs up debris that can actually cause damage.
I totally disagree with the two statements below in boldened red. I consider those to be purposefully stated to scare customers, and those statements DO NOT agree with Lexus' recommended service schedule.
The Lexus dealership Nalley Lexus Roswell states:
I totally disagree with the two statements below in boldened red. I consider those to be purposefully stated to scare customers, and those statements DO NOT agree with Lexus' recommended service schedule.
The Lexus dealership Nalley Lexus Roswell states:
- If you don't routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Lexus transmission will slip.
- Your Lexus transmission filter will need to be replaced every 30,000 or 50,000 miles.
- Strut Fluid does not get replaced its Lifetime of the Strut. It does contain lifetime fluid that does not call for flush and replenish does it?
- Did one of the components in yours fail already at only 5k miles?
- Did you Buy a Service Contract to cover failures on you new 450h?
#372
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JeffKeryk (08-14-22)
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JeffKeryk (08-14-22)
#374
Instructor
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I had my fluid changed about 50k miles ago along with the rear diff fluid and antifreeze. It made quite a difference with traction and shifts at least from my butt dyno. No flush just took it to Lexus and had them drain and replace following all guidelines on temp and everything else.
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JeffKeryk (08-14-22)
#375
Lexus Test Driver
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- Strut Fluid does not get replaced its Lifetime of the Strut. It does contain lifetime fluid that does not call for flush and replenish does it?
- Did one of the components in yours fail already at only 5k miles?
- Did you Buy a Service Contract to cover failures on you new 450h?
- Your comments about fluid in shocks/struts is totally senseless. What does that have to do with transmission fluid?
- Yes, I had a shock that needed replacing under warranty at only 5k miles on my 2018 GS 450h. Many of those AVS shocks/struts have failed - some sooner than others - but you already knew that! What does that have to do with transmission fluid?
- Yes, I purchased a Lexus Platinum extended warranty for my 2018 GS 450h for peace-of-mind. What does that have to do with transmission fluid?
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Last edited by bclexus; 08-14-22 at 07:37 AM. Reason: grammar