2003 GX470 Transmission Fluid/filter change suggestion needed
09-10-18, 12:01 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
2003 GX470 Transmission Fluid/filter change suggestion needed
Hi folks, my apology if this has been asked.
So I just got a nice one owner 03 GX470 last week with 127k miles on it. The previous owner is a lady who doesn't know much about cars and she couldn't recall whether the trans fluid was ever changed. So I would assume it's still running with the original tranny blood.
I have the intention to keep the truck for a long run and it runs really well. I have owned several Toyota/Lexus, it's by far the smoothest one.
I am considering to change the transmission fluid/filter now, but I have a few questions that want to ask you guys:
1. For the millage, should I just drain the old fluid, replace the filter and refill or should I replace the filter and drain/refill several times to get most of the old fluid out.
2. I know the 03 has the tranny with dipstick which is a sort of good news. My question is, as I will take the old filter off which means more fluid will come out(not from the pan), when I refill the fluid from the dipstick, should I stop when it reaches the top mark or should I go further? Another question is should I also refill with a certain temperature as newer sealed tranny or just cold refill?
3. If I do several drain/refills, should I drive around between two cycles or only turn on the engine and cycle through gears? If I need to drive around, how far is the best? If only cycling through gears, how long? And will this affect the dipstick reading?
4. Anyone has ever bought the Toyota T-IV fluid through ebay? Normally you can find 4 qrts pack for around $35, is that reliable source?
5. Another general question is, is it better to use brake cleaner to clean the inside of the pan, or just use dish cleaner and water to clean the pan?
6. Is there anything getting in the way of removing the trans oil pan? If so, is it easy to be removed and do I need to prepare replacement part for it like gasket?
Thank you very much for every kind reply and help,
Pu
So I just got a nice one owner 03 GX470 last week with 127k miles on it. The previous owner is a lady who doesn't know much about cars and she couldn't recall whether the trans fluid was ever changed. So I would assume it's still running with the original tranny blood.
I have the intention to keep the truck for a long run and it runs really well. I have owned several Toyota/Lexus, it's by far the smoothest one.
I am considering to change the transmission fluid/filter now, but I have a few questions that want to ask you guys:
1. For the millage, should I just drain the old fluid, replace the filter and refill or should I replace the filter and drain/refill several times to get most of the old fluid out.
2. I know the 03 has the tranny with dipstick which is a sort of good news. My question is, as I will take the old filter off which means more fluid will come out(not from the pan), when I refill the fluid from the dipstick, should I stop when it reaches the top mark or should I go further? Another question is should I also refill with a certain temperature as newer sealed tranny or just cold refill?
3. If I do several drain/refills, should I drive around between two cycles or only turn on the engine and cycle through gears? If I need to drive around, how far is the best? If only cycling through gears, how long? And will this affect the dipstick reading?
4. Anyone has ever bought the Toyota T-IV fluid through ebay? Normally you can find 4 qrts pack for around $35, is that reliable source?
5. Another general question is, is it better to use brake cleaner to clean the inside of the pan, or just use dish cleaner and water to clean the pan?
6. Is there anything getting in the way of removing the trans oil pan? If so, is it easy to be removed and do I need to prepare replacement part for it like gasket?
Thank you very much for every kind reply and help,
Pu
Last edited by paul3991; 09-10-18 at 02:12 PM.
09-10-18, 02:37 PM
#2
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...oil-on-gx.html
Theres about 10 pages of info/discussions here regarding transmission fluid. Not sure if your questions were answered there already however its worth a read. Same goes with searching Ih8mud regarding transmission fluid changes on 120 series trucks.
goodluck.
Theres about 10 pages of info/discussions here regarding transmission fluid. Not sure if your questions were answered there already however its worth a read. Same goes with searching Ih8mud regarding transmission fluid changes on 120 series trucks.
goodluck.
The following users liked this post:
paul3991 (09-10-18)
09-10-18, 03:01 PM
#4
There really is no “filter”to change. It’s more like a screen and from what I understand not needed to change when servicing the transmission. With that said, I did change my screen / filter when I dropped the pan to drain the tranny fluid. My suggestion would be to drop the pan and get as much fluid out as you can then bolt it back up...fill it up and then proceed with 2-3 more drain and fills without dropping the pan.
09-10-18, 03:28 PM
#5
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thank you Barnesie.
According to my understanding, there is actually a filter instead they call it 'strainer'. It should be the 'screen' you talked about.
When you did that, did you remove anything else before removing the pan?
According to my understanding, there is actually a filter instead they call it 'strainer'. It should be the 'screen' you talked about.
When you did that, did you remove anything else before removing the pan?
09-10-18, 04:03 PM
#6
Sorry yes the exact verbage is strainer. I did have to remove one exhaust pipe that crossed over the pan...which was no problem. Be sure to get a new gasket for the pan and drain / fill washers for the job.
09-10-18, 05:44 PM
#7
At this mileage you might want to consider flushing he entire system and refill with the full 12-13 qts of fluid. Most dealers now do an entire fluid exchange....they hook up to,the transmission cooler lines and run cleaner and then new fluid into the system.
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