Veliksam

Well it's too late now, they've already violated my GX. Next time i will not allow them to do all that un-necessary stuff.
At least it still shifts super smooth 😎

ASE

I just love the language used by dealerships these days. It used to be "Problem" and Service Performed". Now it's "Customer States" and "Charge for Concern" ... language designed by attorneys to dance around any potential liability. At $130+ per hour one would think that would also include accountability.

Acrad

I notice they did use the golden fluid as PN matches but only lists 1 quart. I can't remember at the moment how much I pumped in but owner's manual states 1.5 quarts and had some left on my second quart can when I did mine..

nuclearn8

Transfer case takes 1.5 qts of fluid, just did it. Perhaps they had .5qt leftover and open from a previous TC service and used it without charging him... this would be best case scenario.

Ab175

Hello everyone, I have a 2014 GX460 that was purchased brand new roughly 6 (almost 7) years ago. It has 134,000 miles on it. It has been serviced at a Lexus dealership its entire life every 5,000 miles and has followed the maintenance guide. It has never had a transmission fluid flush or change because of their "lifetime fluid" claim. I recently stumbled on this thread and I am conflicted about whether it is too late to get the fluid changed or if I am still within that window. My goal is obviously to maximize the lifespan of the vehicle. Additionally, I am not keen on taking the risk doing it myself so I would probably get it done at the dealership. Basically I am wondering if it is too late to get the fluid changed and if it isn't will a full drain and replace be good for the vehicle?

Thanks in advance for the help!

LexusGXFan

It's so easy to do and when you do it yourself, you know it's done correctly !!!

You're going to get all types of responses of what to put back in, but it's cheap insurance for your transmission.

You are past the LIFETIME with your mileage.

Romanova

Do it yourself because it will be expensive to do it at the dealer. A case of fluid, a fluid pump, and an OBD2 reader isn't that expensive. Do 3 D&Fs, then drop the pan and change the filter and gasket. I did mine at 120k-ish, no issues.

Seriously, EVERYTHING you need is in this thread to do it yourself. If ****I**** can do it, you can do it.

Ab175

Thanks for the quick answers, the only thing I am worried about is the fact that I am passed the "lifetime" of my fluid. I am worried that changing it now will cause slippage and the transmission to not function properly. Can anyone comment on how GXs around 130k or higher mileage responded to this fluid change?

Additionally, if I choose to do this myself, it will be my first experience working on any car (besides extremely minor things, such as AC filter) and I am nervous to do it on such an expensive vehicle. To be completely honest, I am still kind of feeling like I should not fix what is not broken, however, I am shooting for 200k miles and I want to do everything to help me get there lol.

Thanks.

Romanova

Flushing is what higher mileage trannys don't like (depending on who you ask). To just drain and fill, that goes with the notion that the solution to pollution is dilution. You're going to dilute the old fluid with new fluid and after several drain and fills, you'll primarily have new fluid in there.

It's easy to do, but if you're not mechanically handy or inclined, look for a good indy mechanic to do it. Where in TX are you? Just educate yourself on the process as outlined in this thread and make sure it is followed and that they only use Toyota WS fluid, as well as an OEM filter/strainer and whatever gasket you want. A Lexus dealer is going to cost probably close to $600+ to do it the right way, factoring in the time, parts, and fluid...

Acrad

I wouldn't have any concerns changing fluid at 130k miles. Unless there was already some pre-existing condition these transmissions seem to do fine with high mileage fluid changes. I personally can't recall a story of someone saying "I changed AT fluid on my 460 and it failed shortly afterward".

Ab175

I'm in the Houston area, I was planning on calling a shop called J&T automotive tomorrow to consult them on this. I know my father has used their shop a couple times and they do good work. Plus their reviews are fantastic. To be honest as long as it gets done right I think around the 500$ mark is ok with me. If you have any recommendations please let me know. Thanks

Romanova

I'm in Houston as well, though my schedule doesn't have any free time for the next few months or else I'd be happy to help you with it. Check out Duggy's Garage, they do a lot of Lexus and Toyota work. Clearchoice Lexus (indy) also does good work, but they are a bit expensive (not as expensive as the dealer).

Jacket

As others have said, there's definitely no panic situation here. But it's good that you are aware of the options and want to take care of your GX for the long haul. Draining and filling AT has been standard practice for some time, but the complexities with the GX is the lack of a fill tube and that the accurate fill level process is a bit of a pain. Some Lexus dealers claim ignorance to the process, and others may not do it to the level of precision described by the FSM. If you trust J&T and they work on Toyota/Japanese platforms then maybe that's a good option. Hell - just have them look at Faye's Youtube video and that should provide plenty of clarity about what you want.

You could also check out Duggie's Garage or Javiers in the Houston area. If they can't help you they can probably provide some leads.

Ab175

I will contact Duggys tomorrow when they open. You guys have been really helpful, much appreciated.

tonyjh63

So what is the quickest, easiest way to do a simple drain and fill on a 2012 GX? I figure to do a drain and fill, drive for ten minutes, then repeat twice. Thanks!
Tony