PandaBear

iTrader: (1)

Hindsight is 20/20 indeed, and in 2018 I see that most RWD IS250 auto transmission junkyard pull cost around $500 more than AWD, and low in inventory.

My speculation is IS250 indeed have a larger than usual (but not severe like Honda V6) auto transmission failure, is it because of the lifetime fill? I don't know, but I have to wonder if the 100k severe or lifetime fill has anything to do with it.

I'm at 98k right now and it still shifts fine other than some P to D or D to P shift. Just changed my Prius V ATF at 60k instead of the recommended 30k, with Valvoline Maxlife (they recommend it for WS) and it did shift a lot smoother. So I personally think those aftermarket (at least the name brand and synthetic like Maxlife) will work fine as WS alternative. I do want to keep the IS for at least 200k like all my other cars so I'd probably do a few drain and fill, or the BG heat exchanger flush. Let's see if the ATF will last longer than the intake valve deposit problem happening again (piston and ring changed at 80k).

Jaeger147

2006 lexus gs300 with a960e transmission started slipping and now completely failed at 90k miles. Any good mechanic will tell you there is no such thing as lifetime fluid. When I checked my transmission fluid it was dark and smelled burned. Also I noticed the transmission is not connected to the radiator or a transmission cooler therefore the transmission runs hot. #1 cause of transmission failure is heat, look it up.

Lexusawd07

What's the best way to prevent failure if the oil isn't changed? I doubt it's lifetime. All oil breaks down over time/use. If I took this to Lexus dealership and asked for a transmission fluid change, would they do it? Or say "it's sealed lifetime sorry"

primavera

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, take it to Toyota dealer instead of Lexus and ask for drain and fill.
There's a search window in the right upper corner, this procedure had been covered extensively. Make sure you log off first before using it.

ELexis

Additional trans fluid change information located here;

IS350 Trans Fluid Exchange https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-exchange.html

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

I did mine a couple months ago, getting more than half the fluid out in one session... I used the OBD Fusion App on my phone to see the ATF temperature. It only takes a few minutes of idle time to shoot over the check point.

I used Amsoil ATF by the gallon.

Look here. It's step by step DIY.

#2IS Transmission Service A760E

More information here my build thread...

ELexis

Thanks 2013FSport!

sagan

Can anyone comment about the AWD Transmission? I don't have one of those covers for instance to get to the WS fill plug. It's just wide open to it no cover. Ok fine, but then on the drain side all there is the hex presumably overflow bolts. Car has 120K miles and I figured I'd change a quart at a time during oil changes vs. dropping the pan.

Anyone have any idea if there is any kind of drain on this transmission whatsoever beside the overflow?

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

As I know it, they all have an overflow and a drain. Drop the pan and filter. Clean the gasket, pan, and trans matting surface with lacquer thinner.. the ONLY complication is tightening all of the bolts evenly and setting the fluid level correctly.
I mean, if you're going to the work of getting a pump and all that jazz as 1/2 the job at home is getting it in the air. Not the pan bolts. 1 quart in 11 is pretty useless anyway unless done monthly.

Follow the link I posted on 2021-06-10... everything you need to get half (5.5 qts) out in one trip under the car.

sagan

Thank you. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_A_transmission

Looks like it's a A760H on the AWD. I'll need to dig some more on it.

I was just thinking doing a quart a month like you said in part because dropping the pan is very difficult in your own garage with the minimal space when you raise the car on jack stands but point well taken, maybe I'll bring it to a tuner and have them do it.

<edit>
Yup I'm a fool, it's very clearly exactly how 2013FSport said it was. It just doesn't have the little side piece over the filler area. For the filler I had a heck of a time but just settled on getting a shallow 24mm socket set and 1/2" drive ratchet. All my stuff was 3/8" and I couldn't find any 24mm that were 6 point as not to strip the filler bolt. Drain bolt and filler overflow bolt are both there. Not sure what I was looking at the first time through.