xuserx04

iTrader: (6)

Hey guys

I have 113000 miles on my 04 Ls and have to change the tranny oil. I went to a local shop here in brooklyn and the guy said $200 for flush and fill including oil and filter. Am I getting a good deal? Is there a specific oil that MUST be used. Can Dexron be used, also is there some kind of oil that i should stay away from? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Oh and if any of you happen to know anyone who can do this for me in BK/SI area Holla.

Thanks guys.

DNC

I recently had my car's transmission serviced at the dealership. I was told the filter is not a disposable filter but instead is a permanent filter. I seem to remember paying less than $200. I think this needs to be a dealer only service. Just my opinion.

AlexusAnja

The 2004 is a 6-speed sealed transmission that, according to Toyota, never needs replacing, just inspection. There is no dip stick to check and I think there is no plug actually to drain or fill. If needed, there is a Toyota tool that you need to get to purge and refill the transmission. This is definitely not your standard, flush and fill transmission.

Also, the fluid is NOT NOT NOT Dexron anything. It's the WS "World Standard" that Toyota calls it and must be replaced with this same fluid. Whatever the local mechanic quoted you is probably for the standard flush and fill of a normal transmission and once your LS is up on the lift, he's going to find out that "oops, this is not right..." and it might be too late for you.

I would go to Lexus and get a price quote for the maintenance. It might be $200 or less as DNC said.

hulla

When I got my 04 about a month ago, I asked Lexus for a quote to change the transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and oil as part of the 30K service. They told me $450 and I thought that was a fair price.

The service tech later told me that 2004 had two transmissions in the model year. The first had a dipstick and the second had no dipstick with a synthetic fluid that didn't need to changed for 100,000 miles. I think the one with the dipstick is the transmission that got recalled and replaced, so there likely aren't very many around.

Also, he told me the coolant was synthetic and didn't need changing for 100K also.

I was happy that I didn't have to worry about these fluids but when I went to pick up my car, I realized I juist paid $450 for an oil change and brake fluid change.

jman-LS430

LOL, deja vu moment for me (not exactly the same, but something similar)

LS430inDE.

I thought I read a thread on this but I can't remember now. We're still on subject though. Regarding the transmission fluid...question---
What is the difference between the Toyota World Standard fluid and Toyota Type IV (T-4), aside from the PRICE?

The World Standard stuff is ~$8/qt and the T-4 is ~$6/qt.

I know I could find what my LS is recommended to take, in the owners manual or a little more digging...but thought it would be useful to all to discuss which should be used.

Any takers?...

AlexusAnja

The WS is suppose to be used in an enclosed unit, so I would iimagine it deteriorates faster when exposed to air, otherise there would be a dipstick too besides being able to go "100K" As for TypeIV, just "better" Dexron I would think. Who knows with all these fluids and additives and what they are... they're probably all just water, mixed with mud, and then dyed different colors.

LS430inDE.

FOUND IT. On a 2005 LS430, it is supposed to take TOYOTA WORLD STANDARD TRANSMISSION FLUID.

tl.nguyen

iTrader: (5)

04-06 LS uses WS fluid. You need a techstream to check the data list to monitor the trans temp ($25,000 computer Lexus has). It has to be inbewteen a certian temperature to know when the fluid is full ("Dripping process" Techs like to use this term). Theres more to it but I dont feel like typing it out

xuserx04

iTrader: (6)

Thanks guys for all the info. I went to the dealership the other day and he said $189.00 for a flush. Didnt give me a lot of information since it was late and they were closing but i have 113000 miles on my car and i think i should do this before its too late. Two of my friends have LSs, 01 and 04, both flushed the tranny at 100 000. Both cars were done by the guy thats asking $200. Non of them had problems. They did say that this guy uses some kind of equipment to pump it in and out, so i dont even know.

wanderer99

The World Standard part number for the trans oil looks like 00289-ATFWS from my Lexus invoice. Total for the trans service (as part of 60K) was around $145US+tax. $35 of that is parts, the rest is labor.

PHCMA

In the next couple of weeks I will be changing my WS Trans fluid, and be posting pictures. The total change should take 7 qts, if not then somethings up. The only way to get it all out in this Trans is to hookup to one of cooling lines. No you don't need a scan tool to change the fluid.

Boomer01

Most people recommend that you drain and fill the transmission oil instead of flushing it. As you get into higher miles, metal and other debris will gather in the bottom of your transmission. Flushing it will stir it up and could cause problems in the near future. I have just been draining and filling a few quarts at a time every time I change the oil.