I had posted already on your other thread, but now I'm confused. You're going to Lexus to get this done, or you're going to an independent dealer? If Lexus, they should be able to do it as there is a TSB (do a search on threads) that describes the procedure and parts needed (some hose connector) to do the drain and fill.

Yes, it's not a simple flush and drain, but requires a machine to do it. I'm just thinking that they probably underquoted you at $200, and just want you to leave and come back in another few months and then try to jack you for $300-400, which I think is what the "normal" price is.

If they really won't do it, then have them write on paper that they (Lexus dealer) or Toyota USA guarantees that the transmission will not fail because of bad fluid for as long as you own the vehicle, then you can just leave the transmission as is forever.

 

Are all LS430 5 speed and 6 speed transmission fully sealed? or Sealed for life?

 

That is a strange story. Be sure to let us know what the real deal is when you find out.

Just because Lexus say the trans fluid is lifetime non replacement does not technically mean they are saying or implying that the transmission will work fine forever and never wear out. What they are saying and implying is that changing the trans fluid is not necessary given the normal life cycle of that transmission on that car. So my guess is that no one at Lexus is going to put anything in writing about any guarantees.

 

Actually, there is a plug to have it serviced (although not as simple as the older models), a Lexus tech has explained this here on the forums before.

Like many before me, any fluid is subject to deterioration with age. I have yet to service the LS' transmission (60K so far), but on the GS, i perform a drain and refill every oil change which is about 8k with no problems.

I think around 100K, your problem will be more of a tranny mount issues in the way of added (although gradual) vibrations and harsh gear shifts.

 

Correct -- they won't, just like they won't guarantee that it won't fail if you DO change the fluid (unless you pay them enough to also buy a warranty).

gripau1, the 5-speeds still had the standard provisions for changing fluids, the 6-speeds do not.

 

Merged two threads together.

Please only post one thread per topic at a time.

 

Vista Lexus Woodland hills ,ca . I was quoted $189.99 . I was told by 2 different service guys to bring it in. I was going to buy the fluid and do it myself but they said no its a sealed trans and a electronic issue that Lexus can only perform , so i made my appointment , next day they say no we don't do this sorry but will wash your car . The service guy explained how they do it, Next day they said sorry about the mix up its only on 2003 and under that they can do this service. I said clearly " So i never am supposed to change my trans fluid , Ever" ?? They said Ever ..

 

Has anyone ever had a problem with a 2004 LS430 slamming into 1st gear from 2nd ? When I slow down to make a turn and the car goes into 1st gear there is a noticable jerk in the car. I was going to have the trans fluid changed but the dealer says they do not do it. Any help or suggestions ?

 

My 04 LS430 Tranny dead on 86000 mi, change a 2yrs old one spend me 2K USD

 

Really , your trans. went out at 86 k ? I am on that now.no problems so far. Thats why i wanted a fluid change but Lexus said they don't do it.I guess i might try another joint.

 

177K on my Transmission. It was shifting strange until I changed the fluid. Perfect.

No problems yet -knock on wood-

 

Yes and no. The cooled ATF goes from the pan into the tranny, then the hot fluid from the tranny goes through the ATF cooler, then back to the pan. So they basically direct the hose that would have gone to the cooler to an empty "bucket." The exit hose from the cooler, which connects to the ATF pan on the other end, is connected to the "bucket" of new ATF. So the new ATF flows from the machine, to the pan, while the tranny pulls from the pan and spits the old fluid out into the empty resevoir. The correct way is to first drain & fill the pan w/ new fluid, then hook up the machine. The dealers do it the lazy way and just hook the machine up directly, so there is some initial mixing of the new & old fluid in the pan, but the pan capacity isn't very much (I think it's 3 qts out of a total of 12 qts on the LX470, and less on the LS...I would guess 6 qts total capacity?).

Regardless of if WS or T-IV, I'm a believer in changing tranny fluids at 30K, especially here in AZ where heat degrades the fluids faster. Super long life engine coolant should be changed before 60K, too.

 

Your car might need the TSB that changes your shift patterns. the TSB number is TC006-04..........ask your dealer..........its not the fluid.......its actually how the LS is made