rkw77080

Your dipstick tube makes several turns on its way down to the transmission pan, so every time you pour ATF down this tube it coats the inside wall, which can stay wet for a long time. As you insert the dipstick, it makes contact with the tube's inside wall at every turn and pickup some ATF. You may have to insert/withdraw the dipstick several time to scrape the inside wall free of ATF, and always look at both sides of the dipstick to confirm level.

Forbidden

When u say fluid exchange is that where they suck all of the fluid out and refill? I have been told with the lack of maintenance records that I was probably going to do worse than good so I left it alone. I was thinking of just removing the drain plug and drain the pan and then refill but since I am low on oil I would need to add more than what comes out. Does anyone know how much would need to be added if I do this? Does anyone have any other recommendations? Again. Thanks for all the help

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Most just drain and refill vs flushing the transmission. It's less of a shock to the system. Then you repeat the process pretty regularly. On your car it is easier for this procedure. What you add is matched to what you drain plus a little. Use the dipstick.

rkw77080

According to the Owner's Manual, you should be able to drain 1.9 US Quarts of ATF out of the 2001-2003 transmission.


This must be done while the car is parked on level ground and the engine has been off long enough for all of the ATF to drain back into the pan. Carefully measure what you're able to drain out to determine if you were indeed low on ATF (thus the slow-engagement problem persisted).

I would suggest to add back slightly less than 1.9 US Quarts of new ATF at first (say, 1.7 or so). Drive around for a few minutes to bring the transmission up to temperature. Check the level with the engine running, transmission in "P" or "N", with car parked on level ground. Add ATF if necessary.

Forbidden

Well my plan is to do just that. Drain the pan, refill with the drained amount and add a little more at a time and measure with dipstick. I just wanted a idea of how much I should expect to add in total. Only thing this plan has officially been placed on hold until ...... cause I live in South Florida (Miami) and we have been getting bad weather this week, also there is a hurricane heading in our direction So I will keep you advised on the outcome once I am able to do it. Thanks

Forbidden

Thanks for the info rkw. We were both typing at the same time

rkw77080

I was just thinking... Wow, that's fast!

A couple of subtle but important points that you already knew... 1) Engine must be off (for a while) before you drain. 2) Engine must be running when you check the level.

Hopefully, Dorian decides to head north... Stay safe!

Marc08EX

Anybody have a link to a DIY drain and fill? The only DIY I saw here and in YouTube is trying to replace like 8 qts by removing some tubes to flush the entire system. I don’t want to do that.

rkw77080

Please see post #12 of this thread for a link to a drain-and-refill for the 2004-2006 transmission.

Forbidden

Thanks for the safe wishes but I forgot to mention that the engage time has reduced ever since I added fluid. I am assuming this is a good thing right?

rkw77080

It seems to suggest that we're on the right track!

Marc08EX

@rkw77080 wow thanks for the link and the write up!

I wonder if the drain plug is located in the same place for the 01-03? Then I assume refill he ATF through the dipstick hole?

sdls

You guys should be glad to at least have a dipstick. Lexus "Cost Reduced" this part in the 07+ models. We have to plug into a diagnostic scanner and then check the amount of fluid overflow or sth stupid when the temperature is at some obscure exact temperature range. Thanks for nothing, Toyota.

rkw77080

Yes, the drain plug is located near the rear of the pan (see sketch below). Please note that the 01-03 LS430 do not have the Over-flow plug like the 04-06 model. In order to drain more ATF out, you should only jack up the front of the car and leave the rear wheels on the ground. Yes, add new ATF through the dipstick tube.

Marc08EX

@rkw77080 Which service manual would you recommend I get?

im new to Toyota’s and Lexus’ so I don’t know where to get the service manuals.