Yep, I was able to activate the fluid temperature detection mode, but the blinking D indicated that the ATF temperature was too high. After waiting for 15 minutes or so for it to cool down, the second iteration yielded the same "higher than proper temperature", so i resorted to just measuring the fluid I needed to drain (instead of the precise, "If the ATF flows from the overflow tube and the ATF flows in a thin stream, the fluid amount is normal.")

I think I'll take it to the dealer next time, when I reach 200k.

 

Lavrishevo
Does your procedure apply to an LS 430 or and LS 460?
Way different transmissions.

 

This is my understanding about "sealed" transmission. When Toyota says sealed transmission, it means that the inside of the transmission is not open to ambient air under normal driving condition. This is achieved by not having a dipstick. WS fluid is hygroscopic. If WS fluid absorbs moisture from the air, its service life gets shortened. Some Toyota cars use WS fluid but still have dipsticks. These cars, according to Toyota, need to have their transmission fluid changed around 100,000 miles. I agree that even for sealed transmission, it's a good idea to change the fluid around 100,000 miles, if you plan to keep the car for a long time.

 

Correct. This procedure is for the 04 - 06 430, as I mentioned. It is actually very similar to the 460. Almost exactly the same procedure.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/8373646-post9.html

 

I've always take my cars to the Valvoline, dem boys know what to do, I aint seen oil in years, just easier that way, aint know way I'm messing with some tranny fluid, stuff is nasty

 

CareyP

It's imperative that the fluid level is correct for the tranny to function properly in these new model. Older model with dip stick the tolerance is more. If I were you I would take it to the dealer and pay a few bucks for them to adjust to the proper level. Since you did 90% of the work I can't image they will charge much. But again it's the stealership. Lol.

 

Yes, I plan to have the dealer review my work.

What a nightmare !

I'll let everyone know the final verdict.

 

I have friends and I have a neighbor who who work for Lexus and on Lexus cars. One works at a MAJOR DEALERSHIP. They all say NEVER even think about changing the transmission fluid. It's a sealed unit and takes special equipment to do it anyway. These are personal friends of mine and I trust them. They say "LEAVE IT ALONE."

 

Ask your friend why Aisin, the manufacturer of the transmission, designed it to be serviced. Not to mention that in Canada Lexus instructs the 430 transmission be serviced every 60k yet in the US it's "lifetime". For those who are really serious about this subject, may I suggest taking a sample of your transmission fluid at the your next interval and then have it analyzed by a lab. It's cheap and several members in the 430 forum have done this. It will tell you exactly the condition of the lubricant. I realize that the 460 and 04-06 430 do not have the same exact transmission but they are very similar and use the same WS synthetic fluid and both lack dipsticks. Neither are sealed but have both a drain and refill port.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com

This is a great thread on the 430 side that shows some real data. I plan on doing it myself next time I have mine drained and refilled.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...id-thread.html

 

BMW has the same logic as Lexus with regards to transmissions: Lifetime fluid. However, after much debate at Bimmerfest.com, Blackstone fluid samples/analysis, etc, folks were heading to shops getting their fluid changes done. That post above with the analysis of the Lexus transmission (lifetime fluid), is exactly why I will change my fluid out. There is no "lifetime fluid" (although I guess that depends ion Lexus' definition of lifetime). Those levels of wear metals and additives remaining etc, clearly indicates that we should be changing the fluid regularly. For 175 bucks, it's a no brainer as far as I'm concerned. When I replace mine I will send in a sample to Blackstone Labs for analysis.

 

You could try using a pump to fill the pan through the overflow hole.

Check out this video @16:58

 

Next time try the dealer. They charged me around $160 a couple of years ago. You can barely buy the fluid and filter for that.

 

I got kinda creeped out trying to watch that video.

 

I have a free app on my phone called Torque and a Bluetooth dongle that you can get for $15-$20 that will read every sensor on the car including trans temp as well as fault codes. It will also erase codes.

Kevin

 

Carista app is considered to be best for Lexus by many forum members. And it works with IOS too.