BatKing

Hi guys,

I am planning change my GS4's Transmission Fluid by myself. According to BananaGS's DIY page, this shouldn't be more complicated then oil change. Then here comes my dump question. Do I need to change the Transmission Fluid filter also? or is there a filter to be changed? Because I do a search in this forum and find nothing about the Transmission Fluid filter. Please forgive me if this is a dump question. Because someone told me if I don't change the filter then there is no point for me to change the fluid. is that true? Thanks.

oldguy

I was told, today, by a repair shop and a transmisson shop that there is no filter. I'll bet the lexus service shop know also. Why not ask them?

Edit; I know there is a screen, I do not consider it a filter. But recognize someone might.

BatKing

Thanks oldguy.

DevilDog

There is a filter, but we never change it. It's a metal screen that rarely clogs. Drain and refill is safe.

LexusL

How often to do you change the transmission fluid???

Copout221

Lexus recommends every 15k. It is VERY easy to do on your own. You are doing the right thing by doing it yourself. Lexus charges way too much for such a simple operation. Good Luck

BananaGS

If you want to completely flush your system (DIY at home, w/o any special tool or pump) talk to me, I'll show you how, but it's kindna messy, I think it will take like 14L of trans fluid, I can't remember exactly the capacity of our transmission. but you can flush the whole system if you don't want to drain and flush 2L at a time

Anh

BatKing

Yes I do. But it depends on how complicate it would be. But I would like to have the info. Thanks.

rybikowsky

There is little point in trying to change your trans fluid at home,unless bannanas solution works.The most you will get out of the trans is one our two Quarts.Most of it is in the torque converter,and lexus did not see fit to put a drain plug on their converter.Carpe diem.

BananaGS

that is why you change it several time, 2L everytime, for the quick method hee hee.

I will update my website soon. for now, i will post the instruction to completely flush your complete transmission system here.

Notice: Read the disclaimer on my site first. This is for your information only.

I've done this my other car of mine, works perfectly. This method has been done by a lot of people before, I did not invent it, I just write about it for you

http://www.angelfire.com/dc/bananags/completetrans/

ruki400

There is a filter in the tranny. I would change it. If the car has high mileade theres no reason not to, its 20$ and is 2 bolts. (after the ten it takes to get the tranny case off)

whitels

I like bananags's method. I'll try that next time.

My method takes out close to 4L. The thing to remember is to start draining a hot tranny right after you've driven the car and as soon as you turned off the engine. Remember that the fluid expands when heated as shown by the dipstick? Take advantage of it as it means more of the fluid is outside of the torque converter section and out onto the pan. I drain the car for 24 hours, and then jack up the front of the car for another 2-3 hours to get more fluid out of the pan. I can almost fill a gallon with cold, dirty Type T-IV from the tranny.

BatKing

Thanks for all tech guru's info. Especially to BananaGS.

Here come to my next question. Where you guys buy the fuild? I tried Lexus Dealer and was told $41 for a 4 L can.
Then I went down to Toyota dealer and was told $36 a 4 L can. Isn't it $20? Thanks

DevilDog

Go back to the dealership. Walk back and talk with the techs. I'll bet for $10 you could get a brand new can thats just laying around the shop! You get a deal and he get a great lunch!

DD

oldguy

I am aware that this question has been posted many times. I feel the need to respond to copout221. Lexus, the manufacturer of these cars, does not recommend changing the transmission oil every 15,000 miles. The dealers do however. But how much of the total do they change? I see no reason not to sort of follow Lexus. They say change at 60,000 if you drive under "special operating conditions", which they describe as "only if vehicle is operated primarily while towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier."
I will change mine before 60,000, but not every 15,000, and see no reason not to change it all at one time.