Changing tranny fluid/filter for the 1st time - Any thing I should know?
04-29-05, 11:09 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by RMMGS4
I agree with you on the filter, but please site a thread that discusses this flushing concern. No offense to you, but I don't believe everything people say, especially on forums where people just repeat what they read elsewhere, but actually don't have any first hand experience. All that does is spread false rumor. Remember Salem ?
Also not all flush processes are the same. One bad flush experience doesn't make all flushes a bad thing. I can tell you that up here in NorCal almost all the veteran CL members have flushes done to their tranny and we swear by it. None of us follow the factory intervals because we've felt the improvement after much less mileage. Also none of us have had problems. Some have done atleast two flushes over the past 3 years. I WILL check with the shop that performs the flushes for us and see what he has to say about your flushing concerns.
Also not all flush processes are the same. One bad flush experience doesn't make all flushes a bad thing. I can tell you that up here in NorCal almost all the veteran CL members have flushes done to their tranny and we swear by it. None of us follow the factory intervals because we've felt the improvement after much less mileage. Also none of us have had problems. Some have done atleast two flushes over the past 3 years. I WILL check with the shop that performs the flushes for us and see what he has to say about your flushing concerns.
04-30-05, 03:57 AM
#32
Originally Posted by LB Lex
I suppose I can dig through the forum and find the threads for you, but I stated that some people said there a problems and others said there are none. I don't want to take the risk of messing things up, especially when money is tight right now. I believe (from personal experience) that a drain/refill is sufficient.
* Us being Rominl, Neo, redgs4 to name a few.
04-30-05, 04:10 AM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by RMMGS4
Of course if anyone wants to prove this out be my guest. 
i changed it about lets say a month ago
and no leaks so far ...dry as a bone ....but we'll use today as a starting point
april 30th 2005 no leaks and no gasket change
ill check every so often and update .......
but in all fairness you SHOULD replace the gasket since its your car
and i usually trust these gaskets to last longer than pulling them down once
i have to stop thinking WWTLWD and think from your cars point of view
04-30-05, 04:28 AM
#34
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by LB Lex
I suppose I can dig through the forum and find the threads for you, but I stated that some people said there a problems and others said there are none. I don't want to take the risk of messing things up, especially when money is tight right now. I believe (from personal experience) that a drain/refill is sufficient.
i have had the trans flushed....ill keep you updated on that as well
and i also agree if it works for Lexus then it should work for you (the drain and fill)
but the machine that flushes ...the snap-on one
i cant see them building a machine that would mess up internals
i have no idea how fast trans fluid flows through the lines
but how much faster could the snap-on machine send it through
i wonder if people hear the word FLUSH they thinks it s shot thru at a high rate of speed
from what i can remember it goes through the machine at the same rate it normally would
as if you were drivng
heres the machine im talking about
Description:
APPLICATION:
• Designed for ATF exchange on passenger car, light truck and medium-duty vehicles
• Ideal for truck/fleet maintenance garages
TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE:
• Automatically exchanges ATF fluid using vehicle specific adapter hoses
• Complete ATF fluid exchange (virtually 100%) in 15 minutes or less
• Connects directly to transmission cooler lines without dropping transmission pan
• Four capacity selections (12, 16, 20, and 35 qt.)
• Safe, clean, easy, fast - pit, lift or ramp not required
• Waste fluid drained at the touch of a button
CABINET FEATURES:
• Durable roto-cast polyethylene body and tanks
• Integral hose and tool compartment with drain orifice
• Highly mobile with 5" locking caster wheels
• Ergonomically correct working height
• Large diameter fill hole
• Clear, color-coded ATF (2) service hoses
• New and used fluid reservoirs
• Fully automatic electronic control panel
• Easy access service panel
• Protective 10 micron in-line absolute fluid filters (2)
• Fluid volume control using highly accurate sensor technolog (+/-5%)
• Diverter valve reverses fluid flow without hose switching
ELECTRONIC CONTROL:
• Interactive Options Menu
- Add new fluid to transmission (.2 qt. increments)
- Remove fluid from transmission (.2 qt. increments)
- Drain new fluid tank
- Drain used fluid tank
- Auto prime feature (automatic system prime/air purge)
- New fluid volume indicator
- Used fluid capacity indicator
• Select 4, 12, 16, or 20 qt. exchange volume
• Cycle valves/cleaning function
• Accuracy check of new and used fluid usage
• Numeric totalizer check of fluid usage
• Machine status indicators
SPECIFICATIONS:
• New & Used Fluid Tank Capacities: 40 quarts
• Service Hoses: 10 feet in length
• Operating Temperature: 0° to 150°F (17.8° to 65.5°C)
• Storage Temperature: -4° to 150°F (-20° to 65.5°C)
• Dimensions: 39 1/2"H x 21"W x 25 1/2"D
• Weight: 110 lbs.
• Power: 12-volt DC from vehicle battery
05-03-05, 07:50 AM
#36
Hey guys...after all i read on the tranny issue i just got off the phone with my local toyota dealer and got the following prices
Not sure what he meant but got three prices....
Full flush was 129.95
drain and refill 49.95
clean screen and i think refill a few quarts was 69.95 not sure?
He won't know until lhe checks the fluid... He talked about the fluid being dark and smelling like varnish is a way to tell the condition of the fluid.
With 54,500 miles on my gs 400 I'm sure the fluid has never been changed.. I should do it now considering that the milage is still low and the internals are in fair condition i hope.
These prices seem fair considering those where the prices i paid when doing my mustang at the time..Tranny seems to be fine just want to do preventative maintance to keep the life of the car...I'll probably take it in next week or so....Thank you Tony
Not sure what he meant but got three prices....
Full flush was 129.95
drain and refill 49.95
clean screen and i think refill a few quarts was 69.95 not sure?
He won't know until lhe checks the fluid... He talked about the fluid being dark and smelling like varnish is a way to tell the condition of the fluid.
With 54,500 miles on my gs 400 I'm sure the fluid has never been changed.. I should do it now considering that the milage is still low and the internals are in fair condition i hope.
These prices seem fair considering those where the prices i paid when doing my mustang at the time..Tranny seems to be fine just want to do preventative maintance to keep the life of the car...I'll probably take it in next week or so....Thank you Tony
05-03-05, 09:16 AM
#38
Originally Posted by T.L.W.
tony you changed your own oil right
this is easier
do the drain and refill
this is easier
do the drain and refill
Johonny, Do you have a DIY thread on this.. I could get the 4 quarts from toyota and maybe do it myself.. What about the filter? The dealer said that the screen just needed to be cleaned. Didn't mention the filter..... Thanks johnny...Tony
05-03-05, 10:38 AM
#39
tmf2004, do it yourself or at the dealer, but get it done. The best thing you can do for your tranny is to change the fluid *at least* every 30K. The drain/fill works well every 15K, as the dealers recommend. You've got too many miles on the original fluid, if you're one to be concerned about maintenance.
05-03-05, 10:48 AM
#40
Originally Posted by T.L.W.
i have had the trans flushed....ill keep you updated on that as well
and i also agree if it works for Lexus then it should work for you (the drain and fill)
but the machine that flushes ...the snap-on one
i cant see them building a machine that would mess up internals
i have no idea how fast trans fluid flows through the lines
but how much faster could the snap-on machine send it through
i wonder if people hear the word FLUSH they thinks it s shot thru at a high rate of speed
from what i can remember it goes through the machine at the same rate it normally would
as if you were drivng
and i also agree if it works for Lexus then it should work for you (the drain and fill)
but the machine that flushes ...the snap-on one
i cant see them building a machine that would mess up internals
i have no idea how fast trans fluid flows through the lines
but how much faster could the snap-on machine send it through
i wonder if people hear the word FLUSH they thinks it s shot thru at a high rate of speed
from what i can remember it goes through the machine at the same rate it normally would
as if you were drivng
05-03-05, 07:54 PM
#41
Originally Posted by engin_ear
tmf2004, do it yourself or at the dealer, but get it done. The best thing you can do for your tranny is to change the fluid *at least* every 30K. The drain/fill works well every 15K, as the dealers recommend. You've got too many miles on the original fluid, if you're one to be concerned about maintenance.
So engin_ear what your saying is change the whole fluid out with the snap on machine? I don't mind spending the 129.95 and getting the flush done.. Toyota has it so I'll try to get in next week.
Thanks for the reply... Tony
05-03-05, 08:16 PM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
honestly
tony for around 25 dollars you can do this yourself
jack up the car and place the jacks in the right places
then i think its 12mm or 14 mm remove the drain plug (if you want get a new gasket )
let it drain
put on the new gasket and snug up the plug
drop the car down
and with a long funnel ..add about 3 1/2 quarts of toyota or amsoil transfluid
start the car
check the fluid level and add what is needed
have i missed any steps
this is what Lexus does
they dont check the transfilter
the only thing to clean is the 3 magnets inside the pan
but they dont even do that
i can see what screen they would clean to be honest
i should have taken pics
tony for around 25 dollars you can do this yourself
jack up the car and place the jacks in the right places
then i think its 12mm or 14 mm remove the drain plug (if you want get a new gasket )
let it drain
put on the new gasket and snug up the plug
drop the car down
and with a long funnel ..add about 3 1/2 quarts of toyota or amsoil transfluid
start the car
check the fluid level and add what is needed
have i missed any steps
this is what Lexus does
they dont check the transfilter
the only thing to clean is the 3 magnets inside the pan
but they dont even do that
i can see what screen they would clean to be honest
i should have taken pics
05-03-05, 08:34 PM
#43
Well with that many miles I'm thinking of just doing the whole flush to get all new fluid in the tranny.... Its only 3 1/2 quarts if i drain it myself and then add some? That doesn't seem like alot.. I guess i just want to do the right thing the first time and be done with it.....
So would you suggest the flush or are you not suggesting that...Thanks for being honest.....
So would you suggest the flush or are you not suggesting that...Thanks for being honest.....
05-03-05, 08:58 PM
#44
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Originally Posted by RMMGS4
YES YES YES. I see I couldn't write only YES either. 
The washer on the OEM drain plug is a compression washer avaliable ONLY at Lexus/Toyota for the amazing price of roughly $5 !. Once you open the drain plug, you should put in a new washer. The old one will be crushed flat and may not offer a good seal over time, especially on a hot summer day, probably on a long distance trip. Of course if anyone wants to prove this out be my guest.
The washer on the OEM drain plug is a compression washer avaliable ONLY at Lexus/Toyota for the amazing price of roughly $5 !. Once you open the drain plug, you should put in a new washer. The old one will be crushed flat and may not offer a good seal over time, especially on a hot summer day, probably on a long distance trip. Of course if anyone wants to prove this out be my guest.