Changing transmission fluid with high mileage
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
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my FWD rx has 150,000 on it and transmission fluid has never been changed. it sounds like changing is the best thing to do despite lexus manual, and from what i've read think several drain and fills w/cleaning is the best way to go about this given the high mileage and lack of service.
since there are many reports of tranny failure right after a fluid change, i'm wondering if it's ok to check and clean the filter often during the days following the change without adding fresh fluid each time. since i don't want to introduce too much new fluid too quickly into the vehicle, would it be ok to drain and fill once, then each 100 miles or so check and clean the filter (replacing with the same fluid that was drained) to rid of any large debris that may have come loose? then do the same thing over a couple times until most of the fluid in the system is replaced.
i want to do everything i can to prevent failure. what's strange to me is how people who have been doing regular changes from the start have had their tranny failed while mine is still smooth after 150k...
since there are many reports of tranny failure right after a fluid change, i'm wondering if it's ok to check and clean the filter often during the days following the change without adding fresh fluid each time. since i don't want to introduce too much new fluid too quickly into the vehicle, would it be ok to drain and fill once, then each 100 miles or so check and clean the filter (replacing with the same fluid that was drained) to rid of any large debris that may have come loose? then do the same thing over a couple times until most of the fluid in the system is replaced.
i want to do everything i can to prevent failure. what's strange to me is how people who have been doing regular changes from the start have had their tranny failed while mine is still smooth after 150k...
Last edited by hsmac; 04-03-16 at 01:13 AM.
#2
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sounds like you have a good plan with the drain and refill and filter swap. 100 mile maintenance is excessive though, i'd consider to do it at your oil change interval a few times. Drain your front differential too since it shares the same fluid.
Last edited by fastnoypi; 04-03-16 at 08:43 AM.
#3
Lexus Test Driver
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The transfer case takes gear oil, and it has a completely different sump. I suppose you mean drain your front differential, as that shares ATF with the transmission (hence the term transaxle).
#4
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Little confused ... when you drop the pan to get to the filter the amount of fluid dumped (and later added) is practically the same as drain and fill.
My recommendation is to drop the pan and clean/change filter every 110K interval. Make sure you place the magnets at the same spot. Replace gasket or use FIPG. Drain and fill at recommended interval [choose that makes sense to you 15k or 30k]. 60K and beyond is maybe too long.
If your fluid is chocolate shake color then do some repeated drain and fill.
If you are an avid DIYer and use the continues add and fill using the transmission pump, then you will disagree with the above. You dont need any advice.
Over the years, I have never been able to read the fluid level via the dip-stick. First time I did the drain and fill, I asked the parts counter about how much would be needed. I measured the fluid that came out from the transaxle (2 spots for the FWD) and the parts counter was correct [no partial quarts were needed]. Now I just get the bottles and pour them in at the end.
Salim
My recommendation is to drop the pan and clean/change filter every 110K interval. Make sure you place the magnets at the same spot. Replace gasket or use FIPG. Drain and fill at recommended interval [choose that makes sense to you 15k or 30k]. 60K and beyond is maybe too long.
If your fluid is chocolate shake color then do some repeated drain and fill.
If you are an avid DIYer and use the continues add and fill using the transmission pump, then you will disagree with the above. You dont need any advice.
Over the years, I have never been able to read the fluid level via the dip-stick. First time I did the drain and fill, I asked the parts counter about how much would be needed. I measured the fluid that came out from the transaxle (2 spots for the FWD) and the parts counter was correct [no partial quarts were needed]. Now I just get the bottles and pour them in at the end.
Salim
#6
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A trick that i've used from servicing our past Mercedes and reading other Toyota manuals is to drain and measure the old drained fluid, replace with equivalent volume of fluid. Drive the car for a few miles (city traffic preferred to allow shifting) to get the ATF up to approximately 80*C. Then check the hot level via the dipstick. If it is not within the acceptable range, top off as needed but take caution not to overfill. Overfill can cause cavitation and possible foaming of the ATF.
#7
Lexus Test Driver
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Little confused ... when you drop the pan to get to the filter the amount of fluid dumped (and later added) is practically the same as drain and fill.
My recommendation is to drop the pan and clean/change filter every 110K interval. Make sure you place the magnets at the same spot. Replace gasket or use FIPG. Drain and fill at recommended interval [choose that makes sense to you 15k or 30k]. 60K and beyond is maybe too long.
If your fluid is chocolate shake color then do some repeated drain and fill.
If you are an avid DIYer and use the continues add and fill using the transmission pump, then you will disagree with the above. You dont need any advice.
Over the years, I have never been able to read the fluid level via the dip-stick. First time I did the drain and fill, I asked the parts counter about how much would be needed. I measured the fluid that came out from the transaxle (2 spots for the FWD) and the parts counter was correct [no partial quarts were needed]. Now I just get the bottles and pour them in at the end.
Salim
My recommendation is to drop the pan and clean/change filter every 110K interval. Make sure you place the magnets at the same spot. Replace gasket or use FIPG. Drain and fill at recommended interval [choose that makes sense to you 15k or 30k]. 60K and beyond is maybe too long.
If your fluid is chocolate shake color then do some repeated drain and fill.
If you are an avid DIYer and use the continues add and fill using the transmission pump, then you will disagree with the above. You dont need any advice.
Over the years, I have never been able to read the fluid level via the dip-stick. First time I did the drain and fill, I asked the parts counter about how much would be needed. I measured the fluid that came out from the transaxle (2 spots for the FWD) and the parts counter was correct [no partial quarts were needed]. Now I just get the bottles and pour them in at the end.
Salim
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
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You're welcome! ![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Yeah, this is a good method!
I've drained and filled my RX so many times now, that I usually just start with 4 quarts. And then measure after it's been driven and warmed up. Usually that's the perfect level, sometimes needs another .2 - .5 quarts, depending on how warm the transmission fluid was prior to draining.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
A trick that i've used from servicing our past Mercedes and reading other Toyota manuals is to drain and measure the old drained fluid, replace with equivalent volume of fluid. Drive the car for a few miles (city traffic preferred to allow shifting) to get the ATF up to approximately 80*C. Then check the hot level via the dipstick. If it is not within the acceptable range, top off as needed but take caution not to overfill. Overfill can cause cavitation and possible foaming of the ATF.
I've drained and filled my RX so many times now, that I usually just start with 4 quarts. And then measure after it's been driven and warmed up. Usually that's the perfect level, sometimes needs another .2 - .5 quarts, depending on how warm the transmission fluid was prior to draining.
#9
Pole Position
Thread Starter
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Little confused ... when you drop the pan to get to the filter the amount of fluid dumped (and later added) is practically the same as drain and fill.
My recommendation is to drop the pan and clean/change filter every 110K interval. Make sure you place the magnets at the same spot. Replace gasket or use FIPG. Drain and fill at recommended interval [choose that makes sense to you 15k or 30k]. 60K and beyond is maybe too long.
If your fluid is chocolate shake color then do some repeated drain and fill.
If you are an avid DIYer and use the continues add and fill using the transmission pump, then you will disagree with the above. You dont need any advice.
Over the years, I have never been able to read the fluid level via the dip-stick. First time I did the drain and fill, I asked the parts counter about how much would be needed. I measured the fluid that came out from the transaxle (2 spots for the FWD) and the parts counter was correct [no partial quarts were needed]. Now I just get the bottles and pour them in at the end.
Salim
My recommendation is to drop the pan and clean/change filter every 110K interval. Make sure you place the magnets at the same spot. Replace gasket or use FIPG. Drain and fill at recommended interval [choose that makes sense to you 15k or 30k]. 60K and beyond is maybe too long.
If your fluid is chocolate shake color then do some repeated drain and fill.
If you are an avid DIYer and use the continues add and fill using the transmission pump, then you will disagree with the above. You dont need any advice.
Over the years, I have never been able to read the fluid level via the dip-stick. First time I did the drain and fill, I asked the parts counter about how much would be needed. I measured the fluid that came out from the transaxle (2 spots for the FWD) and the parts counter was correct [no partial quarts were needed]. Now I just get the bottles and pour them in at the end.
Salim
i can't read the dipstick either. and for some reason mine says type III on it
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#10
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Thread Starter
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so how prevalent is this failure issue under my circumstances? i wanted to wait longer between drain and fills but was worried that the filter might get clogged so wanted to check it even if i weren't to add fresh fluid. am i correct that failure can result from a) fresh fluid causing slippage or b) deposits clogging pathways? if i can't prevent the former i'd want to do everything i can to prevent the latter.
#11
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reusing the old fluid is absolutely the worst idea. It is most likely discolored due to wear and suspended particles. Drain and put new ATF fluid. New fluid does not cause failures. If your RX is equipped with a metal reusable filter, remove it and temporarily use disposable filters for a few changes to trap and capture particles. Chemically wash your metal reusable filter for use at a later date when you are confident about your flush.
Note the maintenance schedule does not mention a drain and fill suggestion for the transmission fluid. Only inspection at 30k intervals. Some folks are proactive enough to interpret that as a time to drain and fill for piece of mind of a clean transmission.
FWIW..the type III on your dipstick is the old spec of Dexron III fluid. Use Toyota type IV atf or equivalent spec.
#12
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Dont be a worry *****.
If some thing breaks inside the filter will catch the material and postmortem will show it .. even if the whole fluid was replaced a day before.
The only guarantee is was offered by the manufacturer but that is over, if not by milage for sure by time for 1st gen RX.
At this time drop the pan and clean things up. You will get your first drain. Based on how bad the fluid is you can do more drain and fills,
Salim
If some thing breaks inside the filter will catch the material and postmortem will show it .. even if the whole fluid was replaced a day before.
The only guarantee is was offered by the manufacturer but that is over, if not by milage for sure by time for 1st gen RX.
At this time drop the pan and clean things up. You will get your first drain. Based on how bad the fluid is you can do more drain and fills,
Salim
#13
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Thread Starter
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Assuming you are doing a 3k-5k oil change interval i dont think it would be too long to check. It will allow many cycles of the ATF to cycle and strain through the filter. You are free to pick a shorter interval but IMHO it would be a waste of good ATF.
reusing the old fluid is absolutely the worst idea. It is most likely discolored due to wear and suspended particles. Drain and put new ATF fluid. New fluid does not cause failures. If your RX is equipped with a metal reusable filter, remove it and temporarily use disposable filters for a few changes to trap and capture particles. Chemically wash your metal reusable filter for use at a later date when you are confident about your flush.
Note the maintenance schedule does not mention a drain and fill suggestion for the transmission fluid. Only inspection at 30k intervals. Some folks are proactive enough to interpret that as a time to drain and fill for piece of mind of a clean transmission.
FWIW..the type III on your dipstick is the old spec of Dexron III fluid. Use Toyota type IV atf or equivalent spec.
reusing the old fluid is absolutely the worst idea. It is most likely discolored due to wear and suspended particles. Drain and put new ATF fluid. New fluid does not cause failures. If your RX is equipped with a metal reusable filter, remove it and temporarily use disposable filters for a few changes to trap and capture particles. Chemically wash your metal reusable filter for use at a later date when you are confident about your flush.
Note the maintenance schedule does not mention a drain and fill suggestion for the transmission fluid. Only inspection at 30k intervals. Some folks are proactive enough to interpret that as a time to drain and fill for piece of mind of a clean transmission.
FWIW..the type III on your dipstick is the old spec of Dexron III fluid. Use Toyota type IV atf or equivalent spec.
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
where do i get these disposable filters?
#14
Pole Position
Thread Starter
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Dont be a worry *****.
If some thing breaks inside the filter will catch the material and postmortem will show it .. even if the whole fluid was replaced a day before.
The only guarantee is was offered by the manufacturer but that is over, if not by milage for sure by time for 1st gen RX.
At this time drop the pan and clean things up. You will get your first drain. Based on how bad the fluid is you can do more drain and fills,
Salim
If some thing breaks inside the filter will catch the material and postmortem will show it .. even if the whole fluid was replaced a day before.
The only guarantee is was offered by the manufacturer but that is over, if not by milage for sure by time for 1st gen RX.
At this time drop the pan and clean things up. You will get your first drain. Based on how bad the fluid is you can do more drain and fills,
Salim
#15