DFWTxRx

I just bought my wife a 2004 Lexus RX330 Bamboo Pearl with 70k miles on it. The car was in excellent condition and I got an unbelievable deal on it. This is my first Lexus and I have done done most of the work myself on my other vehicles. Today I replaced the front brake rotors and pads... I couldn't believe how easy this was to do and how well designed the brake system is on these cars.

Next up, transmission. I looked at the fluid today and it is brown. Didn't smell too bad but it is definately in need of changing. I have been searching through threads on this topic but was wondering if there is a link to a DIY thread on changing the fluid using the hoses like I have seen for the RX300? Is this the best method for changing as much fluid as possible? I am a firm believer in Mobil 1 products and was planning on using this fluid in the transmission. Thoughts?

Finally, is there any other tips, tricks, or recommendations from all of you experts? I have to say, I am hooked on Lexus already. I currently have an '05 Tacoma that I love that was my first Toyota vehicle as well as a '90 Mustang that I have done transmission and engine swaps/rebuilds/replacements on. If I didn't have to have a truck I would be all over a new Lexus IS... yummy!

Thanks in advance for your input and advice!

lexus114

Well first off,welcome to the board!! Secondly,is your RX AWD or FWD? and for trans fluid Either Amsoil (preferred by most here) or the Mobil-1. I would do the Amsoil personally due to it being Type-IV compatable. Mobil-1 is suitable for this trans which scares me off a little.

Other tips? Well if you have the AWD then change over that fluid to Synthetic. I would suggest Premium fuel (but lets not get into that here) you can pm me for that one. Not really too much else to worry about,except to make sure all of your tsb`s are up to date. Simply go to my Lexus.com,type in your Vin # register your info,and your set. I`m sure others will chime in on things I may have missed to point out to you. Otherwise,Enjoy your new RX!

mandyfig

The Owner's Manual is your friend, your best friend. It is a gold mine for the tips, tricks, fixes and secrets you are looking for. Happy reading! Welcome!

mmlex1987

Condradulations on your new RX, I'm confident you will simply love it. As for the method of changing your trans fluid via the hose, I do think that would be a good DIY post.

lexus114

He`s right,just do a series of drain fills.(3-4) And you really should drop the pan,clean the magnets/bottom of the pan as well.

biff44

make sure the gas cap is on tight after filling up. And don't try to take it off road!

DFWTxRx

Thanks for the welcome guys! I have a FWD model. I just finished registering the vin on Lexus.com and ordered a new owners manual since mine didn't have one for some reason. I was pleased to see that the service history shows that all of the service has been performed at the dealership where the car was purchased. How do I check on the tsb's? Is Lexus different than Toyota regarding tsb's? I know on my Tacoma, once I passed 36k miles they wouldn't help me out with TSB's anymore.

On the transmission, I am a little confused... should I just do a simple drain and fill or should I use the hoses and the internal pump to pump out all of the fluid? I have expirienced the transmission "clunk" that has been described on several threads. Do you guys know if I can get the ECU flash done if I am out of warranty?

mandyfig

Tranny on the RX. Drain and fill is recommended. Use Toyota Type T-IV. Some people use other synthetic tranny fluid. best bet, stick to Toyota recommendation.

I had the clunk resolved by me doing the TSB. If you are under warranty, get it done. If not there is a post for this TSB which I did.

ECU flash, do a search and read the many posts regarding this.

How many miles on your RX? Are you buying/have bought extended warranty from Lexus?

DFWTxRx

I bought it with 70,000 miles and it now has about 75,000 miles. It is in very good condition. Picked it up for $15,900!!