tsl95

My 2005 RX330 with 175,000 miles has never had a transmission fluid or filter change. After doing some research on previous posts on this forum, I am unsure if I should drop the pan, replace the filter, clean the magnet, and replace with new fluid, since doing so could possibly lead to "damaging" the transmission.

The transmission does run fairly well. The only thing I notice is when selecting a gear (R, N, D), the vehicle slightly bucks. But while driving, I don't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Also, if I end up changing fluid, should I add any additives like Lucas Oil Transmission Fix to prevent future issues?

Any help or advise would be helpful!

tomr51

just drain the pan and fill with the same qty you took out. thru the dip stick (~4 qts.) do this again after a few k miles ( the system hold s~ 12 qts. I have found with all my lexus cars that this is sufficient maintenance..

tsl95

So you don’t feel changing the filter or cleaning the magnet is necessary? Would definitely be easier draining and replacing.

tomr51

i do not think it is necessary. On one of my my SC400 at 160k miles i dropped the pan. It was not worth it in my opinion.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Whether or not you should change the fluid at that mileage with no prior maintenance is tough call. If it were my car, I'd still do it and accept the risk of the transmission slipping after (then it'll get rebuilt). Usually (knock on wood), I get better performance from a fluid change and smoother shifting. Bought my RX330 used at 71K and did a full revamp of the transmission and differential right away.

I would do a full revamp at that mileage. I do anyways with all my Lexyotas at ~60K miles. Full pan drop with filter, gasket, and magnet cleaning. No matter what my interval is, there will always be stuff on the magnets. I use Valvoline MaxLife Full Syn ATF. I also order a few spare bolts as they can be nasty coming out.

Need to do a fluid drain and fill on my 07 Camry, that's sitting at 186K miles, shifts smooth as butter but I have been doing 30K D&F and 60K full revamps.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I usually just buy an $14 hand pump from the hardware store, run a hose down the dipstick tube, and refill whatever I take out. Easier than a drain and fill, and way easier than changing the filter. With your mileage, its probably not a bad option, and if it gets better, then you can do it again, or change the filter.

lexsc4

I would do a drain and refill every few thousand miles instead of doing a flush. Each drain/refill, you are replacing 25-30% of new fluid to the transmission, which I have been doing since 90K miles (130K miles now) on my wife's 08 RX350. It is still shifting very smoothly.

jmu2004

I've never changed the filter....just done regular drain and fills.

Unless your fluid is extremely dirty and gunky, you should be ok.

lexsc4

I replaced the filter/pan gasket as well at 120K miles. Bought both OEM filter/Gasket for less than $60 online and additional $20 labor charge (on top of $60 my mechanic charged me to do the drain/refill). I figured why not, only $80 and I shouldn't have to change it anymore for the remaining life of the car.

06rx330

Just my 2 cents,I have read a bunch of threads on this,RX330 2006, Lexus says to change it in the sch maint.at 60 to 80K miles, so I drain the pan and refill through dip stick hole,now i have found out it has a strainer in the pan not a per say filter don't need to change it,I have proceeded to clean the pan and the magnetic s and check the torque on the shifter body (6 to 8 lbs) I did spray it off and clean the pan and magnets with brake cleaner and gave it a while to dry, at 120,000 wasn't much but some silver in the fluid looked like a small amount of silver spray paint,The fluid looked and smelled ok.
I have also heard not to put any additives in unless you need them,I have 141,000 and it's working fine!
might check that torque spec, it's been a while since I did that,I found the Toyota IV fluid on Ebay.I have talked to seasoned mech. that said if it doesn't smell like burnt toast and is still somewhat translucent(pinkish red) leave it be. DO save your fluid you drain IF something does go wrong.....
I have been told not to FLUSH, just drain and fill,one guy did save his fluid and cleaned the pan and reuse the saved strained though coffee filter fluid.Hope this gives some in site, I have seen this question a lot.Best of luck!