stamy74

Many thanx!

ecstatic1

Only an option if you choose to stick your head in the sand and hope for the best.

It's not synthetic.

Even without seeing it I'm positive there's a breather hose and they could've filled it through that, it's a neat trick that was done on 6 spd SAAB's with sealed Aisin trans.

Yes, this is the best way short of going to the dealer to do a full exchange.

Enz

iTrader: (1)

Glad :-) you think like Mando - this is the way! I can't take all the credit for it, got a lot of ideas from people here like Clutchless and Lexmex. I've done this to a RX350, RX300, and a 4Runnner (dropped pan too). It does use a lot of ATF but it does come out bright cherry red and you get it done in one session compared to multiple drain and fills! It's intimidating at first specially if you want to drain it out until it sputters like some do (tranny is NOT under load so I believe this is ok, somebody correct me if I am wrong) but I like to overfill by 1-2 qts. and drain that you are only about 1-2 under then repeat until it comes out cherry red!

Rhinoevans

I also have the Tow Package which includes the Tranny Oil cooler. I have some questions (I have been planning to to a simple Drain/Fill)
1. after you drain out 2-3 quarts from the return line of the cooler, do you refill the 2 quarts via the Tranny fill plug?
2. After you do the final drain and fill, how to you determine the correct fluid level? The official Lexus procedure with the overflow tube and temp?

Enz

iTrader: (1)

Are you planning to do just one D&F? If yes, just add 1/2 to 1 quart in addition to what your drained. So if your drained 2, add 2.5 to 3. Yes via the fill port/plug. This way you have more than enough ATF in there, otherwise there won't be any to overflow when checking the fluid level at specified temp.

If you are planning to do a full exchange, refer to the DIY https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...oler-100k.html you only need to read 3 posts! The OP explains the diff. drain point options, post #2 the specs you need to know, and post #3 video on how it's done by others and how I do it including how to check for the proper level.

I drain using a clear 3/8" hose and directly into a milk jug with 1/2 quart increments marked on the side. This way you don't have to transfer the ATF from your drain pan into a measuring container which gets messy sometimes. I used a measuring cup filled with 1/2 quart of water at a time for accuracy but you really don't need to be that accurate for this car (you have to be on trannys without overflow tubes) since you are overfilling the last fill anyway and let the excess drain out the overflow tube at temp.

konradsa

We have a 2013 RX350 with about 85,000 miles on it. Our dealer says we need to replace the transmission fluid, together with the transfer case and rear differential fluids, as they are "overdue by time/mileage". I am looking at the Lexus maintenance schedule, and I can't see any mention of these items being required. Do we really need to replace these fluids? We don't do anything crazy with the car, like off road driving or towing. So I'd rather not replace these items if even Lexus thinks it's not necessary.

RX in NC

Lexus considers their ATF to be "lifetime". However, regardless of manufacturer, there is no such animal. All fluids eventually break down due to heat cycles and time. To give your transmission the best opportunity for a long and trouble-fee life, its ATF should be replaced. Some owners do it between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. Some owners wait longer. Whatever you decide to do, you will be better off financially by finding a well-respected independent transmission shop familiar with Toyota. Be sure to choose an ATF that meets the proper specs, not an all-purpose "this works with everything" one that could do more harm than good.

Clutchless

Yes, replace them now if you plan to keep the vehicle. In the maintenance booklet under service stuff, it does state that under severe conditions you should change these fluids at 60,000 miles. Realize that Lexus does not care if your transmission fails once you are outside the warranty period. It is less likely you will have issues with the differential and transfer case, but the cost is minimal to also change those fluids.

Consider it like insurance. You pay a little now to avoid the risk of having to buy a new transmission for $5000 in a couple of years.
There are many threads here where folks argue about whether or not to change it at all and in the end, it is your decision. Pay a few hundred now or roll the dice and hope it does not break if you plan to drive it over 100,000 miles.
I have always been one to do these transmission fluid changes earlier and more often than the manufacturer recommends and have never had a transmission failure even on some vehicles I owned with noted unreliable transmissions.

ricco750

Like they said, change the fluids. My Haynes manual recommends these services at 60,000 miles.

konradsa

Thanks, I still think for the Lexus dealer to say that these fluids are “overdue due to time/mileage” is misleading at least, as this is not based on Lexus maintenance schedule.

Nevertheless, will look into replacing them.

RX in NC

^^ Actually, your dealer is one of the rare ones exhibiting common sense. ATF refreshes should indeed be a part of the official Lexus service schedule. Lexus got it wrong when they opted not to recommend it.

Clutchless

I posted this a while ago, but VW and MINI used the similar design Aisin model 09G 6-speed transmission in several models and initially recommended no fluid changes.
However, they began to get so many warranty claims for failed transmissions in higher mileage vehicles they changed their recommendation to change the fluid at 40,000 miles. They sent notices to all owners. This was discussed quite a bit in VW forums. Apparently the valve body bores would wear out.

Posted elsewhere:
MINI and other manufacturers considered the fluid to be lifetime, probably because it would last past the warranty and also for lower maintenance and costs to the buyer. I don't remember if MINI ever sent out a TSB, but VW has changed the service interval from lifetime to 40K.

This guide on how to change the 09G fluid states the recommended interval for normal driving is 50,000 - 60,000 miles.
https://www.blauparts.com/blog/how-t...m-6-speed.html

Cocal

Read the manual again, it does say to change the transfer case fluid and as for the ATF it does say that under "normal" condition it doesn't need to be changed unless it operates under "severe" conditions, which is what we all drive under.

RSLEX

Hi, I live in a cold winter country. I don't pull trailers. Most of my driving is highway although I live in the city. My Lexus RX 350, 2013 runs great and I am planning to keep it a long time. I am the second owner. The Lexus dealer is charging me $165 for a full flush of the transmission oil. I asked if he is changing the filter and he said No. He said 95% of the oil will be replaced by new oil. I hear some say it is a good thing to change the transmission oil every 60,000 miles while others say don't touch it. I am leaning towards having it done but I want to be sure it is done properly. Anu or all feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks

BrakeGoBrr

There is a great forum on here that discusses the transmission oil change. Here it is - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...hreads-22.html. Hope it helps!