RX350 Transmission Oil Change (merged threads)
03-31-24 | 12:11 PM
#841
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From: VA
Add 4 or 6 extra ounces to account for spillage, and fluid that sticks to the sides of the container and mis-measurement etc.
How much did you get on your initial drain? I found that the transmission runs better filled with 2.25 quarts. You can experiment since you are doing multiple drain and fills.
My old Sienna drained 1.8 quarts and did not drive like the RX. When more fluid was added it improved trans function and throttle response from a stop was much better and instantaneous just like the RX. Before it was harder to get moving. I think the lower fluid level affected performance. New fluid also helped shifting speed and smoothness.
How much did you get on your initial drain? I found that the transmission runs better filled with 2.25 quarts. You can experiment since you are doing multiple drain and fills.
My old Sienna drained 1.8 quarts and did not drive like the RX. When more fluid was added it improved trans function and throttle response from a stop was much better and instantaneous just like the RX. Before it was harder to get moving. I think the lower fluid level affected performance. New fluid also helped shifting speed and smoothness.
Last edited by Clutchless; 03-31-24 at 12:14 PM.
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Brownd3max (03-31-24)
03-31-24 | 01:07 PM
#842
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From: AZ
I got about <2 qts. of almost black fluid- so glad I listened to you all on here about doing this now @ 62K miles... Noticed that the plastic splash plate with two screws (that must be removed for filling access) ALSO has a plastic push-pin at the front- how the h*ll do ya re-install that thing? LOL... (BTW- I saw on eBay there's a plethora of sellers w/ comprehensive ATF fill kits for multiple brands, but I think I'll just pass on those.)
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Brownd3max (04-01-24)
04-01-24 | 06:02 AM
#844
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From: VA
I think it has 2 pieces that are pulled apart slightly for it to fit in then it is pushed flush to expand and fill the hole. You can buy generic pins that fit at most big chain auto parts stores or Home Depot or Lowes (in the bolt & screw section, usually in the metal cabinets of specialty stuff) . Just measure and photograph the hole before you go shopping. Or try to fit another bolt or screw and nut in there, or ignore it and just use the other bolts. It does not need to be reattached the same way that Lexus did it.
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Brownd3max (04-01-24)
04-04-24 | 11:51 AM
#845
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From: AZ
OK, Thanks guys, I've got the pin/cover thing handled... Now- I'm in a minor quandary because I've done 3 cold drain/refills so far.(driving a few miles in-between each one for circulating purposes). The ATF is still coming out fairly blackish. Not see-through. I've got enough ATF to do one more drain/fill, which will then total about 8 quarts exchanged. Question- Should I do a FIFTH drain/refill (2 more quarts), or am I beating a dead horse with diminishing returns? Please chime in!
04-04-24 | 01:34 PM
#846
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From: VA
You have done enough and are good to go. Most of the fluid has been replaced after 3 drain and fills.
You should drive it longer before the next drain and fill. Let the new fluid have more time to clean things up and help the transmission before doing another drain and fill. I do initial ones about a week apart.
The fluid will always turn that dark unless you have a complete flush - fluid exchange by machine - performed.
.
Just drive it for now and next oil change do another 5th ? drain and fill.
You should drive it longer before the next drain and fill. Let the new fluid have more time to clean things up and help the transmission before doing another drain and fill. I do initial ones about a week apart.
The fluid will always turn that dark unless you have a complete flush - fluid exchange by machine - performed.
.
Just drive it for now and next oil change do another 5th ? drain and fill.
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Brownd3max (04-04-24)
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Brownd3max (04-04-24)
05-11-24 | 04:46 AM
#848
Driver
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 51
Likes: 10
From: QUEBEC
HI all. Having changed the drain on my cars 3 times. and i have question I looked and read a lot. Many owners had different amounts of ATF drained from the pan in their cars. 1st time . ATTENTION. how much oil was drained if you previously drained it based on temperature. jumper or heat gun or computer. Exactly after draining according to temperature. NOT cold etc. In this way you can know the level range. Because maybe they didn’t add it or overfill it at the factory, etc. bla bla I have both cars 1.6l or 1.7q 1st time and after with tempr gun. again you filled and drained based on the temperature. then the next time drained, for example, cold or warm and measured how much came out Thanks
Last edited by Rogi; 05-11-24 at 05:13 AM.
05-11-24 | 05:34 AM
#849
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,675
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From: NC
I always drain the ATF first thing in the morning after the vehicle has sat overnight. I always get exactly 2.25 quarts of old ATF out of the pan after letting it drain for about 15 minutes. So exactly 2.25 quarts of fresh ATF gets poured into the fill plug hole after each drain cycle. Works for me.
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Clutchless (05-11-24)
05-11-24 | 07:27 AM
#850
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From: VA
I agree with RX in NC and that is the amount that makes the transmission operate the best in my experience. I have experimented with increasing fills from 1.8 to 2.25 quarts and the vehicle shifts better and has better initial throttle response from a stop with a 2.25 quart cold fill.
05-11-24 | 09:46 AM
#851
Driver
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 51
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From: QUEBEC
I filled it with 2q , drove it for a couple of days and drained about half a bottle. I didn't feel any difference. but I think I’ll just add it to two q thanks for the advice.Why did I ask this question? All these dances with the temperature tilting the machine. tire pressure and thickness of the drained fluid. They lead to confusion. My opinion is that if you’re not sure how much was filled and how, then if you fill 2 bottles you can sleep peacefully, it won’t be too much or too little. I don’t think that the slope of car or oil thermal rise on 2 bottles will make a difference of half a liter. The thermal mode was chosen most likely for ease of replacement. no need for asbestos gloves like when changing a MG 42 barrel))
Last edited by Rogi; 05-11-24 at 10:46 AM.
05-14-24 | 12:41 AM
#853
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Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Atlanta, Georgia
However, it is always risk of slipping when you drain old transmission fluid out of a neglected transmission.
08-11-24 | 10:16 PM
#854
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 19
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From: Ontario
Transmission drain and fill plugs torque specs.
Thought I'd chime in here:
You don't have to replace it per Lexus, but it isn't a bad idea if you want to do a drain and fill a few times DIY-style. You can remove the lower drain with a 6mm allen (external plug) then go back in with a longer 6mm allen to get the tube out that's in there (used for measuring the level when running...it's a process).
When you drain it out, let it go into a container that is clear/metered so you can see exactly how much came out. Replace the internal tube, then the plug.
The fill plug is up on the driver's side of the transmission in the wheel well behind the plasic cover, tucked up behind the fender a bit. You'll need a bit of hose and a funnel contraption to get at it from the top. It is a 22 or 24mm with an aluminum crush gasket.
Add the same new WS as the amount you drained out.
Not easy but not impossible. Note that this and the transmission on the ES are notorious for having an abnormal 1-2 shift when the fluid is low, so try not to underfill it.
You don't have to replace it per Lexus, but it isn't a bad idea if you want to do a drain and fill a few times DIY-style. You can remove the lower drain with a 6mm allen (external plug) then go back in with a longer 6mm allen to get the tube out that's in there (used for measuring the level when running...it's a process).
When you drain it out, let it go into a container that is clear/metered so you can see exactly how much came out. Replace the internal tube, then the plug.
The fill plug is up on the driver's side of the transmission in the wheel well behind the plasic cover, tucked up behind the fender a bit. You'll need a bit of hose and a funnel contraption to get at it from the top. It is a 22 or 24mm with an aluminum crush gasket.
Add the same new WS as the amount you drained out.
Not easy but not impossible. Note that this and the transmission on the ES are notorious for having an abnormal 1-2 shift when the fluid is low, so try not to underfill it.
08-11-24 | 10:18 PM
#855
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Transmission drain and fill plugs torque specs.
Thought I'd chime in here:
You don't have to replace it per Lexus, but it isn't a bad idea if you want to do a drain and fill a few times DIY-style. You can remove the lower drain with a 6mm allen (external plug) then go back in with a longer 6mm allen to get the tube out that's in there (used for measuring the level when running...it's a process).
When you drain it out, let it go into a container that is clear/metered so you can see exactly how much came out. Replace the internal tube, then the plug.
The fill plug is up on the driver's side of the transmission in the wheel well behind the plasic cover, tucked up behind the fender a bit. You'll need a bit of hose and a funnel contraption to get at it from the top. It is a 22 or 24mm with an aluminum crush gasket.
Add the same new WS as the amount you drained out.
Not easy but not impossible. Note that this and the transmission on the ES are notorious for having an abnormal 1-2 shift when the fluid is low, so try not to underfill it.
You don't have to replace it per Lexus, but it isn't a bad idea if you want to do a drain and fill a few times DIY-style. You can remove the lower drain with a 6mm allen (external plug) then go back in with a longer 6mm allen to get the tube out that's in there (used for measuring the level when running...it's a process).
When you drain it out, let it go into a container that is clear/metered so you can see exactly how much came out. Replace the internal tube, then the plug.
The fill plug is up on the driver's side of the transmission in the wheel well behind the plasic cover, tucked up behind the fender a bit. You'll need a bit of hose and a funnel contraption to get at it from the top. It is a 22 or 24mm with an aluminum crush gasket.
Add the same new WS as the amount you drained out.
Not easy but not impossible. Note that this and the transmission on the ES are notorious for having an abnormal 1-2 shift when the fluid is low, so try not to underfill it.
Last edited by Trianon; 08-11-24 at 10:19 PM. Reason: add the year