What is the procedure for checking the atf level on a 2016-17 lexus RX350. And has anyone actually had the dealer check this as many Toyotas with this trans have came low on fluid.

 

aren't modern Toyota transmissions technically 'sealed', where the fluid never needs to be checked or changed?

 

I think the question here is there a dipstick or none - I don't know the answer.

 

I do not think there is a dip stick. I think there is a hole with a plug in the side of the tranny. The fluid level should be at the bottom edge of that hole.

 

Hi. There is no dipstick and the tranny is sealed with a lifetime fluid. To me this is just plain nuts being a auto tech. But that's the way car manufactures are today. Everyone does it.

 

How do you know they were low? The transmission is sealed and needs no checks. There is not a dipstick for checks.
Steve

 

you wait for it to stop moving, I guess

 

I do think there is a hole with a screw in plug in the side of the tranny.

 

I suspect that is right but usually for the service tech when changing the fluid. Lifetime? Depends how long you want the tranny to live I suppose.

 

I believe so cause my 04 gx470 has this kind of transmission. So I've never changed it since I own the rig. It has about 220K miles so far(no off roading or towing, just city and freeway) and still drives well(knock on wood). On my rx300, I did the drained and fill over the years probably about 4-5 times.

 

There is a specific procedure to check the Transmission fluid on these sealed Transmissions.

 

On my 4Runner, there is plug on the side of the tranny that you remove and should feel the level of fluid when you insert your finger. Yup, no dipstick and no changing of fluids either. I know, this is new stuff for many but that's how technology has evolved to so far. The same way the 3K oil change has evolved to 10K or once a year. Can you imagine using 0-W oil viscosity on your vehicle before? Well, that has also evolved now and is widely used.

 

Since it is the same transmission as found in many other Toyota gearboxes, the way to ensure that the fluid is not under or overfilled is the same procedure.

Lots of youtube videos. This is a simplified way:
This is the more accurate way, even if it is a different model, but the process is the same:
The simplest way of finding the fluid temp is to use a ScanGauge II.