Service Intervals/Requirements
01-03-23 | 05:28 PM
#301
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Joined: Feb 2020
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From: WV
If you scroll up to Post #76 in this thread, I have posted an Excel spreadsheet that I use for maintenance on my 2020. The service intervals are given in blue and are what is listed in the service manual for your vehicle.
First I do oil and filter at about 5000 miles.
Transmission fluid is "lifetime" but many recommend one drain and fill at 60,000 mile intervals. I would never keep same fluid if I planned on keeping vehicle long term. I am coming up on 60k in the spring and will do then. So single drain and fill at 60k.
I did Transfer case and diff at 30k and were in great shape.
Plugs recommended at 60k, but would love to understand why other vehicles with same engine are listed as 120k.
As I said, the spreadsheet in post 76 is for a 2020 AWD, but most if not all of the specs/intervals/parts will be similar or the same.
First I do oil and filter at about 5000 miles.
Transmission fluid is "lifetime" but many recommend one drain and fill at 60,000 mile intervals. I would never keep same fluid if I planned on keeping vehicle long term. I am coming up on 60k in the spring and will do then. So single drain and fill at 60k.
I did Transfer case and diff at 30k and were in great shape.
Plugs recommended at 60k, but would love to understand why other vehicles with same engine are listed as 120k.
As I said, the spreadsheet in post 76 is for a 2020 AWD, but most if not all of the specs/intervals/parts will be similar or the same.
Thanks for sharing your work. Did you do the diff and transfer case oil change at 30K because of your usage (towing, car top carrier or loading) or as matter of good practice? The service guide implies they are lifetime, unless there is heavy usage. (Like you, I regard "lifetime" fluid specs with skepticism.)
01-04-23 | 03:27 PM
#302
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Joined: Feb 2020
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From: CT
I missed your spreadsheet post when you originally did it, but gladly stole it today and integrated it into my RX's maintenance log. Thanks for sharing your work.
Did you do the diff and transfer case oil change at 30K because of your usage (towing, car top carrier or loading) or as matter of good practice? The service guide implies they are lifetime, unless there is heavy usage. (Like you, I regard "lifetime" fluid specs with skepticism.)
Thanks for sharing your work.Did you do the diff and transfer case oil change at 30K because of your usage (towing, car top carrier or loading) or as matter of good practice? The service guide implies they are lifetime, unless there is heavy usage. (Like you, I regard "lifetime" fluid specs with skepticism.)
I did the diff and transfer case at 30k just to see how it looked. I remember watching a video (Viktor I think) and decided to be proactive. Super easy and cheap. The good news is that the fluid was in excellent condition.
Will probably do every 60k going forward. I do not tow and my RX is usually just me, with occasional wife and/or dog.
I plan on keeping this ride for at least 200,000 miles, and hopefully well beyond. Excellent vehicle.
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bamalam (01-05-23)
01-04-23 | 07:57 PM
#303
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 620
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From: PA
I did my diff and transfer at 27,000 miles but it was at 5 years.I have a 2017 RX350 base. I also did a drain and fill for the coolant. I checked the brake fluid for H2O. None detected.
I will do a tranny drain and fill at 50,000 miles. That would be in about 4 more years. Unfortunately moisture creeps into everything over long periods of time and degenerates all systems in
your car. That would be the engine, tranny, brake system, cooling system, differential/ transfer case and air conditioner. Eventually they will have to be serviced.
This only applies to people like me who want to keep the car for 20 years. Good luck and drive safe.
I will do a tranny drain and fill at 50,000 miles. That would be in about 4 more years. Unfortunately moisture creeps into everything over long periods of time and degenerates all systems in
your car. That would be the engine, tranny, brake system, cooling system, differential/ transfer case and air conditioner. Eventually they will have to be serviced.
This only applies to people like me who want to keep the car for 20 years. Good luck and drive safe.
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bamalam (01-05-23)
01-09-23 | 01:19 AM
#304
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 111
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From: CA
Thanks guys for all the useful tips. I think at 100K at a minimum I'll do a drain and fill transmission fluid, coolant fluid. I'll check on the brakes fluid. Never done the diff and transfer fluid change before - but will ask my indy mechanic.
01-09-23 | 06:06 AM
#305
Driver
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 88
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From: OH
if you drive in the city more than 50% of the time, I would suggest getting a tranny fluid flushed at 50-60K. In the city, your transmission is changing gears more often.
Point being, just don't consider mileage, but consider the amount of wear and tear based on your driving conditions.
Sure, if its 80% all highway, then I would change it at 100K. On the highway, your'e mostly in the higher gears.
Its smaller gears are most susceptible to failure.
Point being, just don't consider mileage, but consider the amount of wear and tear based on your driving conditions.
Sure, if its 80% all highway, then I would change it at 100K. On the highway, your'e mostly in the higher gears.
Its smaller gears are most susceptible to failure.
01-09-23 | 09:39 AM
#306
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From: PA
if you drive in the city more than 50% of the time, I would suggest getting a tranny fluid flushed at 50-60K. In the city, your transmission is changing gears more often.
Point being, just don't consider mileage, but consider the amount of wear and tear based on your driving conditions.
Sure, if its 80% all highway, then I would change it at 100K. On the highway, your'e mostly in the higher gears.
Its smaller gears are most susceptible to failure.
Point being, just don't consider mileage, but consider the amount of wear and tear based on your driving conditions.
Sure, if its 80% all highway, then I would change it at 100K. On the highway, your'e mostly in the higher gears.
Its smaller gears are most susceptible to failure.
Very good point.
01-10-23 | 05:55 PM
#308
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 620
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From: PA
Richard203, if you have AWD then you have a differential. Someone correct me if I am wrong.. The fluid in that steel gear case gets real nasty after 4 or 5 years. Get it changed.
01-11-23 | 11:54 AM
#309
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Joined: May 2016
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From: Ontario
Also someone correct me if I'm wrrr, wrro , ah heck, wrong. ouch!
01-17-23 | 10:17 AM
#311
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From: Ohio
01-17-23 | 04:36 PM
#312
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Posts: 620
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From: PA
Find a local and honest mechanic for the easy and routine maintenance stuff. You can save a ton of money. And, get real familiar with the maintenance section of your owners manual. It's all about saving hundreds of dollars.
Last edited by jcg0324; 01-17-23 at 06:43 PM.
01-17-23 | 07:19 PM
#313
01-18-23 | 06:11 AM
#314
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From: PA
My owners manual says to use (2017 RX 350 base) for both the transfer case and rear differential "Toyota genuine differential gear oil LT 75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent" 0.8 quarts for the transfer case and 0.5 quarts for the rear differential. If you have a hybrid then check the owners manual.
2020 RX450h 25K service