Transmission fluid change (merged threads)
08-08-24, 09:40 PM
#241
Did a tranny drain and fill at 100k.
From the mid to late 2000s on, Toyota/Lexus moved to a new fluid, ATF WS (world standard) that is considered to be a lifetime fluid. The drain plug has a little straw in it that is used to bleed off extra ATF after the transmission is up to temperature. If you are planning to change it out, it would be good to get a OBD2 reader so you can see what the temperature of the fluid/transmission is. The fill plug is along the side of the transmission, accessible through the wheel well and the bolt has a "WS" stamped on it.
Depending on your driving habits and/or towing, you may want to change the fluid from 60-100k. Most people don't bother doing it at home since it's pretty hands-on. Dealers don't recommend it, but will do a fluid exchange for a fee. I've seen prices from $200-300.
I've seen people do the 2-3 quart fluid change out over the span of 3-4k miles. The filter nowadays is mainly the mesh type.
The diff oil is a standard gear oil type change out. There are a few youtube vids on the 3rd gen that can be applied to the 4th.
Depending on your driving habits and/or towing, you may want to change the fluid from 60-100k. Most people don't bother doing it at home since it's pretty hands-on. Dealers don't recommend it, but will do a fluid exchange for a fee. I've seen prices from $200-300.
I've seen people do the 2-3 quart fluid change out over the span of 3-4k miles. The filter nowadays is mainly the mesh type.
The diff oil is a standard gear oil type change out. There are a few youtube vids on the 3rd gen that can be applied to the 4th.
08-08-24, 09:52 PM
#242
Did you actually read the manual, it says to replace transmission oil in certain driving conditions.
The following users liked this post:
ravenuer (08-09-24)
08-09-24, 04:03 AM
#243
On my 21 RX350 @17k, the dealer did a drain and fill with 1gal of HPL green cc. This is a pre-certified and wanted a clean start from the get go. Also did the transfer case and differential were drain/fill since it had a tow-hitch and I couldn’t tell whether it was towing a bike rack or horse 🐎 trailer.
08-09-24, 11:12 AM
#244
08-10-24, 02:30 PM
#245
I do a complete fluid change at 30,000 miles.
My dealer uses equipment designed for that purpose.
It's around a 95% change.
Transmission have many thin channels and friction plates for the fluid to travel.
They do begin to clog overtime, the friction plates being to rely on the accumulated material
if you're at 60,000, you're best to do a drain and fill and not a complete change.
At 30K, I can confidently do a full change of fluid.
Toyota used Aisin Transmission Fluid. That's the best.
My dealer uses equipment designed for that purpose.
It's around a 95% change.
Transmission have many thin channels and friction plates for the fluid to travel.
They do begin to clog overtime, the friction plates being to rely on the accumulated material
if you're at 60,000, you're best to do a drain and fill and not a complete change.
At 30K, I can confidently do a full change of fluid.
Toyota used Aisin Transmission Fluid. That's the best.
The following users liked this post:
SoCalRX (08-10-24)
08-11-24, 05:59 AM
#246
It would be a good idea to maintain solid documentation of any fluid changes. When and if you go to sell the car the buyer will see you took good care of not only the tranny but they will assume everything else. Makes it an easier sale.
08-11-24, 07:57 AM
#247
I do a complete fluid change at 30,000 miles.
My dealer uses equipment designed for that purpose.
It's around a 95% change.
Transmission have many thin channels and friction plates for the fluid to travel.
They do begin to clog overtime, the friction plates being to rely on the accumulated material
if you're at 60,000, you're best to do a drain and fill and not a complete change.
At 30K, I can confidently do a full change of fluid.
Toyota used Aisin Transmission Fluid. That's the best.
My dealer uses equipment designed for that purpose.
It's around a 95% change.
Transmission have many thin channels and friction plates for the fluid to travel.
They do begin to clog overtime, the friction plates being to rely on the accumulated material
if you're at 60,000, you're best to do a drain and fill and not a complete change.
At 30K, I can confidently do a full change of fluid.
Toyota used Aisin Transmission Fluid. That's the best.
The following users liked this post:
jollick (08-11-24)
08-17-24, 09:43 AM
#248
Tranny fluid
I did a drain and fill on my rx at 100k miles, bought it used and didn't know the service history. The fluid was light brown, really wasn't bad for 100k miles. I'll do another drain/fill in 10k miles.
08-17-24, 01:45 PM
#249
Pole Position
So you are telling members on the forum to change the fluid. Please state years experience with Lexus/Toyota and transmission repair. My Lexus Shop Manager 21 years experience and a friend said it never needs to be changed as per Lexus. He went to the transmission factory to be trained and asked them was is the number one cause of transmission failure. Wrong fluid wrong amount/level both one is faces when changing. One million miles on six Lexus's and of course not one transmission problem.
08-17-24, 02:10 PM
#250
Lexus Fanatic
So you are telling members on the forum to change the fluid. Please state years experience with Lexus/Toyota and transmission repair. My Lexus Shop Manager 21 years experience and a friend said it never needs to be changed as per Lexus. He went to the transmission factory to be trained and asked them was is the number one cause of transmission failure. Wrong fluid wrong amount/level both one is faces when changing. One million miles on six Lexus's and of course not one transmission problem.
08-17-24, 07:02 PM
#252
So you are telling members on the forum to change the fluid. Please state years experience with Lexus/Toyota and transmission repair. My Lexus Shop Manager 21 years experience and a friend said it never needs to be changed as per Lexus. He went to the transmission factory to be trained and asked them was is the number one cause of transmission failure. Wrong fluid wrong amount/level both one is faces when changing. One million miles on six Lexus's and of course not one transmission problem.
The following 2 users liked this post by jcg0324:
autotech13 (08-18-24),
LeX2K (08-17-24)
08-17-24, 07:07 PM
#253
This is 2024, so many people still think of cars from decades ago, and the Fords GM, Chrysler crap products. All these excessive fluid changes line the pockets of mechanics and oil companies.
I'm the same as this other person, millions of kms, always done what the book says and never have had engine or transmission problems.
08-17-24, 07:24 PM
#254
Lexus Fanatic
Aisin tells you to change the fluid.
08-17-24, 07:28 PM
#255
dealers make most of there profits from service and not sales