RX - 4th Gen (2016-2022) Discussion topics related to the 2016 and up RX350 and RX450h models

Transmission fluid change (merged threads)

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Old 08-17-24, 10:22 PM
  #256  
chuyrobles
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Originally Posted by Freds430
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.
Bold emphasis added.

This is not true. Seems I addressed this statement before, from you or another member. Toyota/Lexus states to change your ATF fluid every 60K under special operating conditions, defined as off-roading, towing, commercial-use, using a top-carrier, etc… Unfortunately, those activities are not further defined. For example how much off-roading meets the threshold for the ATF change? How many times towing, or how far, would meet the criteria for changing the ATF?

Two trusted youtube ASE certified mechanics, and former Toyota mechanics, Car Care Nut and ViktorA, both recommend to follow the 60K ATF change regardless of meeting the special operating conditions, as do most transmission mechanics. In the alternative, a drain/refill every 30K is acceptable. I will add to replace your ATF filter by 125K if you plan on keeping your vehicle beyond that mileage.
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Old 08-18-24, 02:52 AM
  #257  
monju0525
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Originally Posted by chuyrobles
Bold emphasis added.

This is not true. Seems I addressed this statement before, from you or another member. Toyota/Lexus states to change your ATF fluid every 60K under special operating conditions, defined as off-roading, towing, commercial-use, using a top-carrier, etc… Unfortunately, those activities are not further defined. For example how much off-roading meets the threshold for the ATF change? How many times towing, or how far, would meet the criteria for changing the ATF?

Two trusted youtube ASE certified mechanics, and former Toyota mechanics, Car Care Nut and ViktorA, both recommend to follow the 60K ATF change regardless of meeting the special operating conditions, as do most transmission mechanics. In the alternative, a drain/refill every 30K is acceptable. I will add to replace your ATF filter by 125K if you plan on keeping your vehicle beyond that mileage.
On gen4 rx350 (2016-2022), is the the ATF filter accessible without splitting the transmission apart? I am not sure on this matter. On my Toyota V6, the pan is easily seen from below.



Old 08-18-24, 10:50 AM
  #258  
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@monju0525 It has a pan, but is on the side, facing the front. Same thing on daughter’s 20 RAV4. I have not taken a close look on our RX350. On the RAV4 it is a tight fit and requires removal of the inlet ATF hose. I will be completing an ATF flush on the RX in fall and will take a good look at the pan.

This transmission is a generic pic of the Aisin AWF8F35, a variant of which is in the RX.






Last edited by chuyrobles; 08-18-24 at 10:53 AM.
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Old 08-18-24, 12:23 PM
  #259  
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Car care nut, the toyota tech on youtube, says no need to change the filter.
Old 08-20-24, 01:33 PM
  #260  
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Originally Posted by GSFRX350
And why would that happen?

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.
The 3 year, Lease Car owner is the #1 Market Segment for Lexus.

"Buy and hold" is of little interest to them.

Lease owners want low maintenance costs while leasing.

therein, extended fluid changes.

It's a marketing call, not engineering.

Aisin makes the transmission, they have no lease car customers.

Only car owners in sum.
Old 08-22-24, 01:07 AM
  #261  
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Originally Posted by GoBose
The 3 year, Lease Car owner is the #1 Market Segment for Lexus.

"Buy and hold" is of little interest to them.

Lease owners want low maintenance costs while leasing.

therein, extended fluid changes.

It's a marketing call, not engineering.

Aisin makes the transmission, they have no lease car customers.

Only car owners in sum.
Yet hundred's of thousands of Lexus vehicles are still on the road, 10,20 years old with engines and transmissions working fine. Must be lucky. I must be lucky too, 3.6 million kms in vehicles, always serviced as per the book, NEVER had engine/transmission problems.
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Old 08-22-24, 04:48 AM
  #262  
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Originally Posted by GSFRX350
Yet hundred's of thousands of Lexus vehicles are still on the road, 10,20 years old with engines and transmissions working fine. Must be lucky. I must be lucky too, 3.6 million kms in vehicles, always serviced as per the book, NEVER had engine/transmission problems.
Very true but our 4Runner transmission failed at about 200k and Toyota told us to pound sand....past the lifetime fluid lifetime.
I do a single drain and fill at 60k now. I would rather not hope that I am lucky when the job takes about an hour and costs maybe $100.
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Old 08-22-24, 05:49 AM
  #263  
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Originally Posted by Quantum501
Very true but our 4Runner transmission failed at about 200k and Toyota told us to pound sand....past the lifetime fluid lifetime.
I do a single drain and fill at 60k now. I would rather not hope that I am lucky when the job takes about an hour and costs maybe $100.
There's ALWAYS exceptions to the rule, you could also do 60k refills and have problems too. Obviously you have to look at the majority.
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Old 08-22-24, 06:58 AM
  #264  
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Originally Posted by GSFRX350
There's ALWAYS exceptions to the rule, you could also do 60k refills and have problems too. Obviously you have to look at the majority.
Obviously....but you could also go 20,000 miles on oil changes and never have a problem.

Everyone just do what they want. Just letting people know about my very expensive experience.


Last edited by kitlz; 08-22-24 at 04:41 PM.
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Old 08-22-24, 07:59 AM
  #265  
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Originally Posted by Quantum501
Obviously....but you could also go 20,000 miles on oil changes and never have a problem.

Everyone just do what they want. Just letting people know about my very expensive experience.
You just won the internet!!!

Last edited by kitlz; 08-22-24 at 04:41 PM.
Old 08-22-24, 08:07 AM
  #266  
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Originally Posted by GSFRX350
There's ALWAYS exceptions to the rule, you could also do 60k refills and have problems too. Obviously you have to look at the majority.
Explain why.
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