Cocal

Good Find! That VeePeak looks like a clone of the Blue Driver. It scored well in many tests, since I already have the BD Ithink I'm going to wait for the AT temp update.

Quantum501

Do you think that BlueDriver will add AT temp? I contacted them by email and they said....

"Thanks for contacting us! Unfortunately, ATF temperature is not a standard OBDII live data PID and is not currently supported by BlueDriver. We will be working on 'enhanced' or manufacturer live data for your vehicle in the future, but there aren't currently any firm timelines for when this will be complete."

I took that to mean don't hold your breath. I think that we have to get a bunch of people to contact them b/c they added that they work on updates in the order of customer demand.

Cocal

I read a few days ago that they are working on it, I think they are trying to get specs from the manufacturers. I don't think that technically is a hard thing to add.

Rxyen

Followed this procedure this past weekend. I was able to remove the larger bolt (it is a 17mm hex) and drain another 2 quarts. The drain straw is attached to inside of the larger plug. I didn't check the level though. Replaced with the exact amount drained (Valvoline MaxLife). The shifts seem smoother after.

Question though--How come it drained 1qt after removing the check plug in both our vehicles?!? I would think it should've only drained a bit if the level was right. Does that mean the ATF was overfilled to begin with?

TheWacoKid

If its anything like the Tacomas/4runner/GX, you need to have the engine running and the transmission heated up to a specific range to check the level. Otherwise you'll drain more than you need....

Also, why not replace with the fluid called for by Lexus? As far as my research has shown, there is no aftermarket ATF that actually complies with the standard.

Rxyen

The Valvoline was more of a personal preference since it's a recommended replacement for Toyota WS. You're right about the temperature, however, since ATF expands while heated, it would end up draining more at a higher temperature.

TheWacoKid

Generally yes, but fluid returns to the pan when the engine is off because it's not circulating. That's why you drained more than you expected. This is why level is checked while the system is running or under vacuum like it would be with the SST used by a professional.

Rxyen

Oh okay, that makes a lot of sense! Thank you!

exonw

FYI, my dealer informed me that their recommended tranny/diff service is @ intervals of 96K kms or 4 years.

Cocal

I wasn't aware that there was a time factor in this, as far as I know it Km only. But 96K Km seems a bit high especially for the 1st one.

exonw

On my Honda Pilot (2nd Gen), recommendation are listed below so could be right for the RX .... if you are driving on average 24K-kms then it turns out to be the yearly dividing factor
- Replace Automatic Transmission Fluid (every 48,000 kms)
- Replace Rear Differential Fluid (every 96,000 kms)

I'm going with dealer's reco as mine is under ext. warranty until Y'2025

ghost31711

Mike - I will be doing the ATF flush for sure, as it's now or never. I will at least do the 60k service, if not the 120k and 180k also. I want all the assurance for peace of mind, our cars being early models of the 8 speed transaxle and all. Even though I don't driving this car in severe conditions or towing, I do drive it at prolong fast highway speeds.

I also feel a clunk/jerk going into revers after a long drives ( not very consistent, and wasn't noticeable when new,), so maybe the ATF is slightly over filled from the factory and maybe new fluids/level check would help

My real dilemma right now is how to go about performing the service.

On the one hand my local Lexus dealership offers a fluid exchange for under $300 when they have a coupon, using TOYOTA WS fluid, and they do recommend this at 60k even for our supposed life time fluid. Who better to trust than Lexus techs, right?

On the other hand, FCPEuro offers an AISIN WS ATF package for under $70 (8 qt, including shipping, comes with new O-rings, bolts, etc, and each additional Qt is under $7) for Volvo cars that use the same Aisin transmission as Toyota/Lexus.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vol...-aisin-atfwskt

I just need to find a local mechanic who is willing do the following procedure, with me watching his every move


I really want to see what the fluid looks like, and also make sure everything is leveled right.

ghost31711

Lex918- have you ever change the ATF on the IS? what did it look like?

mikemu30

Yeah I think I will probably have the dealer do it soon. My wife's RX is at 52K miles now.

Lex918

I haven't changed it. I was under the assumption it didn't need to be change. That transmission drives great still.
I thought this whole changing the ATF was odd, haha.