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New and needing to learn cars and DIY projects . In some of the readings in pre 2016 models ( gen 3 ) , I have noticed some do fluid changes / flushes only and some include filter change . My 1 st question would these same options apply to the current gen? Is there a drain plug ? If so , am I gaining much if I change out fluid at 2 to 3 quarts at a time if I don’t change filter ? Not willing to tackle this piece .
Haven’t seen anything about Differential fluid . Is this somewhat optional with 2 opinions like the trans fluid or is more or less important .
Transmission fluid replacement procedure on the 2016-2021 RX350
Hi all, here is the long awaited video on transmission fluid replacement for the 2016-2021 Lexus RX350 models. Cheers from your friendly neighborhood Lexus Master Tech!
New and needing to learn cars and DIY projects . In some of the readings in pre 2016 models ( gen 3 ) , I have noticed some do fluid changes / flushes only and some include filter change . My 1 st question would these same options apply to the current gen? Is there a drain plug ? If so , am I gaining much if I change out fluid at 2 to 3 quarts at a time if I don’t change filter ? Not willing to tackle this piece .
Haven’t seen anything about Differential fluid . Is this somewhat optional with 2 opinions like the trans fluid or is more or less important .
thanks for insight
not2late
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.
4th RX 350 and even the previous gens uses "sealed transmission" (no dip stick or fill tube) and requires no changing of filters or fluid. However, due to old practices and maintenance culture, some people continue to change transmission fluid and filters in the same way that some people continue to change engine oil every 3K miles despite using 10K/1yr full synthetic oils. Personally, I just leave the transmission alone.
4th RX 350 and even the previous gens uses "sealed transmission" (no dip stick or fill tube) and requires no changing of filters or fluid. However, due to old practices and maintenance culture, some people continue to change transmission fluid and filters in the same way that some people continue to change engine oil every 3K miles despite using 10K/1yr full synthetic oils. Personally, I just leave the transmission alone.
Page 63 of 2016 RX 450h Warranty and Services Guide.
Basically if you regularly do hard driving they require a change at 144 months or 120,000 miles. If you are planning to keep your RX past 200,000 miles a couple hundred bucks is worth it for peace of mind.
I concur if you are primarily operating with a trailer or heavy loads, there's a special need for transmission fluid change. In fact, it's recommended as early as 72 months or 60K mileage on the RX350 (page 55 of the Warranty and Services 17RX350). But for normal and everyday driving no such maintenance is required. Here's the explanation from the Warranty and Services manual. As for peace of mind, I guess this is exactly the same reason people continue to change engine oil at 3K vice 5K or even 10K. Had newer Toyota/Lexus transmission have the provision of changing fluid and filters, I wouldn't mind doing it which in the first place is the original DIY question on this thread. And yes, it cost way more than just a couple of hundred of $$$ for the dealership to change the transmission fluid. And the worst part, there's no way of telling if it was actually accomplished or not. Not from a regular person point of view.
My local Lexus Service manager who always wants my money said it never needs changing and can actually do more harm than good if it is changed. I will believe him based on years of experience and the information that he receives from the Lexus engineers and designers.
My local Lexus Service manager who always wants my money said it never needs changing and can actually do more harm than good if it is changed. I will believe him based on years of experience and the information that he receives from the Lexus engineers and designers.
And just what "harm" would changing transmission fluid do?
And just what "harm" would changing transmission fluid do?
I've heard it can sometimes stir up debris that comes free from the magnet. End of the day, interpret "Lifetime" as you wish. If you really want to drive the car 200K miles or more, that's probably longer than what the engineers define as lifetime.
I've heard it can sometimes stir up debris that comes free from the magnet. End of the day, interpret "Lifetime" as you wish. If you really want to drive the car 200K miles or more, that's probably longer than what the engineers define as lifetime.
A drain-and-refill usually doesn't stir up anything. A "flush" would certainly do that, which is why I would never do a flush. I usually keep my cars a long time....the best of mine was a 1996 Maxima I bought new and put 300k miles on it with nary a problem with the engine nor transmission. 3500 mile oil changes, 3yr/36k on transmission fluid and coolant change.
I've heard it can sometimes stir up debris that comes free from the magnet. End of the day, interpret "Lifetime" as you wish. If you really want to drive the car 200K miles or more, that's probably longer than what the engineers define as lifetime.
Yep you hit the nail on the head. Planned ob$ole$cence isn't just for tech companies.
Transmission fluid becomes contaminated over time. The 450h uses Toyota Genuine ATF WS. Here is a good video about what happens to transmission fluid over time:
Nothing lasts forever and I still wonder about the 10k oil change interval but please no debates.
No worries, you're not the first one. it started way before the 10K when 5K became the de-facto standard using synthetic oil. And yes, 10K is not forever and you are absolutely correct. Changes are always hard to accept, initially as the saying goes, "Old habits are hard . . ." Ever noticed, people will follow service manuals to the "T" like using proper oil viscosity, brake fluid, coolant but not when it deviates from their old culture like transmission fluid, engine oil, etc? It's human nature. And their reasons for doing so is the common, "just to make sure", or maybe, "peace of mind" or "it won't hurt or do any harm"? You would think if they really want to make sure or that it would not do any harm, they would start changing fluids and oils everytime they drive out of their driveways, right?
Transmission fluid becomes contaminated over time. The 450h uses Toyota Genuine ATF WS. Here is a good video about what happens to transmission fluid over time:
This ought to be true! I mean it's on Youtube or is that FB? Seriously, if we believe everything on YT or FB is true then nothing in this world is false or untrue. I'm not saying this is not true but if you believe so more power to you.
02-20-18, 08:44 PM
Transmission fluid change (merged threads)
Transmission fluid replacement procedure on the 2016-2021 RX350
