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Mar 5, 2007 | 06:09 AM

ppcpilot

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 27

Likes: 1

From: LA

new Lexus owner

Hi Guys...just bought my first Lexus..a 01 RX300 FWD in indigo ink pearl. Only has 35000 miles and bought it from a relative for a great deal. So far, it seems to be a great vehicle.

After reading threads regarding these vehicles, I don't see a whole lot of info on the 01s. My major concern would be the transmission, I guess. It doesn't have the aux. cooler from what I can tell by looking through the passenger wheel well. Does the frequent changing of ATF fluid apply to this FWD 01 model? Should I get a cooler installed? Is this something that Lexus needs to do, or can my favorite wrench get it done?

What kind of fuel milage can I expect from my new to me Lex?

Thanks in advance!

Mar 5, 2007 | 06:55 AM

bob2200

Driver

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 1,800

Likes: 13

From: Maryland

Welcome to Club Lexus. Draining and refilling is definitely a DIY project. You just need to get a 10mm hex socket to use with your favorite socket wrench.

There have been several articles here in the past about how to drain and refill, with tips on measuring what comes out in order to gauge how much fluid to put back in. You also need a narrow funnel to put on the dipstick tube for refilling.

I'm sure there's room for more creative techiques (e.g., weighing the fluid that came out with a digital scale). Make sure to use T-IV transmission fluid, available from Lexus and Toyota dealers.

Mar 5, 2007 | 07:02 AM

ppcpilot

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 27

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From: LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob2200

So I guess I do need to drain and refill every 15k even with FWD..that's what I was trying to figure out. How about the tranny cooler, as I looks like I don't have one?

What do you guys do with your old ATF?

Mar 5, 2007 | 01:44 PM

bob2200

Driver

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 1,800

Likes: 13

From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppcpilot

So I guess I do need to drain and refill every 15k even with FWD..that's what I was trying to figure out. How about the tranny cooler, as I looks like I don't have one?

If the color of the fluid is reddish, I'd say every 15k-mi or 30k-mi. Especially so since I seem to recall that most or all of the AWD RX's came with tranny coolers. If the color is more brownish, then maybe a drain and refill every few weeks or months until you have replaced a sizable percentage of the existing fluid (3 or 4 times).

I don't recall reading of anyone adding a tranny cooler and don't think it would be called for unless you plan to tow trailers or something like that.

Mar 5, 2007 | 02:31 PM

ppcpilot

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 27

Likes: 1

From: LA

Cool deal..it's still got some red in it, I think..not brown or black...I will drip some on a white towel and see what I get.

Question: This car came from someone who drove it in downtown new orleans more than anywhere else...I'm in a little more country setting than that...I have read on here about resetting the ECU? Should I do that, or just keep keeping on?

Mar 5, 2007 | 03:16 PM

Carver

Lexus Champion

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,717

Likes: 11

From: Dallas, Texas

Be sure to roll all the windows up prior to washing the car.

Mar 11, 2007 | 11:23 PM

kirkII

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: CO

Hi PPCPILOT - re fuel mileage, I get 20 mpg mixed city/highway in Denver on 87 octane fuel w/10% ethanol - approx 2 mpg more without ethanol. Car currently has about 99000 miles but the mpg hasn't changed since new. Got the same mileage in Chicago area so altitude doesn't seem to make a difference. Have owned Lexus (LS, GS, ES, RX) since 1991 - never had a problem that they didn't handle! btw replaced the transmission in the RX at 60000 - warranty with no hassle. Best of luck with yours!