OceanView

I'm about to change the fluid in my 98 ES300.
Called the dealer and they recommend Type 4.
Looking in the Haynes manual it states Dextron III.
So I wanted to check and see which ones people are using.
Also the Differential uses Dextron III as well.
If I can use Type 4, can I use it in the Diff as well?

PFB

At some point Lexus changed from Dexron III to Toyota Type IV. Make sure that you use the right fluid. It should say which one is right for your car on the dipstick, as well as in the owners manual

LeX2K

Always look in your owners manual!

But your transmission takes DextronIII, and so does the differential. Do not use T-IV that is the wrong fluid.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

My 2001 calls for T-IV, so i run OEM toyota T-IV

Where is the drain plug for the diff? I didn't notice one last year when i changed the trans. fluid... Is it a separate component? I've seen different answers to this question with each varying year.

I drained the trans, close to empty as it was on the lift for over 1.5 hours, and then topped it up. I didn't see a 'diff' plug though or any filler.

LeX2K

For clarity, this is what the ES300's have.

1994-1998 Lexus ES 300 - A541E
Differential and Transmission are SEPARATE. Drain and fill them independently.

Automatic transaxle fluid: ATF D-II or DEXRON® III (DEXRON® II)
Dry fill: 6.75 liters (7.10 US qts, 5.94 Imp.qts)
Drain and refill: 2.5 liters (2.6 US qts, 2.2 Imp.qts)
Differential Fluid: DEXRON® III (DEXRON® II)
0.85 liters (0.89 US qts, 0.75 Imp.qts)

_______________________________________________

1999-2003 Lexus ES 300 - U140E
Transmission and differential share fluid and are not drained and filled separately.

Automatic transaxle fluid: ATF TYPE T-IV or equivalent
Dry fill: 8.25 liters (8.72 US qts, 7.26 Imp. qts
Drain and refill: 3.5 liters (3.7 US qts, 3.1 Imp. qts)

Someone can clarify the starting year of the A541E, I'll check into it also to make sure it's correct.

OceanView

Are you sure about the A541E having separate chambers?
I'm getting conflicting info on this.
Someone else said the fluid is shared between the trans & diff.

LeX2K

No actually. I'm not sure if the A540E has separate chambers either. I do know the A540E has separate drain and fill plugs. Someone with an A541E please post if you have a drain and fill, or just a drain for the differential.

When I get the verified info I'll update my post. But I did read the A541E is essentially a 540 that was updated to mate with the 1MZ-FE engine.

edit - but keep in mind the A541E service manual lists separate fluid capacities for the transmission and the differential.

TheCarGuy2

Using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my '98. Shifts like a dream after 3 drain/fills and a filter change.

OceanView

What duration in time or miles between each change?

TheCarGuy2

About a week of everyday driving.

As for the diff "chamber", you drain the transmission and diff separately and when you fill through the dip stick you will fill the transmission and diff.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

My 97 had two chambers. one for ATF and one for diff. Same fluid in each and both were filled through the dipstick tube.

I used Mobil 1 and it was a wise move.

Furyo

I also have the 05A/U140E and my manual says Dexron III but the dipstick T-IV. Thanks to everyone in this forum for clearing up what could have been a huge mistake. Does anyone have any transmission filter recommendations?

80es300

You don't have to change the filter. Toyota recommends to just clean and re-use the filter if you drop the pan.
If not dropping the pan, just drain/refill couple of times should be good.

Furyo

Should I just clean it with break cleaner?

LeX2K

That will work on a 1998 and older just give it enough time to dry. 1999+ ES has a felt filter element that does need replacing. There was a member here that had it clog on them replacing it restored the transmission to proper function.