RedRacer

My 70k mile ES300 needs some new transmission fluid. Has anyone used Redline D4ATF in their '97-'02 ES300?

Does the transmission and transaxle share the same fluid or are they separate drains and fills? How often does the ATF pan filter need to be changed?

Thanks

RedRacer

I found this info posted by Phoenix:

My car is for sure a 1997 with the 4spd auto so I guess Dexron III or the ame spec synthetic Redline should do the trick Do all the models that require TT-IV cars say so on the dipstick?

Another Phoenix quote:
What fluid does the diff take?

RedRacer

Anyone

Lexmex

I am not sure if your ES300 trannies are similar to the ones on the RX300, though the 1MZFE engine is certainly similar.

The plug on the right is for the tranny itself, but the one on the left belongs to the front differential. You want to drain both of then.

Both use ATF. You can fill them up though the ATF dipstick. Don't worry, the ATF you pour in via that route will go in not only into the tranny itself, but also trickle over into the front differential (they are connected).

RedRacer

Thanks for the info. Question - if the tranny and diff are connected why would there be two drain plugs?

wishihad1

the way the case is designed. fluid is "trapped" in both the pan and diff housing.

Lexmex

That's right.

That fluid in the front differential really can get bad if not changed since it does not circulate as well.

We actually found a fill plug on the back side of the transmission for front differential (very hard to get to).

wishihad1

yeah, but just on the earlier models

RedRacer

Very interesting But if I drain both the pan and the plug there is no problem refilling both through the dipstick?

Are most people using a good Dexron III synthetic for the 1997 ESs?

Lexmex

Correct. Drain both plugs and refill through the dipstick. We have been doing the same with our RXs.

By chance, has anybody here tried Amsoil ATF in their ES?

We have had people use it in their RXs.

Rtstrider

I just had my tranny rebuilt and had them fill it with Amsoil ATF, I can honestly say, it's never run as good as it does now!

98_es300

does anybody know the size and type of tool required to use on the 98 es300 diff. drain plug?

dallison

es 300 is front drive and only has the auto trans fluid to change,

my question is, do i just have it flushed or have the filter changed and fill?

kingofire

I was wondering when someone was going to mention this.. .....I have the Amsoil ATF in right now in my ES330 and there is no transmission lag to talk about yet. Its also good to overfill the transmission case by a bit.

Lexmex

With my RX300, I have been overfilling for a long time and much improved performance in the shifting, especially when going up and down hills.

I wish they sold Amsoil down here as it is impossible to import with a hefty tax and a lot of paperwork/red tape. When I get back to the U.S.