DIY transmission fluid change
07-30-12, 06:12 PM
#46
Thanks for the responses. I checked my driver's door and indeed it says "05A/U140E". Also doubled checked my owner's manual and it is a 1999 version and it clearly specifies under automatic transaxle to fill with Dex III which makes me annoyed because I almost poured the wrong stuff into my tranny. (as an aside, the manual has pretty much no information on the transmission other than that - doesn't even mention the location of the trans dipstick)
Now I have 5 gal of Dex III that may go to waste (I think I already threw the receipt away). Oh well... appreciate the correction guys, that error would have been costly.
Now I have 5 gal of Dex III that may go to waste (I think I already threw the receipt away). Oh well... appreciate the correction guys, that error would have been costly.
07-31-12, 11:00 AM
#47
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I just did my first drain and fill on my '04 ES330 that I've only owned for a about 3 weeks. I noticed for the last week or so that the transmission seemed to shift funny at times. Almost a flare but not really any slipping. I checked the fluid level with the car fully warmed up, running and in park. The level before the change looked high I though ti was just me not checking it right. I was worried it was low. Upon draining, I removed over 4 quarts!!! The fluid was almost black.
I refilled with 3.5 quarts and then did the 5 seconds routine through each gears in the garage before taking it for a test drive. After the drive the fluid level is just a tad bit below the hot mark. I could probably add another 4 oz and it would be right on but I really don't want it over filled again.
Should I just leave the level alone?
I'm thinking I might do another drain and fill in a month or so.
FWIW, I spent $23 on fluid and aluminum crush washer.
I refilled with 3.5 quarts and then did the 5 seconds routine through each gears in the garage before taking it for a test drive. After the drive the fluid level is just a tad bit below the hot mark. I could probably add another 4 oz and it would be right on but I really don't want it over filled again.
Should I just leave the level alone?
I'm thinking I might do another drain and fill in a month or so.
FWIW, I spent $23 on fluid and aluminum crush washer.
07-31-12, 03:30 PM
#48
I'm about to do the drain and fill procedure and I have a question. I have a 1999 3ES and my owner's manual says to refill with Dex III, not T-IV. The guy at the Toyota dealership parts dept also agreed that my model is a Dex III year. On the other hand, I'm hearing here in this thread that 3ES takes T-IV and my tranny dipstick also has a small "T-IV" on it. Any thoughts?
Check out this link showing that T-IV meets the performance requirements of Dex III. http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showth...-III-HELP!!!!!
07-31-12, 04:32 PM
#49
Thanks tomf - since T-IV meets and exceeds DexIII, and the U series trans typically use T-IV, I'll go with that one to be safe. Maybe I'll use the Dex III to exchange the P/S fluid?
A bit off-topic: A repair shop dropped the trans pan about a year and a half ago and changed the filter. A few months ago I go around to checking my trans dipstick and it's totally overfilled past the hot or cold markers (about twice as high). I haven't noticed any detrimental effects except when on cold days the trans will delay the up-shift past 3rd for a bit. Seems like the computer is trying to warm up the fluid by running the engine higher. I have no idea if that's the case or not, but I figured I'd mention it if people encounter similar issues. It could be overfilled trans fluid.
A bit off-topic: A repair shop dropped the trans pan about a year and a half ago and changed the filter. A few months ago I go around to checking my trans dipstick and it's totally overfilled past the hot or cold markers (about twice as high). I haven't noticed any detrimental effects except when on cold days the trans will delay the up-shift past 3rd for a bit. Seems like the computer is trying to warm up the fluid by running the engine higher. I have no idea if that's the case or not, but I figured I'd mention it if people encounter similar issues. It could be overfilled trans fluid.
07-31-12, 05:11 PM
#52
Lexus Test Driver
Start the engine, drive the car till everything is warmed up. I say at least 15-20 min. Then move the shifter through all gears, and then place it back into park. Keep vehicle running, and check the transmission fluid level.
07-31-12, 05:40 PM
#53
Lexus Champion
07-31-12, 05:45 PM
#54
Lexus Test Driver
07-31-12, 08:08 PM
#56
Most automatic transmissions work the same way. I know with Mitsubishi it has to be in Neutral, and with Honda the engine has to be off. In fact Honda is completely different, because their automatic transmissions are actually manual transmissions with solenoids.
07-31-12, 08:53 PM
#57
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I can't get the clear reading. Fluid is all over the place around hot mark. Cant tell if its under/over or just right. Like I said in earlier post, almost 4 quarts came out, I put 3.5 and looked right. Owner's Manual say put 3.7 but I did not want to overfill it so left it alone. Had a very small leak and now it looks like I may be just little under the hot mark. I am going to do another drain (and put new crush washer and torque wrench the drain plug) and put back exactly 3.7 (starting with 3.25/3.5 probably) and see what it tells me. Thanks for explaining the proper way to take the reading.
Last edited by ES330MD05; 07-31-12 at 08:58 PM.
08-01-12, 06:12 AM
#58
Lexus Test Driver
I can't get the clear reading. Fluid is all over the place around hot mark. Cant tell if its under/over or just right. Like I said in earlier post, almost 4 quarts came out, I put 3.5 and looked right. Owner's Manual say put 3.7 but I did not want to overfill it so left it alone. Had a very small leak and now it looks like I may be just little under the hot mark. I am going to do another drain (and put new crush washer and torque wrench the drain plug) and put back exactly 3.7 (starting with 3.25/3.5 probably) and see what it tells me. Thanks for explaining the proper way to take the reading.
Yes, sometimes it's difficult to get a proper reading. Try waiting a few minutes to get a reading after you place the car in park.
It's not an issue if it's a tad bit low, but never overfill, especially on a transmission.
08-01-12, 09:56 AM
#59
Yes, I'd like to echo the thanks for the knowledge on this forum. I'm just starting to DIY on my car and my wife's car (a Honda Odyssey so I appreciate Mr. Booby pointing out that the trans fluid reading s/b done when the car is off so at least on her's I know that I was doing it properly) so the DIY threads in particular have been very instructive.
Checked the fluid level with the car running - it's still above the fill line a decent amount, but not nearly as much as before. I'll remedy soon with a drain and fill. Thanks again to all.
Checked the fluid level with the car running - it's still above the fill line a decent amount, but not nearly as much as before. I'll remedy soon with a drain and fill. Thanks again to all.
