aponcin

I have a 2005 ES330 with 121k on it. I have never changed the plugs or done anything with the transmission fluid or coolant other than maybe adding a tad bit of coolant here and there over the years. the transmission fluid is pretty dark as you can imagine. I have heard horror stories about people having transmission problems after getting a flush on their vehicles. should I get a flush or is there another type of service I should have done?

also, in regards to the spark plugs. replace them out no question?

should I be doing anything with the coolant?

thanks
Andy

BDSL

Drain and fill.
Spark plugs, replace them.
Coolant, replace.
What about timing belt?

jayclapp

What about brake fluid, steering pump fluid, and differential fluid?

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

Do Drain and Fills at the next three oil changes on that trans.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

Diff fluid uses the trans fluid. When you drain and fill, you are handling the diff as well.

Yes, change that steering and brake fluids.

aponcin

thanks for the replies. Is a transmission flush different than a drain and fill? can you further explain what you mean by draining and filling at the next 3 oil changes?

thanks

speedkar9

I too have a 2005 ES330.

To clarify, here's a few DIY's that I've done so far:

Brake Fluid Change:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=83m71ftgd08

Spark plug replacement:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fybPb_d1vrU

Coolant replacement / Thermostat change:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRRpnMcA6vU

Power Steering Fluid change:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg9Yjt__KHw

Air Filter Change:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-sZNlJuMd4

Alternator and PS Belt change (if needed):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCBcbLx6Qrk

I haven't done my transmission fluid yet but its a simple drain and fill from the hex bolt on the bottom of the transmission pan. Don't do a full flush since you might damage seals and dislodge particles causing damage. Rather its better you introduce new fluid into the system over time.There's roughly 12 quarts of fluids in the transmission, and you only get out 4 quarts when you drain the pan. Therefore do a drain and fill of the transmission fluid every time you do an oil change for the next three oil changes and you'll have replaced most of the old transmission fluid.
I'll probably do a video in a month or so.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

Change your oil. While you are under there, drain the ATF fluid also. This is located right under the driver side bumper.

The drain will be 3.5 qts. Only use Toyota Type 4 fluid for the refill.

The next time you change your motor oil, do this again. Then once again.

I do if every oil change (twice a year). It is cheap to do and keeps the trans and diff in great shape.

Makes sense? Be sure to buy some gaskets for the drain plug as well when you buy the ATF from Lexus.

No one that I know recommends a flush for the trans at these miles. Too risky and not needed.

KLF

I did a thorough 90K service last summer on my '05, changed every part and fluid that I could think of that might need it.

The way I do the tranny is to first dump the pan, let it drip overnight, then I measure how much came out and pour the same amount of new ATF back in. Then I carefully disconnect the cooler line at the bottom of the radiator, the one closer to the passenger side. Stick the hose into a bucket, have a helper start the engine and run it for about 10-15 seconds, then shut it off and add another quart. I keep doing this until the fluid comes out nice and fresh. Then hook the hose back up, run it for a bit, and check the level, top off if necessary. I think I used about 10 quarts of ATF when I did my car, and make sure you get Toyota T-IV fluid. I've done this several times and it's always worked well.

The flushing machines cause problems because they "push" the new fluid through the system at higher pressure than the pump in the trans, so it stresses the seals and dislodges too much sediment.

aponcin

thanks so much for the help. I was looking at NGK Iridium spark plugs. is there a certain model number that I should get?

LeX2K

Get Denso SK20R11 that's what the car came with it runs best with these plugs. If you want to go NGK then use IFR6A11.