draco

I have been having some shudder problems with my transmission (particularly around 70-80km/h). I decided to do an oil check on the transmission and did the following (please let me know if this procedure is wrong and I will redo it).

* Drove car at operating temperature for about 20 mins (varying speeds - some freeway so max 100km/h).
* Got car home, stopped car
* Put car in Park
* Release foot brake
* Press brake
* Press brake and hold
* Shifted gear lever from P to R to N to D to 1 to 2 to D to N to R to P(with about a 2 second gap between each shift)
* Turned car off
* Check oil

Now I have noticed that regardless of doing the above (which I hope is correct) or if the gearbox is cold, the dipstick is well above the "HOT" level. In fact the oil comes up to about where it says "Dextron III" on the dip stick. Looks like the gearbox oil might be too much and not sure if this is letting any slip occur in the gearbox (hence the shudder sometimes at 70, 80 km/h).

I would like Toyota to service it, but I also wanted to check if there was anything to be aware of with getting the gearbox serviced. I have read (in the past) some issues where a full flush of the gearbox causes the gearbox to die after a little while. Is there any truth to this and if so what should I advise the dealership of when asking for the gearbox to be serviced?

Thanks for your help

afang

I believe that the transmission check is to be done with the engine running at idle

draco

Okay redid the test again today with the engine running at idle and it looks like the fluid is at the HOT level as it should be. However the oil is still quite dirty so would need to do the service on the gearbox anyway. So referring back to my earlier question about full gearbox services?

Lexusfreak

I would do a simple 'drain & fill' & replace the plug gasket personally.....stay clear of the full flush. It's also a fairly simple task (similar & even easier than a basic oil change) if you do it yourself. Check your owners manual for the amount of fluid you need & correct type.....I should be around 3 - 4 qt's.

draco

I will have to look at the FSM to see how to do a fluid change for the transmission. I was worried about the full flush.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

Drain and fill, just like changing engine oil.

A lift or ramps will be needed. It is tight under there.

draco

I will undo the plug, drain the fluid out, put the plug back in and then top up through where the transmission dipper stick lives.

draco

Do I need a new o-ring for the plug?

draco

This may sound like a dumb question, but I am assuming that I will know the gearbox is full once it starts to seep out of the tranmission dipper stick tunnel? Or is there another way to check?

Lexusfreak

You should change the O ring (aka plug gasket).

Check your owners manual for the correct amount of fluid....if you are pouring in tranny fluid into the dipstick tunnel until it overflows...I think you have put way to much fluid in there & you can expect serious tranny damage as a result.

According to the Amsoil website....you need 3.5 litres (or 3.7 quarts) for a 'drain & fill'.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

No, you don't do it that way.

Drain the trans fluid. Put back plug (dont' forget to get a new crush washer from Lexus).

Start to fill trans through trans dipstick tube. It should take about 3-4 qts (if you can, measure the fluid that came out).

Once you are near the right level, start the car up and let it run for a few minutes. Then, check the fluid level with the dipstick per the instructions in the manual.

Top off if required.

PS-DONT put too much in or you are screwed, ie you will have to go under and drain again.

Go slow to avoid this situation.

Good luck

draco

Thanks all for the advice. Performed the trans fluid change this morning. Found out I didn't have the 1 tool I needed as I was getting started > So had to go back to the shop buy it and start.

Anyway fluid drained out in a real hurry (warm oil that's why). Tightened the drain plug back up. Topped it up to the "Cool" level, started the car and moved through gears (as per the FSM) topped up back to Cool, and just slightly over. Took the car for a drive around the block (carefully). Came back, check no leak from the drain plug, checked level topped up some more till it was about 1/2 way, round the block check. Topped up to 3/4 level and then took a longer drive around my suburb (up, down hills, complete stop, etc.). Got back and checked again. Topped back to full, all sweet. Will check the plug again tomorrow to make sure no leaks.

Smoother shift and while driving smoother again. Now here's hoping it's resolved my other problem.......

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

Good luck. Sounds like you are on the right track. I suggest you do it again twice, at 5000 mile intervals. At that point, you likely have nice new fluid throughout.

draco

Sounds like a good idea. I still have a half of bottle of ATF left over (bought a 5 litre bottle) so the next one would be quite easy to do.