DIY transmission fluid change
#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.
#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.
#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!!!!!
#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.
#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.
#53
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#54
Lexus Test Driver
#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.
#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.
#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.