mann777

Here is the Replacement method from the manual. Hope this clarifies.

MidniteGX

Depending on how long you plan on keeping your GX, you may be interested in reading about this:

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=ATLQT-EA

mann777

That would be a another "Snake oil theory "for the Marketing Department to sell the brand

Wronglane

I am going to do a trans service on our 2004 GX470 soon. We bought it in 2009 with 52,000 miles on it. I have no idea if the trans fluid was ever changed.Truck now has 170,000 miles. I know there are different opinions on whether to change the strainer(filter) or just leave it. If I remove the pan,is there anything in the way such as the exhaust that would prevent the pan from coming off?

Also,I am pretty sure the 2004 GX470 is a sealed transmission but, diagrams from online Lexus dealers show that there is a dip stick. I cannot look right now as the wife is at work with the car.Wanted to get opinions here before I do this.Thanks in advance!!

Note the dipstick on a 2004 GX470 below. I even typed in my VIN on another site,and it showed the same thing.

https://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.c...category=21756

chiph9

I have a 2004. No dipstick. But it wouldn't surprise me if a few did - Lexus seemed to have made changes to the vehicle during a model year and not waiting until a year change. Notice the VIN range on the diagram:

You can just take a look on yours - it appears the handle will show up near the oil dipstick on the passenger side by the firewall. I had the filter replaced last year on mine - if I recall, there is a support that has to be moved out of the way. The bill was about $700.

Chip H.

Wronglane

Thanks for pointing out the vin range,I over looked that. I went back and see they do have 2004 transmissions listed without a dipstick. Two weeks ago I changed the power steering fluid and do not recall seeing a dipstick there,I am just not sure.Will check when the truck is here. How many miles did you have on your trans when changing the filter?

chiph9

Around 150k.

The original plan when I bought it used was to keep it for 3 years. Here I am at 3 years, and I have no plans to sell it.

Chip H.

gxman1

LOL, made me laugh. I had the same plan. I have 200K on it, and still rides like new. I really need to do my trans oil service soon.

Wronglane

Ha,same for us,we were planning on selling it this year for an RX,but,at just under 170k miles,it runs flawless in addition to keeping us from having a new car payment. The deciding factor is that the engine in our GX is that it is MPFI where the new vehicles are Direct Injected which bring on their own set of issues. The engine always gets top tier fuel along with Techron Concentrate Plus every 5000 miles,drive train fluids were all switched to synthetic two years ago along with spark plugs,Lexus dealership did the timing chain,and I use premium oil filters with a Group IV/Group V oil once a year which,for us,is just under 10k miles.Trans service is the only thing not done...:-(

I crawled under the truck today and there is no dipstick and I see the fill plug as well.It really does not look that bad at all to do.The only thing that may be a problem is the exhaust cross over tube which may have to come out to change the strainer/filter. Can someone confirm if the cross over tube HAS to be removed to get the pan off and out for cleaning?

If it needs to be removed that will be a problem for me doing this because the bolts are so corroded and caked up,they will break or be ruined in the process.

BlackCat81

Wronglane

Blackcat,your name seems familiar for some reason. Are you some type of car tech or have you done detailed DIY procedures in some forums?

Do you do the trans service yourself and if so,did the short exhaust cross over tube have to be removed to get the pan out for cleaning when doing a filter/strainer change?

BlackCat81

Wronglane

Ok great,I forget where I saw you,but,I knew there was something about you that struck me...:-)

Interesting on not changing the strainer/screen.Here is my situation.Bought at 52,000 miles in 2009. No history on any trans service and we are just under 170,000 k miles. Do you still think I should just leave the filter alone and do a couple of drain and fills at this point?

chiph9

I'd give the mechanic the option. If he does a drain+fill and sees metal flakes in the old fluid, I'd want a new filter - so pre-authorize him to do that if needed.

Chip H.

Wronglane

Chip,I will be the mechanic for this job.☺ If I was able to see metal in the drained fluid,I have trans problems imo.