$350 for ATF flush of RWD 2008 IS250. Fair price?

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11-05-14, 02:54 PM

#16

Jeff Lange

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There is an adapter that gets bolted on where the ATF warmer/cooler is that allows flushing of the fluid using a machine, it's an aftermarket device.

So yes, it can be done, but it's not something Lexus recommends or sells the tool to do.

Jeff

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11-05-14, 03:05 PM

#17

CARspec

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Quote:

Originally Posted by getafewliv

As far as flushing, some Lexus dealers have a special machine to flush out the fluid. This is not the same as the standard pressurized flushing machines that are bad for transmissions that most shops have.

If the shop has the machine they will use that, if they don't they will most likely just drain and fill a couple times.

The IS and GS present a challenge when you try and flush the system - they don't have a fluid cooler than runs lines to the radiator (where you'd normally hook up flush machine), nor any external fluid lines. The engine coolant gets run down to the transmission. Seen here:

As far as I'm aware, most conventional machines can't flush these transmissions. There's no place to tap into the fluid.

Edit: see Jeff's post above. News to me.

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11-05-14, 03:47 PM

#18

getafewliv

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Quote:

Originally Posted by NikonGuy

Just called local Lexus dealer and they didn't recommend a flush because they said it puts a strain on the tranny. A drain and fill service would be $100. So guess I'll drain and fill myself since Lexus themselves won't perform a flush.

Just called another Lexus dealer and they do flushes for $380. So I guess it just depends

They probably don't recommend it because they don't have the special machine. I talked to two dealers in my area, one had it, the other didn't.

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11-05-14, 04:03 PM

#19

laobo979

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Well if they do say they have the machine i wanna see the process of it getting done that just me. I can't take there word unless i see what I'm paying for is getting done rite. Dealership shouldn't have a issue with that.

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11-05-14, 04:51 PM

#20

FSportIS

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+1 on laobo979, I completely agree with him. If you happen to see it or know how that special machine works, please enlighten us here on this board.

I might even call Lexus corporate to see why some dealerships have it while some don't and what is their take on transmission service.

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11-06-14, 06:19 AM

#21

synrgy350

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Read this PDF on how the flush works. Scroll down to the section titled 2006 and newer Lexus is and gs transmission adapters.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&ei=UIFbVI7TCY6oogSahYKwDA&url=http://bglsi.com/bgproducts_Oklahoma_Texas/images/Tech_Tips.pdf&ved=0CC0QFjAA&usg=AFQjCNHmcJuFPybBdqhOov4JcZGiGpuMPA&sig2=OfFkjq5fCnFHNPnfOmp_Og

BG makes the adapters and the machine that services the transmission. I had it done at my Lexus dealer. The reason why some dealerships don't have it is because its an expensive machine and is not a Lexus standard dealership tool. My car shifts great after I had it done at 125k miles. I'm over 150k currently in my 350.