RA40

iTrader: (6)

If the fluid level was correct when inspected at hot and cold, refill the same amount. I just went through this when I driained mine and more came out then the usual 2 quarts.

Ted at Dynamic also relayed that sometimes more can come out so you have to check what comes out goes back in. Presuming the fluid was at proper levels. Luckily these trannies are near bullet proof so slight over or under aren't too bad. You'll get a CEL if it's overfilled.

AZDesertGS

iTrader: (4)

When I did the drain and fill, my car was at a bit of an decline on the driveway....do you think that could have helped with the 3-3.8 quarts coming out??? The level is perfect....just trying to figure why more then 2 quarts came out. Maybe I stumbled upon something

RA40

iTrader: (6)

It may have been overfilled to begin with.
In my case, the fluid was dead on. Afterwards, the level on the dipstick changed so it was a PITA for me to get it right again. Drive it, check warm level, check in morning for cool and adjust. Did this for 3-4 days. I still wonder but it shifts fine so I'm not goign to mess with it anymore.

OIl is easy, the heat cycling doesn't change it much but the tranny is another story.

AZDesertGS

iTrader: (4)

I check it while running, right??? Cause thats what I have been doing.....

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Yup, opposite of engine oil.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Speaking of this...can one of you measure the distance between the top of the "cold" indicator to the bottom of the "hot" indicator? I don't recall the "hot" being this low and it will slide on the wire. TIA

d1drift

Does anyone know how to change out the transmission oil on a 99 ls400? Is there a drain plug underneath the car? Is there a fill plug? If so where? How many quarts of fluid will I need?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

theres a drain plug on the pan and you need about 2-3 qts. to fill it through the transmission dipstick hole.

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

yes, I did the above 4 times until I was sure that the fluid was mostly fresh.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

2qts is how much you will need.

Really simple to do. Tranny refill tube is just a bit closer to the driver then the oil refill location. Just gotta get one of those cones with the long and narrow necks to fit there.

Simple job really... i would do it, and then redo it again after 50miles or so. Clean up the tranny, and really improve shifting.

d1drift

i just changed the tran fluid with synthetic fluid bought at a local auto shop, not it shifts even ****ter, wtf, should i only use factory fluid? also do i need to replace the tran filter, if so, is it in the oil pan, do i to drop the pan to get to it?

trukn1

It would be a good idea to change out the transmission filter as well. What you have to do is drain the pan, like you did before, and then remove the bolts holding that pan up there, and filter is right there. Pop old off, pop new on. The transmission is really sensative to fluid. Is highly recommended that you replace with only the fluid that you can get from the dealer. For the budget minded, Toyota trans fluid will be a few dollars cheaper than getting it from the Lexus dealer (same fluid). Do an advanced search for transmission fluid, change, etc. and you should find some other opinions here thatmay help you as well.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

u need to park the car and do a trans flush ASAP or else u risk MAJOR trans. damage.

only toyota Type IV fluid works in the trans. no synthetic ish.

search on it.

d1drift

holy crap really?

d1drift

just changed the tran fluid back to factory type iv, shifts much smoother now, you are right, don't use anything other than factory fluids.