rbwd007

is it safe for me to change it after 310k? hearing it may start problems

rbwd007

is it safe for me to change it after 310k? hearing it may start problems

rbwd007

sure 425-359-7787

lp2k

I have been reading through this thread as I just bought an 05 ls430 with 163k miles which I love.

We know the car uses the radiator to cool the transmission fluid. Why not disconnect both ends and have the pickup side in a bucket of fresh WS fluid and another bucket to collect the bad WS fluid while the engine runs/cycle through gears?

Can someone tell or find flaw in this thought? of course, each bucket will be marked for each quart to keep track and not to overfill.

Catalina45

What pushes the fresh WS into the transmission, you’ve taken it out of a pressurized fluid circuit?

911LE

Nothing. You have to pump it in. I did a write up on the '01-03 transmissions and that method will work for the '04+ if you pump the new fluid into the other end of the disconnected hose.

Catalina45

Exactly my point; Nothing. Your method or a long funnel are two great ways to fill.

While we’re at it, OP search the thread for the “Paper Clip” method to get the dash panel to flash when you’ve reached the correct transmission temperature to check the fluid level. If you believe removing 3 quarts and filling it with 3 quarts is correct; what happens if you start a quart high or low?

lp2k

so it will work for the 2005 for a fluid exchange right ?

InfamousLS

325k miles on an 04 ML spec LS430… still haven’t changed the trans fluid. Never will…

AJT123

I bet it still shifts like butter. Such an under-stressed transmission and engine.

slightreturn

Oh come on. None of us love dealers too much, but not performing a service and charging for it would outright fraud. I have an '05 LS430 with 63k miles, and I stopped in a couple weeks ago to get trans, p/s fluid, diff oil, and coolant all changed. They did all the work just fine. It wasn't cheap, but you know that going in to the dealer. My philosophy is, use an indie for most work, but you should go to the dealer for getting fluids done ... the indie will tell you their their AutoZone fluids are the same basic thing, but Toyota would beg to differ.

manualdr5

I checked the scheduled maintenance log and the 1st time a replace transmission fluid comes up is at the 72 months or 60,000 mile service. However with one caveat "Required only if vehicle is operated primarily while towing."

It continues to explain further in your maintenance log book the following:

Transmission Fluid
Check for correct fluid level and inspect each transmission
component for signs of leakage. If you discover
any leakage, have it repaired by a qualified
technician immediately.
Note: On the LS 430, GS and IS, the transmission
and transmission fluid are a completely sealed unit.
Therefore, periodic checks and replacement of the
transmission fluid are not required, and there is no
dipstick on the transmission on these vehicles. Any
repairs that require adding or replacing fluid should
be performed by a qualified technician following procedures
in Lexus service and repair publications.

My conclusion is that if its not leaking don't touch it. Just my 2 cents.

Please correct me if you think I got the maintenance log information wrong.

mikedgw

The You Tube Channel "Car Care Nut" who is a Lexus/Toyota expert says to change your trans fluid every 60,000 miles or 6 years. The fluid change intervals published by Toyota expect/want you to have an out of warranty failure. No fluid is lifetime!

alextv

Foreign particles introduced and low or high fluid levels are a major cause of premature failure of the transmissions. That is why the manufacturers of the transmissions don't want you changing fluids unless it follows guidelines to do so. I spoke with the President of the company that makes the Tundra transmissions and that is what he told me.

mikedgw

That's why "The Nut" only recommends a drain and refill and doing it on time! A flush is too violent. And it's risky to change fluid on an older transmission that has never had a change.