Is there an easy way to refill the transmission?
02-10-14, 10:11 AM
#1
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Is there an easy way to refill the transmission?
Is there an easy way to refill the transmission?
I'm approaching 100k in my 2007 LS460, so I drained the transmission fluid & assumed it would be easy to refill (just like my GS400).
Imagine my surprise when the socket wouldn't fit into the gap between the transmission case & some insulation to access the "refill plug".
A long 24mm wrench finally did the trick, but what a pain!
Any thoughts or tricks to share?
I have the WS ATF fluid, but haven't ventured onto the next steps of "Fill Transmission" & then "Adjust Fluid Level".
Thanks
I'm approaching 100k in my 2007 LS460, so I drained the transmission fluid & assumed it would be easy to refill (just like my GS400).
Imagine my surprise when the socket wouldn't fit into the gap between the transmission case & some insulation to access the "refill plug".
A long 24mm wrench finally did the trick, but what a pain!
Any thoughts or tricks to share?
I have the WS ATF fluid, but haven't ventured onto the next steps of "Fill Transmission" & then "Adjust Fluid Level".
Thanks
02-10-14, 11:59 AM
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2.FILL TRANSMISSION PAN
(a) Lift the vehicle up while keeping a level state.
(b) Remove the refill plug and overflow plug.
(c) Fill the transmission through the refill hole until fluid begins to trickle out from the overflow tube.
(d) Reinstall the overflow plug.
I'm just curious if anyone has tried it before or if everyone takes it back to the dealership for service.....
02-10-14, 01:02 PM
#5
The instructions are easy...
2.FILL TRANSMISSION PAN
(a) Lift the vehicle up while keeping a level state.
(b) Remove the refill plug and overflow plug.
(c) Fill the transmission through the refill hole until fluid begins to trickle out from the overflow tube.
(d) Reinstall the overflow plug.
I'm just curious if anyone has tried it before or if everyone takes it back to the dealership for service.....
2.FILL TRANSMISSION PAN
(a) Lift the vehicle up while keeping a level state.
(b) Remove the refill plug and overflow plug.
(c) Fill the transmission through the refill hole until fluid begins to trickle out from the overflow tube.
(d) Reinstall the overflow plug.
I'm just curious if anyone has tried it before or if everyone takes it back to the dealership for service.....
lift the car up and maintain level...any idea how without a lift?
If anything like my Tundra, you have to fill and let the tranny warm up to temperature (very specific range) then open the drain plug to let the excess fluid out. There is also an override pin (forgot what exactly what it's called) for you to push and held in place for the fluid to circulate while warming up. Also, how do you tell if what temp the tranny is at without TechStream (which I do have)...
It's a lot more trouble it's worth. Just take it to the dealer if you want it changed...but it's nice to do it yourself too.
Let us know how it goes...
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02-10-14, 03:45 PM
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02-10-14, 03:54 PM
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yea, but did you find out exact where the fill plug and overflow plugs are?
lift the car up and maintain level...any idea how without a lift?
If anything like my Tundra, you have to fill and let the tranny warm up to temperature (very specific range) then open the drain plug to let the excess fluid out. There is also an override pin (forgot what exactly what it's called) for you to push and held in place for the fluid to circulate while warming up. Also, how do you tell if what temp the tranny is at without TechStream (which I do have)...
It's a lot more trouble it's worth. Just take it to the dealer if you want it changed...but it's nice to do it yourself too.
Let us know how it goes...
lift the car up and maintain level...any idea how without a lift?
If anything like my Tundra, you have to fill and let the tranny warm up to temperature (very specific range) then open the drain plug to let the excess fluid out. There is also an override pin (forgot what exactly what it's called) for you to push and held in place for the fluid to circulate while warming up. Also, how do you tell if what temp the tranny is at without TechStream (which I do have)...
It's a lot more trouble it's worth. Just take it to the dealer if you want it changed...but it's nice to do it yourself too.
Let us know how it goes...
reading the process in AllData is much simplier than actually doing it.
I've replaced about 3 quarts of WS ATF and now get to Adjust the Fluid level.
4.ADJUST FLUID LEVEL
(a) w/o Air Suspension: Using SST, connect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG) of the DLC3.
(c) Start the engine. NOTICE: Air conditioning switch must be turned off.
(d) Slowly move the shift lever from P to S, then move the shift lever from the 1 to 8. Then return the shift lever to P.
(e) Move the shift lever to the D position, and quickly move back and forth between N and D (once per less than 1.5 seconds) for at least 6 seconds .
This will activate the fluid temperature detection mode. Standard: Indicator light (D) remains illuminated for2 seconds and then goes off.
(f) w/o Air Suspension: Return the shift lever to the P position and disconnect terminals 13 (TC) and 4 (CG).
(h) Idle the engine to raise the temperature of the ATF.
(i) When the indicator light (D) turns on, lift the vehicle up immediately.
Indicator light will indicate the ATF temperature
NOTICE: Perform fluid level inspection while the indicator light turns on.
(j) Remove the overflow plug. At the proper fluid inspection temperature, check the fluid amount.
If the ATF flows from the overflow tube and the ATF flows in a thin stream, the fluid amount is normal.
If the ATF does not flow from the overflow tube, add ATF into the refill hole until ATF flows from the overflow tube. If the ATF flows in a thin stream, the fluid amount is normal.
(k)Install a new gasket and the overflow plug.
Torque: 20 N*m (204 kgf*cm, 15 ft.*lbf)
(l) Install a new O-ring and the refill plug.
Torque: 39 N*m (398 kgf*cm, 29 ft.*lbf)
(m) Lower the vehicle down.
(n) Turn the engine switch off.
02-10-14, 05:16 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
As noted above, the trans has to be at a specific temperature (determined when hooked up to a computer) when topping up the fluid. It's pretty much the same procedure that is used in filling my previous BMW 745i.
There are some members on this forum who steadfastly believe that these transmissions are "sealed". THEY ARE NOT. My owners manual and service manual (and Lexus Dealer), all require/recommend transmission fluid change at 96000 kms (60k miles).
I'm a die-hard DIY'er, but even I will not attempt this service. It needs to be done while the car is hooked up to a Toyota Diagnostic computer.
There are some members on this forum who steadfastly believe that these transmissions are "sealed". THEY ARE NOT. My owners manual and service manual (and Lexus Dealer), all require/recommend transmission fluid change at 96000 kms (60k miles).
I'm a die-hard DIY'er, but even I will not attempt this service. It needs to be done while the car is hooked up to a Toyota Diagnostic computer.
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DrQuality (07-26-21)
02-10-14, 06:04 PM
#11
Driver School Candidate
If one can accurately measure the volume of the old fluid drained, and slowly pour in equal volume of new fluid (considering the fluid coming out of the overflow tube), it should be ok, or not? I see no reason this is not ok, assuming this can be done without special tools.
02-10-14, 07:02 PM
#12
Yes, assuming it had the correct fluid amount in the first place. But this is not the procedure. From the direction, it seems like you cannot add the correct amount of fluid all at once. This is the directions for the 04 - 06 LS 430:
The following bellowis the procedure I copied from the service manual:
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
ADJUSTMENT
1. BEFORE TRANSMISSION FILL
_ This transmission requires Toyota Genuine ATF WS.
_ It is necessary to refill the transmission with the correct
amount of fluid.
_ The vehicle must remain level while adjusting fluid level.
2. TRANSMISSION PAN FILL
(a) Remove the two bolts and transmission case cover.
(b) Remove the refill plug and overflow plug.
(c) Fill the transmission through the refill hole until fluid begins
to trickle out of the overflow tube.
(d) Reinstall the overflow plug.
3. TRANSMISSION FILL
(a) Fill the transmission with the correct amount of fluid as
listed in the table below.
(b) Reinstall the refill plug to avoid fluid splash.
Performed Repair Fill Amount
Transmission pan and drain plug removal
1.3 liters (1.37 US qts, 1.14 Imp. qts)
Transmission valve body removal 3.9 liters (4.12 US qts, 3.43 Imp. qts)
Torque converter removal 5.3 liters (5.60 US qts, 4.66 Imp. qts)
Entire transmission assembly 5.3 liters (5.60 US qts, 4.66 Imp. qts)
HINT:
If you cannot add the listed amount of fluid, do the following:
(1) Install the refill plug.
(2) Allow the engine to idle with air conditioning OFF.
(3) Move the shift lever through entire gear range to circulate
fluid.
(4) Wait for 30 seconds with the engine idling.
(5) Stop the engine.
(6) Remove the refill plug and add fluid.
(7) Reinstall the refill plug.
4. FLUID CIRCULATION
(a) Allow the engine to idle with the air conditioning OFF.
(b) Move the shift lever through entire gear range to circulate
the fluid.
5. FLUID TEMPERATURE CHECK
NOTICE:
_ On vehicles equipped with air suspension, perform
step (c) if it necessary to jack up the vehicle while the
engine running.
_ The fluid temperature should be less than 30_C (86_F)
before beginning the fluid temperature check.
(a) With hand-held tester
(1) Connect the hand-held tester to the DLC3.
(2) Select the tester menus: OBD/MOBD, ENGINE,
DATA LIST and A/T.
(3) Check A/T OIL TEMP.
(4) Allow the engine to idle until the fluid temperature
reaches 46_C (115_F).
(b) Without hand-held tester (Using D shift indicator)
(1) Connect terminals between CG (4) and TC (13) of
the DLC3 using SST (09843-18040).
(2) Move the shift lever back and forth between N and
D every 1.5 seconds for six seconds.
(3) The D shift indicator on the combination meter
comes on for two seconds. This indicates that the
fluid temperature check mode has been started.
(4) The D shift indicator will come on again when the
fluid temperature reaches 46_C (115_F) and will
blink when it exceeds 56_C (130_F).
(5) Allow the engine to idle unit the fluid temperature
reaches 46_C (115_F).
(c) For vehicles with air suspension (Using D shift indicator)
(1) Connect terminals between CG (4), OPA (11) and
TC (13) of the DLC3 using SST (09843-18040).
Terminal OPA is connected to prevent air suspension
height adjustment from occurring when the vehicle
is lifted off the ground with the engine running.
(2) Move the shift lever back and forth between N and
D at 1.5 seconds interval for six seconds.
(3) The D shift indicator on the combination meter
comes on for two seconds. This indicates that the
fluid temperature check mode has been started.
(4) The D shift indicator comes on again when the fluid
temperature reaches 46_C (115_F) and will blink
when it exceeds 56_C (130_F).
(5) Allow the engine to idle until the fluid temperature
reaches 46_C (115_F).
6. FLUID LEVEL CHECK
NOTICE:
The fluid temperature must be between 46_C (115_F) and
56_C (130_F) to accurately check the fluid level.
(a) Remove the overflow plug with the engine idling.
(b) Check that the fluid comes out of the overflow tube.
_ If fluid does not come out, proceed to step 7
_ If fluid comes out, wait until the over-flow slows to
a trickle and proceed to step 8.
7. TRANSMISSION REFILL
(a) Install the overflow plug.
(b) Stop the engine.
(c) Remove the refill plug.
(d) Add 0.4 liters (0.42 US qts, 0.35 Imp. qts) of fluid.
(e) Allow the engine to idle and wait for 10 seconds.
(f) Proceed to step 6.
8. COMPLETE
(a) Install the overflow plug with a new gasket.
(b) Stop the engine.
(c) Install the refill plug with a new gasket.
(d) Install the transmission case cover with the two bolts.
Torque:
20 Nm (205 kgfcm, 15 ftlbf) for overflow plug
39 Nm (400 kgfcm, 29 ftlbf) for refill plug
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
ADJUSTMENT
1. BEFORE TRANSMISSION FILL
_ This transmission requires Toyota Genuine ATF WS.
_ It is necessary to refill the transmission with the correct
amount of fluid.
_ The vehicle must remain level while adjusting fluid level.
2. TRANSMISSION PAN FILL
(a) Remove the two bolts and transmission case cover.
(b) Remove the refill plug and overflow plug.
(c) Fill the transmission through the refill hole until fluid begins
to trickle out of the overflow tube.
(d) Reinstall the overflow plug.
3. TRANSMISSION FILL
(a) Fill the transmission with the correct amount of fluid as
listed in the table below.
(b) Reinstall the refill plug to avoid fluid splash.
Performed Repair Fill Amount
Transmission pan and drain plug removal
1.3 liters (1.37 US qts, 1.14 Imp. qts)
Transmission valve body removal 3.9 liters (4.12 US qts, 3.43 Imp. qts)
Torque converter removal 5.3 liters (5.60 US qts, 4.66 Imp. qts)
Entire transmission assembly 5.3 liters (5.60 US qts, 4.66 Imp. qts)
HINT:
If you cannot add the listed amount of fluid, do the following:
(1) Install the refill plug.
(2) Allow the engine to idle with air conditioning OFF.
(3) Move the shift lever through entire gear range to circulate
fluid.
(4) Wait for 30 seconds with the engine idling.
(5) Stop the engine.
(6) Remove the refill plug and add fluid.
(7) Reinstall the refill plug.
4. FLUID CIRCULATION
(a) Allow the engine to idle with the air conditioning OFF.
(b) Move the shift lever through entire gear range to circulate
the fluid.
5. FLUID TEMPERATURE CHECK
NOTICE:
_ On vehicles equipped with air suspension, perform
step (c) if it necessary to jack up the vehicle while the
engine running.
_ The fluid temperature should be less than 30_C (86_F)
before beginning the fluid temperature check.
(a) With hand-held tester
(1) Connect the hand-held tester to the DLC3.
(2) Select the tester menus: OBD/MOBD, ENGINE,
DATA LIST and A/T.
(3) Check A/T OIL TEMP.
(4) Allow the engine to idle until the fluid temperature
reaches 46_C (115_F).
(b) Without hand-held tester (Using D shift indicator)
(1) Connect terminals between CG (4) and TC (13) of
the DLC3 using SST (09843-18040).
(2) Move the shift lever back and forth between N and
D every 1.5 seconds for six seconds.
(3) The D shift indicator on the combination meter
comes on for two seconds. This indicates that the
fluid temperature check mode has been started.
(4) The D shift indicator will come on again when the
fluid temperature reaches 46_C (115_F) and will
blink when it exceeds 56_C (130_F).
(5) Allow the engine to idle unit the fluid temperature
reaches 46_C (115_F).
(c) For vehicles with air suspension (Using D shift indicator)
(1) Connect terminals between CG (4), OPA (11) and
TC (13) of the DLC3 using SST (09843-18040).
Terminal OPA is connected to prevent air suspension
height adjustment from occurring when the vehicle
is lifted off the ground with the engine running.
(2) Move the shift lever back and forth between N and
D at 1.5 seconds interval for six seconds.
(3) The D shift indicator on the combination meter
comes on for two seconds. This indicates that the
fluid temperature check mode has been started.
(4) The D shift indicator comes on again when the fluid
temperature reaches 46_C (115_F) and will blink
when it exceeds 56_C (130_F).
(5) Allow the engine to idle until the fluid temperature
reaches 46_C (115_F).
6. FLUID LEVEL CHECK
NOTICE:
The fluid temperature must be between 46_C (115_F) and
56_C (130_F) to accurately check the fluid level.
(a) Remove the overflow plug with the engine idling.
(b) Check that the fluid comes out of the overflow tube.
_ If fluid does not come out, proceed to step 7
_ If fluid comes out, wait until the over-flow slows to
a trickle and proceed to step 8.
7. TRANSMISSION REFILL
(a) Install the overflow plug.
(b) Stop the engine.
(c) Remove the refill plug.
(d) Add 0.4 liters (0.42 US qts, 0.35 Imp. qts) of fluid.
(e) Allow the engine to idle and wait for 10 seconds.
(f) Proceed to step 6.
8. COMPLETE
(a) Install the overflow plug with a new gasket.
(b) Stop the engine.
(c) Install the refill plug with a new gasket.
(d) Install the transmission case cover with the two bolts.
Torque:
20 Nm (205 kgfcm, 15 ftlbf) for overflow plug
39 Nm (400 kgfcm, 29 ftlbf) for refill plug
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GenXY (12-19-22)
02-10-14, 07:22 PM
#13
Here is an excerpt from my 2007 service book -
Transmission
Inspect each transmission component for signs of leakage. If you discover any leakage, have it repaired immediately by a qualified technician.
Note: 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. Any repairs that require adding or replacing fluid should be performed by a qualified technician following procedures in Lexus service and repair publications.
02-10-14, 07:29 PM
#14
The reality is that if you do not replace your transmission fluid it will not last the life of the car. It's just not smart to let old degraded fluid ruin a transmission. It was designed to be serviced by Aisin and the benefits of doing this have been proven for many years. Drain and refill. If you are going to dump your car at 100k then I guess it does not matter but for those that want that 200K + car then you will be replacing that transmission much sooner if you don't service the fluid and clutch pack additives.
Also, the system is not sealed. It has a drain and refill plug. That can hardly be called sealed. I will say that I recommend the dealer do this service. Mine only charges $100 and recommends it at least every 90k miles.
Also, the system is not sealed. It has a drain and refill plug. That can hardly be called sealed. I will say that I recommend the dealer do this service. Mine only charges $100 and recommends it at least every 90k miles.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 02-10-14 at 07:36 PM.
02-10-14, 09:49 PM
#15
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If one can accurately measure the volume of the old fluid drained, and slowly pour in equal volume of new fluid (considering the fluid coming out of the overflow tube), it should be ok, or not? I see no reason this is not ok, assuming this can be done without special tools.
I took out 2.6 qts, put in 3.6 qt, and then took out .5 qts.
But this process assumes the orignal level/volume of fluid was correct.
I never could identify a "thin stream", so I stuck with the measurements.