Geckodot99

Can someone advise me on the proper procedure, torque specs and fluid type (dex III or Toyota brand) on just a simple transmission fluid change in my '97 LS 400 ?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

There is a drain bolt on the bottom of the transmission pan. Unscrew that and let it drain. It should drain about 2 quarts. You should replace the drain plug washer since its a crush washer part #35178-50010 but that' s up to you. It is recommended to change both the bolt and washer since they are both inexpensive. Torque the bolt to 15 ft. lbs. and refill the 2 quarts that you removed through the transmission dipstick tube. You should use Toyota T-IV fluid.

YoshiMan

Keep checking the level a few times after you drive it around for a week or so afterwards just to make certain that you have the proper level. Make sure to do it when its hot, like after cruising around town for awhile.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Toyota Type IV ~$5/quart. Just to note that more than 2 quarts may drain out. Measure what comes out and re-fill the same amount. The crush washers are less at the Toyota dealer BTW ~$.65-$1. Lexus got me $2.75 one time.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

what was mentioned is a simple drain and fill. you can do a semi flush (full flushing is not recommended as too much new fluid has the potential to shock the trans). that involves removal of the atf lines at the radiator. i did about 8 quarts worth of exchange in one shot.

more here:
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/trans...ransflush.html

Geckodot99

My local Lexus dealer told me to add 2 qts of Dex. III NOT T-IV. I pulled the tranny drain plug and it read
D-II. Do I am covered using D-III. I asked the mechanic and he said it would be fine. I drained 2 qts but only put in 1.5. The stick reads over full both "hot" and "cold." Is the tranny ok ? Everything is smoothe....

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The dipstick has not been an accurate measure, mine is a bit over the full marker when hot. So long as the car is shifting fine that is the main concern. Type IV compatible though depending who's you buy, Toyota Type IV may be less $. Type IV is backwards compatible and the superseded fluid as far as what I have replaced in our Toyota's.