kyk007

Hello fellow members: this subject has been beat to death ad nauseam, so my intention is not to resurrect this much discussed topic. I have read over the Mother Thread spanning some 30+ pages to get an idea of how to properly change out the fluids in my '98 LS400.

As poster Pilot had suggested in the first few pages of that thread, exchanging old fluids for newer Toyota Type IV ATF could be easily accomplished via the coolant return line off the radiator. I plan to go that route.

My only question is this: while Pilot does not mention draining the 2 or so qts. from the transmission drain pan FIRST, before proceeding to drain from the coolant return line, I noticed a few posters followed this particular order when utilizing this method.

Would this in fact be the better method to drain out all old fluid, if choosing to use this method? Or is it sufficient to just drain all the fluid via the coolant return hose? I will be buying the Toyota Type IV ATF later on today, but will be changing out fluids hopefully this weekend.

Any input is much appreciated from you all, but as I stated, there is no need to start another lengthy thread on the merits of changing out your ATF vs. a flush vs. this vs. that. I have already looked at all the angles, and thanks to many people who are much smarter than me in this regard, I now have a better understanding of this important maintenance item.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

There's no need to drain from the pan since your using the return line. I've done it this way once before and will be doing it again no that the weather is getting warm.

kyk007

Sha4000 - thanks for clarifying for me on this item. That makes it all the more straightforward to do. OK, last question for you, then I can finally get on with it. The size of the vinyl tubing needed to attach to the coolant return line. I was assuming 3/8" would fit, but since you've done this before, could you tell me what size I need . . .

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i would still drain the pan to get more fluid in faster. when you swap fluids via the radiator cooler lines you are getting fluid from another part of the transmission, not from the pan sump itself. when you drain/fill the pan you replace the fluid there in addition to the fluid in the many nooks and crannies of the transmission. my $0.02.

i bought a whole box of ATF type-iv when i did my semi-flush, which had i believe 12 quarts.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I did not use any tubing I just placed the return line into a jug and started/stopped the car until the fluid was coming out all red. I did remove the pan to clean the filter and check out the magnets to see if there were any metal shavings on them before the I did the flush.

kyk007

OK, TimmyOTool & Sha4000. If I understand you correctly, it sounds like it's better to drain the transmission pan first, and then proceed to draining it via the return line and finish it that way. I can do that, no problem at all.

The resources here on CL are great; with you guys getting back to me within a matter of hours, my job will now be much easier. Kudos to you both!

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As mentioned both have their merits. What is the current condition of the ATF fluid? Nice red, deep burgundy or black?

kyk007

RA40 - I checked the color of the fluid, and it is dark brown/burgundy. The last owner, it seems, did not change out the fluid on a regular basis. (just my guess)

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Well if it's turning brown it's time change it out. Just do what you originally set out to do and let us know how it goes.

kyk007

I'm all set to change out the ATF fluids tomorrow. I stopped by my local Toyota dealer to pick up a case of Type IV fluid. The guy at the parts desk gave me a discount for buying a case - got it for $5.00/qt. just for asking.